This study examines the intricate language and communication patterns of nurse-to-nurse handoffs across three units with varying patient acuity levels and nurse–patient ratios, seeking to identify linguistic factors that may affect the quality of information transfer and patient outcomes.
A mixed-methods cross-sectional design.
This study used the Nurse-to-Nurse Transition of Care Communication Model to explore the content and meaning of language in nursing handoffs within a large academic medical centre. Data were collected on three units through digital audio recordings of 20 handoffs between June and September 2022, which were transcribed and analysed using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count programme. Trustworthiness was established by adhering to COREQ and STROBE guidelines for qualitative and quantitative research, respectively.
Analysis revealed a preference for casual, narrative language across all units, with ICU nurses demonstrating a higher confidence and leadership in communication. Cognitive processes such as insight and causation were found to be underrepresented, indicating a potential area for miscommunication. Communication motives driven by affiliation were more pronounced in ICU settings, suggesting a strong collaborative nature. No significant differences were observed among the units post multiple testing adjustments. Speech dysfluencies were most pronounced in ICU handoffs, reflecting possible stress and cognitive overload.
The study highlights the need for improved communication strategies such as interventions to enhance language clarity and incorporating technological tools into handoff processes to mitigate potential miscommunications and errors. The findings advance nursing science by highlighting the critical role of nuanced language in varied-acuity hospital settings and the necessity for structured nurse education in handoff communication and standardized handoff procedures.
This study underscores the critical role of language in nurse-to-nurse handoffs. It calls for enhanced communication strategies, technology integration and training to reduce medical errors, improving patient outcomes in high-acuity hospital settings.
Nurses only.
To develop a trigger tool for parents and lay caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) at home and to validate its content.
This was a multi-method study, using qualitative data, a Delphi method and a concept mapping approach.
A three-round electronic Delphi was performed from December 2021 to April 2022 with a panel of 23 expert parents and 30 healthcare providers, supplemented by a preliminary qualitative exploration of children's signs of deterioration and three consensus meetings to develop the PArents' Trigger Tool for Children with Medical Complexity (PAT-CMC). Cognitive interviews with parents were performed to assess the comprehensiveness and comprehensibility of the tool. The COREQ checklist, the COSMIN guidelines and the CREDES guidelines guided the reporting respectively of the qualitative study, the development and content validity of the trigger tool and the Delphi study.
The PAT-CMC was developed and its content validated to recognize clinical deterioration at home. The tool consists of 7 main clusters of items: Breathing, Heart, Devices, Behaviour, Neuro-Muscular, Nutrition/Hydration and Other Concerns. A total of 23 triggers of deterioration were included and related to two recommendations for escalation of care, using a traffic light coding system.
Priority indicators of clinical deterioration of CMC were identified and integrated into a validated trigger tool designed for parents or other lay caregivers at home, to recognize signs of acute severe illness and initiate healthcare interventions.
The PAT-CMC was developed to guide families in recognizing signs of deterioration in CMC and has potential for initiating an early escalation of care. This tool may also be useful to support education provided by healthcare providers to families before hospital discharge.
Parents of CMC were directly involved in the selection of relevant indicators of children's clinical deterioration and the development of the trigger tool. They were not involved in the design, conducting, reporting or dissemination plans of this research.
To synthesise the dietary expesriences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease by reviewing relevant qualitative studies.
Diet plays a crucial role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is no specific diet that can be recommended for all patients. We conducted a synthesis of qualitative studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dietary management experience of patients with IBD, aiming to provide better dietary guidance in the future.
A qualitative synthesis was conducted following the Thomas and Harden method and reported following the ENTREQ statement.
Qualitative studies were systematically searched in five electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. There was no time limit for publication, and all database searches were up to 10 May, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was utilised to appraise the quality of the included studies. Data for inclusion in articles were extracted and analysed using a thematic synthesis method.
Six studies involving 119 patients were eventually included. The studies were conducted in six different countries. Four major themes were identified: the diet of patients with IBD is completely different from the normal one; manage symptoms and live with the disease by modifying diet; psychological adjustment to eating (be frustrated; worried and afraid; feel ashamed; growth and resilience); barriers and challenges (barriers from perceived social support; conflicts between diet and nutrition; challenges from food hedonism and cravings).
