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Nurses' attitudes towards COVID‐19 vaccines: A qualitative study (PROACTIVE‐study)

Abstract

Aim

To explore the attitudes of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 vaccines.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted between October and November 2021, with a total of 30 nurses from different contexts in Northern Italy. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts.

Results

Three main themes were identified: ‘favourable’, ‘unsure’ and ‘contrary to’ COVID-19 vaccines. The favourable position was underpinned by trust in science, research and vaccination; protection for themselves, their families, patients and the population; duty as professionals; necessity to set an example for others. Participants who were unsure had doubts about the composition, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and were sometimes afraid that media provided incomplete information. The main reason why nurses were against was the feeling that being forced to vaccinate perceived as blackmail. Favourable or unsure nurses struggled to deal with those who were against and developed a series of emotions that ranged from respect and attempt to rationalize, to frustration and defeat.

Conclusions

Identifying the areas of hesitation is essential to understand what affects the choices of acceptance, delay or refusal of vaccination. The issues that emerged regarding proper communication within the vaccination campaign highlights the key importance of adequate vaccination strategies.

Implication for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Understanding attitudes towards vaccine and related motivations among healthcare workers could help develop more specific and targeted vaccination campaigns that can ensure proper vaccination coverage rates and avoid hesitancy or refusal.

Impact

Healthcare workers experiences of COVID-19 vaccines, their views and know how they feel during COVID-19 vaccinations. Healthcare workers had three different positions in COVID-19 vaccination. This research will guide and target future vaccination campaigns.

Reporting Method

The study is reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Measurement properties of patient‐reported outcome measures for women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, is a subjective experience, and can only be assessed by patient-reported outcomes. These instruments should be reliable, valid and responsive.

Aim

To identify and critically appraise the available evidence for the measurement properties of specific patient-reported outcome measures used for dysmenorrhea.

Methods

The PRISMA statement was used to report this systematic review. Databases searched were PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar (April 2021; updated on February 2023). Original studies with primary data collection, with no restriction on language and publication date that reported psychometric properties of one or more dysmenorrhea-related patient-reported outcome measure. The literature searches, selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias were performed independently by two reviewers and followed the COSMIN guidelines.

Results

Thirty studies were analysed in this review, and 19 patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated. The instruments varied in relation to the measured construct and measurement properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness). The methodological quality of the studies and the quality of evidence of the patient-reported outcome measures were variable. Among the 13 studies that reported the development of patient-reported outcome measures, most had inadequate methodological quality, and the overall rating was insufficient or inconsistent.

Conclusions

The Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) scale was the only identified patient-reported outcome measure that has the potential to be recommended because of its sufficient rating combined with moderate quality of evidence for content validity. Future studies should further evaluate the measurement properties of the existing patient-reported outcome measures, or develop new patient-reported outcome measures following the COSMIN methodology.

Patient or public contribution

Not applicable as this is a systematic review.

Trial registration

PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021244410. Registration on April 22, 2021.

Patient‐related decisional regret: An evolutionary concept analysis

Abstract

Background

Health-related decision-making is a complex process given the variability of treatment options, conflicting treatment plans, time constraints and variable outcomes. This complexity may result in patients experiencing decisional regret following decision-making. Nonetheless, literature on decisional regret in the healthcare context indicates inconsistent characterization and operationalization of this concept.

Aim(s)

To conceptually define the phenomenon of decisional regret and synthesize the state of science on patients' experiences with decisional regret.

Design

A concept analysis.

Methods

Rodgers' evolutionary method guided the conceptualization of this review. An interdisciplinary literature search was conducted from 2003 until 2023 using five databases, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science. The search informed how the concept manifested across health-related literature. We used PRISMA-ScR checklist to guide the reporting of this review.

Results

Based on the analysis of 25 included articles, a conceptual definition of decisional regret was proposed. Three defining attributes underscored the negative cognitive-emotional nature of this concept, post-decisional experience relating to the decision-making process, treatment option and/or treatment outcome and an immediate or delayed occurrence. Antecedents preceding decisional regret comprised initial psychological or emotional status, sociodemographic determinants, impaired decision-making process, role regret, conflicting treatment plans and adverse treatment outcomes. Consequences of this concept included positive and negative outcomes influencing quality of life, health expectations, patient-provider relationship and healthcare experience appraisal. A conceptual model was developed to summarize the concept's characteristics.

