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Do hospitals attaining a public recognition for treating nurses fairly deliver better‐quality health care? Evidence from cross‐sectional analysis of California hospitals

Abstract

Aim

This study explored whether hospitals that allocate greater resources to their nursing staff provide better healthcare services than those that invest less in their nursing personnel.

Design

Cross-sectional logistic and tobit analyses.

Methods

We examined a sample of 314 California hospitals in 2017. We obtained a hospital's public recognition for treating nurses fairly between 2015 and 2017 from Nurse.org, the largest online community of nurses. We derived a hospital's healthcare quality in 2018 from the 2019–2020 Best Hospitals rankings released by U.S. News, a well-known media company publishing independent healthcare assessments periodically.

Results

Our results showed that a nurse-friendly workplace was a crucial determinant of its overall healthcare quality.

Conclusion and implications

Healthcare administrators keen to enhance the quality of healthcare services should consider creating nurse-friendly workplaces. Furthermore, their evaluation of nurses' contributions to overall healthcare quality should not solely depend on the nurse-assessed quality of care, but rather comprise not only broad aspects of patient outcomes in primary care but also patient experiences, care-related factors and expert opinions.

Patient or public contribution

Our study helped address the overwhelmed healthcare system, whose long-running shortage of nurses has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work suggested that a hospital's investment in a nurse-friendly workplace can enhance its acquisition, retention and devotion of the nursing staff. This, in turn, can have profound impacts on its overall healthcare quality.

What already is known

Existing empirical evidence on the relation between nurse-friendly workplace and healthcare quality is limited and inconclusive.

What this paper adds

We documented evidence that the quality of healthcare services provided by hospitals varies with their treatment of nursing staff.

Implications for practice/policy

Our results provided insights into key policies that have the potential to improve healthcare quality.

Association of nurse managers' paternalistic leadership and nurses' perceived workplace bullying: The mediating effect of organizational climate

Abstract

Aims

To explore the association between nurse managers' paternalistic leadership and nurses' perceived workplace bullying (WPB), as well as to examine the mediating role of organizational climate in this association.

Background

There is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the relationship between nurse managers' paternalistic leadership, organizational climate and nurses' perceived WPB. Clarifying this relationship is crucial to understand how paternalistic leadership influences WPB and for nursing managers to seek organizational-level solutions to prevent it.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed from 4 January to 10 February 2022, in six tertiary hospitals in mainland China. Demographic information, Paternalistic Leadership Scale, Organizational Climate Scale and Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised were used in the survey. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses and a structural equation model were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 5093 valid questionnaires were collected. Moral leadership and authoritarian leadership have both direct and indirect effects on WPB through the mediating effect of organizational climate. The former is negatively related to WPB and the latter is positively related to WPB. Benevolent leadership was only negatively associated with WPB via the mediating effect of organizational climate.

Conclusion

The three components of paternalistic leadership have different effects on WPB through the mediating effect of organizational climate. Nurse managers are recommended to strengthen moral leadership, balance benevolent leadership, reduce authoritarian leadership and strive to create a positive organizational climate in their efforts to mitigate WPB among nurses.

Impact

This study enhanced our comprehension of the relationship between different leadership styles and WPB. Greater emphasis should be placed on moral leadership in the promotion of nursing managers and nursing leadership training programs. Additionally, nursing managers should focus on establishing a positive organizational climate that helps to reduce WPB.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. This study did not involve patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public.

Home-based mobile-guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (REHAB-TAVR): protocol for a randomised clinical trial

Por: Shen · Z. · Mi · S. · Huang · C. · Zhou · D. · Pan · W. · Xu · X. · Lin · Y. · Zhang · Y.
Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a standard treatment for aortic stenosis, particularly in older adults. Reduced exercise capacity and frailty significantly impact outcomes in TAVR patients, yet current management lacks strategies to address these issues. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of home-based mobile-guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in TAVR patients, led by a multidisciplinary team with clear progression milestones.

