The aim of the research was to determine the influence of sociodemographic factors on older people’s care dependency in their living environment according to the Care Dependency Scale (CDS). Methods: The research was conducted in a group of 151 older people staying in their own homes. The methods applied in the research included a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales including the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), CDS, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (I-ADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Gender had a significant impact on the level of care dependency. The surveyed females obtained the medium or high level of dependency more often than males (22.4% vs. 6.1%), and the low level of dependency was significantly more frequent among men than women (p = 0.006). Moreover, the age of the respondents determined their level of care dependency. The subjects with a medium or high level of care dependency were significantly older (p = 0.001). The subjects with a low level of care dependency were more likely to be married than people with a medium/high level (p < 0.001). The level of education had a significant impact on care dependency. A higher level of education correlated with a medium/high level of dependency (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The survey results confirmed that sociodemographic factors have a significant impact on the level of care dependency. When planning care in the home environment, special attention should be paid to older women, who are more likely to lose their independence than men. These women should be given additional support.

Introduction. Hospital-acquired infections are a significant public health problem, increasing patient morbidity and mortality, and generating considerable costs for healthcare systems. The scale of the phenomenon varies regionally and depends on the quality of epidemiological surveillance and the implementation of preventive measures. Aim. To present the current epidemiological and economic consequences of hospital-acquired infections in terms of public health based on a review of the literature. Methods of review. A structured, non-systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Publications in English from January 2020 to June 2025 were included. The selection of sources included original and review articles, as well as reports from international institutions. Current knowledge. Available data show substantial regional variation in the incidence of hospital-acquired infections, partly due to differences in surveillance systems. In the European Union, infections affect about 5-7% of hospitalised patients, compared with 5-10% in Poland and approximately 3.2% in the United States. These infections generate considerable direct and indirect costs, estimated at USD 28.4-45 billion annually in the US and around 800 million PLN per year in Poland. Evidence indicates that prevention strategies can reduce infection rates by 30-50%, yielding significant economic benefits. Summary. Hospital-acquired infections remain a significant epidemiological and economic burden, and reducing them requires strengthening surveillance, standardising procedures, and investing in effective, evidence-based preventive interventions.

The dynamics of population ageing is increasing the demand for professional geriatric care. At the same time, ambivalent and even negative attitudes towards older people are still observed among medical students, which may affect the quality of care. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of medical students' perceptions of older people and to identify factors differentiating these attitudes. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey, covering 203 medical students. A standardised Scale of Attitudes Towards Older Adults (SPWS) was used, comprising three subscales: Respect and Support, Rejection and Lack of Understanding, and Social Distance. The mean age of respondents was 22.51 ± 1.98 years, with women constituting the majority (73.89%). The largest group consisted of nursing students (30.54%). Frequent or very frequent contact with older adults was declared by 66.01% of respondents. Overall, students demonstrated positive attitudes, particularly on the Respect and Support subscale (M = 4.49 ± 0.61). The field of study significantly differentiated the results of the Rejection and Lack of Understanding subscales (H = 30.03; p < 0.001), with nursing students scoring higher than dental students (p < 0.001) and paramedic (p < 0.01) students. Differences according to sex were also observed, with women scoring higher than men in this dimension (Z = 3.75; p < 0.001). However, although these scores were higher than those observed among men, they remained close to the midpoint of the scale, indicating a moderate or ambivalent level of rejection and lack of understanding rather than a distinctly negative attitude. Medical students mostly demonstrated positive attitudes towards older people, particularly in terms of respect and willingness to provide support. Regular contact with older people and appropriately designed gerontological education may contribute to more positive attitudes towards older adults and help counteract ageism among future healthcare professionals.

Introduction. Patient safety is a key dimension of healthcare quality. Ineffective communication within clinical teams and limitations in the functioning of adverse event reporting systems are among the most common causes of preventable medical errors. Nurses, as healthcare professionals in direct and continuous contact with patients, play a crucial role in identifying risks and conveying clinical information. Aim. The aim of this study was to identify and synthesise scientific evidence on the impact of team communication and adverse event reporting systems on patient safety within healthcare systems, with particular emphasis on the role of nurses as key participants in safety processes. Material and methods. A scoping review of the literature was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Pub-Med, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for publications from 2021 to 2025. Peer-reviewed articles in Polish and English addressing communication in healthcare teams, adverse event reporting systems and patient safety were included in the analysis. Results. Ineffective communication is a significant risk factor for adverse events. The use of structured communication models, such as SBAR, and training programmes based on TeamSTEPPS improves the quality of clinical information transfer and team collaboration. The effectiveness of adverse event reporting systems depends on organisational culture, institutional support and the absence of punitive consequences for reporting incidents. Conclusions. Effective communication within healthcare teams and well-functioning adverse event reporting systems are essential components of patient safety. The reviewed literature indicates that structured communication tools, such as SBAR and TeamSTEPPS, improve information transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration. At the same time, the effectiveness of reporting systems depends on organisational culture, particularly the presence of non-punitive approaches to incident reporting. Strengthening communication competencies among healthcare professionals, especially nurses, may contribute to improving patient safety and reducing preventable adverse events.

Background: The intention to quit the job among the nursing staff is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon, which is significantly influenced by burnout. Chronic psychophysical strain, excessive working hours, low remuneration and unfavourable working environment conditions lead to...

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of selected adverse events and their characteristics in hospital wards with varying specialties at a Level II referral hospital in Kraków. Material and methods. The research was conducted at the Józef Dietl Specialist Hospital in Kraków on a group of 1272 patients who experienced an adverse event between 2013 and 2020. In order to answer the research questions, a retrospective analysis of the available medical records was performed in 2022 and statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics package version 29. Results. The most frequent adverse events included falls, pressure sores and patient absconding. There were no statistically signifi cant diff erences in the age of patients experiencing adverse events. Women were more likely to experience falls without injury and the formation of pressure sores, while men were more likely to abscond from hospital. Higher BMI was observed in patients experiencing falls without injury. Conclusions. The risk of falls, both with and without injury, is a serious problem in hospitals. Although less common than falls, pressure sores are associated with longer hospitalisation and more frequently affect women. Seasonality and time of the day affect the type and frequency of adverse events. Differences between wards may indicate specific challenges related to the nature of patients.