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Anteayer Journal of Advanced Nursing

Integrating nurse practitioners into primary healthcare to advance health equity through a social justice lens: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To develop a framework to guide the successful integration of nurse practitioners (NPs) into practice settings and, working from a social justice lens, deliver comprehensive primary healthcare which advances health equity.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

The integrative review was informed by the Whittemore and Knafl's framework and followed the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Quality was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Research Evidence Appraisal Tool. Findings were extracted and thematically analysed using NVivo. A social justice lens informed all phases.

Data Sources

Databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched for peer-reviewed literature published in English between 2005 and April 2022.

Results

Twenty-eight articles were included. Six themes were identified at the individual (micro), local health provider (meso), and national systems and structures (macro) levels of the health sector: (1) autonomy and agency; (2) awareness and visibility; (3) shared vision; (4) leadership; (5) funding and infrastructure; and (6) intentional support and self-care. The evidence-based framework is explicitly focused on the components required to successfully integrate NPs into primary healthcare to advance health equity.

Conclusion

Integrating NPs into primary healthcare is complex and requires a multilevel approach at macro, meso and micro levels. NPs offer the potential to transform primary healthcare delivery to meet the health needs of local communities. Health workforce and integration policies and strategies are essential if the contribution of NPs is to be realized. The proposed framework offers an opportunity for further research to inform NP integration.

Impact Statement

Nurse practitioners (NPs) offer the potential to transform primary healthcare services to meet local community health needs and advance health equity. Globally, there is a lack of guidance and health policy to support the integration of the NP workforce. The developed framework provides guidance to successfully integrate NPs to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare grounded in social justice. Integrating NPs into PHC is complex and requires a multilevel approach at macro, meso and micro levels. The framework offers an opportunity for further research to inform NP integration, education and policy.

Summary Statement

What problem did the study address: The challenges of integrating nurse practitioners (NPs) into primary healthcare (PHC) are internationally recognized. Attempts to establish NP roles in New Zealand have been ad hoc with limited research, evidence-informed frameworks or policy to guide integration initiatives. Our review builds on existing international literature to understand how NPs are successfully integrated into PHC to advance health equity and provide a guiding framework. What were the main findings: Six themes were identified across individual (micro), local health provider (meso) and national systems and structures (macro) levels as fundamental to NP integration: autonomy and agency; awareness and visibility of the NP and their role; a shared vision for the direction of primary healthcare utilizing NP scope of practice; leadership in all spaces; necessary funding and infrastructure; and intentional support and self-care. Where and on whom will the research have an impact: Given extant health workforce challenges together with persisting health inequities, NPs provide a solution to delivering comprehensive primary healthcare from a social justice lens to promote healthcare access and health equity. The proposed evidence-informed framework provides guidance for successful integration across the health sector, training providers, as well as the NP profession, and is a platform for future research.

Reporting Method

This integrative review adhered to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Nursing practice in modern healthcare environments: A systematic review of attributes, characteristics, and demonstrations

Abstract

Aim

To identify Attributes, Characteristics and Demonstrations of nursing practice from both nurses' and people perspectives in today's healthcare environments. A secondary aim was to identify relevant differences between female and male nurses in the context of ACDs.

Design

This systematic review was informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Convergent Integrated Approach to Mixed Study Systematic Reviews.

Methods

The search included articles ranging from the years 2000 to 2023 across 10 electronic databases and multiple grey literature outlets. McMaster critical review forms and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool were used to appraise article quality. The Convergent Integrated Approach to Mixed Study Systematic Reviews was used to guide data synthesis.

Results

Twenty articles were included in this review, 13 qualitative, five quantitative and two mixed-methods studies. Three themes emerged, including knowledge, practice skills and interpersonal relationships. Differences in Attributes, Characteristics and Demonstrations of professional practice between women and men in nursing were also explored.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that evolving healthcare environments challenge nurses to remain focused on patient-centred and compassionate care. The review also supports nurses caring in a manner that empowers people, increases well-being, and reduces suffering.