Methods and analysis

The study involves 90 patients aged 60–89 in a single centre who will be randomised to a 3-month novel multidomain exercise intervention or routine care. Outcome assessors will be blinded towards group allocation. The primary outcome is the 6-min walk distance at month 3. The secondary outcomes include the 6-min walk distance at month 6, physical function measured by total Short Physical Performance Battery score and exercise adherence measured by the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale at months 3 and 6. Additional outcome measures, including rehospitalisations, death, handgrip strength, frailty (Fried Criteria and Essential Toolset), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level), nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), functional capacity (Duke Activity Status Index), clinical indices (body mass index, symptoms, signs, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, etc) and social support (Lubben Social Network Scale-6), along with comprehensive cost analysis, enhance the study’s significance. The study’s findings hold crucial implications for crafting an effective exercise-focused cardiac rehabilitation strategy for TAVR patients. Community implementation not only deepens understanding but also fosters the potential integration of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation into self-care, promising enhanced patient adherence and overall cardiovascular health management.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Ethics Committee (B2022-062R). Results will be disseminated to local stakeholders and the research community through publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05989594

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Shen · Z. · Zhang · M. · Liu · Y. · Ge · C. · Lu · Y. · Shen · H. · Zhu · L.
Objectives

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may experience comorbidities involving metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, this association remains controversial. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of MetS in patients with IBD and assess whether MetS is more strongly associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from their inception to July 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Observational studies reporting data regarding the rate of comorbid MetS among patients with IBD and published in English.

Data extraction and synthesis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guidelines were followed. Pooled prevalence, ORs and 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects models. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality checklist were used. Heterogeneity, sensitivity and stratified analyses were performed using R (V.4.2.1).

Results

11 eligible studies involving 2501 patients were included. Of these studies, four reported MetS prevalence separately by IBD phenotype, and only one contained a non-IBD comparison group. Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was moderate. The pooled prevalence of MetS in IBD was 19.4% (95% CI 15.1% to 23.8%), with a moderate heterogeneity (I2=51.8%, Cochrane Q statistic=12.4, p=0.053). Stratified analyses demonstrated that the aggregate estimate of comorbid MetS was significantly higher in UC than in CD (38.2% vs 13.6%, 2=4.88, p=0.03). We found a positive association between MetS and UC compared with CD (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.74, p=0.01). Additionally, four studies identified that higher age was a risk factor associated with the development of MetS.

Conclusions

MetS is not rare in IBD, especially in UC. However, longitudinal studies are needed to further clarify the relationship between IBD and MetS.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022346340.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive methods among women with an unplanned pregnancy

Por: Sheng · B. · Yao · D. · Zhang · H. · Tang · J. · Du · X.
Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of contraceptive methods among women with an unplanned pregnancy, aiming to improve their reproductive health and increase their understanding of contraceptive methods.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Hubei between 20 November 2022 and 20 January 2023.

Participants

Women with an unplanned pregnancy were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The questionnaire was in the Chinese language and included demographic data, KAP assessments. Multivariate linear regression was performed to explore the factors associated with knowledge or practice scores.

Results

During the study period, 510 participants with valid questionnaires were included. The KAP scores were 7.30±2.91, 32.61±3.13 and 28.58±3.59, respectively. Place of residence (urban vs non-urban; B=0.66, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.29, p=0.043) and educational level (master’s degree or above vs post secondary or below; B=1.07, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.96, p=0.020) were positively associated with knowledge. Knowledge (B=0.25, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.32, p

Conclusions

This study indicates a low level of KAP regarding contraceptive methods among women facing unplanned pregnancies. Place of residence and educational level were positively associated with knowledge scores. These findings may help improve future sex education policies and programmes.

Combined MRI-TRUS fusion targeted and systematic biopsy versus systematic biopsy alone for the detection of prostate cancer: protocol for a prospective single-centre trial

Por: Liu · W. · Kadier · A. · Shen · D. · He · Y. · Dong · S. · Zhu · K. · Xu · G. · Zhao · B. · Mao · S. · Guo · C. · Yao · X. · Wei · Q. · Han · D. · Yang · B.
Introduction

