FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
Anteayer Journal of Advanced Nursing

A theoretical framework for Acute Care Nurse Stress Appraisal: Application of the transactional model of stress and coping

Abstract

Aim

To develop a framework for understanding the stress appraisal process among acute care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A secondary analysis of open-ended responses from a cross-sectional survey of 3030 frontline, acute care nurses in New Jersey and the effect of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping guided the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse 1607 open-ended responses.

Results

Nine themes emerged during the secondary appraisal of stress. Five themes contributed to distress and burnout including (1) high patient acuity with scarce resources, (2) constantly changing policies with inconsistent messaging, (3) insufficient PPE, (4) unprepared pandemic planning and (5) feeling undervalued. Four themes led to eustress and contributed to post-traumatic growth including (1) team nursing to ensure sufficient resource allocation, (2) open channels of communication, (3) sense- of-duty and (4) personal strength from new possibilities.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic was a traumatic event for patients and the nursing workforce. Internal and external demands placed on acute care nurses increased burnout, however, a subset of nurses with adequate support experienced personal growth.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Beyond mental health interventions for acute care nurses, organizational interventions such as reevaluation of emergency action plans to optimize resource allocation, and work environment strategies such as improved communication and decision-making transparency are necessary.

Impact

To better understand how frontline acute care nurses experienced stress during COVID-19, a data-informed framework was developed that included a primary and secondary appraisal of stress. Themes contributing to distress and burnout were identified, and themes leading to eustress and post-traumatic growth were also identified. These findings can assist nurse leaders in optimizing strategies to reduce burnout and promote post-traumatic growth in the post-COVID years.

Reporting Method

No patient or public contribution.

Exploring older people's experiences of the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients during hospitalization in the pandemic period: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study focusing on the experiences of people aged over 70 years in the interpersonal nurse–patient care relationship in hospital settings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to analyse different aspects of this relationship, including nurses' behaviour and caring attitudes, the person-centred model of care, patients' involvement in their own care and communication in the hospital context.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted on the basis of an interpretative framework.

Methods

Six focus groups were conducted. A total of 34 participants were purposively recruited from three nursing homes in Spain, Italy and Portugal. Specific inclusion criteria were used to select participants.

Results

Five main categories were identified. Analysis revealed the importance of empathy and sensitivity in caring relationships, as well as the need for personalized and patient-centred care. The importance of effective communication and recognition of ageist behaviour by professionals was highlighted. In addition, independent of the pandemic, situational factors in the hospital environment were identified that influence the interpersonal care relationship.

Conclusions

The study highlights the need to promote a person-centred model of care that takes into account the specific preferences and needs of older people. This is achieved by identifying elements of the interpersonal nurse–patient relationship. In addition to highlighting the disparity of opinion regarding an active or passive role in self-care and decision making, the importance of addressing ageism and improving communication is emphasized.

What problem did the study address?

The importance of the patient–nurse relationship in hospital care has been highlighted in previous studies. Critical elements of the patient care experience have been identified as empathy and effective communication. Ageism in healthcare has been recognized as a potential barrier to patient-centred care.

What were the key findings?

The main findings highlight the importance of empathy and personalized care, emphasize the importance of effective communication and address ageist behaviours in the nurse–patient relationship.

Where and who will the research impact?

By highlighting the need for person-centred care and improved communication strategies, particularly in the context of caring for older patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this research will have an impact on healthcare professionals, policy makers and carers.

Reporting Method

The COREQ guideline was used.

Patient or public contribution

This study adopted a collaborative approach to ensure that patient perspectives were integrated into the research process. We organized regular focus groups. Patients were actively involved in shaping the research questions, refining the study design and interpreting the emerging findings. Their valuable input helped us to understand the nuances of their experience and to prioritize the aspects that were critical to their well-being. In addition, their insights guided the development of practical recommendations aimed at improving the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients in hospital settings, ensuring that their voices were heard and reflected in the proposed interventions. This patient-centred approach fostered a sense of empowerment among the participants. It reinforced the notion that their experiences and opinions are integral to shaping healthcare practice.

Pre‐hospital symptom clusters and symptom network analysis in decompensated cirrhotic patients: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims

To generate pre-hospital symptom networks, explore core, bridge and sentinel symptoms, identify pre-hospital symptom clusters and analyse relationship between influencing factors and symptom clusters in decompensated cirrhosis patients.

