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Ayer — Mayo 14th 2024Journal of Nursing Scholarship

Documentation of social determinants of health across individuals from different racial and ethnic groups in home healthcare

Abstract

Introduction

Home healthcare (HHC) enables patients to receive healthcare services within their homes to manage chronic conditions and recover from illnesses. Recent research has identified disparities in HHC based on race or ethnicity. Social determinants of health (SDOH) describe the external factors influencing a patient's health, such as access to care and social support. Individuals from racially or ethnically minoritized communities are known to be disproportionately affected by SDOH. Existing evidence suggests that SDOH are documented in clinical notes. However, no prior study has investigated the documentation of SDOH across individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds in the HHC setting. This study aimed to (1) describe frequencies of SDOH documented in clinical notes by race or ethnicity and (2) determine associations between race or ethnicity and SDOH documentation.

Design

Retrospective data analysis.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of 86,866 HHC episodes representing 65,693 unique patients from one large HHC agency in New York collected between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. We reported the frequency of six SDOH (physical environment, social environment, housing and economic circumstances, food insecurity, access to care, and education and literacy) documented in clinical notes across individuals reported as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, multi-racial, Native American, or White. We analyzed differences in SDOH documentation by race or ethnicity using logistic regression models.

Results

Compared to patients reported as White, patients across other racial or ethnic groups had higher frequencies of SDOH documented in their clinical notes. Our results suggest that race or ethnicity is associated with SDOH documentation in HHC.

Conclusion

As the study of SDOH in HHC continues to evolve, our results provide a foundation to evaluate social information in the HHC setting and understand how it influences the quality of care provided.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this exploratory study can help clinicians understand the differences in SDOH across individuals from different racial and ethnic groups and serve as a foundation for future research aimed at fostering more inclusive HHC documentation practices.

AnteayerJournal of Nursing Scholarship

Characterizing nursing time with patients using computer vision

Abstract

Background

Compared to other providers, nurses spend more time with patients, but the exact quantity and nature of those interactions remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interactions of nurses at the bedside using continuous surveillance over a year long period.

Methods

Nurses' time and activity at the bedside were characterized using a device that integrates the use of obfuscated computer vision in combination with a Bluetooth beacon on the nurses' identification badge to track nurses' activities at the bedside. The surveillance device (AUGi) was installed over 37 patient beds in two medical/surgical units in a major urban hospital. Forty-nine nurse users were tracked using the beacon. Data were collected 4/15/19–3/15/20. Statistics were performed to describe nurses' time and activity at the bedside.

Results

A total of n = 408,588 interactions were analyzed over 670 shifts, with >1.5 times more interactions during day shifts (n = 247,273) compared to night shifts (n = 161,315); the mean interaction time was 3.34 s longer during nights than days (p < 0.0001). Each nurse had an average of 7.86 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.13) interactions per bed each shift and a mean total interaction time per bed of 9.39 min (SD = 14.16). On average, nurses covered 7.43 beds (SD = 4.03) per shift (day: mean = 7.80 beds/nurse/shift, SD = 3.87; night: mean = 7.07/nurse/shift, SD = 4.17). The mean time per hourly rounding (HR) was 69.5 s (SD = 98.07) and 50.1 s (SD = 56.58) for bedside shift report.

Discussion

As far as we are aware, this is the first study to provide continuous surveillance of nurse activities at the bedside over a year long period, 24 h/day, 7 days/week. We detected that nurses spend less than 1 min giving report at the bedside, and this is only completed 20.7% of the time. Additionally, hourly rounding was completed only 52.9% of the time and nurses spent only 9 min total with each patient per shift. Further study is needed to detect whether there is an optimal timing or duration of interactions to improve patient outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing time with the patient has been shown to improve patient outcomes but precise information about how much time nurses spend with patients has been heretofore unknown. By understanding minute-by-minute activities at the bedside over a full year, we provide a full picture of nursing activity; this can be used in the future to determine how these activities affect patient outcomes.

Adherence to PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines and scope of systematic reviews published in nursing: A cross‐sectional analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Systematic reviews are considered the highest level of evidence that can help guide evidence-informed decisions in nursing practice, education, and even health policy. Systematic review publications have increased from a sporadic few in 1980s to more than 10,000 systematic reviews published every year and around 30,000 registered in prospective registries.

Methods

A cross-sectional design and a variety of data sources were triangulated to identify the journals from which systematic reviews would be evaluated for adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 reporting guidelines and scope. Specifically, this study used the PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines to assess the reporting of the introduction, methods, information sources and search strategy, study selection process, quality/bias assessments, and results and discussion aspects of the included systematic reviews.