The classic way of diagnosing prostate cancer (PCa) is by conducting the 12-core systematic biopsy (SB). However, it has a low detection rate for clinically significant PCa (csPCa) and can lead to the detection of clinically insignificant PCa (cisPCa). Although MRI-transrectal ultrasound (MRI-TRUS) fusion targeted biopsy (TB) can effectively improve the detection rate of csPCa, it may still miss some cases. Therefore, we propose using a combination of TB and SB methods to enhance the detection rate of csPCa while minimising the detection rate of cisPCa.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective, single-centre investigation that aims to assess and compare the detection rate of csPCa using MRI-TRUS fusion TB combined with SB versus TRUS 12-core SB alone. Biopsy-naïve men with suspected PCa will be subjected to multiparametric MRI. Patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (V.2.1) score ≥3 will be enrolled in the TB-SB combination group. The sample size is established as 660 participants, considering a 10% drop-out rate. The primary outcome is the detection rate of csPCa in men without prior biopsy using MRI-TRUS fusion TB combined with the standard TRUS-guided 12-core SB method. CsPCa will be defined as International Society of Urological Pathology Grade ≥2.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee at the Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, an affiliated hospital of Tongji University School of Medicine. The research results will be published in a peer-reviewed international journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000036089.

The effectiveness of interventions to reduce cancer‐related stigma: An integrative review

Abstract

Aims

The clinical significance of cancer-related stigma on patients' well-being has been widely established. Stigma can be perceived and internalised by cancer patients or implemented by the general population and healthcare workers. Various interventions have been carried out to reduce cancer-related stigma, but their effectiveness is not well-understood. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce cancer-related stigma.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

This integrative review combined both qualitative and quantitative studies and followed five steps to identify problems, search for the literature, appraise the literature quality, analyse data, and present data. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (version 2018) was applied to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

Data Sources

Databases included Web of Science, MEDLINE, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Journals, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, OVID, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (from the inception of each database to 30 April 2021).

Results

Eighteen quantitative, six qualitative, and five mixed-methods studies were included in this review. Cultural factors should be considered when conducting interventions to reduce cancer-related stigma. For cancer patients, multi-component interventions have demonstrated a positive effect on their perceived stigma. For general population, interactive interventions show promise to reduce their implemented stigma towards cancer patients. For healthcare workers, there is a paucity of studies to reduce their implemented stigma. Existing studies reported inconclusive evidence, partially due to the lack of a robust study design with an adequate sample size.

Conclusions

Multi-component and interactive interventions show promise to relieve cancer-related stigma. More methodologically robust studies should be conducted in different cultures to elucidate the most appropriate interventions for different populations to reduce cancer-related stigma.

Implication for the Profession and Patient Care

These findings will facilitate healthcare workers to design and implement interventions to reduce cancer-related stigma, thus improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Patient and Public Contribution

No patient and public contribution.

Meta‐analysis on the impact of immune senescence: Unravelling the interplay in cutaneous wound healing and lung cancer progression

Abstract

The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to provide the comprehensive understanding of the intricate correlation that existed between immune senescence and its effects on the advancement of lung cancer as well as recovery of cutaneous wounds. By conducting this systematic review of six rigorous studies utilizing databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, this research examined the multitude of facets pertaining to immune aging and consequences it bear on the health outcomes. The incorporated studies encompassed wide range of geographical and methodological viewpoints, with the specific emphasis on non-small-cell lung cancer and diverse scenarios related to wound recovery. This analysis synthesized discoveries regarding therapeutic responses, cellular and molecular mechanisms and impact of lifestyle factors on immune senescence. The findings suggested that immune senescence has substantial impact on the effectiveness of treatments for lung cancer and cutaneous wounds healing process; therefore, targeted therapies and holistic approaches may be able to mitigate these effects. By following the revised PRISMA guidelines, this meta-analysis guarantee thorough and ethically sound methodology for amalgamating pre-existing literature. The study concluded by emphasizing the critical nature of comprehending immune senescence in the context of clinical practice and proposed avenues for further investigation to enhance health results among the elderly.

Biofilm therapy for chronic wounds

Abstract

Chronic wounds have been a major factor of serious harm to global public health. At present, it is known that almost all chronic wounds contain biofilms, which seriously hinder the healing process. Removal of biofilms can effectively promote the healing of chronic wounds. As the study of wound biofilms deepens, many new treatment methods have emerged, thus bringing revolutionary means for the treatment of chronic wound biofilm. This review summarizes various methods for the treatment of chronic wound biofilm worldwide to provide a theoretical summary and practical basis for the selection of suitable wound biofilm treatment methods in clinical practice.