Design

A cross-sectional study design using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

Methods

Demographical, physiological, psychological and sociological characteristics and the pre-hospital symptoms of 292 decompensated cirrhotic patients were collected from October 2021 to March 2023 in China. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, exploratory factor analysis, multiple stepwise regression analysis and network analysis were used for data analysis.

Results

‘I don't look like myself’ and itching were core and bridge symptoms, while bloating and lack of energy were sentinel symptoms in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Monthly family income, anxiety, depression, social support and disease duration influenced the neuropsychological symptom cluster, with worrying as the strongest predictor symptom. Influential factors for cirrhosis-specific symptom cluster included Child-Pugh class, monthly family income, disease duration, anxiety and depression, with itching being the strongest predictor symptom. Monthly family income, disease duration and depression were influential factors for gastrointestinal symptom cluster, with loss of appetite as the strongest predictor symptom.

Conclusions

Neuropsychological, cirrhosis-specific and gastrointestinal symptom clusters were formed in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Through network analysis, direct connections between symptoms, symptom clusters and their influencing factors were revealed, thereby offering clinicians a foundation for effectively managing patients' pre-hospital symptoms.

Impact

Decompensated cirrhosis patients commonly have multiple symptoms, while the management of pre-hospital symptoms is often suboptimal. This study identified neuropsychological, cirrhosis-specific, gastrointestinal symptom clusters and recognized core, bridge and sentinel symptoms in these patients. It also revealed the most prominent symptoms within each cluster. This provides insight into the hierarchy of symptoms, improving symptom management in decompensated cirrhosis.

Patient and Public Involvement

There was no patient or public involvement.

Living with multimorbidity: A qualitative exploration of shared experiences of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in managing symptoms in the United States

Abstract

Aims

To elicit experiences of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in intermediate care units (IMCUs) in an academic medical centre in Baltimore, MD related to the challenges and intricacies of multimorbidity management to inform development of a multimorbidity symptom management toolkit.

Design

Experience-based co-design.

Methods

Between July and October 2021, patients aged 55 years and older with multimorbidity admitted to IMCUs at an academic medical centre in Baltimore, Maryland, USA were recruited and interviewed in person. Interdisciplinary healthcare professionals working in the IMCU were interviewed virtually. Participants were asked questions about their role in recognizing and treating symptoms, factors affecting the quality of life, symptom burden and trajectory over time, and strategies that have and have not worked for managing symptoms. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used for analysis.

Results

Twenty-three interviews were conducted: 9 patients, 2 family caregivers, and 12 healthcare professionals. Patients' mean age was 67.5 (±6.5) years, over half (n = 5) were Black or Hispanic, and the average number of comorbidities was 3.67. Five major themes that affect symptom management emerged: (1) the patient–provider relationship; (2) open and honest communication; (3) accessibility of resources during hospitalization and at discharge; (4) caregiver support, training, and education; and (5) care coordination and follow-up care.

Conclusion

Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often have similar goals but different priorities for multimorbidity management. It is imperative to identify shared priorities and target holistic interventions that consider patient and caregiver experiences to improve outcomes.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care and Impact

This paper addresses the paucity of research related to the shared experience of disease trajectory and symptom management for people living with multimorbidity. We found that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often have similar goals but different care and communication priorities. Understanding differing priorities will help better design interventions to support symptom management so people with multimorbidity can have the best possible quality of life.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines in our reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study has been designed and implemented with patient and public involvement throughout the process, including community advisory board engagement in the project proposal phase and interview guide development, and member checking in the data collection and analysis phases. The method we chose, experience-based co-design, emphasizes the importance of engaging members of a community to act as experts in their own life challenges. In the coming phases of the study, the public will be involved in developing and testing a new intervention, informed by these qualitative interviews and co-design events, to support symptom management for people with multimorbidity.

The role of healthcare leaders in implementing equitable clinical academic pathways for nurses: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To identify and synthesize empirical evidence on the role of healthcare leaders in the development of equitable clinical academic pathways for nurses.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Data Sources

Literature was searched using CINAHL, PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases.

Review Methods

A total of 114 eligible articles published between 2010 and2022 were screened, 16 papers were selected.