Impact

Identified characteristics and attributes of nursing practice, including emphasis on continuous learning, interpersonal relationships and compassion, have a profound impact on nursing. Nurses should remain adaptable, compassionate and patient-focused in an ever-evolving healthcare environment. These foundational care principles are necessary for improving patient outcomes, enhancing trust between people and healthcare providers, and increasing inclusivity and diversity in the nursing workforce.

Wider Global Community

Nurses worldwide should strive to embody these attributes to provide high-quality, patient-centred care in an inclusive environment in today's demanding healthcare environment. Gender-specific differences in the perception and expression of professional Attributes, Characteristics and Demonstrations can inform inclusion and diversity efforts in the workplace.

Reporting Method

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Struggling in the dehumanized world of COVID—An exploratory mixed‐methods study of frontline healthcare workers' experiences

Abstract

Aim

To explore healthcare workers' experiences of the changed caring reality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden.

Design

An online fully mixed-methods design.

Methods

A web-based self-reported questionnaire with fixed and open-ended answers collected data from March to April 2021, analysed in three steps. First, free-text questions were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Then quantitative linear regression analyses using models covering stress and coping mechanisms were conducted. Finally, a meta-inference of qualitative and quantitative data emerged a new comprehensive understanding. The COREQ guidelines were used for reporting.

Results

Meta-inferenced results of quantitative and qualitative findings show the pandemic was a traumatic experience for healthcare workers. Main theme; When work became a frightening experience in a dehumanized reality, comprised four themes: Entering unprepared into a frightful, incomprehensible world; Sacrificing moral values and harbouring dilemmas in isolation; Lack of clear management; and Reorient in togetherness and find meaning in a changed reality. Qualitative results comprised four categories; Working in a dehumanized world; Living in betrayal of ones' own conscience; Lack of structure in a chaotic time and Regaining vitality together. Subdimensions comprehensibility and meaningfulness were associated significantly with post-traumatic stress disorder in multiple regression analysis. In multiple regression analysis, sense of coherence was the most prominent coping strategy.

Conclusions

Forcing oneself to perform beyond one's limit, sacrificing moral values and lacking management was a traumatic experience to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Reorienting as a way of coping was possible in togetherness with colleagues. There is an urgency of interventions to meet the needs among healthcare workers who took on a frontline role during the COVID-19 pandemic and to prevent mental health illness in future crisis.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Summary

The pandemic outbreak exposed frontline healthcare workers to unparallelled stress shown as negative for their mental health in several meta-analyses and systematic reviews. In-depth understanding on experiences and how symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder relate to coping mechanisms have been scarcely explored. This study contributes to understanding on healthcare workers' experiences and the relation between lower sense of coherence and increased risk of developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Implications for Practice/Policy

This study might guide how to prepare for resilience in future emergencies.

COVID‐19 and collective trauma: Implementing a trauma‐informed model of care for post‐COVID patients

Abstract

Aim

To describe the implementation of a trauma-informed model of care in the Post COVID Respiratory Clinic of a large tertiary referral centre in NSW.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data Sources

Evidence gathered from a literature search (2008–2022) was used to develop a framework for management of patients presenting to this Post COVID Respiratory Clinic. This paper outlines the personal reflections of the clinic staff as they developed and implemented this framework. Ethical approval was obtained to report the data collected from patient reviews.

Discussion

The literature highlights the high prevalence of trauma in patients following COVID-19 infection, as well as the larger population both during and after the pandemic. This experience of trauma was observed in patients seen within the clinic, indicating a need for specialized care. In response, a trauma-informed model of care was implemented.

Conclusion

Reconceptualizing COVID-19 as a ‘collective trauma’ can help healthcare workers understand the needs of post-COVID patients and enable them to respond empathetically. A trauma-informed model is complementary to this cohort as it specifically addresses vulnerable populations, many of whom have been further marginalized by the pandemic.

Implications for Nursing and Patient Care

Frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are well positioned to implement trauma-informed care due to their high-level of patient contact. Adequate allocation of resources and investment in staff is essential to ensure such care can be provided.

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to adverse physical and mental health outcomes for many. Trauma-informed care is a way to promote reengagement with the healthcare system in this group. Post COVID patients globally may benefit from this approach, as it aims to build trust and independence.

Patient or Public Contribution

Feedback was sought from a patient representative to ensure this paper adequately reflected the experience of the post-COVID patient.

