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AnteayerJournal of Clinical Nursing

Nurses' knowledge and beliefs on pain management practices with hospitalised persons living with dementia: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Aim

To understand nurses' knowledge, beliefs and experiences affect pain management practices in hospitalised persons living with dementia (PLWD).

Design

Naturalistic inquiry using qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 registered nurses who worked in one acute care hospital in Southern California from October to November 2022. Data were analysed using content analysis to identify themes.

Results

Two themes were developed: improvising pain assessment, which included how pain was documented, and administration hesitancy referring to nurse's concerns about PLWD's confusion. Nurses described the challenges of assessing pain in hospitalised PLWD particularly if they were non-verbal and/or demonstrating responsive behaviours. Nurse's years of experience, dementia stigma, and their unconscious biases affected nurses' pain management practices.

Conclusions

The study findings highlight the complex challenges of pain management in hospitalised PLWD that are exacerbated by nurses' knowledge deficits, negative stereotypical beliefs, dementia stigma and unconscious biases towards older people that contributes to undermanaged pain in hospitalised PLWD.

Implications

A comprehensive strategy using an implementation framework is needed to address nurse's knowledge gaps, unconscious bias, dementia stigma and techniques that enhance communication skills is suggested. Building a foundation in these areas would improve pain management in hospitalised PLWD.

Impact

Improving pain management in hospitalised PLWD would improve the quality of life, decrease hospital length of stay, prevent readmissions, and improve nurse satisfaction.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient Contributions

Improving pain management in hospitalised PLWD would prevent long term confusion, episodes of delirium and improve quality of life as they recover from their acute illness for which they required hospital care.

Factors associated with health behaviours among stroke survivors: A mixed‐methods study using COM‐B model

Abstract

Aims

To identify factors associated with health behaviours among stroke survivors, through a multi-centre study.

Design

A sequential mixed methods design.

Methods

In the quantitative research phase, a total of 350 participants were recruited through multi-stage sampling from December 2022 to June 2023. General information questionnaires, The Stroke Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire (SPKQ), Short Form Health Belief Model Scale (SF-HBMS), Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLPII), and the WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, Brief Version) were distributed across five tertiary hospitals in Henan province, China. For the qualitative research component, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the barriers and facilitators of health behaviour. This study adheres to the GRAMMS guidelines.

Results

A total of 315 participants (90.0%) completed the survey. Identified barriers to health behaviour included residing in rural areas, higher scores on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and mRS, as well as lower scores on SPKQ, SF-HBMS and WHOQOL-BREF. Twenty-four individuals participated in qualitative interviews. Twenty-eight themes were identified and categorised by frequency, covering areas such as knowledge, skills, intentions, social influences, social/professional role and identity, environmental context and resources, beliefs about capabilities, beliefs about consequences and behavioural regulation. Both quantitative and qualitative data suggested that health behaviour among stroke survivors is at a moderate level, and the identified barrier factors can be mapped into the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour).

Conclusion

The study indicates that key barriers to health behaviour among stroke survivors align with the COM-B model. These identified factors should be carefully considered in the planning of future systematic interventions aimed at improving health behaviours among stroke survivors.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were invited to completed questionnaires in the study and semi-structured interviews. The investigators provided explanation of this study’ content, purpose and addressed issues during the data collection.

Health communication and shared decision‐making between nurses and older adults in community setting: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To explore the role of health communication in Shared Decision-Making (SDM) between nursing staff and older people in the community setting.

Background

Society and healthcare services are marked by an exponentially ageing population, leading to a significant proportion of patients being older adults with highly demanding care needs. Scientific literature supports shared decision-making as a process that engages patients in their care. However, the increasing use of technology and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced how nurses communicate with older patients. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to develop health communication to reach effective, shared decision-making processes.

Methods

Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method, the literature search comprised five databases: PubMed, CINALH, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO.

Results

The 12 included studies were synthesised into three study patterns: (1) nurse–older patient health communication relationship, (2) older patients' perspectives and (3) nontherapeutic communication in end-of-life care.