Patients with IBD highlighted the distinction between their diet and the normal diet. Dietary modifications were used as a way to manage symptoms and live with the disease. In addition to physical symptoms, patients experienced diet-related psychological changes. Dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters difficulties and challenges, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.
(1) The implementation of dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters numerous obstacles and complexities, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.
No patient or public contribution.
The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023391545).
To explore adult inpatients' perceptions, understanding and preferences regarding the term ‘malnutrition’ and to identify the terms that adult inpatients report are used by themselves and health workers to describe malnutrition.
This qualitative study was conducted using data collected for a separate qualitative study that investigated factors that influence the dietary intake of long-stay, acute adult inpatients.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of current inpatients. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.
Nineteen interviews were included (mean age 64 years (standard deviation ±17), 10 female (53%), 12 malnourished (63%)). Four categories were identified. ‘Variation in patients' recognition of malnutrition’ represents the differing abilities of patients to understand and identify with the term ‘malnutrition’. ‘Recognising individuals' needs and preferences’ highlights patients' varying beliefs regarding whether ‘malnutrition’ is or is not an appropriate term and participants' suggestion that health workers should tailor the term used to each patient. ‘Inconsistencies in health workers' and patients' practice regarding malnutrition terminology’ encapsulates the multiple terms that were used to describe malnutrition by health workers and patients. ‘Importance of malnutrition education’ summarises patients' views that health workers should provide patient education on malnutrition prevention, management and complications.
Findings highlight variations in patients' perceptions and understanding of the term ‘malnutrition’ and differences in the terms used by patients and health workers to describe malnutrition.
The terminology used by health workers to describe malnutrition risk or malnutrition to their patients can influence patients' recognition of their nutritional status and thus the multidisciplinary management of the condition. To ensure that patients receive information about their malnutrition risk or diagnosis in a way that meets their needs, health workers' practices must be revised. To do this, it is imperative to conduct further collaborative research with patients and health workers to identify optimum terms for ‘malnutrition’ and how health workers should communicate this to patients.
There is a disparity in patients' perceptions, understanding and preferences for the term ‘malnutrition’ and there are inconsistencies in how health workers communicate malnutrition to patients. To support patients' recognition and understanding of their nutritional status, it is imperative for health workers to consider how they discuss malnutrition with patients.
Adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (Tong et al., 2007).
No Patient or Public Contribution.
by Álvaro Huerta Ojeda, Emilio Jofré-Saldía, Jimena Arriagada Molina, Patricia Rojas Quinchavil, María Paz Parada Toledo, Sergio Galdames Maliqueo, María-Mercedes Yeomans-Cabrera, Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera, Frano Giakoni-Ramirez, Maximiliano Bravo
Functional autonomy (FA) is a critical factor in determining the quality of life of older adults (OA), especially in the case of older women (OW), as they face a decline in FA in their later years of life. FA should be assessed early, using valid, reliable, and low-cost tests. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of GDLAM and GDLAM autonomy index (GI) in OW. Thirty-nine OW (71.2 ± 6.50 years) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used to compare the interday test-retest reliability of the five GDLAM tests (seconds) and the GI (points). The five tests represent activities of daily living, such as dressing or wandering around the house, while the GI provides a weighting of the results of the five tests. The analysis consisted of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). A CV ≤ 10% and an ICC ≥ 0.80 were considered acceptable reliability, whereas a CV ≤ 5% and an ICC ≥ 0.90 were considered high reliability. The outcome of the five tests, represented by the GI, showed high interday test-retest reliability (CV = 6.00% and ICC = 0.91). The results of this study demonstrate that the five tests of the GDLAM protocol and the GI have high interday test-retest reliability and good interday reproducibility. From a practical point of view, the GDLAM protocol allows the assessment of FA of community-dwelling OW, providing background for early diagnosis and, with it, the possibility of developing an individualized physical exercise prescription.by Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo, Akingbolabo Daniel Ogunlakin, Christopher Oloruntoba Akintayo, Olaoluwa Sesan Olukiran, Juliana Bunmi Adetunji, Omolola Adenike Ajayi-Odoko, Theophilus Oghenenyoreme Ogwa, Olorunfemi Raphael Molehin, Omolara Olajumoke Ojo, Ramzi A. Mothana, Abdullah R. Alanzi
Background and objectiveDiabetic neuropathy (DN) is a complex type of diabetes. The underlying cause of diabetic nephropathy remains unclear and may be due to a variety of pathological conditions resulting in kidney failure. This study examines the protective effect of the methanolic extract of Spilanthes filicaulis leaves (MESFL) in fructose-fed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy and the associated pathway.