Investigating the impact of temporary nurses on permanent nurses' commitment via perceptions of illegitimate tasks: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims

To explore illegitimate tasks as a potential mechanism that links permanent nurses' perceived exposure to temporary nurses to lower levels of affective organizational commitment.

Design

A time-lagged cross-sectional survey study.

Methods

Survey data from N = 239 permanent nurses in the German-speaking part of Switzerland were analysed via Structural Equation Models.

Results

The study revealed a negative relationship between permanent nurses' perceived exposure to temporary nurses and their level of organizational commitment that was mediated by perceptions of unreasonable and unnecessary tasks.

Conclusion

Healthcare institutions increasingly depend on temporary nurses to fill staffing vacancies. Our data suggest that the deployment of temporary nurses may have adverse effects on permanent nurses' affective organizational commitment via perceptions of illegitimate tasks.

Impact

Our quantitative survey study provides a novel, theory-driven understanding of how perceived exposure to temporary nurses may impact work-related attitudes of permanent nurses.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Our findings suggest that the clinical community should limit permanent nurses' exposure to temporary nursing staff to protect their commitment. If this is not possible, we encourage strategies to counteract associated feelings of illegitimacy, for example, by showing appreciation for permanent nurses' willingness to take over responsibility for temporary nurses.

Reporting Method

The study adheres to the STROBE reporting guidelines for cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

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.

Work‐related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies in ambulance nurses: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

Aim

To describe experiences of work-related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies among registered nurses (RNs) in the ambulance service (AS).

Design

A descriptive and qualitative design.

Methods

Participants were recruited from eight different ambulance stations from different geographical locations in central Sweden. Data were collected from 14 RNs during the period from January 2022 to May 2022 using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data using an abductive approach.

Results

Three categories describe the RNs' experiences; (1) Situations that cause work-related stress, (2) Reactions and feelings that occur and (3) Management of work-related stress. These three main categories included a total of 12 subcategories. Work-related stress was experienced when participants were a part of traumatic events or experienced insufficient cooperation or a disturbing event in the work environment. The different causes lead to different kinds of reactions with feelings of frustration, fear and loneliness being prominent. To manage the work-related stress, RNs used different kinds of strategies and support from colleagues or lack thereof seemed to have a major impact.

Conclusions

Findings revealed the importance of having competent colleagues in the AS. Working with a competent colleague can reduce experiences of stress and prevent feelings of loneliness. It is important for the AS to provide stress-reduction support, to promote cooperation and to maintain and develop RNs' professional competence to ensure quality care and patient safety in the AS.

Using spatial video geonarratives to improve nursing care for people who use drugs and experience homelessness: A methodology for nurses

Abstract

Background

People who are insecurely housed and use drugs are disproportionately affected by drug poisonings. Nurses are uniquely positioned to utilize harm reduction strategies to address the needs of the whole person. Needle debris encompasses drug paraphernalia discarded in public spaces. Studying needle debris provides a strategic opportunity to identify where drugs are being used and target public health strategies accordingly.

Aim

Our aim in this article is to illustrate how spatial video geonarratives (SVG) combined GPS technology interviews, and videos of locations with needle debris, can elicit valuable data for nursing research.

Methods

Using SVG required knowledge of how to collect data wearing cameras and practice sessions were necessary. A Miufly camera worn at waist height on a belt provided the stability to walk while interviewing stakeholders. We wore the cameras and conducted go-along interviews with outreach workers, while filming the built environment. Upon completion of data collection, both the interview and GPS information were analysed using Wordmapper software.

Conclusions

This methodology resulted in data presented uniquely in both a visual map and narrative. These data were richer than if a single modality had been used. These data highlighted specific contextual factors that were related to the location of needle debris, which created opportunities for nursing interventions to support people experiencing vulnerability.

Family involvement in dementia special care units in nursing homes: A qualitative care ethical study into family experiences

Abstract

Aim

To explore the moral dimension of family experiences with being involved in the care of their loved one with dementia in the nursing home, using the care ethical framework of Tronto.

Design

This qualitative study used a care ethical approach in which empirical data and care ethical theory were dialectically related and mutually informing.