Conclusion

This review underscored the crucial role of effective health communication in shaping SDM dynamics between nursing staff and older people in the community setting. Key elements included transparent information exchange, establishing trust and maintaining communication channels with informal caregiving networks. SDM actions were aligned with preserving older people's autonomy, but communication challenges persisted, particularly in end-of-life situations. Advanced care planning was recommended to address these shortcomings and improve communication among older people, healthcare professionals and families.

Implications

Implementing educational measures based on verbal and nonverbal health communication in nursing training could be beneficial. Nursing research could continue to develop and refine specific communication strategies adapted to the social determinants of health for diverse clinical situations regarding older adults in the community setting.

Reporting Method

The authors have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines through the PRISMA 2020 checklist.

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Fall risk perception in older adults: A concept analysis

Abstract

Background

Fall prevention is crucial for older adults. Enhanced fall risk perception can encourage older adults to participate in fall prevention programs. However, there is still no unified definition of the concept of fall risk perception.

Objective

To explore the concept of fall risk perception in older adults.

Design

A concept analysis.

Data Sources

The literature was searched using online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WangFang and SinoMed. Searches were also conducted in Chinese and English dictionaries. The literature dates from the establishment of the database to April 2023.

Methods

The methods of Walker and Avant were used to identify antecedents, attributes and consequences of the concept of “fall risk perception” in older adults.

Results

Eighteen publications were included eventually. The attributes were identified as: (1) dynamic change, with features of continuum and stage; (2) whether falls are taken seriously; (3) a self-assessment of the fall probability, which is driven by individual independence; and (4) involves multiple complex emotional responses. The antecedents were identified as: (1) demographic and disease factors; (2) psychological factors and (3) environmental factors. The consequences were identified as: (1) risk-taking behaviour; (2) risk compensation behaviour; (3) risk transfer behaviour; and (4) emotions.

Conclusion

A theoretical definition of fall risk perception was identified. A conceptual model was developed to demonstrate the theoretical relationships between antecedents, attributes and consequences. This is helpful for the development of relevant theories and the formulation of fall prevention measures based on fall risk perception as the intervention target.

Factors impacting nursing assistants to accept a delegation in the acute care settings: A mixed method study

Abstract

Aims

To investigate the experience of nursing assistants being delegated nursing tasks by registered nurses.

Design

Mixed method explanatory sequential design.

Methods

A total of 79 nursing assistants working in an acute hospital in Australia completed surveys that aimed to identify their experience of working with nurses and the activities they were delegated. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews with 11 nursing assistants were conducted and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Results were triangulated to provide a richer understanding of the phenomena.

Results

Most nursing assistants felt supported completing delegated care activities. However, there was confusion around their scope of practice, some felt overworked and believed that they did not have the right to refuse a delegation. Factors impacting the nursing assistant's decision to accept a delegation included the attitude of the nurses, wanting to be part of the team and the culture of the ward. Nursing assistants who were studying to be nurses felt more supported than those who were not.

Conclusions

Delegation is a two-way relationship and both parties need to be cognisant of their roles and responsibilities to ensure safe and effective nursing care is provided. Incorrectly accepting or refusing delegated activities may impact patient safety.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Highlights the need for implementing strategies to support safe delegation practices between the registered and unregulated workforce to promote patient safety.

Impact

Describes the experiences of nursing assistants working in the acute care environment when accepting delegated care from nurses. Reports a range of factors that inhibit or facilitate effective delegation practices between nurses and nursing assistants. Provides evidence to support the need for stronger education and policy development regarding delegation practices between nurses and unregulated staff.

Reporting method

Complied with the APA Style JARS-MIXED reporting criteria for mixed method research.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Effectiveness of computerised decision aids for patients with chronic diseases in shared decision‐making: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aims

To synthesise the composition and effectiveness of computer-based patient decision aid (PDAs) in interventions for patients with chronic diseases.