Conclusion

The current knowledge on decisional regret is expected to evolve with further exploration of this concept, particularly for the temporal dimension of regret experience. This review identified research, clinical and policy gaps informing our nursing recommendations for the concept's evolution.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This concept analysis examines existing literature and does not require patient-related data collection. The methodological approach does not necessitate collaboration with the public.

Identifying the contributors to nursing caring success stories

Abstract

Aims

To (a) seek examples of nursing caring success stories and (b) identify the common contributors to these successes. By focusing on the successes of nursing care rather than critically examining failures, this research seeks to provide examples of proven and feasible approaches and processes for improving care.

Design

This study used a narrative inquiry design.

Methods

Data were collected through group interviews. Four interviews were conducted with a total of 20 nurse participants working in inpatient settings in South Australian hospitals. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data.

Results

Two dominant themes concerning the contributors to caring success were identified. These contributors were (1) the provision of holistic care and (2) the influence of the caring community, which includes family members and other patients. The findings also indicated that the definition of caring success according to nurses is not aligned with organisational performance indicators but is more closely represented by caring values.

Conclusion

Success, according to nurses, is not exclusively defined by patient outcomes but includes the approach to, and process of, care delivery.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses value the caring process while working in an environment that primarily values clinical and systems-level outcomes. Nurses want patients and their families, allied health professionals and hospital executives to be involved and invested in the process of care.

Impact

This study addressed a gap in the current literature to identify commonalities in nursing success stories, the contributors informing these successes and how these contributors can facilitate improved patient care. Understanding nursing definitions of caring success provides an opportunity to expand upon current accepted industry definitions and perspectives such as key performance indicators.

Reporting Method

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No direct patient or public contribution.

Shared decision making for patients with kidney failure to improve end‐of‐life care: Development of the DESIRE intervention

Abstract

Aim

To describe the development of a shared decision making intervention for planning end-of-life care for patients with kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals in kidney services.

Background

End-of-life care conversations within standard disease management consultations are challenging for patients with kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals. End-of-life care planning is about making difficult decisions in advance, which is why health professionals need shared decision making skills to be able to initiate end-of-life conversations. Health professionals report needing more skills to raise the issue of end-of-life care options within consultations and patients want to be able to discuss issues important to them about future care plans.

Methods

The development design was guided by the UK Medical Research Council's framework and a user-centred approach was applied. Four workshops were conducted with end users. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication for Population Health and Policy interventions was used to shape which questions needed to be answered through the workshops and to present the intervention. The International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) criteria set the standards to be achieved.

Results

Areas considered significant to a shared decision making intervention were training of health professionals, conversations about end-of-life care, planning and evaluation of the decisions, reporting decisions in health records and repetition of consultation. The development process went through 14 iterations.

Conclusion

An intervention named DESIRE was developed that comprises: (1) a training programme for health professionals; (2) shared decision making conversations; and (3) a patient decision aid. The intervention met 30 out of 33 IPDAS criteria.

Implications for practice

DESIRE is intended to support shared decision making about planning end-of-life care among patients with kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals. The study provides important tools for the stakeholders engaged that can be used within different models of care.

Impact

What problem did the study address?

International guidelines recommend health professionals involve patients with kidney failure in making decisions about end-of-life care, but there is variation in how this is implemented within and across kidney services. Furthermore, patients, relatives and health professionals find it challenging to initiate conversations about end-of-life care.

What were the main findings?

The study resulted in the development of a complex intervention, called DESIRE, about shared decision making and planning end-of-life care for patients with kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals in kidney services, including a training programme for health professionals, shared decision making conversations and a patient decision aid.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?

The research contributes a shared decision making intervention to patients in the later stage of kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals. We believe that the DESIRE intervention could be introduced during consultations with health professionals at an earlier stage of the patient's illness trajectory, as well as being applied to other chronic diseases.

Reporting Method

This intervention development research is reported according to the GUIDance for the rEporting of intervention Development (GUIDED) checklist and the DEVELOPTOOLS Reporting Checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, relatives and health professionals have been involved throughout the research process as part of the research team and advisory board. For this study, the advisory board has particularly contributed to the development process of the DESIRE intervention by actively participating in the four workshops, in the iterations between the workshops and in the preparation of the manuscript.

