Aim: The purpose of the cross-sectional descriptive study was to investigate how nursing students evaluate particular factors of clinical learning environment during their professional placement in hospitals. We explored which factors of clinical environment contribute significantly to students' evaluation of it. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample included 503 nursing students in their second or third year of study at six Slovak universities. A valid and reliable questionnaire, the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher evaluation scale (CLES+T), was used to evaluate the student nurses' experiences and clinical placement. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, multifactorial ANOVA procedure and Pearsons' correlations, and p-value < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance for all comparisons. Results: A significant proportion of students experienced a traditional model of group supervision. Supervision method, supervisory session frequency, and duration of clinical placement had a significant impact on their evaluation of clinical environments. Conclusion: Supervision methods are a significant factor influencing student evaluation of their clinical placement environment. Compared to other European studies, we found a less frequent application of individual supervision and that the Slovak university setting is dominated by a traditional group model of supervision. The study offers a valuable insight into the analysis of factors contributing to improvements in clinical learning environment and models of clinical or workplace training.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the quality of life of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) based on their visus and peripheral vision. Methods: Our study was observational in nature; it was a cross-sectional study. In total, 119 patients with POAG were included in a causal-comparative character, ex post facto research design. The authors collected data using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) and World Health Organization Quality of Life abbreviated version questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) tools. Results: Only patients with POAG that were over 18 years of age and had no other ocular or chronic illnesses were included. The mean duration of glaucoma was 8.77 (SD ± 5.63) years. Binocular disability was observed in 68.0% of patients. Using WHOQOL-BREF, there were significant differences found in the better-eye-vision group in psychological (p < 0.001) and environment (p < 0.001) domains. In the worse-eye-vision group, significant differences were found in physical health (p < 0.001), environment (p < 0.001), and quality related to health (p < 0.001) domains. Using NEI VFQ-25, there were significant differences found (p = 0.000) in all domains except subscale driving. Conclusion: Quality of life of patients with visual impairment is significantly lower in comparison to that of patients without a visual impairment.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the use and effectiveness of a valid and reliable rating scale for summative clinical evaluation of student performance. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was carried out at two Slovak universities in the academic years of 2015 and 2016. The study sample included performance evaluations of 82 students made by different lecturers using the Nursing Student Clinical Performance Evaluation Scale (NSCPES), before the practical component of their final examinations. The students' performances were repeatedly evaluated by five lecturers. This evaluation was compared with the grade point for the students' clinical performance obtained in the practical component of their final examinations. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, Cohenʼs Kappa, factor analyses, and the p-value < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance for all comparisons. Results: Significant positive correlations were noted between two evaluatio nsbefore the final examinations using the NSCPES rating scale, and standard clinical assessment during the final examinations (r = 0.334; p ≤ 0.01). The value of Cohen's Kappa was very low (0.04) and insignificant (p = 0.32), indicating low agreement between the two evaluations. The Slovak version was not conceptually consistent with the original version. In the Slovak version, two originally independent domains (professionalism and ethical principles) were merged into one variableresponsibility and professionalism. Conclusion: The multidimensional nature of clinical practice necessitates the use of a complex of assessment measures. A valid and reliable tool may allow an objective evaluation of nursing student performance in clinical settings. The Nursing Student Clinical Performance Evaluation Scale is useful for summative evaluation of student performance, allowing teachers and clinical mentors to rate performance over time, and to note patterns of performance.

Aim: The goal of the pilot study was to compare the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis in the Presov region with or without the support of a self-help group. Design: The character of this pilot study on patients with MS was related to the use of self-help groups and their impact on the assessment of the quality of life of the respondents, with the help of a questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Methods: The research was carried out in the Prešov region with the help of the standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Ninety-one patients with MS participated in the pilot study (46 respondents attended a self-help group and 35 did not). Results: The groups, when compared, aided by the statistically evaluated WHOQOL-BREF domains, were found to show significant differences in their evaluation of quality of life in three domains: domain one: physical health; domain two: surviving; domain three: social relations. Better scores were achieved in these domains by those who attended a group. In the physical sphere, we noticed significant differences in sleep quality, and sexual satisfaction (p < 0.001), while in social and economic areas, there were significant differences in satisfaction with personal relationships (p < 0.001), and economic circumstances (p < 0.01), self-contentment (p < 0.01), and coping with negative feelings (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with multiple sclerosis can live normal lives provided they are supported by their families, friends, health care professionals, and self-help groups.

Background: Advanced practice nursing (APN) is a modern and effective nursing role that has a positive impact on health care systems around the world. Guiding principles are advanced education, expanded scope of practice, and policies supportive of the role. Purpose: The aim of this study was to find out the perception of APNs of their own practice in the context of the current legislative conditions in Slovakia and to identify related factors. Methods: A quantitative exploratory design was selected. From 5,067 APN, 584 were conveniently selected. The adapted and modified SCAPE study questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were processed using SPSS 25. Results: There were differences between newly introduced competencies for the APN role in Slovakia and the general concept of the role that could influence practice. The level of APNs' perception of their own practice is low. Years of practice was significantly and positively related to the perception. The results in each region were significantly different. Community nurses/outpatient nurses assessed their practice at a significantly higher level. The educational curriculum lacks the subject of APN. Competencies, remuneration, and satisfaction with the status are insufficient. Implications for practice: To understand, implement, and practice the concept of APN, it is essential to change policies related to competencies, education, remuneration, and status. Creation of an educational model that includes the subject area of advanced practice nursing in the postgraduate curriculum is essential. Education and practice conditions for advanced practice nurses should be uniform in all regions of the country.