Design

A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods

Five databases were searched, and only randomised controlled trials (RCTs)were included. This review was conducted with the PRISMA guidelines. The JBI Appraisal Tools for randomised trials were used to assess the risk of bias. We used the random-effects model to conduct meta-analyses. Evidence from RCTs was synthesised using standardised mean differences or mean differences. The GRADE system was employed to assess the certainty of evidence and recommendations. This study was registered on PROSPERO (number: CRD42022369340).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published before October 2022.

Results

The review included 22 studies, and most computer-based PDAs reported information on the disease, treatment options, pros and cons and risk comparison and value clarification. The use of computer-based PDAs showed a significant effect on decision conflict and knowledge, but not on decision regret, satisfaction, self-efficacy, anxiety and quality of life. The overall GRADE certainty of evidence was low.

Conclusion

Although the quality of evidence was low, however, using computer-based PDAs could reduce decision conflict and enhance knowledge when making medical decisions. More research is needed to support the contention above.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Computer-based PDAs could assist health-care providers and patients in the shared decision-making process and improving the quality of decision-making.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to PRISMA guidelines.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Nursing practices to optimise rheumatic fever prevention in a high‐risk country: An integrative review

Abstract

Background

New Zealand is one of the last high-income countries in the world experiencing significant rates of rheumatic fever. Nurses play a crucial role in rheumatic fever prevention; however, little is understood as to how nurses can best achieve this.

Aim

To explore nursing practices that optimise rheumatic fever prevention.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

Four electronic databases (CINAHL, SCOPUS, Medline via, and Ovid) were searched for peer-reviewed empirical articles published from 2013 to 2023. Grey literature (guidelines/reports) was also sourced. Critical appraisal was applied using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tools and the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal checklist. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101, thematic analysis method was used to generate themes.

Results

Seven research articles and three national reports were included. Four themes—in-depth nursing knowledge and improving prophylaxis adherence, cultural competency, and therapeutic nurse–patient relationships—were found.

Conclusion

While nursing knowledge and ways to improve injection adherence are essential, being culturally receptive and developing therapeutic relationships are equally important. Without strong and trusting relationships, it is difficult to deliver care required for prevention success.

Implications to care

When working with vulnerable populations it is important to be culturally receptive in all interactions with patients and their families.

Impact

New Zealand has high rates of rheumatic fever, especially among vulnerable populations such as Pacific Islanders and Māori. Nurses are often frontline primary care providers who, when skilled with the right tools, can help reduce the prevalence of this disease.

Reporting method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis flow chart.

Patient or public contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution was required for this research.

The effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions on reducing pain in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

Patients often consider bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to be one of the most painful medical procedures. The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy remains unclear.

Aim

To synthesize existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in mitigating procedural pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

Six electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception to July 15, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 2.0. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 16. The certainty of the evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach.

Results

This meta-analysis included 18 studies derived from 17 articles involving a total of 1017 participants. The pooled results revealed statistically significant pain reduction effects using distraction (SMD: −.845, 95% CI: −1.344 to −.346, p < .001), powered bone marrow biopsy system (SMD: −.266, 95% CI: −.529 to −.003, p = .048), and acupoint stimulation (SMD: −1.016, 95% CI: −1.995 to −.037, p = .042) among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. However, the pooled results on hypnosis (SMD: −1.228, 95% CI: −4.091 to 1.515, p = .368) showed no significant impact on pain reduction. Additionally, the pooled results for distraction did not demonstrate a significant effect on operative anxiety (MD: −2.942, 95% CI: −7.650 to 1.767, p = .221).

Conclusions

Distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation are effective in reducing pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This meta-analysis highlights the effectiveness of distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation for reducing pain in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy. Healthcare professionals should consider integrating these interventions into pain management practices for these patients.

Registration

(PROSPERO): CRD42023422854.

Hospital nurses perceived challenges and opportunities in the care of people with dementia: A mixed‐methods systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To synthesise evidence from the literature on hospital nurses' perceived challenges and opportunities in the care of people with dementia.

Background

People with dementia often have longer lengths of hospital stay and poorer health outcomes compared to those without dementia. Nurses play a pivotal role in the care of people with dementia. However, there is a scarcity of systematic reviews that synthesise the challenges and opportunities they perceive.