Barriers and facilitators in self‐care and management of chronic kidney disease in dialysis patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

Aim

To identify and synthesise qualitative studies on barriers and facilitators perceived by dialysis patients in relation to self-care and disease management.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative studies.

Data Sources

Qualitative study articles were extracted from PUBMED, MEDLINE, COCHRANE, WEB OF SCIENCE (WOS), CINAHL PsycINFO and EMBASE and electronic journals of the Spanish Society of Nephrology and Spanish Society of Nephrological Nursing until May 2022. Studies on barriers and/or facilitators affecting self-care and disease management expressed by people undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were included.

Review Methods

The SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention, Comparison and Evaluation) strategy was used to develop issues and subissues through the thematic synthesis of the qualitative findings. GRADE-CERQual was used to evaluate the articles.

Results

From 172 articles, 15 qualitative articles about barriers and facilitators perceived by patients concerning self-care and disease management were finally included. Identified eight facilitators and four barriers.

Conclusion

Patients perceived a significant number of barriers and facilitators. It is possible to identify which aspects facilitate self-management of their disease and to understand that the processes are individualised. This is why therapeutic strategies should be designed to foster the participation and empowerment of the person in the management of the disease.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Identifying the barriers and facilitators concerning the management of chronic kidney disease furnishes us with knowledge for individualised clinical practice and improved care processes.

Impact

This review is the first to synthesise barriers and facilitators in haemodialysis patients about the management of their disease and treatment. The results enable the proposal of improvements in the training of healthcare personnel, clinical practice guidelines and action protocols to improve the daily life and management of the disease by patients.

No patient or public contribution due to this is a systematic review.

The role of nurse–patient mutuality on self‐care behaviours in patients with chronic illness

Abstract

Aim

To examine the role of nurse–patient mutuality on three self-care behaviours in chronic illness patients.

Design

A cross-sectional multi-centre study was conducted.

Methods

Mutuality was measured with the Nurse–Patient Mutuality in Chronic Illness scale which has the dimensions of developing and going beyond, being a point of reference and deciding and sharing care, and self-care was measured with the Self-care of Chronic Illness Inventory (SC-CII). Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of three dimensions of mutuality on self-care maintenance, monitoring and management behaviours controlling for patient gender, age, education, number of medications, and presence of a family caregiver.

Results

The sample included 465 inpatients and outpatients with at least one chronic illness. The three dimensions of mutuality had different roles in their influence on the three dimensions of self-care. Developing and going beyond was significantly associated with self-care maintenance and self-care monitoring behaviours. Point of reference was significantly associated with self-care maintenance behaviour. Deciding and sharing care was significantly associated with self-care monitoring and self-care management behaviours.

Conclusion

The mutuality between nurse and patient may be a novel area of research to support and improve patient self-care behaviours with implications for clinical practice and education.

Implication for Profession and Patient Care

Mutuality between nurse and patient increases patient engagement, symptom recognition, decision-making process and patient-centred approach favouring the development of self-care behaviours.

Impact

Mutuality between nurse and patient is a new concept and its association with the patient outcomes could bring relevance to the nursing profession. Self-care behaviours are important in the management of chronic diseases, but are difficult to perform. Mutuality between nurse and patient influences the three different behaviours of self-care in chronic illness, for this reason it is important to increase the level of mutuality in this dyad.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was followed in this study.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved in the sample of the study.

Distribution and dynamics of <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> s.l. larval habitats in three Senegalese cities with high urban malaria incidence

by Fatou Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Diop, Joseph Chabi, Katherine Sturm-Ramirez, Massila Senghor, El Hadji Diouf, Badara Samb, Seynabou Mocote Diedhiou, Omar Thiaw, Sarah Zohdy, Ellen Dotson, Doudou Sene, Mame Birame Diouf, Valerie Koscelnik, Lilia Gerberg, Abdoulaye Bangoura, Tiffany Clark, Ousmane Faye, Ibrahima Dia, Lassana Konate, El Hadji Amadou Niang