Methods

Fifteen close family members of nursing home residents with dementia were interviewed between February 2020 and October 2020. Forty-two interviews were conducted, based on a semi-structured open-ended design. A thematic narrative approach combined with the five phases of care as defined by Tronto was used to analyse the empirical data. Subsequently, Tronto's identified ethical qualities were used to identify the moral dimension of these empirical findings.

Results

We found that in the care process (1) family can find it difficult to recognize their loved one's care needs; (2) both family and staff are reluctant to discuss the allocation of responsibilities with each other; (3) family sometimes feels insecure when it comes to connecting with their loved one; (4) family is often reluctant to provide feedback to staff when they are critical about the care that has been given; and (5) family is generally mild in judging staff, due to staff shortages. The care ethical interpretation of these findings showed that the moral qualities of attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness, and solidarity are under pressure to a certain extent.

Conclusion

Family experiences moral distress during the care process, which hinders family involvement in nursing homes for people with dementia.

Impact

Nursing home staff can look for and pilot strategies focused on supporting families to act more in accordance with the moral qualities that are under pressure. This can improve family involvement in practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient/Public Contribution.

Implications for Practice/Policy

Nursing home staff paying more attention to families' emotional struggles related to the decline of their loved one, could help families to be more attentive to noticing true care needs of the resident. Both family and nursing home staff should take more often initiatives to evaluate the division of care responsibilities with each other. Nursing home staff should help family connect with their loved one during their visits if they experience difficulties in doing so. Nursing home staff taking more often initiatives to contact family and ask them how they perceive the care for their loved one, can positively affect the responsiveness of both family and staff. It would be helpful if nursing home management could ensure the presence of sufficient and qualified staff so that the first four phases of the care process are not hindered by the lack of staff.

Long‐term care facilities' response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: An international, cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aims

To (i) assess the adherence of long-term care (LTC) facilities to the COVID-19 prevention and control recommendations, (ii) identify predictors of this adherence and (iii) examine the association between the adherence level and the impact of the pandemic on selected unfavourable conditions.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

Managers (n = 212) and staff (n = 2143) of LTC facilities (n = 223) in 13 countries/regions (Brazil, Egypt, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkey) evaluated the adherence of LTC facilities to COVID-19 prevention and control recommendations and the impact of the pandemic on unfavourable conditions related to staff, residents and residents' families. The characteristics of participants and LTC facilities were also gathered. Data were collected from April to October 2021. The study was reported following the STROBE guidelines.

Results

The adherence was significantly higher among facilities with more pre-pandemic in-service education on infection control and easier access to information early in the pandemic. Residents' feelings of loneliness and feeling down were the most affected conditions by the pandemic. More psychological support to residents was associated with fewer residents' aggressive behaviours, and more psychological support to staff was associated with less work–life imbalance.

Conclusions

Pre-pandemic preparedness significantly shaped LTC facilities' response to the pandemic. Adequate psychological support to residents and staff might help mitigate the negative impacts of infection outbreaks.

Impact

This is the first study to comprehensively examine the adherence of LTC facilities to COVID-19 prevention and control recommendations. The results demonstrated that the adherence level was significantly related to pre-pandemic preparedness and that adequate psychological support to staff and residents was significantly associated with less negative impacts of the pandemic on LTC facilities' staff and residents. The results would help LTC facilities prepare for and respond to future infection outbreaks.

Patient or public contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

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.

Balancing on life's ladder: A meta‐ethnography of the existential experiences of siblings of children with complex care needs

Abstract

Aim

To synthesize and interpret existing qualitative research on the existential experiences of siblings of children with complex care needs.

Design

Noblit and Hare's interpretive meta-ethnography.

Methods

The study has been registered in the international prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Noblit and Hare's 7-step procedure was followed and reciprocal translation was performed to analyse the data and develop a line of argument synthesis.

Data Sources

A comprehensive systematic literature search of five databases, along with extensive manual searches, was completed in November 2022. The final sample comprised 18 studies published between 2010 and 2022.

Results

A line of argument, expressed through an overarching metaphor, “balancing on life's ladder”, illustrates the core findings of siblings' fluctuating experiences of existential well-being, and encapsulates four third-order themes: the emotional turmoil of siblings, interrupted family life, siblings strive to be themselves and siblings struggle to cope.

