Research Title: Guideline Model for Nurses to Prevent the Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Pediatric Inpatients

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2012

Journal of American Science, 8(8)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Abstract: Medication errors were defined as errors in medication ordering, transcribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring. Quasi experimental design was conducted for this study, The study aimed to identifying nurses needs of knowledge, practice, and attitude, developing guideline model for prevention of medication errors according to nurses needs and evaluating the effect of guideline model for prevention of medication error on nurses knowledge, practice, and attitude. The study was conducted in the pediatric medical, surgical and neonatal intensive care units in Al – Basher hospital in Amman city Jordan. This is a convenient sample of 85 registered nurses who's worked in the mentioned above setting. For data collection an interview questionnaire (pre/ posttest format) was used to assess nurses knowledge and practices as regard to definition, causes, contributing factorsand complication of medication errors also medication calculations, correct reading order, review patient six rights and double check of medication. The result of the study showed the effectiveness of guideline model on nurses who caring with children for medication administration. The implementation of guideline model showed significant improvement in nurses knowledge regarding all tested items , also concluded that the highest statistical significant improvement in nursing practices were noticed in most of the tested area which lead to prevent of medication errors . According to this study it is recommended that using the guideline model by all pediatric nurses which are dealing with children to prevent the medication errors, encourage continuous education program for pediatric nurses by using the different educational strategies to achieve high level of care for children and develop other standardized guideline model relevant to different aspect in pediatric nursing in order to cover most of the nurses educational needs.

Keywords: Guideline model, Medication error, Pediatric nurses

Research Title: Exploring the experience of communication in the care of children with palliative care needs:Adopting different stances : mothers' communication experiences

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2018

The General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology Congress: Addressing the challenges in the health care of children , Abu Dhabi, UAE

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: despite having limited access to specialist palliative care, countries can successfully satisfy palliative care needs by ensuring all health professionals are properly trained and educated in their respective roles. To ensure that adequate care is provided for children with palliative needs in all healthcare settings, adequate training and support for care professionals is essential, even in cases where minimal specialist services are offered. Effective communication is a fundamental element in ensuring the quality of care provided to children with palliative care needs and has a considerable effect on the well-being of children as well as their relatives and care professionals. Nonetheless, a broad overview of the existing literature reveals that nurses often feel inadequately trained or prepared in terms of the communication skills needed to deal with the difficult situations. They often lack the confidence to communicate properly with parents or to deal with difficult questions or issues of conflict. Whilst this seems to echo studies previously conducted across a range of countries worldwide, research shows that countries with an Arab culture face slightly different issues in terms of disclosing serious prognoses to families. The current study is the first to examine communication between children, parents, and health professionals, in the care of children with non-malignant life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses in Jordan, and in particular the cultural and spiritual context that affects this communication. Purpose and objectives: The purpose of the current study is to explore the experience of communication in the care of children with palliative care needs, from the perspective of physicians, nurses, and mothers in Jordan. In this paper, the findings concerning mothers’ experiences will be presented. Methods: This study employed a collective qualitative case study approach. It was conducted in three paediatric units in a Jordanian hospital. Each case comprised a child aged 1-12 years, their most involved family carer (mothers), physician(s) and nurse(s). Two data collection methods were employed: participant observation and semi-structured interviews with three categories of participants: mothers, physicians, and the nurses who cared for the children that participated in this study. Within-case and cross-case analysis was undertaken in accordance with Stake’s (2006) recommendations. The within-case analysis focused on establishing the contextual background for every case. This was significant to protect the uniqueness of each case within its context and to be consistent with the case-study approach. The within-case analysis was presented narratively for every case. Then, cross-case analysis was undertaken to systematically extract the themes and subthemes of each case to identify similarities, differences, and contradictions. Findings: the study was based on 15 cases, with a total of 197 observational hours and 60 interviews (conducted with 15 mothers, 12 physicians and 21 nurses). The findings indicate that, in their experiences of communication with their children and healthcare professionals, mothers cited their adoption of different stances based on the specific care circumstances of the child. Thus, the role of the mother was determined by context as they adopted whatever stance they perceived as most appropriate in any given circumstances. For example, mothers were very empathetic and supportive when their child had to undergo invasive or painful procedures. On the other hand, other situations required mothers to convey strength in order to overcome emotional distress and motivate children to maintain strength as well. Furthermore, while some mothers allowed the doctor to determine the best course of action in their child’s treatment, others played a more active role in endorsing the rights of their child to be given the best health care available and safeguarding them from any unnecessary harm. Mothers controlled their style of interaction with both health care professionals and their children based on specific situations at various stages of the care process. Conclusion: These findings have several implications. In the first instance, the parents’ experiences should be taken into consideration when the medical teams establish the children’s treatment plans. Additionally, the continuous education and specialised training for professionals, which provides staff with specialised communication skills and emotional support for children and parents are imperative in improving the clinical practice in the healthcare settings with limited access to specialist palliative care.