MethodsTwenty-five rats were equally divided randomly into five categories: Control (C), diabetic control, diabetic + metformin (100 mg/kg), diabetic + MESFL 150 mg/kg bw, and diabetic + MESFL 300 mg/kg bw. After 15 days, the rats were evaluated for fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, uric acid, serum creatinine, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Gene expression levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding (CREB), cFOS and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 were examined.
ResultsWe observed that MESFL at 150 and 300 mg/kg bw significantly downregulated the protein expression of cAMP, PKA, CREB, and cFOS and upregulated the Bcl-2 gene, suggesting that the nephroprotective action of MESFL is due to the suppression of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/cFOS signaling pathway. In addition, MESFL increases SOD and CAT activities and GSH levels, reduces MDA levels, and reduces renal functional indices (ALP, urea, uric acid, and creatinine).
ConclusionTherefore, our results indicate that MESFL alleviates the development of diabetic nephropathy via suppression of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/cFOS pathways.
by Gabriela Ferreira Siano, Camila Stefanie Fonseca de Oliveira, Felipe Gaia de Sousa, Suzane Lilian Beier, Adriane Pimenta da Costa-Val
Animal welfare encompasses the overall well-being of an animal, spanning both its physical and mental health, assessable through potential measurements. It stands in contrast to mistreatment, which involves actions, direct or indirect, that endanger an animal’s well-being. This study sought to appraise the factors influencing the Brazilian population’s understanding of dog welfare and mistreatment. The survey questions were adapted from the Animal Welfare Examination Protocol, utilized by veterinarians to evaluate suspected passive abuse cases in dogs. Out of 1377 responses, 1353 were valid and analyzed. Among the 19 assessed indicators, 15 demonstrated an adequate response rate surpassing 90% of all 1353 responses. However, for three questions related to comfort, a smaller yet notable percentage of responses were only minimally adequate. Moreover, in one question within the comfort assessment, 186 participants (13.74%) provided inadequate responses. This implies that these people could potentially subject animals to a state of low Animal Welfare. Lack of knowledge emerged as a potential root of passive abuse, specifically negligence. In the assessment of nutritional indicators, water supply and quality received unanimous adequate responses. In evaluating comfort perceptions, significant associations were noted between gender, dog ownership, family income, and responses regarding resting surface. Regarding health indicators, the majority responded appropriately. Female gender and dog ownership correlated with providing the appropriate response, while not owning a dog was associated with minimally adequate responses. In the context of comfort indicators, "Hitting the Dog" also demonstrated an association with gender, with females tending towards appropriate responses. Given the lack of significant correlation between educational levels and the most suitable responses, it underscores the urgency of implementing environmental education programs in schools with a focus on animal protection.As the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) increases, better treatments that improve healing should reduce complications of these ulcers including infections and amputations. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing outcomes between a novel purified reconstituted bilayer membrane (PRBM) to the standard of care (SOC) in the treatment of non-healing DFUs. This study included 105 patients who were randomized to either of two treatment groups (n = 54 PRBM; n = 51 SOC) in the intent to treat (ITT) group and 80 who completed the study per protocol (PP) (n = 47 PRBM; n = 33 SOC). The primary endpoint was the percentage of wounds closed after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included percent area reduction, time to healing, quality of life, and cost to closure. The DFUs that had been treated with PRBM healed at a higher rate than those treated with SOC (ITT: 83% vs. 45%, p = 0.00004, PP: 92% vs. 67%, p = 0.005). Wounds treated with PRBM also healed significantly faster than those treated with SOC with a mean of 42 versus 62 days for SOC (p = 0.00074) and achieved a mean wound area reduction within 12 weeks of 94% versus 51% for SOC (p = 0.0023). There were no adverse events or serious adverse events that were related to either the PRBM or the SOC. In comparison to the SOC, DFUs healed faster when treated with PRBM. Thus, the use of this PRBM is an effective option for the treatment of chronic DFUs.