Urban malaria has become a challenge for most African countries due to urbanization, with increasing population sizes, overcrowding, and movement into cities from rural localities. The rapid expansion of cities with inappropriate water drainage systems, abundance of water storage habitats, coupled with recurrent flooding represents a concern for water-associated vector borne diseases, including malaria. This situation could threaten progress made towards malaria elimination in sub-Saharan countries, including Senegal, where urban malaria has presented as a threat to national elimination gains. To assess drivers of urban malaria in Senegal, a 5-month study was carried out from August to December 2019 in three major urban areas and hotspots for malaria incidence (Diourbel, Touba, and Kaolack) including the rainy season (August-October) and partly dry season (November–December). The aim was to characterize malaria vector larval habitats, vector dynamics across both seasons, and to identify the primary eco- environmental entomological factors contributing to observed urban malaria transmission. A total of 145 Anopheles larval habitats were found, mapped, and monitored monthly. This included 32 in Diourbel, 83 in Touba, and 30 in Kaolack. The number of larval habitats fluctuated seasonally, with a decrease during the dry season. In Diourbel, 22 of the 32 monitored larval habitats (68.75%) were dried out by December and considered temporary, while the remaining 10 (31.25%) were classified as permanent. In the city of Touba 28 (33.73%) were temporary habitats, and of those 57%, 71% and 100% dried up respectively by October, November, and December. However, 55 (66.27%) habitats were permanent water storage basins which persisted throughout the study. In Kaolack, 12 (40%) permanent and 18 (60%) temporary Anopheles larval habitats were found and monitored during the study. Three malaria vectors (An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis and An. funestus s.l.) were found across the surveyed larval habitats, and An. arabiensis was found in all three cities and was the only species found in the city of Diourbel, while An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis, and An. funestus s.l. were detected in the cities of Touba and Kaolack. The spatiotemporal observations of immature malaria vectors in Senegal provide evidence of permanent productive malaria vector larval habitats year-round in three major urban centers in Senegal, which may be driving high urban malaria incidence. This study aimed to assess the presence and type of anopheline larvae habitats in urban areas. The preliminary data will better inform subsequent detailed additional studies and seasonally appropriate, cost-effective, and sustainable larval source management (LSM) strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).

Patient and clinician preferences for diabetes management among older adults with co-morbid HIV: A qualitative exploration

by Allison P. Pack, Mary Clare Masters, Rachel O’Conor, Kenya Alcantara, Sophia Svoboda, Reneaki Smith, Fangyu Yeh, Guisselle Wismer, Amisha Wallia, Stacy C. Bailey

Background

Older adults with HIV are at increased risk of developing certain chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As the number and complexity of conditions increases, so do treatment and health care needs. We explored patient and clinician preferences for HIV+T2DM care and perceived solutions to improving care.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study comprised of individual in-depth interviews. Participants included English-speaking patients aged 50 and older living with HIV and T2DM and infectious disease (ID) and primary care (PC) clinicians from a large academic health center in Chicago. Thematic analysis drew from the Framework Method.

Results

A total of 19 patient and 10 clinician participants were interviewed. Many patients reported seeking HIV and T2DM care from the same clinician; they valued rapport and a ‘one-stop-shop’. Others reported having separate clinicians; they valued perceived expertise and specialty care. Nearly all clinicians reported comfort screening for T2DM and initiating first line oral therapy; ID clinicians reported placing referrals for newer, complex therapies. Patients would like educational support for T2DM management; clinicians would like to learn more about newer therapies and easier referral processes.

Conclusions

Patient-centered care includes managing T2DM from a variety of clinical settings for individuals with HIV, yet strategies are needed to better support clinicians. Future research should examine how best to implement these strategies.

Mental-somatic multimorbidity in trajectories of cognitive function for middle-aged and older adults

by Siting Chen, Corey L. Nagel, Ruotong Liu, Anda Botoseneanu, Heather G. Allore, Jason T. Newsom, Stephen Thielke, Jeffrey Kaye, Ana R. Quiñones

Introduction

Multimorbidity may confer higher risk for cognitive decline than any single constituent disease. This study aims to identify distinct trajectories of cognitive impairment probability among middle-aged and older adults, and to assess the effect of changes in mental-somatic multimorbidity on these distinct trajectories.

Methods

Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998–2016) were employed to estimate group-based trajectory models identifying distinct trajectories of cognitive impairment probability. Four time-varying mental-somatic multimorbidity combinations (somatic, stroke, depressive, stroke and depressive) were examined for their association with observed trajectories of cognitive impairment probability with age. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to quantify the association of sociodemographic and health-related factors with trajectory group membership.

