Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.1 Article type: Editorial – Review Abstract: The experience of motor disability, especially among wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries, encourages reflection on the transformative power of expressive and movement-based practices. Among these, Dance Movement Therapy emerges as a tool capable of fostering emotional expression, body awareness, and social engagement, extending beyond traditional rehabilitative approaches. Existing literature highlights multiple benefits of Dance Movement Therapy across neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, demonstrating improvements in physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.However, despite the growing global population of wheelchair users and the considerable impact of this condition…
World of Health 8 Volume 2
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.2 Article type: Conference report Abstract: This proceeding paper synthesizes insights from the Nursing Practice, Innovation, Education, and Research (PIER) 2025 Conference, which featured a statewide panel discussion of nine nurse leaders and one moderator. The 90-minute dialogue centered on five domains vital to the future of nursing: access to high-quality care, transforming nursing education, promoting leadership, collecting workforce data, and establishing future priorities. Proceedings were transcribed, cross-checked with field notes and recordings, and systematically analyzed to ensure rigor and accuracy. Panelists underscored the urgency of expanding access through advanced practice roles, strengthening academic-practice partnerships, and embedding simulation…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.3 Article type: Original Scientific Paper Abstract: Background: Working in a supportive, healthy environment has a direct and positive impact on patient satisfaction and is also closely linked to nurse retention, job satisfaction, turnover, and burnout. The aim of the study was to focus on the perceptions and experiences of critical care nurses in Croatia. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, the Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool, distributed to intensive care nurses in Croatia. Data analysis was conducted using R (version 4.1.0; R Core Team, 2021) and SPSS (version 26 for Windows). Descriptive statistics…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.4 Article type: Original Scientific Paper Abstract: Background: Having physiotherapists in kindergartens ensures that interventions are integrated into children’s natural environments, providing personalized and consistent support aligned with their daily routines. This holistic approach not only promotes motor skill development but also enhances children’s confidence, social interaction, and readiness for future learning experiences. The aim of this study was to examine parental satisfaction with the work of physiotherapists in kindergartens attended by children with motor difficulties. Methods: The study included parents of children with motor disabilities from the Republic of Croatia whose children were enrolled in kindergartens, either with or…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.5 Article type: Original Scientific Paper Abstract: Background: Low back pain is the most common reason patients seek care at pain management clinics and represents a significant public health issue. The Ratz procedure, or epidurolysis, is a minimally invasive technique aimed at reducing pressure on spinal nerve roots to relieve pain intensity. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of epidurolysis in reducing both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. It included 50 patients treated at the Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy of University Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice (Zagreb, Croatia) over the past five years, for whom sufficient…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.6 Article type: Original Scientific Paper Abstract: Background: The 2020 Petrinja earthquake caused widespread destruction in Sisak-Moslavina County, leaving long-term consequences not only on infrastructure but also on mental health of local residents. This study aimed to assess the persistence of stress and associated psychological symptoms five years after the disaster. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2024 using an online questionnaire completed by 300 adult residents (aged 18–70) who had lived in the affected area during the earthquake. The instrument measured perceived stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation,…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.7 Article type: Original Scientific Paper Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lower limb amputation is a major medical and public health concern, with consequences extending beyond the physical loss of a limb. Patients face substantial physical, emotional, and social challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the impact of amputation on quality of life and to compare outcomes between younger and older patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dubrava University Hospital, including 30 patients (15 men, 15 women) who underwent lower limb amputation. The most common comorbidities were peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Participants…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.8 Article type: Review Abstract: Background: Decision regret is a critical patient-centered outcome, particularly relevant for individuals with non-communicable diseases who face multiple therapeutic options with equivalent benefits. This study aimed to develop an integrated conceptual framework to clarify the determinants and pathways leading to decision regret and support patient-centered decision-making. Methods: This study developed an integrated conceptual framework by combining a recent scoping review with bibliometric and lexicometric analyses. Titles, abstracts, and keywords from 28 full-text studies included in the scoping review were extracted and compiled into a RIS file. A preliminary lexicometric analysis quantified lexical diversity,…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.9 Article type: Review Abstract: Background: Specialist nurses play a pivotal role in addressing Europe’s complex health needs, including aging populations, rising chronic diseases, and shortages of healthcare professionals. However, the development of specialist nursing roles across Europe remains fragmented, with significant variation in education, competencies, and recognition between countries. While international models provide well-established frameworks for advanced nursing practice, European efforts to harmonize specialist nursing competencies have been inconsistent. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature and frameworks on specialist nursing competencies in Europe. Methods: This scoping review followed the JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting…
Authors DOI https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.10 Article type: Review Abstract: Desensitization plays a key role in improving the outcomes of heart transplantation in sensitized patients, who otherwise face prolonged waiting times and an increased risk of rejection and graft failure. We present the case of a woman who developed severe cardiomyopathy after treatment for breast cancer. As transplantation was initially contraindicated due to recent malignancy, she was maintained on mechanical circulatory support. Following remission, she became eligible for transplantation but was identified as highly sensitized. Following a three-year wait for heart transplantation, the multidisciplinary team approved the initiation of a desensitization protocol, which…