by Liangfeng Liu, Yang Chen, Guanwen He, Bingbang Lin, Zhongshou Zhu, Rifu Wei, Yangbin Xu
BackgroundAcute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is characterized by a sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms, which significantly contributes to hospitalizations related to COPD symptoms. Previous research has mainly focused on the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and COPD. However, there were few studies that investigated the short-term mortality rate of AECOPD patients with or without OSA.
MethodsData for our research was taken from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database IV. A total of 1332 patients were included in the study based on well-defined criteria for selection and exclusion. By analyzing the characteristics of AECOPD patients, we compared those with and without OSA.
ResultsThere were 1122 AECOPD patients without OSA, 210 patients with OSA. In comparison to those without OSA, patients with OSA exhibited lower 30-day and 90-day ICU mortality with unadjusted HR, as well as lower hospital mortality with unadjusted OR. However, after adjustments were made, there were no significant associations observed between OSA and short-term mortality, including 30-day ICU mortality, 90-day ICU mortality, ICU mortality, and hospital mortality in AECOPD patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that OSA may act as a risk factor for AECOPD patients with a BMI lower than 30 kg/m2.
ConclusionsThere is no impact on short-term survival in AECOPD patients with OSA under intensive care unit (ICU) management and nursing.
by Sally Caine, Mariam Alaverdashvili, Frederick Colbourne, Gillian D. Muir, Phyllis G. Paterson
Malnutrition after stroke may lessen the beneficial effects of rehabilitation on motor recovery through influences on both brain and skeletal muscle. Enriched rehabilitation (ER), a combination of environmental enrichment and forelimb reaching practice, is used preclinically to study recovery of skilled reaching after stroke. However, the chronic food restriction typically used to motivate engagement in reaching practice is a barrier to using ER to investigate interactions between nutritional status and rehabilitation. Thus, our objectives were to determine if a modified ER program comprised of environmental enrichment and skilled reaching practice motivated by a short fast would enhance post-stroke forelimb motor recovery and preserve forelimb muscle size and metabolic fiber type, relative to a group exposed to stroke without ER. At one week after photothrombotic cortical stroke, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to modified ER or standard care for 2 weeks. Forelimb recovery was assessed in the Montoya staircase and cylinder task before stroke and on days 5–6, 22–23, and 33–34 after stroke. ER failed to improve forelimb function in either task (p > 0.05). Atrophy of extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and triceps brachii long head (TBL) muscles was not evident in the stroke-targeted forelimb on day 35, but the area occupied by hybrid fibers was increased in the EDC muscle (p = 0.038). ER bilaterally increased EDC (p = 0.046), but not TBL, muscle size; EDC muscle fiber type was unchanged by ER. While the modified ER did not promote forelimb motor recovery, it does appear to have utility for studying the role of skeletal muscle plasticity in post-stroke recovery.La enfermería es la labor que abarca la atención autónoma a personas de todas las edades, familias, grupos y comunidades, la principal característica y esencia es el cuidado, implica establecer una relación de comprensión y acompañamiento de manera integral, convirtiéndolos en los principales cuidadores formales en la asistencia, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de mirar su salud mental y bienestar del personal de enfermería. El objetivo fue describir el impacto en la salud mental de un profesional de la enfermería en la atención a pacientes del área COVID en tiempos de pandemia, en el periodo 2022-2023. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, primero mediante el análisis documental y posteriormente mediante el método fenomenológico, descriptivo con base en el estudio de caso, considerando la temporalidad en tres momentos, antes, durante y después de la pandemia por COVID. Los hallazgos dan constancia, de cambios e impactos a nivel biológico, psicológico, social y espiritual que derivan en afectaciones en salud mental que se experimentaron, y, por otro lado, de la escasez acciones para dotar a los profesionales de la salud de un acompañamiento, capacitación y sensibilización en salud mental para la mejora de su labor y bienestar personal.
