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To evaluate the acceptability, mechanisms of impact, and contextual factors affecting a 9-month, nurse-led self-management intervention specifically designed for newly diagnosed patients with inflammatory arthritis, from both the patient and healthcare professional (HPs) perspectives.
A qualitative longitudinal study.
Individual baseline and follow-up interviews were conducted with 12 patients (baseline n = 12; follow-up n = 10) and four focus group interviews were conducted with 4 HPs at key intervention stages. Interview guides were drafted with open-ended questions and iteratively refined across interviews to match the evolving stages of the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using template analysis. This study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ): 32-item checklist.
Patients valued the tailored individual sessions, which provided emotional support and improved their understanding of IA. Group sessions received mixed feedback, with some patients suggesting a need for more organisation. The intervention fostered a sense of community, reducing isolation and empowering patients to navigate the healthcare system better. HPs praised the patient-centred approach and emphasised the importance of training and organisational support.
Both patients and HPs highly accepted our nurse-led self-management intervention, though group sessions received mixed feedback. Key impact mechanisms were the proactive management of symptoms and lifestyle, and the intervention's tailored support and emotional guidance. The HPs experienced professional growth but scheduling occasionally conflicted with regular work.
This study has provided valuable information in understanding intervention mechanisms. Findings from the evaluation will be used to refine the intervention.
Two patients contributed to the development of the intervention, and a patient research partner was actively engaged in all phases of this study.
Background
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers around the world have experimented with technologies to facilitate communication and care for patients and their care partners.
Methods
Our team reviewed the literature to examine best practices in utilizing technology to support communication between nurses, patients, and care partners while visitation is limited. We searched four major databases for recent articles on this topic, conducted a systematic screening and review of 1902 articles, and used the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Model & Guidelines to appraise and translate the results of 23 relevant articles.
Results
Our evaluation yielded three main findings from the current literature: (1) Virtual contact by any technological means, especially video visitation, improves satisfaction, reduces anxiety, and is well-received by the target populations. (2) Structured video rounding provides effective communication among healthcare workers, patients, and offsite care partners. (3) Institutional preparation, such as a standardized checklist and dedicating staff to roles focused on facilitating communication, can help healthcare workers create environments conducive to therapeutic virtual communication.
Discussion
In situations that require healthcare facilities to limit visitation between patients and their care partners, the benefits of virtual visitation are evident. There is variance in the types of technologies used to facilitate virtual visits, but across all of them, there are consistent themes demonstrating the benefits of virtual visits and virtual rounding. Healthcare institutions can prepare for future limited-visitation scenarios by reviewing the current evidence and integrating virtual visitation into modern healthcare delivery. 
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