Keywords: Children with life-threatening or life- limiting illnesses, End of life, Experience of communication, Healthcare care providers, Paediatric palliative care.

Research Title: Changing priorities in the care of children with cancer: The experience of Jordanian Parents

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2018

The General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology Congress 'Addressing the challenges in the health care of children', Abu Dhabi, UAE

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: when a child has a terminal illness, parents reach a stage of acceptance of their forthcoming bereavement, refocusing their efforts on providing the best end-of-life (EOL) care that is possible. This comes when all treatment options have been explored, and there is no cure found for the illness. Cancer is the most common illness that requires EOL care in Western countries, with life-prolonging treatments explored. It is more and more becoming the norm in Western countries for EOL care to take place out of hospitals and in the patients’ homes which is in response to the wishes of the patients and their families, as well as the medical professionals involved in their care. However, the Arab culture significantly differs in numerous ways from Western culture. There have been no prior studies in Palestine on different issue related to parenting for children with cancer, but is something that requires attention. Purpose: the purpose of the current study is to explore the experience of parenting among parents who care for children with cancer. Methods: a Phenomenological hermeneutic approach was conducted informed by the philosophy of Martin Heidegger. The study was conducted in one oncology unit a Jordanian hospital. Parents of children aged (6-18) years old or with all types of cancer were considered eligible. A purposeful sampling strategy was adopted to recruit the participants. Maximum variation sampling will be employed. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Findings: thirty-two interviews were collected involving mothers (n=29), fathers (n=3). The parents changed their focus during the care of their children from an initial emphasis on normalising their children’s lives, to relieving their physical and psychological discomfort. This change of focus accompanied changes in the parents’ understanding of their children’s disease over time. They became more realistic regarding the future of their children, and therefore attempted to make their lives as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Moreover, they evaluated any activity their children performed according to how much it affected their levels of comfort. When these activities resulted in further physical or psychological effort, the parents prioritised the comfort of their children over the benefits of the activities. Conclusion: the parents’ experiences should be taken into consideration when the medical teams establish the children’s treatment plans. Additionally, the continuous education and specialised training for professionals, which provides staff with specialised communication skills and emotional support for children and parents are imperative in improving the clinical practice in the healthcare settings with limited access to specialist palliative care.

Keywords: Cancer, experience, parents, children, Jordan

Research Title: The practice of mutual protection in the care of children with palliative care needs: multiple case study approach from Jordan

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2018

Journal of Pediatric Nursing (Elsevier) ,

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Abstract Purpose This study explores the experience of disclosing critical information in the care of children with palliative care needs, from the perspective of physicians, nurses, and mothers in Jordan. Design and methods This study employed a qualitative case study approach. It was conducted in three paediatric units in a Jordanian hospital. Each case comprised a child aged 1–12 years with a condition eligible for palliative care who received health care in one of these units, and their most involved carers (e.g. mother, physician and nurse). Two data collection methods were employed: participant observation and semi-structured interviews with three categories of participants: mothers, physicians, and nurses. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital ethical review board. Written consent was obtained from all participants. Results Qualitative case studies were developed around 15 children (aged 1–12 years, nine were boys and six were girls, with varying diagnoses: renal disease, neurological conditions, and congenital heart defects). A total of 197 observational hours and 60 interviews were completed (15 mothers, 12 physicians and 21 nurses). The findings demonstrate that the practice of ‘mutual protection’ dominated communication between children, parents and clinical staff. Parents protected their children by disclosing only partial information about their disease, and by avoiding any information they thought would cause the child distress or loss of hope. Similarly, children avoided expression to their parents of their anxieties or fears, in order to protect them. In turn, nurses attempted to ensure observance of professional boundaries with children and mothers to avoid a sense of loss when a child died. Conclusion The findings of the current study indicate that while open and honest communication between parents and children is generally recommended by literature, not all mothers agree with adopting open communication with their children concerning their illnesses. Therefore, any future intervention planned for them should respect parents' autonomy and decisions in addition to their cultural backgrounds. Practical implications The provision of ongoing education and specialised training for professionals to provide them with culturally sensitive skills in communication and provision of emotional support for children and parents is needed to improve clinical practice in healthcare settings with limited access to specialist palliative care such as Jordan.

Keywords: Child, Life- limiting, Communication, Mutual protection, Palliative care, Jordan, Qualitative

Research Title: The role of financial inclusion in financial stability: lesson from Jordan

Author: Mohammad Oqlah Al-Smadi, Published Year: 2018

Banks and Bank Systems, 13

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and financial stability in Jordan by using Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) technique. The analysis is based on time series from 2006 to 2017. Jordanian financial inclusion index is developed to assess the level of financial inclusion, whereas financial stability was measured by Jordanian financial stability index proposed by Central Bank of Jordan.The results show a weak significant and positive impact of financial inclusion on the financial stability in Jordan. Additionally, five control variables are used in the study. The results show a negative impact of domestic credit to private sector, income inequality,financial integration, and global financial crisis on financial stability. In contrast, real GDP per capita has a significant and positive impact. It is expected that the findings of the study can be used by policy makers and supervising authorities to realize the objectives of the national strategy of financial inclusion in Jordan.