To identify the characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with severe postpartum haemorrhage (SPPH) in various midwifery institutions in one district in Beijing, especially those without identifiable antenatal PPH high-risk factors, to improve regional SPPH rescue capacity.
Retrospective cohort study.
This study was conducted at 9 tertiary-level hospitals and 10 secondary-level hospitals in Haidian district of Beijing from January 2019 to December 2022.
The major inclusion criterion was SPPH with blood loss ≥1500 mL or needing a packed blood product transfusion ≥1000 mL within 24 hours after birth. A total of 324 mothers with SPPH were reported to the Regional Obstetric Quality Control Office from 19 midwifery hospitals.
The pregnancy characteristics collected included age at delivery, gestational weeks at delivery, height, parity, delivery mode, antenatal PPH high-risk factors, aetiology of PPH, bleeding amount, PPH complications, transfusion volume and PPH management. SPPH characteristics were compared between two levels of midwifery hospitals and their association with antenatal PPH high-risk factors was determined.
SPPH was observed in 324 mothers out of 106 697 mothers in the 4 years. There were 74.4% and 23.9% cases of SPPH without detectable antenatal PPH high-risk factors in secondary and tertiary midwifery hospitals, respectively. Primary uterine atony was the leading cause of SPPH in secondary midwifery hospitals, whereas placental-associated disorders were the leading causes in tertiary institutions. Rates of red blood cell transfusion over 10 units, unscheduled returns to the operating room and adverse PPH complications were higher in patients without antenatal PPH high-risk factors. Secondary hospitals had significantly higher rates of trauma compared with tertiary institutions.
Examining SPPH cases at various institutional levels offers a more comprehensive view of regional SPPH management and enhances targeted training in this area.
Considering the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) worldwide, there is an urgent need to identify efficacious, safe and convenient treatments. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the use of supplements in this domain, with oral supplementation emerging as a viable therapeutic approach for AD or MCI. Nevertheless, given the multitude of available supplements, it becomes imperative to identify the optimal treatment regimen.
Eight academic databases and three clinical trial registries will be searched from their inception to 1 June 2023. To identify randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of supplements on patients with AD or MCI, two independent reviewers (X-YZ and Y-QL) will extract relevant information from eligible articles, while the risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the Rob 2.0 tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcome of interest is the overall cognitive function. Pair-wise meta-analysis will be conducted using RevMan V.5.3, while network meta-analysis will be carried out using Stata 17.0 and ADDIS 1.16.8. Heterogeneity test, data synthesis and subgroup analysis will be performed if necessary. The GRADE system will be employed to assess the quality of evidence. This study is scheduled to commence on 1 June 2023 and conclude on 1 October 2023.
Ethics approval is not required for systematic review and network meta-analysis. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal or at a conference.
PROSPERO (CRD42023414700).
To explore the role of nutritional support in nursing practice on postoperative surgical site wound healing in patients undergoing surgery at risk for pressure ulcers. This study adopted a retrospective experimental design and included a total of 60 patients at risk of pressure ulcers, divided into a nutritional support group and a control group, with 30 people in each group. The nutritional support group implemented specific nutritional support measures after surgery, while the control group received standard postoperative care. Outcome measures included redness and swelling scores, edema scores, anxiety assessments, pain scores, bleeding volume, recovery time and incidence of pressure ulcers. The result indicates that patients who received nutritional support exhibited lower postoperative wound redness and swelling scores compared to the control group (3.11 ± 0.45 vs. 4.85 ± 0.74, p < 0.05). Additionally, the nutritional support group showed significantly lower edema scores (2.75 ± 0.37 vs. 3.53 ± 0.62, p < 0.05). Anxiety levels, as measured by the anxiety assessment scale (SAS), were also lower in the nutritional support group (6.52 ± 1.19 vs. 7.60 ± 1.62, p < 0.05). Moreover, the average healing time was shorter for the nutritional support group (7.27 ± 1.36 days) compared to the control group (9.71 ± 1.84 days, p < 0.05). Postoperative pain scores were lower in the nutritional support group (4.13 ± 0.72 vs. 5.43 ± 0.62, p < 0.05), and patient satisfaction scores were higher (9.42 ± 0.76 vs. 7.25 ± 0.81, p < 0.05). Nutritional support has a positive effect on postoperative wound healing at surgical sites in patients at risk of pressure ulcers in nursing practice. It can significantly reduce redness, swelling, edema, anxiety, and pain scores, reduce bleeding, shorten recovery time, and reduce pressure ulcers. incidence rate.