Methods

A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted with a database search covering Ageline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Emcare, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science in April 2022. In total, 27 articles that met the selection criteria were critically reviewed and included in this systematic review. Data from the selected articles were extracted and synthesised using a convergent segregated approach.

Results

Three main themes and eight subthemes were identified. Theme 1 described nurse-related factors consisting of the lack of capability in dementia care, experiencing multiple sources of stress and opportunities for nurses to improve dementia care. Theme 2 revealed people living with dementia-related factors including complex care needs and the need to engage family carers in care. Theme 3 explained organisation-related factors comprising the lack of organisational support for nurses and people with dementia and opportunities for quality dementia care.

Conclusion

Hospital nurses experience multidimensional challenges in the care of people with dementia. Opportunities to overcome those challenges include organisational support for nurses to develop dementia care capability, reduce their stress and partner with the family caregivers.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Hospitals will need to build an enabling environment for nurses to develop their capabilities in the care of people with dementia. Further research in empowering nurses and facilitating quality dementia care in acute care hospitals is needed.

Reporting Method

The review followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No.

Tools to measure the burden on informal caregivers of cancer patients: A literature review

Abstract

Objectives

(1) To describe existing tools to assess the burden of informal caregivers of people with cancer, (2) to describe how these tools have been validated and (3) to describe the areas of interest of existing assessment tool entries.

Background

The caregiver burden of informal caregivers of people with cancer greatly affects their lives. There is a wide variety of relevant assessment tools available, but there are no studies to help researchers to select tools.

Methods

A search was conducted using the keywords ‘cancer’, ‘caregiver’, ‘burden’ and ‘scale’ in Medline (PubMed), CINAHL and EMBASE to include articles that developed or applied tools to assess the burden on informal caregivers of cancer patients. Once eligible tools were identified, we searched their ‘primary reference’ studies. If the original scale was assessed in a population other than informal caregivers of cancer patients, we again searched for psychometric measures in the population of caregivers of cancer patients.

Results

This study retrieved 938 articles on developing or applying the informal caregiver burden instrument for cancer patients, including 42 scales. Internal consistency of the original scales ranged from 0.53 to 0.96. Nineteen scales initially developed to assess caregiver burden for patients with dementia, stroke and other disorders were later used for caregivers of cancer patients, eight of which have not yet been validated. Reclassifying all scale domains of concern revealed that scale assessments focused more on caregivers' physical health, emotional state and caregiving tasks.

Conclusion

This review identifies many scales for assessing informal caregiver burden in cancer patients and gives scales recommended. However, a portion still needs to be validated. The development of a new scale proposes to be based on a theoretical framework and to consider dimensions for assessing support resources.

Impact

What problem did the study address?: This paper collates assessment tools on the burden of informal carers of people with cancer. It also provides information on the applicable population, reliability and validity.

What were the main findings?: 41 scales could be considered for use, eight of which have not been validated. The scales focus more on assessing caregivers' physical health, emotional state and caregiving tasks, and less on the dimension of support resources.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: There are implications for informal carers of cancer patients in hospitals or in the community, as well as for relevant researchers.

Reporting Method

Retrieved with reference to systematic evaluation.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Treatment withdrawal experiences of women with breast cancer: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Aim

To obtain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences, values, and beliefs of Taiwanese women with breast cancer who withdrew from cancer treatment.

Background

Fear of side effects, negative experiences and personal beliefs were identified as reasons for withdrawing from cancer treatments. Body–mind consciousness and body autonomy play a crucial role in cancer treatment decisions.

Design

Descriptive phenomenological approach.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, face-to-face and in-depth interviews with 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants were purposefully selected from the Cancer Registry database. Employing a phenomenological approach, our aim was to explore the lived experiences of these individuals. Data analysis followed Giorgi's five-step process. To ensure a comprehensive report the COREQ checklist was applied.