Results

Results highlighted the need for consistent national, regional, and organizational policy approaches to developing clinical academic careers for nurses. Government health departments and National Health boards must focus on increasing engagement in research and evidence-based nursing practice for high-quality patient care. Discriminatory practices and attitudes were identified as barriers. Discrimination due to gender was evident, while the impact of race, ethnicity, and other social categories of identity are under-researched. Educational leaders must unravel misconceptions about research, highlighting its relevance to patient care and bedside nurses' work. Academic leaders together with executive nurses, research funders and professional nursing bodies must create appropriately remunerated career structures. Transformative approaches are required to develop the clinical academic nurse role and understand its value in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Multiple elements exist within complex systems that healthcare leaders can navigate collaboratively to develop and implement clinical nurse academic roles. This requires vision, acknowledgement of the value of nursing research and the importance of evidence-based research infrastructures.

Impact

Findings highlight the collaborative role of healthcare leaders as critical to the success of critical academic careers for nurses. This review can inform those still to formalize this innovative role for nurses.

Reporting Method

The review complies with the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. This paper contributes evidence about the healthcare leader's role in developing clinical academic pathways for nurses to the wider global clinical community.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was included in this review.

Career decisions and aspirations of early‐career nurses: Insights from a qualitative interpretative description study

Abstract

Aim

To explore the career decisions and aspirations of early-career registered nurses in New Brunswick, Canada.

Design

A qualitative study using an interpretive description approach was conducted.

Methods

Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of nurses (n = 22) currently working in New Brunswick, Canada, with up to 5 years of experience from February to April 2022.

Results

Participants described diverse career paths and aspirations. Personal factors affecting these included the desire for meaningful work, career satisfaction, work-life balance, spending time with family, working in a preferred location, and finances. Professionally, working conditions were the dominant factor influencing early-career nurses' career decisions and aspirations. Participants described how short staffing, safety, support, and scheduling influenced their day-to-day work, mental and physical health, job and career satisfaction, and intent to leave.

Conclusion

The findings highlighted the abundant and diverse career opportunities available to nurses early in their careers. Early-career nurses are interested in finding nursing positions with a high degree of person-job fit and value opportunities for ongoing professional education and growth.

Impact

This study in New Brunswick, Canada, explores early-career nurses' career decisions and aspirations during nursing shortages and the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of person-job fit. Recommendations include improving working conditions and career pathways to enhance the sustainability of the nursing profession.

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

The role of the clinical nurse specialist in stoma care: A modified Delphi consensus

Abstract

Introduction

The role of the clinical nurse specialist is complex but is defined differently across the world. The role of clinical nurse specialist stoma care is undefined and it is uncertain what aspects of the role are included in the general day-to-day working role.

Aims

The aim was to gain consensus opinion to answer the research question: ‘What is the role of the clinical nurse specialist in stoma care?’

Design

Delphi consensus.

Methods

Previous data gained from a scoping review and expert consultation was utilized to form role statements. At a UK conference the 13 statements and 173 sub-categories were voted upon. Consensus was agreed if 75% of voters voted agree or strongly agree. Two stages of voting occurred with results from the first vote being shared in the second voting session.

Results

All 13 statement and most (150/193) statement sub-categories reached consensus, with 20 sub-categories added during voting session one.

Conclusions

The four pillars of advanced practice were met by the 13 statements with clinical and education reaching higher consensus and agreement than leadership/management and research. The results of the consensus study provide a clearer articulation of the clinical nurse specialist stoma care role, which is complex and multifaceted which has not been described previously.

Implications for Practice

Consideration of role evolution is made possible, to gain a greater expertise in the scope of practice it is necessary to include prescribing, management and research which could improve service delivery and optimize patient outcomes. There was no patient or public contribution, which in hindsight would have potentially improved the process but it was considered that patients might not recognize the full role of the nurse, understanding only aspects of the role that were patient-centred.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patients or public were involved in any aspect of this paper—in hindsight this might have been useful.

Barriers to healthcare professionals recognizing and managing delirium in older adults during a hospital stay: A mixed‐methods systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To investigate barriers to healthcare professionals recognizing and managing delirium in hospitalized older people.

Design

A mixed-methods systematic review. PROSPERO ID: CRD42020187932.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched (2007 to February 2023).