Results

Respondents (N = 20,070) had a mean age of 61.0 years (SD = 8.7) at baseline. Three distinct cognitive trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory modelling: (1) Low risk with late-life increase (62.6%), (2) Low initial risk with rapid increase (25.7%), and (3) High risk (11.7%). For adults following along Low risk with late-life increase, the odds of cognitive impairment for stroke and depressive multimorbidity (OR:3.92, 95%CI:2.91,5.28) were nearly two times higher than either stroke multimorbidity (OR:2.06, 95%CI:1.75,2.43) or depressive multimorbidity (OR:2.03, 95%CI:1.71,2.41). The odds of cognitive impairment for stroke and depressive multimorbidity in Low initial risk with rapid increase or High risk (OR:4.31, 95%CI:3.50,5.31; OR:3.43, 95%CI:2.07,5.66, respectively) were moderately higher than stroke multimorbidity (OR:2.71, 95%CI:2.35, 3.13; OR: 3.23, 95%CI:2.16, 4.81, respectively). In the multinomial logistic regression model, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic respondents had higher odds of being in Low initial risk with rapid increase and High risk relative to non-Hispanic White adults.

Conclusions

These findings show that depressive and stroke multimorbidity combinations have the greatest association with rapid cognitive declines and their prevention may postpone these declines, especially in socially disadvantaged and minoritized groups.

Differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hypertension by access to a community-based screening program (POSBINDU): A cross-sectional study from four districts in Indonesia

by Yusuf Ari Mashuri, Vitri Widyaningsih, Alimah Premanawasti, Jaap Koot, Zinzi Pardoel, Jeanet Landsman-Dijkstra, Maarten Postma, Ari Probandari

Background

A high prevalence of hypertension is found in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs) including in Indonesia. However, hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are relativity poor. A community-based program to screen and educate people on non-communicable disease prevention (POSBINDU) was launched by the Indonesian government. However, the association between participation in the POSBINDU program with increasing knowledge, attitude, and practice of hypertension has not been widely assessed. In this study, we compared the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people who accessed the POSBINDU and those who did not access the POSBINDU program. Subsequently, factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people who accessed the POSBINDU and those who did not access the POSBINDU were explored.

Methods

This was an observational study with a cross-sectional design measuring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices for hypertension control in four districts in Indonesia from October 2019 to January 2020. A total of 1,988 respondents were included in this study. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hypertension. Simple logistic regression was used to investigate the correlation between the characteristics of respondents and knowledge, attitudes, and practice status. Multiple logistic regression tests were conducted to investigate factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practice status.

Results

We found that people who accessed POSBINDU had higher odds of having better knowledge (aOR:1.4; 95%CI:1.2–1.8), however, accessed to POSBINDU was associated with lower attitudes (aOR:0.6; 85%CI: 0.5–0.7) and had no association with hypertension-related practice.

Conclusion

People who accessed POSBINDU have an association with good knowledge, but the association with good attitude and practice was less clear. Therefore, an improvement in the POSBINDU program is needed to increase the attitudes and practices of hypertension.

Untargeted lipidomics analysis in women with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comprehensive study

by Laia Bertran, Jordi Capellades, Sonia Abelló, Carmen Aguilar, Teresa Auguet, Cristóbal Richart

There is a phenotype of obese individuals termed metabolically healthy obese that present a reduced cardiometabolic risk. This phenotype offers a valuable model for investigating the mechanisms connecting obesity and metabolic alterations such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Previously, in an untargeted metabolomics analysis in a cohort of morbidly obese women, we observed a different lipid metabolite pattern between metabolically healthy morbid obese individuals and those with associated T2DM. To validate these findings, we have performed a complementary study of lipidomics. In this study, we assessed a liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer untargeted lipidomic analysis on serum samples from 209 women, 73 normal-weight women (control group) and 136 morbid obese women. From those, 65 metabolically healthy morbid obese and 71 with associated T2DM. In this work, we find elevated levels of ceramides, sphingomyelins, diacyl and triacylglycerols, fatty acids, and phosphoethanolamines in morbid obese vs normal weight. Conversely, decreased levels of acylcarnitines, bile acids, lyso-phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines (PC), phosphatidylinositols, and phosphoethanolamine PE (O-38:4) were noted. Furthermore, comparing morbid obese women with T2DM vs metabolically healthy MO, a distinct lipid profile emerged, featuring increased levels of metabolites: deoxycholic acid, diacylglycerol DG (36:2), triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, phosphoethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols, and lyso-phosphatidylinositol LPI (16:0). To conclude, analysing both comparatives, we observed decreased levels of deoxycholic acid, PC (34:3), and PE (O-38:4) in morbid obese women vs normal-weight. Conversely, we found elevated levels of these lipids in morbid obese women with T2DM vs metabolically healthy MO. These profiles of metabolites could be explored for the research as potential markers of metabolic risk of T2DM in morbid obese women.