Findings

‘The Determination to Preserve Me’ is the essence of treatment withdrawal, identified by three themes and seven sub-themes. ‘Raising Body-Mind Consciousness’ was generated using body autonomy and preventing repeated psychological trauma from the participant's view. Their lifestyles, maintaining the family role, and returning to a normal trajectory help develop ‘Maintaining Stability for Being a Patient and a Family Carer’. ‘Self-Defending Against the Body Harm’ was generated by concerns about maintaining health and preventing harm.

Conclusion

Women's behaviours became transformed by suffering. Actions were influenced by physical and psychological distress, misconceptions about treatments, and appearance changes by self-determination through self-protection.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare professionals should respect women's autonomy and work collaboratively to ensure their decision-making with accurate information and awareness of the potential risks and benefits of treatment withdrawal need to concern.

Physical frailty trajectories in older stroke survivors: Findings from a national cohort study

Abstract

Background

Physical frailty (PF) is highly prevalent and associated with undesirable outcomes in stroke survivors aged 65 years or older. However, the long-term trajectories of PF are understudied in those older stroke survivors.

Aims

To identify PF trajectories and relative predictors associated with the PF trajectories in older stroke survivors.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a population-based cohort study in the United States.

Methods

Six hundred and sixty-three older stroke survivors from the National Health and Ageing Trends Study from 2015 to 2021 were included. PF was operationally assessed based on the Fried Frailty Phenotype. Trajectories were identified by group-based trajectory modelling. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, symptoms, cognitive factors and PF trajectories were examined using the design-based logistic regression method.

Results

Most older stroke survivors were 75 and older (63.32%), female (53.99%), white (80.54%) and partnered (50.64%). Two PF trajectory groups were identified (Group 1: low risk, robust; 49.47%; Group 2: high risk, deteriorating; 50.53%). Individuals were at a higher risk to be assigned to Group 2 if they were 75–84 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.23–3.80) or 85+ years (aOR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.52–5.04), had fair self-reported health (aOR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.53–5.07) or poor self-reported health (aOR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.51–7.52), had comorbidities (aOR: 8.44, 95% CI: 1.31–54.42), had breathing problems (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.18–4.02) and had balance problems (aOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06–2.73).

Conclusion

PF trajectories in older stroke survivors were heterogeneous and were associated with age, self-rated health status, comorbidities, breathing problems and balance problems.

Implication to Clinical Practice

Early, routine, dynamic screening for stroke-related physical frailty (PF) and relative predictors might be beneficial for identifying the most vulnerable individuals. Our findings might help develop strategies to manage PF progression.

Reporting Method

The reporting followed the STROBE guideline.

Factors related to psychosocial adjustment in patients with enterostomy: Based on a national cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial adjustment of enterostomy patients on a national scale.

Design

Based on a national cross-sectional survey.

Methods

From December 2021 and February 2023, a total of 22,040 enterostomy patients were assessed using the ostomy adjustment inventory-20. Initial analysis involved employing the chi-square test or Kruskal-Wallis H test to identify factors influencing the psychosocial adjustment of these patients. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the factors affecting the classification of psychosocial adjustment levels of enterostomy patients. The reporting of this study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Results

Eventually 21,124 patients with enterostomy were included in this study, out of which 7788 (36.9%) patients with low level of psychosocial adjustment, 11,803 (55.8%) patients with medium level of psychosocial adjustment and 1533 (7.3%) patients with high level of psychosocial adjustment. The factors influencing the classification of psychosocial adjustment levels of enterostomy patients were gender, educational background, carer, enterostomy self-care knowledge score and medical payment method.

Conclusions

The overall psychosocial adjustment level of enterostomy patients is not optimistic, and the factors that may affect the classification of their psychosocial adjustment level are analysed. Individualised intervention should be given according to different psychosocial adjustment levels of enterostomy patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The number of enterostomy patients with a high level of psychosocial adjustment is small in relation to the total number of enterostomy patients, and caregivers can provide health education to enterostomy patients by analysing the factors affecting the level of psychosocial adjustment of enterostomy patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Distribution and characteristics of bacteria on the hand during oropharyngeal swab collection: Which handwashing points are affected?

Abstract

Aims

To identify the contaminated areas of the hand collection and analyse the distribution characteristics of bacteria in the hand after swab collection.