Review Methods

Included studies focused on healthcare professionals' recognition and management of delirium for patients aged 65 years and over in a hospital ward or emergency department. Enhancing rigour, screening of results was conducted independently by two researchers. Qualitative and quantitative data were tabulated separately and grouped. Data were compared to identify similarities and differences. All studies were quality appraised.

Results

43 studies were included; 24 quantitative, 16 qualitative and three mixed-methods. Data synthesis highlighted synergy between qualitative and quantitative findings. Barriers were reflected in six themes: (1) healthcare professionals' knowledge and understanding; (2) communication; (3) workforce development; (4) interprofessional working; (5) confounders; and (6) organizational constraints.

Conclusions

Of significance, for older adults in hospital experiencing delirium, there is variability in whether and how well it is recognized and managed. To prevent adverse outcomes best practice guidance for screening, recognizing, diagnosing and managing delirium in older people needs to be agreed and disseminated widely. Supporting healthcare professionals to care for this patient population using an integrated approach is essential, how to involve and communicate with patients and their family and friends, how to recognize and manage delirium for patients with additional needs, e.g., those living with dementia and/or a learning disability. Hospitals need to have policy and guidance in place for the recognition and management of delirium in older adults presenting to a ward or to an emergency department. An IT infrastructure is needed that integrates assessments and care management plans in patient electronic records and makes them accessible within and across teams in hospital, primary and community care settings.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution to this systematic review.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Healthcare professionals can be better supported to be able to recognize and manage delirium during an acute hospital stay for older adults. This includes maximizing best care for those patients living with dementia, involving families and friends to help understand patients' baseline status and changes and supporting families and friends during this process. Of significance, attention to hospital IT infrastructures is warranted, integrating screening, assessment and care management plans in patients' electronic records and making these accessible to healthcare professionals caring for this patient population across care settings.

Impact

What problem did the study address? Delirium is a common condition experienced by older hospitalized patients, but it is consistently under-recognized which has implications for patient and organization outcomes. To help address this, understanding barriers to healthcare professionals recognizing and managing delirium for this patient population is paramount.

What were the main findings? Barriers to healthcare professionals recognizing and managing delirium for this patient population were synthesized in six themes: (1) healthcare professionals' knowledge and understanding, (2) communication; (3) workforce development; (4) interprofessional working; (5) confounders; and (6) organizational constraints.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The findings of this original systematic review can contribute to hospital policy and protocol for the recognition and management of delirium in older patients. The findings can meaningfully contribute to workforce professional development for practitioners caring for older people during an acute hospital stay and for practitioners in primary and community settings involved in the follow-up of patients post hospital discharge.

For researchers, the findings indicate several research recommendations including investigating the impact of an education programme for nurses and other healthcare professionals on the recognition and management of the condition and understanding and investigating how best to support delirium-related distress experienced by patients and their families and practitioners.

Reporting Method

This systematic review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Page et al., 2021).

The work of palliative care from the perspectives of district nurses: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To explore the work of palliative care from the perspectives of district nurses with a focus on the strategies they use to achieve positive outcomes for patients.

Design

An exploratory descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

A combination of group and individual interviews using semi-structured interviewing were used to explore district nurses' views of providing palliative care across two large urban community nursing services.

Results

Sixteen district nurse participants were interviewed. Three key themes were identified: “Getting what was needed” involved finding solutions, selling a story and establishing relationships. District nurses sought ways to “Stay involved” recognizing the benefit of delaying discharge for some patients. “Completing a nursing task” was a way of managing time constraints and a form of self-protection from having difficult conversations.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of understanding the contextual nature of the practice setting in relation to the provision of palliative care. In doing so, it has revealed the strategies district nurses use to overcome the challenges associated with providing palliative care within a generalist workload.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

District nurses experience a tension between managing high patient workloads and remaining patient centred in palliative care. Being task focused is a way of remaining safe while managing a high volume of work and is not always a negative factor in the care they provide. However, focusing on a task while at the same time addressing other unmet needs requires a set of skills that less experienced nurses may not have.

Impact

Palliative care education alone will not improve the quality of palliative care provided by generalist community district nurses. The practice context is an important factor to take into consideration when supporting the integration of palliative care in district nursing.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was made to this study.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the COREQ reporting method.