The aim of this research is to explore the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the cutaneous ulceration of diabetes mellitus (DM). From the beginning of the database until January 2024, we looked through several databases to obtain randomised, controlled PRP studies to treat the wound healing of DM in adult patients. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk-Of-Bias Instrument was used to evaluate the risk of bias in randomised, controlled studies. Funnel plots, sensitivity analyses and Egger regression tests were employed to determine the reliability and effectiveness of the meta-analyses. Depending on the degree of heterogeneity, a fixed or random effect model has been used. The statistical significance was determined to be below 0.05. Altogether 281 trials were collected from the database and entered into Endnote Software for screening, and 15 trials were analysed. It was found that PRP was associated with a higher rate of wound healing (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.42, 4.31 p < 0.0001). PRP was associated with a reduction in the risk of post-operative wound infection (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.99 p = 0.05). PRP was associated with a reduction in the risk of amputations amongst those with DM (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.84 p = 0.009). Overall, PRP treatment for DM is expected to improve the rate of wound healing, decrease the risk of wound infection and decrease the risk of amputations.
The aim of the study was to establish the feasibility of delivering a structured post-diagnosis information and support program to dyads (persons living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers) in two primary care settings.
A two-phase explanatory mixed-method approach guided by the Bowen Feasibility Framework focused on acceptability, implementation, adaptation, integration and efficacy of a five-part programme. In phase 1, the quantitative impact of the programme on the dyadic programme recipients' self-efficacy, quality of life, dyadic relationship and volume of care was measured. In phase 2, inductive content analysis focused on nurse and dyad participant experiences of the programme. Quantitative and qualitative data were reviewed to conclude each element of feasibility.
Four registered nurses working within the participating sites were recruited, trained as programme facilitators and supported to deliver the programme. Eligible dyads attending the respective primary health clinics were invited to participate in the programme and complete surveys at three time points: recruitment, post-programme and 3-month follow-up. Post-programme semi-structured interviews were conducted with dyads and programme facilitators.
Twenty-nine dyads completed the program; the majority were spousal dyads. The programme proved acceptable to the dyads with high retention and completion rates. Implementation and integration of the programme into usual practice were attributed to the motivation and capacity of the nurses as programme facilitators. Regarding programme efficacy, most dyads reported they were better prepared for the future and shared the plans they developed during the programme with family members.
Implementing a structured information and support programme is feasible, but sustainability requires further adaptation or increased staff resources to maintain programme fidelity. Future research should consider selecting efficacy measures sensitive to the unique needs of people living with dementia and increasing follow-up time to 6 months.
This study established the feasibility of registered nurses delivering a post-diagnosis information and support programme for people living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their informal carers in primary care settings. The motivation and capacity of nurses working as programme facilitators ensured the integration of the programme into usual work, but this was not considered sustainable over time. Family carer dyads reported tangible outcomes and gained confidence in sharing their diagnosis with family and friends and asking for assistance. Findings from this study can be used to provide direction for a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of the structured information and support programme in the primary care setting.
The authors have adhered to the EQUATOR STROBE Statement.
A public hospital memory clinic and general medical practice participated in project design, study protocol development and supported implementation.
Workplace incivility is a barrier to safe and high-quality patient care in nursing workplaces and more broadly in tertiary hospitals. The present study aims to systematically review the existing evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of co-worker incivility experienced and witnessed by nurses and other healthcare professionals, the effects of incivility on patient safety culture (PSC) and patient outcomes, and the factors which mediate the relationship between incivility and patient safety.
A systematic review with narrative synthesis and meta-analysis was undertaken to synthesize the data from 41 studies.