Conclusion

Growing up with a sibling with complex care needs made children feel invisible, lonely and struggling to find the courage to cope. By adopting a lifeworld approach, nurses can become aware of healthy siblings' unmet needs. Future research is needed on how nurses can contribute to siblings' existential well-being, in primary – and secondary health care settings.

Implications

The study provides insight into siblings' existential experiences and factors improving their well-being, enabling nurses to provide a more optimized lifeworld-led clinical practice.

Impact

Healthcare, nursing education and practice should be informed by the knowledge of existential issues. Nurses are well-positioned to work alongside families to provide family-centered care. Our findings have implications for health policies tailored to the needs of children with chronically ill siblings.

Reporting Method

This review adheres to the Equator and improving reporting of meta-ethnography (eMERGe) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution, because the data comprised previously published studies.

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.

Compassion in health professionals: Development and validation of the Capacity for Compassion Scale

Abstract

Background

Health professionals witness pain and suffering when they care for sick people and their families. Compassion is a necessary quality in their work as it combines the will to help, alleviate suffering and promote the well-being of both the people they are attending and the professionals themselves. The aim of the study was to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Capacity for Compassion Scale (CCS).

Design

A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale (reliability, temporal stability, content validity, criterion validity and construct validity).

Methods

The study was carried out in two phases: pilot study and final validation. The data were collected between April and May 2022. The sample was selected by convenience sampling and was made up of a total of 264 participants, 59 in the pilot phase and 205 in the final validation.

Results

The Capacity for Compassion Scale has been shown to have good psychometric properties in relation to reliability, temporal stability, and content, criterion, and construct validity. Factor analysis showed that there were four subdimensions of the scale: motivation/commitment, presence, shared humanity and self-compassion. The results also indicate that compassionate ability is significantly correlated with age and work experience.

Conclusions

The Capacity for Compassion Scale shows adequate psychometric properties. This instrument measures the compassion capacity of health professionals, which is a valuable discovery for new lines of research in this field.

Impact

Through this scale, low levels of capacity for compassion can be detected that negatively influence the quality of care provided by health professionals. The Capacity for Compassion Scale can therefore contribute to the identification of needs and promote training around compassion for health professionals.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What Problem did the Study Address?

Compassion in health professionals has positive effects on improving the quality of care, the satisfaction of professionals and the work environment. There are compassion cultivation programmes whose validity has been proven for the development of the dimensions of compassion. There is no specific instrument that measures capacity for compassion in healthcare professionals.

What were the Main Findings?

A scale is designed to measure capacity for compassion in health professionals. This is the only such scale available up until now. The scale measures four dimensions of compassion: motivation/commitment, presence, shared humanity and self-compassion.

Where and on Whom will the Research Have an Impact?

The development of specific programmes that can increase the compassion of health professionals with all the benefits that this can bring to health care is encouraged. It will be possible to analyse the effects of training programmes on the cultivation of compassion.

Exploring home births in Catalonia (Spain): A cross‐sectional study of women's experiences and influencing factors

Abstract

Aim

The study explores the experiences of women with low-risk pregnancies and no complications who planned a home birth.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire.

Methods

The questionnaire included socio-demographic, obstetric and perinatal variables. Birth satisfaction was evaluated via the Spanish version of the childbirth experience questionnaire. The study group comprised home-birthing women in Catalonia, Spain. Data were collected from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results

A total of 236 women responded. They reported generally positive experiences, with professional support and involvement being the most highly rated dimensions. Better childbirth experiences were associated with labour lasting less than 12 h, no perineal injuries, no intrapartum transfers to hospital, euthocic delivery and the presence of a midwife.

Conclusions

Women's positive home birth experiences were linked to active participation and midwife support. Multiparous women felt safer. Medical interventions, especially transfers to hospitals, reduced satisfaction, highlighting the need for improved care during home births.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Home births should be included among the birthplace options offered by public health services, given the extremely positive feedback reported by women who gave birth at home.

Impact

Home birth is not an option offered under Catalonia's public health system only as a private service. The experience of home-birthing women is unknown. This study shows a very positive birth experience due to greater participation and midwife support. The results help stakeholders assess home birth's public health inclusion and understand valued factors, supporting home-birthing women.