Stigmatizing and inaccessible: The perspectives of female sex workers on barriers to reproductive healthcare utilization – A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To systematically map the extent, range and nature of qualitative studies that explored female sex workers' own perspectives on barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare services.

Design

A scoping review of the literature utilizing Arksey and O'Malley's method.

Data Sources/Review Methods

A search of the electronic databases MEDLINE/ PubMed, PsycNET, Sociological Abstracts, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, HeinOnline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar was conducted for items published in English between 2001 and 2021.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included in the review, the majority of which were conducted in lower-middle-income countries. RHC themes studied were diverse, with a few more studies focusing on STI/HIV, contraceptive use and pregnancy than those focusing on childbirth and postnatal care. The findings indicate barriers in four main domains: socio-legal barriers, health services-related barriers, interpersonal barriers and personal history-related barriers. Stigma was a major multifaceted barrier.

Conclusion

Female sex workers experience exclusion in utilizing reproductive healthcare services globally. As such, healthcare services are advised to adopt a nonjudgemental approach, to enhance physical accessibility and to train nurses and other healthcare professionals on reproductive health needs of female sex workers. Finally, knowledge production processes on the RHC of FSW should adopt a holistic view of FSW, by exploring their needs and barriers related to childbirth and maternity care and by including the perspectives of FSW in high-income countries.

Impact

The review offered an in-depth understanding of female sex workers' own perspectives regarding needs and barriers in utilizing reproductive healthcare services. Findings indicated socio-legal barriers, health services-related barriers, interpersonal barriers and personal history-related barriers. The review could inform the training of nurses and other healthcare professionals in reproductive healthcare services globally. Researchers should adopt a holistic view of female sex workers, by exploring their family planning needs, including barriers related to childbirth, maternity and postpartum care.

Reporting Method

We adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation.

Development and testing of a patient‐reported experience measure for cancer: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Patient-reported Experience Measure-Cancer (PREM-C), reflecting patients' perceptions of cancer care experiences according to the Institute of Medicine domains.

Design

A three-phase cross-sectional survey was conducted.

Methods

Development, reliability and validity testing of the PREM-C measure was undertaken. Data collection included three phases: firstly (development) between October and November, 2015; secondly (psychometric testing), May 2016–June, 2017, and finally, (revision and psychometric testing) May 2019–March 2020.

Results

The final PREM-C structure, created using the Institute of Medicine domains, was psychometrically sound with five factors identified in the Exploratory Factor Analysis, demonstrating internal reliability ranging from 0.8 to 0.9. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated the hypothesized model fitted well (Root mean square error of approximation = 0.076). External convergent and divergent validity was established with the PREM-C found to be moderately correlated with the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire but weakly correlated with the WHOQoL-BREF.

Conclusion

The development and testing of the PREM-C demonstrated good fit as a clinically relevant measure of ambulatory cancer patients' experiences of care. To make meaningful changes to nursing practice and health services, patient experience measures such as the PREM-C might support staff to identify areas for service improvement.

Impact

Few reliable measures and less validated measures collect patients' perceptions of the quality of their healthcare provision. Rigorous psychometric testing of the newly developed PREM-C demonstrated good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and external convergent and divergent validity. The PREM-C is a potentially relevant measure of cancer patients' experiences of care. It might be used to assess patient-centred care and guide safety and quality improvements in clinical settings. PREM-C use might inform service providers of experiences of care in their institution and inform policy and practice development. This measure is sufficiently generic, allowing potential use in other chronic disease populations.

Patient or Public Contribution

This conduct of this study was supported by the participating patients of the hospital Cancer Outpatients Service.

Using a novel ambulatory monitoring system to support patient safety on an acute infectious disease ward during an unfolding pandemic

Abstract

Aim

To gain staff feedback on the implementation and impact of a novel ambulatory monitoring system to support coronavirus patient management on an isolation ward.

Design

Qualitative service evaluation.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 multidisciplinary isolation ward staff in the United Kingdom between July 2020 and May 2021. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Adopting Innovation to Assist Patient Safety was identified as the overriding theme. Three interlinked sub-themes represent facets of how the system supported patient safety. Patient Selection was developed throughout the pandemic, as clinical staff became more confident in choosing which patients would benefit most. Trust In the System described how nurses coped with discrepancies between the ambulatory system and ward observation machines. Finally, Resource Management examined how, once trust was built, staff perceived the ambulatory system assisted with caseload management. This supported efficient personal protective equipment resource use by reducing the number of isolation room entries. Despite these reported benefits, face-to-face contact was still highly valued, despite the risk of coronavirus exposure.