Keywords: financial inclusion, financial stability, Jordan, FMOLS technique

Research Title: Wavelet Transformation method to allocate the OFDM signals peaks

Author: Qadri Jamal Al-Hamarsheh, Published Year: 2016

IEEE SSD'16, 13th International Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals & Devices, Germany

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This work makes use of the entropy in order to propose a wavelet transformation algorithm to detect the odd peaks. Furthermore, this algorithm has been used to enhance the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system performance based on combatting the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) problem. Three main stages are used to fulfill the process requirements; OFDM signal transformation based on the wavelet structure, thresholding process based on a predetermined criterion, and the filtration stage based on the moving filter. The proposed algorithm performance has been checked and validated not just numerically but also by a MATLAB conducted simulation. Furthermore, to check the simulation results, a comparison has been made to the literature; and shows promising results under the same bandwidth occupancy and systems limitations

Keywords: --

Research Title: Wavelet Transform Basis to Detect the Odd Peaks

Author: Qadri Jamal Al-Hamarsheh, Published Year: 2014

”, IEEE SSD'14, 11th International Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals & Devices, Spain

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: The performance of wireless systems has been studied on the basis of tackling the unwanted peak. A wavelet transform method was used for this purpose. Specifically, this proposition has been applied to combat the large peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which is one of the major Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system’s drawbacks Furthermore, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology also imposed to enhance the wireless systems performance. To draw the best performance of this work, a MATLAB simulation has been used and it is divided into three main stages; MIMO-OFDM symbols’ reconstruction based on wavelet transform, then a predetermined thresholding formula that is used, and finally, imposing moving filter. This algorithm is called Peaks’ detection based Entropy Wavelet Transform; PDEWT. Moreover, a numerical analysis also used to check its validity. Based on our simulation and under some constrains such as the bandwidth occupancy and the complexity structure of the transceivers, a peak detection ratio has been achieved and reaches around 85%. Comparing to our previously published works, the PD-EWT enhances the detection ratio for 25% more peaks.

Keywords: --

Research Title: OFDM Peak Detection Algorithm based on Wavelet Transform

Author: Qadri Jamal Al-Hamarsheh, Published Year: 2013

European Journal of Scientific Research, 101

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This work proposes a new peak detection algorithm based on the entropy of the wavelet transforms. Moreover, this work has been applied to combat one of the major Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system’s drawbacks; namely peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). The proposed algorithm is divided into three main stages; reconstruction based on wavelet transform, predetermined thresholding, and imposing moving filter. This algorithm is called OFDM system based Entropy Wavelet Transform (O-EWT). The O-EWT performance and validity have been checked based on a numerical analysis and a conducted simulation. As a comparison with the techniques found in the literature, O-EWT gives promising results reach to around 80% improvement for the same bandwidth occupancy, which is attained at the cost of introducing additional complexity to the transceiver's structure

Keywords: ---

Research Title: Enhancing the Performance of Speaker Verifications-Based DVB-T Systems

Author: Qadri Jamal Al-Hamarsheh, Published Year: 2017

14th International Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals & Devices, Morocco

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-T) is considered as one of the main two popular broadcasting standards, which facilitates the transmission of digital television in handheld receivers. In this work, a comparison will be held to enhance the mobile communications performance. This work aims to reduces the effect of a major problem found in the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technique, namely Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) problem; one of the main drawbacks of. Two main factors will be the main factor of this comparison; BER curves and CCDF curves. This work combined three different stages together; wavelet transformation in order to remove the noise from the signal; a globally statistical adaptive detecting algorithm; and replacing the affected peaks with a moving average filter process. At the same bandwidth occupancy of the speaker verification-based systems, the simulation has been run and shows additional enhancement in both of CCDF and BER curves; an extra 15% reduction is achieved in the essence of PAPR and around 25% extra noise immunity

Keywords: OFDM, PAPR, wavelet, entropy, average filters, signal processing.

Research Title: DVB-T Systems Speaker Verifications Performance

Author: Qadri Jamal Al-Hamarsheh, Published Year: 2016

in the 21st World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2017), Florida

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: In this work, a popular broadcasting standard’s performance has been checked, namely Handheld Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-T). DVB-T facilitates the digital television transmission by making use of handheld receivers, which uses the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technique as a modulation technique. This performance has been examined by proposing different techniques to overcome one of the main OFDM drawbacks namely Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) problem. Two main factors have been used in order to check the PAPR enhancements; BER curves and CCDF curves. The proposed work consists of three different stages; de-noising the signal by making use of the wavelet transformation; the odd peaks detecting criterion based on a globally statistical adaptive method; and the moving average filters to replace the affected peaks. A MATLAB simulation test has been performed under the same bandwidth occupancy of the speaker verification-based systems; 15% extra PAPR enhancements achieved and further 25% extra BER enhancements over the previous published work.

Keywords: --