Reporting Method

The study followed the STROBE checklist guidelines for cross-sectional studies.

Public Contribution

Women who planned a home birth participated in the pilot test to validate the instrument, and their contributions were collected by the lead researcher. The questionnaire gathered the participants' email addresses, and a commitment was made to disseminate the study's results through this means.

Informal caregivers' experiences of transitioning during end‐of‐life care—A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Dying well at home usually requires the help and assistance of an informal caregiver. This role is usually unpaid, wide-ranging and oftentimes demanding. From diagnosis to death of a loved one, informal caregivers can experience one and frequently numerous transitions, however, little is known about this process. The purpose of this scoping review is to chart, explore and understand caregivers' experiences of transitioning when providing end-of-life care. A preliminary search of the literature indicated a paucity of research highlighting a notable absence of caregiver's perspectives and acknowledgements of the support they need to ensure successful transitions during this time. Consequently, this review has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the literature.

Methods

Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework, further enhanced by Levac et al. (2010) and Peters et al. (2020) was used to conduct this scoping review. The Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided reporting. A systematic search of the databases PUBMED, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science and a selection of grey literature was undertaken from the year 1990 to date by two researchers. Titles and abstracts of the literature identified were screened and finally, a narrative synthesis of 11 articles was undertaken to answer the following research question: What is known from the literature about informal caregivers' transitions when caring for a dying person in the home?

Conclusions

Current knowledge on this topic is limited; however, from this review, two main themes were identified: ‘Challenges arising during transitioning’ with subthemes of burden of care and fading away. The second theme ‘Coping strategies’ comprised subthemes of meaning-making, seeking normality and hope. This evidence may support the development of transitional care interventions in the future and improve patient and caregiver outcome measures and experiences to inform a larger research study exploring this phenomenon.

Patient or Public Contribution

N/A as this is a Scoping Review.

What this paper contributes to the wider global community

An understanding of the experiences of transitioning when caring for a loved one dying at home could help mitigate challenges informal caregivers face when providing end-of-life care in the home. While informal caregivers are crucial to support people who want to die at home, the role is often invisible and family carers need support and recognition to reduce the burden of care and challenges they experience as they transition in their role.

Leaving it at the gate: A phenomenological exploration of resilience in mental health nursing staff in a high‐secure personality disorder unit

Abstract

Aims and Design

This study reports a qualitative phenomenological investigation of resilience in nursing staff working in a high-secure personality disorder service.

Method

Interviews were carried out with six nursing staff, and these captured the richness and complexity of the lived experience of nursing staff.

Results

Four superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: Management of emotions: participants showed an awareness that their job is about giving care to patients who may present with very challenging behaviours. The care that they offered was conceptualized as something that needed to be provided in a measured way, with boundaries. A clear distinction was drawn between ‘caring personally’ for patients, and ‘providing care’. Teamwork: teamwork was cited as a major influencing factor by all participants. This was seen as directly impacting the smooth running of the ward, and therefore on the well-being of nursing staff, but also of patients. Understanding: nursing staff were acutely aware that they were working in an environment where everyday interactions would be open to intense scrutiny and possible misinterpretation by patients. Work–life balance: All the participants spoke of making a conscious effort to have a separate work and home life, which was influenced by a number of factors.

Conclusion

The article has discussed the themes of managing emotion, team understanding and work–life balance, illustrating how each contributes to the resilience of nursing staff in this challenging environment. New insights – applicable in both national and international contexts – have been produced.

Impact

In secure environments, mental health nursing staff need organizational support and assistance to develop ways of managing difficult experiences with patients, systems that promote recovery, and educational and supervisory support to help understand and process the effects on them. This article provides evidence to support the work of managers and clinicians in these environments.

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Nurses' perceived barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nurse prescribing: Delphi study and focus group

Abstract

Aim

To obtain consensus on barriers and facilitators to nurse prescribing following its recent introduction in Spain.

Design

A three round online Delphi survey and focus group.

Methods

An exploratory method was used with three consecutive rounds of questionnaires based on anonymity and feedback, and a focus group. The study was carried out with primary care, specialized care, socio-health care and manager nurses.