Conclusion

Hospital wards should consider using ambulatory monitoring systems to support caseload management and patient safety. Patients in isolation rooms or at high risk of deterioration may particularly benefit from this additional monitoring. However, these systems should be seen as an adjunct to nursing care, not a replacement.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses valued ambulatory monitoring as a means of ensuring the safety of patients at risk of deterioration and prioritizing their workload.

Impact

The findings of this research will be useful to all those developing or considering implementation of ambulatory monitoring systems in hospital wards.

Reporting Method

This manuscript follows the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines with inclusion of relevant SQUIRE guidelines for reporting quality improvement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Safety culture in maternity hospital: Perception of nurse‐midwives

Abstract

Aim

To explore nurse-midwives' perceptions of safety culture in maternity hospitals.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted using focus groups and reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Methods

Data were obtained through two online focus group sessions in June 2022 with 13 nurse-midwives from two maternity hospitals in the central region of Portugal. The first focus group comprised 6 nurse-midwives, and the second comprised 7 nurse-midwives. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

Two main themes emerged from the data: (i) barriers to promoting a safety culture; (ii) safety culture promotion strategies. The first theme is supported by four categories: ineffective communication, unproductive management, instability in teams and the problem of errors in care delivery. The second theme is supported by two categories: managers' commitment to safety and the promotion of effective communication.

Conclusion

The study results show that the safety culture in maternity hospitals is compromised by ineffective communication, team instability, insufficient allocation of nurse-midwives, a prevailing punitive culture and underreporting of adverse events. These highlight the need for managers to commit to providing better working conditions, encourage training with the development of a fairer safety culture and encourage reporting and learning from mistakes. There is also a need to invest in team leaders who allow better conflict management and optimization of communication skills is essential.

Impact

Disseminating these results will provide relevance to the safety culture problem, allowing greater awareness of nurse-midwives and managers about vulnerable areas, and lead to the implementation of effective changes for safe maternal and neonatal care.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution as the study only concerned service providers, that is, nurse-midwives themselves.

A videoconferencing verification method for enrollment of breastfeeding dyads to an online prospective mixed methods study during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aims

To apply videoconferencing as a new verification method prior to enrollment for an online survey-based study.

Design

A prospective-observational, mixed methods, three group, repeated measures study involved recruiting a population-based sample of breastfeeding mothers and infants (N = 81). Twenty-seven mothers were recruited for each group: mothers returning to work outside of the home, mothers returning to work from home and mothers staying home with their infants full-time.

Methods

Data were collected at four time points, infant age 4, 12, 20 and 24 weeks, via online survey. Participating mothers received a $10 gift card for completing each survey. Social media, word of mouth and brochures promoted United States-based recruitment nationwide. A publicly available direct link to the survey was initially provided to interested mothers. After the suspicion of online fraud, videoconferencing was instituted for self-referrals and phone calls for professional referrals.

Results

The survey was invaded by response fraud 3 weeks after the initial survey deployment. Out of 109 respondents who visited the survey site during that timeframe, only eight mothers (10%) were eligible (22 June 2022 to 14 July 2022). After recruitment modification, 313 individuals emailed the study team with 65 self-referred mothers (80%) enrolled in the study via videoconferencing while eight mothers (10%) had a professional referral and enrolled via phone call (23 August 2022 to 30 March 2023).

Conclusion

Providing a direct survey link, even with CAPTCHA-protection, evoked fraudulent responses. Videoconferencing is an emerging verification method that can be readily applied to the enrollment of breastfeeding dyads for an online study.

Impact

The emergence of fraudulent respondents and internet bots threatens data quality. This study addressed the strategy of videoconferencing as a new verification method for recruitment and enrollment of breastfeeding dyads. This knowledge can be applied by researchers to secure sample validity and data integrity.

Developing a model of neonatal nurse‐controlled analgesia: A Delphi study

Abstract

Aim

To develop a nurse-led model of analgesia to manage post-operative pain in the surgical neonate.

