Background: Violence against health professionals is a global and growing problem, with significant impacts on the quality of care and the mental health of workers. Objectives: To analyze the level of knowledge, reporting practices and consequences of violence against health professionals in the Alentejo region (southern Portugal). Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study involving 440 health professionals (doctors and nurses). Data were collected using an online platform and a structured questionnaire created specifically for this study. In the statistical analysis, the data were described as counts and proportions and the X2 test was used considering a significance level of 0.05. Results: This study reveals that violence against health professionals in the southern region of Portugal is a frequent problem (40%), with a higher incidence among nurses (80%). Despite awareness of the existence and functioning of reporting channels, reporting is low (52%). The main causes are related to the health system, professionals and users. The consequences include mental health problems and a reduction in the quality of care provided. Suggested measures to combat violence include improving security, training and punishing aggressors. Conclusions: This study reveals that violence against health professionals in the southern region of Portugal is a frequent, under-reported problem with serious consequences for professionals and the quality of care.

Background: Evidence indicates that pediatric burns are a significant form of trauma. They affect not only children but also their parents, who often experience short- and long-term psychopathological symptoms. The body of knowledge on the impact of hospitalization on parents has expanded; however, there is a dearth of evidence on the dynamics of parental relationships, parental experiences, and how these experiences affect their parenting. Objectives: This study aims to map and summarize the available literature on the repercussions of trauma associated with pediatric burns and hospitalization on parental and family dynamics. Methods: A scoping review will be carried out in accordance with the JBI methodology, based on the PCC. Studies involving hospitalized children (up to the age of 18) who have suffered accidental burns and their parents or caregivers will be included. The literature study will examine the effects of pediatric burn-related trauma on family and parental dynamics, emphasizing interventions and adjustment strategies that support children and families affected by this injury. Studies related to hospital settings and returning home will be included and analyzed by two independent reviewers using a standardized form developed for this study. The databases consulted will be Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed/Medline, Collection of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (via EB-SCO), PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science (Clarivate). Results: The results will be summarized narratively, presented in tables or diagrams, to highlight key findings related to parental experiences with burned children, the trauma associated with this episode, and its impact on parenting. In addition, strategies developed within the framework of the care partnership will be highlighted. Conclusions: Understanding how family dynamics change after a child suffers a burn injury and goes through the hospitalization process is crucial for nurses to improve their practice. We hope that this review will promote partnership-oriented, family-centered nursing practice in the care of child burn victims and their families, as well as assist in the identification of knowledge gaps in the literature and potential areas for future research and development.

Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units are exposed to a high number of painful procedures for their survival. Faced with a pain that is predictable, it is imperative to implement analgesia before carrying out the procedure, to reduce the impact of the painful experience, maximize the infant’s capacity for recovery, and activate their internal inhibitory control system. In addition, other sources of stress are present in an intensive care environment, which contribute to increase sensitivity of the neonates to future episodes of pain. To minimize the consequences of this harmful environment, especially in the most vulnerable babies, premature and/or those with a serious clinical situation, there are validated recommendations for special care to wherever possible prevent pain, family’s empowerment for comfort care, and support. Pain management is not just about administering a medication or another treatment, but rather integrated approaches that reduce or block the nociceptive activity of the trauma associated with invasive procedures. To minimize the adverse effects, pain management in neonatal care units requires the use of effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The selection of analgesic interventions by healthcare professionals will depend on the type of the procedure, as well as the clinical condition of the newborn.

Background: Numerous studies have shown that hypovitaminosis D is linked to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, cholestasis, hypertension, and gestational diabetes, all of which are potential causes of prematurity. Recognizing the significance of this issue and its impact on maternal–infant health, the VitDTracking research project was designed and registered on 4 March 2024, in the ClinicalTrials.gov database (Identifier: NCT06292195). The project includes a large-scale multicenter observational study, targeting a minimum initial sample size of 1800 participants. This paper describes the pilot study aimed at assessing the feasibility of the full-scale study. Methods: A multicenter observational pilot study was conducted in public health organizations in the Alentejo region, adhering to the research protocol. Data collection included 67 parameters: 37 obtained from a questionnaire and 30 from clinical records, with particular focus on maternal 25(OH)D levels and maternal–infant health outcomes. Feasibility was assessed through predefined outcome indicators and success criteria. Results: The pilot study enrolled 30 pregnant women and successfully met all feasibility criteria. The global recruitment rate was 73.17%, with an eligible recruitment rate of 88.2%. The refusal rate was low (11%), and adherence, retention, and completion rates were all 100%, indicating strong participant engagement. The questionnaire comprehension rate was 86.6%. Participating centers demonstrated the capacity to implement the study, adhering to the protocol with a compliance rate exceeding 90%. The study also highlighted a concerning prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and identified cases of premature birth and miscarriage. Conclusions: The pilot study confirmed the feasibility of recruitment methodologies and procedures, supporting the implementation of the large-scale observational study. The planned study will recruit approximately 1800 pregnant women to achieve an eligible cohort of 1000 samples, and a statistically significant final sample of 100 cases meeting the prematurity criterion.

A violência sobre os profissionais de saúde aumentou nos últimos anos e constitui uma fonte de preocupação no sistema de saúde e um problema de saúde pública, amplamente descrito na literatura. A violência no local de trabalho é definida como uma agressão quando os profissionais são abusados, intimidados ou agredidos em contexto de trabalho, incluindo nas deslocações de e para o local de trabalho, envolvendo um desafio explícito ou implícito à sua segurança, bem-estar ou saúde. Conhecer as perceções e os procedimentos dos pontos focais regionais, institucionais e locais relativamente à violência sobre os profissionais de saúde do Alentejo, na região sul de Portugal. Estudo observacional exploratório de abordagem qualitativa. A população do estudo são os pontos focais das Unidades Locais de Saúde do Alentejo. Realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com base num guião pré-definido. Tratamento das entrevistas com recurso ao Software IRAMUTEQ, seguido de uma análise de conteúdo. A análise revela quatro classes principais no corpus: articulação operativa regional (classe 1), interações e desafios no ambiente de saúde (classe 2), tipos de violência (classe 3) e estratégias de prevenção (classe 4). As classes 3 e 4 mostram profundidade, implicam a necessidade de estratégias preventivas integradas, enquanto as classes 1 e 2, mais distantes, evidenciam fragmentação entre gestão e operação prática, o que compromete a eficácia e qualidade no cuidado. O estudo analisa a gestão e os desafios da violência contra os profissionais de saúde, destacando a importância da prevenção dos incidentes e bem como a melhoria da comunicação entre níveis de governação. Propõe uma abordagem integrada para promover a segurança e a eficiência, oferecendo uma base sólida para políticas futuras que priorizem a articulação operativa e o bem-estar dos profissionais e utentes.