Spatial variations in the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network density and analysis of the connectomic parameters

by Junning Chen, Marta Aido, Andreas Roschger, Alexander van Tol, Sara Checa, Bettina M. Willie, Richard Weinkamer

Osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) is comprised of micrometre-sized pores and submicrometric wide channels in bone. Accumulating evidence suggests multiple functions of this network in material transportation, mechanobiological signalling, mineral homeostasis and bone remodelling. Combining rhodamine staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, the longitudinal cross-sections of six mouse tibiae were imaged, and the connectome of the network was quantified with a focus on the spatial heterogeneities of network density, connectivity and length of canaliculi. In-vivo loading and double calcein labelling on these tibiae allowed differentiating the newly formed bone from the pre-existing regions. The canalicular density of the murine cortical bone varied between 0.174 and 0.243 μm/μm3, and therefore is three times larger than the corresponding value for human femoral midshaft osteons. The spatial heterogeneity of the network was found distinctly more pronounced across the cortex than along the cortex. We found that in regions with a dense network, the LCN conserves its largely tree-like character, but increases the density by including shorter canaliculi. The current study on healthy mice should serve as a motivating starting point to study the connectome of genetically modified mice, including models of bone diseases and of reduced mechanoresponse.

Nursing assessment of mental health issues in the general clinical environment: A descriptive study

Abstract

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a mental health screening form for early identification and care escalation of mental health issues in general settings. A secondary aim was to explore general nurses' use of the form and their confidence to discuss mental health issues with patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional design comprising a review of clinical records to determine use of the form, instances of missed care and escalation to the mental health team. The survey focused on nurses' confidence in general settings to engage in discussions with patients about mental health. Data were collected from April to December 2022. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement guided this study.

Results

Of 400 patient records, 397 were analysed; 293 (73.8%) of those had mental health screening by nurses. Age was a significant factor, with younger patients more likely to be screened although concerns were typically recognized in older patients. Of the 20 patients identified with mental health concerns, 9 (45%) were referred for further evaluation by the Clinical Liaison Team. While nurses were proactive in assessing physical risks, assessing risk factors that required deeper conversations with patients, including psychiatric history, was lacking. The survey highlighted fewer than half of the respondents (46%, n = 10) felt competent to engage in discussions about mental health; however, most (59%, n = 13) knew when to seek a mental health referral.

Conclusions

General nurses have a role in the early identification and referral of patients with mental health challenges. However, training is imperative to facilitate deeper patient interactions concerning mental health. Integrating mental health checks within general settings is crucial for early detection and intervention, aligning with global quality care standards.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

We received feedback that shaped the research protocol from a consumer representative.

Cradling disparities: A descriptive qualitative study of maternal experiences of mothers from low‐socioeconomic status in the first month postpartum

Abstract

Aim

To explore the experiences, expectations and needs of mothers from low-socioeconomic status at 1 month postpartum.

Design

Descriptive qualitative.

Methods

Mothers from low-socioeconomic status and irrespective of their parity were invited to participate in one-to-one interviews at 1 month postpartum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Written informed consent was obtained.

Results

Twenty mothers participated and six themes were identified: (1) No choice but to find meaning; (2) Father as a major pillar of support; (3) ‘Kampung’ Spirit; (4) Trials and Tribulations of Transition to Motherhood; (5) Shame, guilt and internalized stigma and (6) Reclaiming the power.