Design

A four-round e-Delphi study was conducted from March to December 2022.

Methods

An e-Delphi method was used seeking a consensus of 70% or greater. Fifty-one experts were invited to join the panel. Members consisted of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals who work in areas associated with neonatal care. In round 1, 49 statements relative to neonatal pain assessment and management were distributed to the panel. Panel members were asked to rate their level of agreeance on a Likert scale from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Ratings equal to or greater than 4 represented agreement, 3 indicated uncertainty and 2 or less disagreement with the proposed statement. An opportunity for free-text responses after each statement was provided. This iterative process continued for three rounds. In the fourth and final round, the completed model of neonatal nurse-controlled analgesia was presented along with a further opportunity to provide feedback on the final version.

Results

Four rounds of statements and voting were required to reach consensus on a model of neonatal nurse-controlled analgesia. The model consists of criteria for use, over-arching guidelines and three separate pathways based on an individual baby's pain assessment scores, need for pain relieving interventions and time-lapsed post-surgical procedure.

Conclusion

A comprehensive model of neonatal nurse-controlled analgesia, applicable to the Australasian context, was developed in collaboration with a group of neonatal experts.

Impact

This study provides a multi-modal family-integrated model to manage neonatal post-operative pain. By providing nurses with increased autonomy to assess and manage acute pain, this model has the potential to not only provide a more responsive and individualized approach to alleviate discomfort, but highlights the integral role of parent partnerships in the neonatal intensive care.

Reporting Method

This study was reported in line with the Conducting and REporting of DElphi studies (CREDE) guidance on Delphi studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was utilized for this study.

Firearms and post‐separation abuse: Providing context behind the data on firearms and intimate partner violence

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study is to provide insight from maternal survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) describing their experiences with their ex-partners' firearm ownership, access, storage and behaviours in the context of co-parenting and separation.

Design

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by the IPV and Coparenting Model.

Methods

The analytic sample consists of self-identified maternal survivors (n = 14) who completed semi-structured qualitative interviews between January and May 2023 describing experiences of post-separation abuse. Participants were recruited through social media and domestic violence advocacy and legal aid organizations. In the interview guide, participants were asked one item about firearm exposure: Have you or your children had any experiences with guns and your ex-partner that made you or your children feel scared? Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interview transcripts were managed and coded in ATLAS.ti using a codebook. Codes were applied using descriptive content analysis, discrepancies reconciled and themes related to firearm exposure in the context of post-separation abuse identified.

Results

Six themes emerged related to firearm experiences and post-separation abuse: (1) gun ownership (2) gun access; (3) unsafe storage; (4) direct and symbolic threats; (5) involving the children; (6) survivors' protective actions.

Conclusion

This manuscript provides context on how abusive ex-partners' firearm ownership, access and threats cause terror and pervasive fear for mothers and children following separation. Analysis of qualitative data provides important insights into opportunities to address firearm injury prevention.

Impact

Findings add to the contextual understanding of how survivors of IPV experience non-fatal firearm abuse. Existing quantitative data may not capture the full extent of fear caused by perpetrators' gun ownership access and symbolic threats. Data from this study can help inform firearm injury prevention efforts.

Patient or Public Contribution

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the individuals who helped in cognitive testing of the interview guide prior to conducting interviews with participants, including (3) survivors of post-separation abuse. The authors would also like to acknowledge domestic violence advocates and those individuals who helped with recruitment and connected us with participants. Importantly, with deep gratitude, the authors would like to thank the participants who generously shared their time and stories with us.

Whakawhanaungatanga—Building trust and connections: A qualitative study indigenous Māori patients and whānau (extended family network) hospital experiences

Abstract

Aims

Investigated the experiences of Māori (the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand) patients and whānau (extended family network) engaging with acute hospital inpatient services and their priorities for a Māori-centred model of relational care.

Design

A qualitative Māori-centred research design using a Thought Space Wānanga (learning through in-depth group discussion, deliberation and consideration) approach.

Methods

Two wānanga were conducted between May 2022 and June 2022, with 13 Māori patients who had been acutely hospitalized within the past 12 months and their whānau members. The first wānanga utilized storytelling and journey mapping to collect data. The second wānanga refined the initial themes. Wānanga were audio-recorded and then inductively coded and developed into themes.