Investigating healthcare workforce recruitment and retention: a mixed-methods study protocol

Por: Alkan · E. · Cushen-Brewster · N. · Anyanwu · P.
Introduction

Although the sustainability of the health workforce has been identified as essential to achieving health and wider development objectives, challenges with securing and retaining the healthcare workforce persist. In the UK, there are notable shortages across a wide range of National Health Service (NHS) staff groups, with a high staff turnover indicating retention issues in the healthcare workforce. In addition, gaps exist in understanding the root cause of individual organisation’s workforce deficiencies and how their practice environment factors interact to impact workforce recruitment and retention.

Methods and analysis

An exploratory mixed-methods approach will be conducted to investigate the impact of organisational practice environment factors on healthcare workforce recruitment and retention in two Integrated Care Systems (ICS) in the East of England. We will conduct an online survey of newly qualified and established nurses and allied health professionals using a questionnaire adapted from two validated instruments. Our calculation suggests a sample size of 373 participants, we will aim to surpass this in our recruitment to strengthen the statistical analyses. Multilevel linear regression models will be fitted to evaluate the association between organisational practice environmental factors and staff recruitment and retention. The qualitative interviews will explore the experiences and perspectives of staff and senior leaders to explain the survey results and any significant associations therein. Also, the interviews will explore how to strengthen the partnership between higher education institutions, Health Education England, health and care service providers, NHS nursing and allied health professional staff to enhance recruiting and retaining staff. An exploratory inductive coding and analysis will follow Braun and Clarke’s recommendations to generate key themes from transcribed interview data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained through the University of Suffolk Research Ethics Committee (approval number: RETH(S)22/051). Findings from our work will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals; presentations at stakeholders’ events, professional and academic conferences; and short reports for stakeholders, including participating ICSs.

Study protocol of short-course radiotherapy combined with CAPOX and PD-1 inhibitor for locally advanced colon cancer: a randomised, prospective, multicentre, phase II trial (TORCH-C)

Por: Zhang · H. · Li · Y. · Xia · F. · Sun · Y. · Shen · L. · Wan · J. · Chen · Y. · Wang · Y. · Zhou · M. · Wu · R. · Zhou · S. · Wang · Y. · Liu · F. · Cai · S. · Zhang · Z.
Introduction

The preliminary result of the TORCH trial has shown a promising complete response (CR) for managing locally advanced rectal cancer with neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) combined with chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor. For locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) with bulky nodal disease and/or clinically T4, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by colectomy with en bloc removal of regional lymph nodes is the suggested treatment. However, the CR rate is less than 5%. TORCH-C will aim to investigate neoadjuvant SCRT combined with chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor in LACC.

Methods and analysis

TORCH-C is a randomised, prospective, multicentre, double-arm, open, phase II trial of SCRT combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in LACC with microsatellite stable (MSS) patients and cT4 or bulky nodes. Eligible patients will be identified by the multidisciplinary team. 120 patients will be randomised 1:1 to the intervention or control arm. The patients in the control arm will receive four cycles of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX). The patients in the intervention arm will receive SCRT, followed by four cycles of CAPOX and PD-1 inhibitor (serplulimab). Both arms will receive curative surgery, followed by four cycles of CAPOX. The primary endpoint is pathological complete regression.

TORCH-C (TORCH-colon) trial aims to investigate whether the combination of immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy improves the treatment effect in LACC with MSS. TORCH-C will establish the TORCH platform, a key part of our long-term strategy to develop neoadjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (approval number: 2211265-12).

Trial registration number

NCT05732493

Studying the effects of stress, mental health and psychological well‐being on wound healing rates after oesophageal varices ligation in liver cirrhosis patients

Abstract

It is of utmost importance to comprehend the impact that psychological factors have on physical rehabilitation, specifically in regards to wound healing following ligation of oesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. The present study investigated the correlation between wound recovery rates and psychological well-being, stress and mental health. From January 2022 to September 2023, 148 patients from were evaluated as part of this cross-sectional observational study. The psychological well-being of participants was evaluated utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). The rates of wound recovery were assessed following ligation. The mean duration for wound recovery was 28.37 ± 9.65 days. The mean wounds healing time of patients who obtained higher PSS scores (18.55) was marginally longer. On the contrary, there was a moderate reduction in healing time associated with higher HADS scores (mean 14.10). On average (68.88), PGWBI scores indicated a negligible effect on wound healing. The variance in healing durations between Child-Pugh classifications A, B and C (mean values of 28.65, 26.90 and 29.57 days respectively) suggested that the severity of liver disease has an impact. As a result of ligation of oesophageal varices, the study demonstrated that psychological factors and wound recovery in patients with liver cirrhosis are intricately intertwined. There seems to be the substantial and intricate relationship between stress, mental health and wound recovery. The results of this study supported the notion that psychological evaluation and support should be incorporated into the management of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Suicide death, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aims

Diabetes has been indicated to be a risk factor for suicide. We aim to estimate the prevalence of suicide in patients with diabetes.