Conclusion

This study reflected the unique struggles of mothers from low-socioeconomic status with pregnancy, childbirth and early postpartum and the wider health inequities within Singapore's maternal health system. To provide much-needed support and improved care, the stakeholders within government, healthcare providers and social organizations should consider the niche needs of this community.

Implications for Patient Care

Nurses need to reflect on their own biases and ensure consistent care delivery regardless of socioeconomic status. When delivering patient education, patient-centred and sincere advice rooted in personal experience can help to establish rapport.

Impact

This study is the first to explore the experiences of mothers from low-socioeconomic status in the Singapore context. Low-socioeconomic status mothers experienced less autonomy over their health, the care they received and their childcare options. As mothers adjusted to their new roles, they struggled to cope. However, as they were wary of the stigma surrounding poverty and their guilt of not being a ‘good mother’, they preferred to seek informal support from their family, friends and self-help through learning from social media, as compared to formal, external help.

Reporting Method

COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Nursing/midwifery students' perceptions of caring pedagogy and online learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to gain a better understanding of nursing/midwifery students' perspectives on a pedagogy of caring and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it aimed to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students' perceptions and experience of online learning and students' desire to enter the nursing/midwifery workforce.

Design

Mixed methods.

Methods

A multi-centre cross-sectional survey of Australian nursing and midwifery students was undertaken to explore students’ experience of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

There are several key findings from this study that may be relevant for the future delivery of undergraduate health education, students transitioning to practice and healthcare workforce retention. The study found that although students were somewhat satisfied with online learning during COVID-19, students reported significant issues with knowledge/skill acquisition and barriers to the learning process. The students reported feeling less prepared for practice and identified how clinical staff were unable to provide additional guidance and support due to increased workloads and stress. The textual responses of participants highlighted that connection/disconnection, empathy and engagement/disengagement had an impact on learning during COVID-19.

Conclusion

Connection, engagement and isolation were key factors that impacted nursing students’ online learning experiences. In addition, graduates entering the workforce felt less prepared for entry into practice due to changes in education delivery during COVID-19 that they perceived impacted their level of clinical skills, confidence and ability to practice as new graduate nurses/midwives.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Impact

Attention must be given to the transition of new graduate nurses and midwives whose education was impacted by pandemic restrictions, to support their professional career development and to ensure retention of future healthcare workforce. Connection, engagement and isolation were key factors that impacted nursing students' online learning experiences. Educators should consider how connection and engagement can be actively embedded in the online learning environment.

Comparison of student nurses' expectations and newly qualified nurses' experiences regarding clinical practice: A secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aim

To compare student nurses' expectations and newly qualified nurses' experiences regarding clinical practice in Switzerland 1 year after graduation.

Design

A secondary explorative analysis of a cross-sectional survey.

Methods

The data were sourced from the Swiss National Graduate Survey of Health Professionals covering six universities of applied sciences between 2016 and 2019, with information on three cohorts of bachelor student nurses, with a 1-year follow-up between each year. The participants were 533 bachelor-prepared nursing graduates.

Results

The student nurses' overall expectations included the following top two prioritized aspects: ‘contributing to something important’ and ‘adequate time to spend with patients’. Newly graduated nurses' clinical practice experiences demonstrated that not all expectations were met 1 year after graduation. The largest gaps were found in ‘adequate time to spend with patients’, ‘work–life balance’ and experiencing ‘good management’.

Conclusion

The most crucial expectation gaps are related to having sufficient time to spend with patients and a good work–life balance. The most important result is whether there is a shortage of places for nurses to work rather than the oft-cited shortage of nurses.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The expectations of Swiss newly qualified nurses can be better met by an assessment in the first year about which individual perceptions of workplace characteristics cause them to make choices to change something about their work, affect their job satisfaction or influence their intention to stay.

Impact

Few of the student nurses' expectations were met 1 year after graduation, therefore Swiss healthcare institutions should improve needs assessments to strengthen the nurse workforce starting early in employment. The results underscore the importance of a constructive management culture, such as that in magnet hospitals in the United States which underpins the philosophy of changing in nursing. The results can be used internationally as a benchmark and as a basis for introducing potential interventions for nurse retention.

Reporting Method

This study was reported following the Standardized Reporting of Secondary Data Analyses Checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

There were no patient or public contributions.

Trial and Protocol Registration

This study has not been registered.

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