Results

On the basis of the Delphi study that was conducted, a list of 15 barriers and 18 facilitators of nurse prescribing was obtained. However, no general consensus was found with respect to the prioritization of these barriers/facilitators. The analysis of the results of the focus group confirmed the information obtained from the Delphi study. The main barriers highlighted were dependence on the figure of the physician, insufficient training in pharmacology, a lack of institutional support and the limited list of products that could be prescribed. The key facilitators were academic knowledge and ongoing training and education, independence in the functions and responsibilities of the nursing profession, adaptation to new roles and autonomy in the case of chronic care processes.

Conclusion

Nurses were generally positive about the introduction of nurse prescribing. The commitment of nurses to training and their accreditation as prescribers (internal forces) and health policy and nursing management (external forces) play a fundamental role in supporting the basis of nurse prescribing and ensuring that it is developed with the identified support resources, such as staff training and the provision of the materials necessary for its proper implementation, all with the aim of guaranteeing quality healthcare.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Strong models of nurse prescribing are being considered globally to address population needs. The results can help the future implementation of non-medical independent prescribing and provide guidance to the government and society on the interventions that can be used to consolidate it.

Impact

What problem did the study address? By 2027, the world's population will receive more than 4.5 trillion doses of medicine each year. However, the WHO estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030. Inadequacies with traditional physician-led care systems mean that new approaches are imperative to maintain patient access to prescription medicines, with NP being a key element in this regard. In Catalonia (Spain), the accreditation process for nurses as prescribers was implemented in 2021. It is therefore of vital importance to question and consult the nurses themselves, the main promoters of the process, to find out their perceptions and thus be able to take them into consideration in the implementation process. What were the main findings? A total of 15 barriers and 17 facilitators were identified. The main perceived barriers are dependence on the figure of the physician, insufficient training in pharmacology during undergraduate studies and a lack of institutional support. The main perceived facilitators are academic knowledge and ongoing education and training, independence in nursing functions and responsibilities, and adaptation to new roles and tasks. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? These results can contribute to improving NP implementation in Spain and serve as a reference for other countries, especially where NP education and training have only recently been instigated or are in the planning process.

Reporting Method

Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations. SRQR.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Optimization of solid oral dosage form administration to patients with swallowing difficulties: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To appraise and synthesize research investigating optimizing the administration of solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) to adults with swallowing difficulties.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted on Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Public Medline interface), Elsevier SciVerse Scopus and Scientific Electronic Library Online (updated February 2023). Restriction regarding the publication date was not considered for the inclusion of records. Studies addressing risks, general aspects, recommendations about patient postural adjustments, swallowing techniques, swallowing aids and aspects of concealment of SODFs were included.

Results

Fifty-three records published between 2002 and 2021 were included. The main administration risks were aspiration, asphyxia and solid oral dosage form-induced oral/oesophageal mucosal lesions. The most frequent general aspect reported was administering one oral dosage form at a time. The sitting position was the most patient postural adjustment mentioned. The most frequently reported solid oral dosage form swallowing technique was the lean-forward method for capsules. Solid oral dosage form swallowing aids cited: tongue and throat lubricant and solid oral dosage form coating device, swallowing cup and swallowing straw.

Conclusion

The literature data on administering SODFs for adults with swallowing difficulties were appraised and synthesized. Some aspects, for example, not administering SODFs simultaneously, can make swallowing safer. Postural adjustments and solid oral dosage form swallowing aids are important to avoid administration risks. Swallowing SODFs can be easier if learned by techniques. Liquid and food are helpful as vehicles, and several of these have been listed.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

By optimizing the contributing factors of administering oral pharmacotherapy, the nurse can use appropriate practices to improve patient safety. Additionally, knowing and establishing the administration aspects are reasonable steps for standardizing care for patients with swallowing oral dosage form difficulties.

Impact

This study addressed administering SODFs to adult patients with swallowing difficulties. The administration of SODFs to adult patients with swallowing difficulties can be optimized if only one oral dosage form at a time is administrated and if patient postural adjustments, swallowing techniques and swallowing aids are used. This investigation will impact the care of patients with swallowing difficulties.

Reporting Method

The authors declare they adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and report following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

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