Design

A meta-analysis using PRISMA methodology was adopted to examine the incidence of suicide in diabetic patients.

Data Sources

From inception to October 2022, three online databases (PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science) were used to search studies.

Review Methods

We used random-effects model to analysis. And our primary outcome was the incidence of suicide death per 100 person-years, and other outcomes were prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. To explore the sources of heterogeneity in our study, we performed subgroup and meta-regression analyses.

Results

The suicide death rate in diabetic patients was 0.027 per 100 person-years, with a higher rate for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus compared to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of suicidal ideation in diabetes patients was 0.175, with a higher prevalence in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus compared to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of suicide attempts in diabetes patients was 0.033, indicating a higher rate for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus compared to Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Conclusions

The results indicate a high rate of suicide among people with diabetes, and this study identifies populations and regions at high risk for suicide. Our review emphasizes interventions in mental health and the improvement of suicide prevention programmes.

Impact

The study investigated suicide death, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in diabetic individuals. Suicide rates are elevated among diabetic patients, and various patient groups face distinct suicide risks. It is important to prioritize the mental well-being of diabetic individuals and enhance interventions, including personalized approaches, to inform public health efforts aimed at preventing and addressing suicide among diabetic patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Effects of enhanced recovery after surgery nursing program on the surgical site wound infection and postoperative complications in patients of gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the impact of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept on surgical site wound infections and postoperative complications in gastric cancer patients. A comprehensive computerized search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), from database inception to November 2023, exploring the application of the ERAS concept in the perioperative period of gastric cancer surgery. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and conducted quality assessments based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. A total of 24 RCTs involving 2050 gastric cancer patients were included. The analysis revealed a significantly lower incidence of wound infections (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.14–0.40, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.15–0.27, p < 0.001) in the ERAS group compared to the standard care group. This study demonstrates that the application of the ERAS concept during the perioperative period in gastric cancer surgery can effectively reduce the occurrence of wound infections and complications, thereby facilitating postoperative recovery.

Effects of exercise in treating patients with venous leg ulcers: An umbrella review

Abstract

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) represent a substantial challenge within the healthcare landscape, thereby necessitating efficacious therapeutic strategies. Exercise has been investigated as a prospective intervention to bolster the management of VLUs. The objective of this comprehensive review is to systematically scrutinize and appraise the extant body of evidence pertaining to the impact of exercise on the treatment of patients diagnosed with VLUs. A comprehensive literature search was executed across multiple databases, encompassing PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. The methodological rigour was evaluated utilizing the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) instrument, while the quality of the evidence was appraised via the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) classification system. The relative efficacy of exercise interventions on outcomes related to VLUs, including rates of wound healing, total range of motion in the ankle joint, and adherence rates, was synthesized. Data were consolidated employing fixed-effects models, and the impact of exercise on these outcomes was visually represented through the use of forest plots. The methodological foundation of this investigation comprised four systematic reviews and meta-analyses, each characterized by an intermediate level of methodological rigour and evidence quality. Subsequent analyses revealed that exercise interventions exert a multifaceted and favourable impact on the therapeutic landscape of VLUs. These interventions distinctly contribute to the enhancement of wound healing rates (risk difference 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.28) and the extension of ankle range of motion (mean difference [MD] 6.10, 95% CI: 4.61–7.59). Furthermore, Pooled adherence rate was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.20–2.45) with no significant heterogeneity. In conclusion, although existing evidence supports the positive impact of exercise training on VLUs, higher-quality research is still needed to deepen our understanding of its effects and provide more specific guidance for clinical practice.