Databases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Emcare and Embase. Searches were conducted on 17 August 2021 and repeated on 15 March 2023.
The pooled prevalence of experienced incivility was 25.0%. The pooled prevalence of witnessed incivility was 30.1%. Workplace incivility was negatively associated with the PSC domains of teamwork, reporting patient safety events, organization learning/improvement, management support for safety, leadership, communication openness and communication about error. The composite pooled effect size of incivility on these domains of PSC was OR = 0.590, 95% CI [0.515, 0.676]. Workplace incivility was associated with a range of patient safety outcomes (PSOs) including near misses, adverse events, reduced procedural and diagnostic performance, medical error and mortality. State depletion, profession, psychological responses to incivility, information sharing, help seeking, workload and satisfaction with organizational communication were found to mediate the relationship between incivility and patient safety.
Experienced and witnessed incivility is prevalent in tertiary hospitals and has a deleterious effect on PSC and PSOs. A better understanding of the mechanisms of this relationship will support the development of interventions aimed at reducing both incivility and patient harm.
This study quantifies the effect of incivility on PSC and outcomes. It provides support that interventions focusing on incivility are a valuable mechanism for improving patient care. It guides intervention design by highlighting which domains of PSC are most associated with incivility. It explores the profession-specific experiences of workplace incivility.
This report adheres to PRISMA reporting guidelines.
No patient or public contribution. The focus of this study is the nursing and healthcare workforce, therefore, patient or public involvement not required.
To comprehensively examine the prevailing condition of care dependence among middle-aged individuals who have experienced hemiplegia subsequent to a stroke and were currently undergoing post-acute rehabilitation. Additionally, the study sought to analyse the determinants that impacted this phenomenon.
A single-centre, cross-sectional study design.
During the period from January 2020 to October 2022, a cohort of 196 hemiplegic stroke patients, aged between 40 and 65, and within 6 months of their stroke onset, was selected from the cerebrovascular outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou. The demographic and disease-related data, care dependence level, mental state, nutrition and depression status were collected. Furthermore, all collected data were analysed by descriptive and correlative statistical methods.
The care dependence level was 51.04 ± 9.42, with an incidence of care dependence of 78.1%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age, history of falls, physical dysfunction, chronic comorbidities, depression, nutritional status and cognitive dysfunction were influencing factors for care dependence in the participants after a stroke.
The incidence of care dependence among hemiplegic patients aged from 40 to 65 years old in the early stage after a stroke was high. Nursing staff should focus on these patients with a history of falling, physical dysfunction, comorbidity, depression status, nutritional status and cognitive dysfunction in clinical practice.
The incidence of care dependence in middle-aged hemiplegic patients following a stroke is significantly increased. Some risk factors should be assessed, monitored, and controlled by nursing staff as early as possible in order to reduce the dependence levels in post-acute rehabilitation period and improve the quality of life of hemiplegia patients.
Our study complies with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist: cross-sectional studies (see Table S1).
No patient or public contribution.
In recent years, the influence of artificial intelligence technology on clinical trials has been steadily increasing. It has brought about significant improvements in the efficiency and cost reduction of clinical trials. The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map, describe and summarise the current utilisation of artificial intelligence in recruitment and retention process of clinical trials that has been reported in research. Additionally, the review aims to identify benefits and drawbacks, as well as barriers and facilitators associated with the application of artificial intelligence in optimising recruitment and retention in clinical trials. The findings of this review will provide insights and recommendations for future development of artificial intelligence in the context of clinical trials.
The review of relevant literature will follow the methodological framework for scoping studies provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A comprehensive electronic search will be conducted using the search strategy developed by the authors. Leading medical and computer science databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, IEEE Xplore and Web of Science Core Collection will be searched. The search will encompass analytical observational studies, descriptive observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental studies published in all languages, without any time limitations, which use artificial intelligence tools in the recruitment and retention process of clinical trials. The review team will screen the identified studies and import them into a dedicated electronic library specifically created for this review. Data extraction will be performed using a data charting table.
Secondary data will be attained in this scoping review; therefore, no ethical approval is required. The results of the final review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. It is expected that results will inform future artificial intelligence and clinical trials research.