Design

This study used a cross-sectional design.

Methods

A cross-sectional study sampling 50 pairs of hands (sampling hand and auxiliary hand) of healthcare workers was performed. Ten samples were collected from each participant. The optimal hand hygiene rates and bacterial colony counts of the whole hand and different hand sections without hand hygiene were identified as the primary outcomes.

Results

The optimal hand hygiene rates of the sampling hand and auxiliary hand were 88.8% (222/250) and 91.6% (229/250), respectively. The lowest optimal hand hygiene rates for the sampling hand and the auxiliary hand were both on the dorsal side of the finger and the dorsum of the hand (86.0%, 86.0% vs. 90.0%, 86.0%); the optimal hand hygiene rates for both sites of the sampling hand were 86.0% (43/50), and the optimal hand hygiene rates for the auxiliary hand were 90.0% (45/50) and 86.0% (43/50). The bacteria colony counts did not differ between the sampling hands and auxiliary hand.

Conclusions

The dorsal side of the finger and dorsum of the hand were the most likely to be contaminated during oropharyngeal swab collection. Therefore, it is essential to pay extra attention to hand hygiene care of these two sites during the collection process to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.

Depression and anxiety among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Longitudinal results over 2 years from the multicentre VOICE–EgePan study

Abstract

Aims

To examine symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses over 2 years during the pandemic and compare them to the general population.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in mental stress among the population worldwide. Nursing staff have been identified as being under remarkable strain.

Design

A multicentre prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

Symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety in 507 nurses were examined at four different time points (T1: April–July 2020, T2: November 2020–January 2021, T3: May–July 2021, T4: February–May 2022). Results were compared with values of the German general population, presence of gender-specific differences was analysed and frequencies of clinically relevant levels of depression and anxiety were determined.

Results

Throughout the study (T1–T4), a significant increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms was observed. At all four measurement time points, nurses showed significantly higher prevalence for depression and anxiety compared to the German general population. No significant gender differences were found. Frequencies for probable depression and generalised anxiety disorder among nurses were: 21.6% and 18.5% (T1), 31.4% and 29.2% (T2), 29.5% and 26.2% (T3), 33.7% and 26.4% (T4).

Conclusion

During the pandemic, symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses increased significantly and remained elevated. Their symptom levels were permanently higher than in the general population. These findings strongly suggest that the circumstances of the pandemic severely affected nurses´ mental health.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a great mental strain on caregivers. This study was able to demonstrate the significant increase in depression and anxiety among nurses during the pandemic. It highlights the urgent need for prevention, screening and support systems in hospitals.

Implications for the Profession

Supportive programmes and preventive services should be developed, not least to prevent the growing shortage of nurses in the health care systems.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines. The STROBE checklist for cohort study was used as the reporting method.

Patient Contribution

Five hundred and seven nurses completed the questionnaire and provided data for analysis.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (https://drks.de/search/en) under the following ID: DRKS00021268.

The effectiveness of brief reminiscence‐based psychosocial interventions for cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions in alleviating psychological distress in cancer patients.

Background

Cancer patients suffer tremendous psycho-spiritual pain, which affects their quality of life. Brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions have demonstrated positive effects on the mental health of cancer patients; however, the efficacy of these interventions has been inconsistent.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 checklist provided by the EQUATOR network. The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus databases were systematically searched from inception to 27 November 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English.

Results

Twenty studies involving 1744 cancer participants were included. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant effects of brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions on hope, anxiety and depression at post-intervention. A separate analysis revealed that brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions had a sustainable effect on hope, spiritual well-being, anxiety and depression at 1 month after the intervention. However, no statistically significant effect on quality of life was found in our study either immediately after the intervention or at 1 month.

Conclusions

Brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions can significantly reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and improve hope and spiritual well-being in cancer patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study further supports that brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions should be incorporated into the routine care of cancer patients to address their psychosocial distress.

Patient or Public Contribution

All authors of this article contributed to the study conception and design. All authors of the included studies provided original data for this paper.

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