Reliability of evidence supporting the role of electrical stimulation in the treatment of pressure ulcers

Abstract

To systematically appraise the evidence from overlapping systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on electrical stimulation for pressure ulcers. A thorough search of public databases was conducted to collect SRs/MAs on electrical stimulation for pressure ulcers. Two independent authors used the AMSTAR-2 tool, the PRISMA checklists and the GRADE system to appraise the methodological quality, reporting quality and evidence quality of eligible SRs/MAs. Ten eligible SRs/MAs were included. The methodological quality of two SRs/MAs were determined to be high, six were determined to be very low and two were assessed as being of low quality. For PRISMA checklists, potential factors that undermined the quality of reporting were the lack of reporting on the registration of protocols, search, additional analysis of methodology and additional analysis of results. With GRADE, the evidence quality of two outcomes were determined to be moderate, six were determined to be low and two were assessed as being of very low quality. Electrical stimulation appears to be an adjunctive therapy that may promote the healing of pressure ulcers, but the available evidence suggests caution in recommending electrical stimulation widely for the treatment of pressure ulcers. Large-scale trials are the focus of future research to find out how electrical stimulation affects all important outcomes.

Understanding the impact of chronic diseases on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy using propensity score matching: Internet‐based cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To investigate whether chronic diseases are associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and explore factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in patients with chronic diseases.

Background

Vaccine hesitancy has been acknowledged as one of the greatest hazards to public health. However, little information is available about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases who may be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, severe disease or death.

Methods

From 6 to 9 August 2021, we performed an internet-based cross-sectional survey with 22,954 participants (14.78% participants with chronic diseases). Propensity score matching with 1:1 nearest neighbourhood was used to reduce confounding factors between patients with chronic diseases and the general population. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors impacting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified among patients with chronic diseases.

Results

Both before and after propensity score matching, patients with chronic diseases had higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than the general population. In addition, self-reported poor health, multiple chronic diseases, lower sociodemographic backgrounds and lower trust in nurses and doctors were associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic diseases were more hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. Nurses should focus on patients with chronic diseases with poor health conditions, low socioeconomic backgrounds and low trust in the healthcare system.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Clinical nurses are recommended to not only pay more attention to the health status and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with chronic diseases but also build trust between nurses and patients by improving service levels and professional capabilities in clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or the public were not involved in setting the research question, the outcome measures, or the design or implementation of the study. However, all participants were invited to complete the digital informed consent and questionnaires.

Effect of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection on postoperative wound bleeding‐related complications in patients with superficial esophageal cancer: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Operative therapy for superficial esophagus carcinoma is the main way to treat the disease. Endoscopic excision of lesions in the esophagus has become an alternative to surgical treatment for patients with esophageal carcinoma. To overcome the disadvantages of endoscope mucosa excision (EMR), an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique has been developed. Although ESD is one of the most effective methods of endoscopy in patients with digestive tract tumors, there are potential complications after surgery, including hemorrhage in the surgical area and stenosis of the esophagus. The objective of this study was to evaluate EMR versus ESD based on post-operative hemorrhage and esophagus stenosis. All the related articles were retrieved from the e-databases. The main results were postoperative perforation, hemorrhage, and stenosis after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post-operative wound hemorrhage (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.36–3.29 p = 0.89). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of perforation after surgery (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.17–1.95 p = 0.37). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of esophageal stricture after surgery (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.26–5.15 p = 0.85). This analysis was different from the earlier meta-analysis because ESD and EMR did not show any notable differences with respect to the incidence of perforation after surgery, the hemorrhage of the wound or the stenosis of the esophagus. These findings must, however, be supported by more high-quality studies.

The impact of different antibiotic injection regimens on patients with severe infections: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Severe infection is a critical health threat to humans, and antibiotic treatment is one of the main therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, the efficacy of various antibiotic injection regimens in severe infection patients remains uncertain. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of various antibiotic injection strategies on patients with severe infection through a meta-analysis. Relevant research literature was collected by searching databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The retrieved literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data, including study design, sample size, and antibiotic regimens, were extracted from the included studies. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool was employed to assess the risk of bias in each study. Statistical analysis was performed based on the results of the included studies. A total of 15 articles were included, covering various types of severe infection patients, including pulmonary and abdominal infections. The analysis provided insights into mortality rates, treatment efficacy, adverse reactions (ARs), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) scores, among other outcomes. The results indicated that combination therapy was superior to monotherapy in terms of mortality rate, treatment efficacy, and APACHE scores, while the incidence of ARs was lower in the monotherapy group compared to the combination therapy group (p < 0.05). Combination therapy showed better treatment efficacy compared to monotherapy, although it was associated with a higher incidence of ARs.

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