Results

Thirteen patients and whānau attended the first wānanga, while 10 patients and whānau participated in the second wānanga). Four themes were developed: (1) Whakawhanaungatanga (establishing connections and relationships), (2) Whakamana (uplifting the status and esteem of Māori), (3) Whakawhitiwhiti kōrero (the importance of communicating, discussing and deliberating) and (4) Kotahitanga (working together with purpose) all provide insights into the importance of effectively engaging and connecting with Māori patients and whānau when acutely hospitalized.

Conclusions

The experiences and priorities of Māori patients and whānau affirm the international literature, suggesting that Indigenous relational concepts are critical to building relationships, connections and trust. Despite existing healthcare models for working with Indigenous peoples, their poor application contributes to sub-optimal healthcare experiences at all points of their healthcare journey. A relational mode of practice focused on engagement and forming connections better meets the needs of Indigenous peoples engaging with inpatient health services.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Despite the existence of Indigenous models of care, Indigenous peoples consistently report a lack of engagement and connection when accessing inpatient health services. Without establishing relationships, applying models of care is challenging.

Impact (Addressing)

What problem did the study address? Internationally, healthcare systems are consistently ill-equipped to deliver culturally safe care for Indigenous and marginalized peoples, evident in ongoing health inequities. Like other reports of Indigenous experiences of health services, Māori express dissatisfaction with care delivery in an acute inpatient setting. This study investigated Māori patients and whānau experiences engaging with acute hospital inpatient services and their priorities for a Māori-centred model of relational care. What were the main findings? Māori patients and whānau recounted negative experiences with healthcare professionals lacking effective relationships and trust. Satisfaction occurred when engagement with health care professionals resembled Indigenous cultural rituals of encounter that considered their holistic, collective and dynamic worldviews. Previous models of relational care, while helpful, are not Indigenous and so do not address their needs, such as engagement as a mode of practice (how) to achieve this. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This research impacts Indigenous peoples' health outcomes, particularly Māori, and nurses and clinicians working and interacting within acute inpatient and other hospital settings. Indigenous research methods support co-constructing knowledge for translation into practical outcomes through transformational practices, policies and theory development.

Reporting method

We used the Consolidated Criteria for Strengthening the Reporting of Health Research Involving Indigenous Peoples (CONSIDER) statement (see File S2—CONSIDER Checklist) and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines (see File S3—COREQ Checklist).

Patient or public contribution

Māori patients and their whānau interviewed about their experiences were involved in data interpretation.

A hybrid systematic narrative review of instruments measuring home‐based care nurses' competency

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify and synthesize the contents and the psychometric properties of the existing instruments measuring home-based care (HBC) nurses' competencies.

Design

A hybrid systematic narrative review was performed.

Review Methods

The eligible studies were reviewed to identify the competencies measured by the instruments for HBC nurses. The psychometric properties of instruments in development and psychometric testing design studies were also examined. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and COSMIN checklist accordingly.

Data Sources

Relevant studies were searched on CINAHL, MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, PsychINFO and Scopus from 2000 to 2022. The search was limited to full-text items in the English language.

Results

A total of 23 studies reporting 24 instruments were included. 12 instruments were adopted or modified by the studies while the other 12 were developed and psychometrically tested by the studies. None of the instruments encompassed all of the 10 home-based nursing care competencies identified in an earlier study. The two most frequently measured competencies were the management of health conditions, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while the two least measured competencies were quality and safety, and technological literacy. The content and structural validity of most instruments were inadequate since the adopted instruments were not initially designed or tested among HBC nurses.

Conclusion

This review provides a consolidation of existing instruments that were used to assess HBC nurses' competencies. The instruments were generally not comprehensive, and the content and structural validity were limited. Nonetheless, the domains, items and approaches to instrument development could be adopted to develop and test a comprehensive competency instrument for home-based nursing care practice in the future.

Impact

This review consolidated instruments used to measure home-based care nurses' competency. The instruments were often designed for ward-based care nurses hence a comprehensive and validated home-based nursing care competency instrument is needed. Nurses, researchers and nursing leaders could consider the competency instruments identified in this review to measure nurses' competencies, while a home-based nursing care competency scale is being developed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was required in this review.

❌