Results

Upon review of the 215 systematic reviews published in 10 top-tier journals in the field of nursing in 2019 and 2020, this study identified several opportunities to improve the reporting of systematic reviews in the context of the 2020 PRISMA statement. Areas of priority for reporting include the following key areas: (1) information sources, (2) search strategies, (3) study selection process, (4) bias reporting, (5) explicit discussion of the implications to policy, and lastly, the need for (6) prospective protocol registration.

Discussion

The use of the PRISMA 2020 guidelines by authors, peer reviewers, and editors can help to ensure the transparent and detailed reporting of systematic reviews published in the nursing literature.

Clinical Relevance

Systematic reviews are considered strong research evidence that can guide evidence-based practice and even clinical decision-making. This paper addresses some common methodological and process issues among systematic reviews that can guide clinicians and practitioners to be more critical in appraising research evidence that can shape nursing practice.

Coping and anxiety symptoms in family carers of dependent older people: Mediation and moderation effects of subjective caregiver burden

Abstract

Introduction

Coping responses influence anxiety symptoms experienced by informal carers. However, only a few studies have investigated the longitudinal association between coping responses and anxiety symptoms in family carers. We also currently have limited knowledge on the mediating or moderating influence of subjective caregiver burden on this relationship over time. The aim of the present study was to investigate the longitudinal relationship between coping and anxiety symptoms in family carers of dependent older people, and examine the mediating or moderating role of subjective caregiver burden over time.

Design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

We recruited and enrolled participants from a probability sample of 132 family carers of older dependent relatives. We measured coping strategies, anxiety symptoms, subjective caregiver burden, and several covariates (sex and intensity of care) at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. We used generalized estimating equations with multiple imputations to examine associations over time.

Results

Considering both direct and indirect effects through subjective burden, anxiety symptoms were positively associated with proactive coping (B = 0.13), planning (B = 0.15), self-distraction (B = 0.24), denial (B = 1.15), venting (B = 0.94) and self-blame (B = 0.90), and negatively associated with positive reframing (B = −0.83) and acceptance (B = −0.75). Subjective caregiver burden moderated the relationship between anxiety symptoms and planning, and the use of denial as a form of coping.

Conclusions

Our results show that subjective caregiver burden is an important moderator and mediator of the longitudinal association between coping responses and anxiety symptoms in carers.

Clinical Relevance

Proactive coping and planning when subjective burden is low, self-distraction, denial, venting, and self-blame significantly increase levels of anxiety and caregiver burden in carers over time. Acceptance and positive reframing however as coping responses are associated with lower levels of anxiety and caregiver burden long-term. Our findings highlight the need for a multi-dimensional approach in future caregiving interventions.

I'm a 45‐year‐old woman in the body of an 80‐year‐old: The multiple losses of living and aging in the shadow of prostitution

Abstract

Introduction

Research on aging women who are involved in prostitution is currently limited, both in terms of the number of studies conducted and their scope. Nevertheless, the available research suggests that women who are aging while involved in prostitution may confront some unique challenges. Thus, the study aims to explore the experiences of aging as narrated by Arab women in prostitution, using Intersectionality as a theoretical framework.

Method

Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used, and semistructured interviews were performed with 12 participants.

Findings

Four themes emerged: “I'm a 45-year-old woman in the body of an 80-year-old:” Loss of physical and mental health; “There is no retirement plan in prostitution: Economic and social losses; As they were taken, my soul went with them too: The loss of the parenting experience and motherhood”; and “I'm going to get older with the disgust clinging to me:” The loss of authentic identity and dignity.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate how aging serves to exacerbate overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalization.

Clinical Relevance

Healthcare professionals, including nurses caring for older women in prostitution, should be aware of their unique circumstances, considering the social, economic, and healthcare obstacles they face. By being cognizant of these factors, healthcare practitioners can provide meaningful assistance in their pursuit of improved quality of life.

An examination of retracted articles in nursing literature

Abstract

Introduction

The output of scholarly publications in scientific literature has increased exponentially in recent years. This increase in literature has been accompanied by an increase in retractions. Although some of these may be attributed to publishing errors, many are the result of unsavory research practices. The purposes of this study were to identify the number of retracted articles in nursing and reasons for the retractions, analyze the retraction notices, and determine the length of time for an article in nursing to be retracted.

Design

This was an exploratory study.

Methods

A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Retraction Watch databases was conducted to identify retracted articles in nursing and their retraction notices.

Results

Between 1997 and 2022, 123 articles published in the nursing literature were retracted. Ten different reasons for retraction were used to categorize these articles with one-third of the retractions (n = 37, 30.1%) not specifying a reason. Sixty-eight percent (n = 77) were retracted because of an actual or a potential ethical concern: duplicate publication, data issues, plagiarism, authorship issues, and copyright.

Conclusion

Nurses rely on nursing-specific scholarly literature as evidence for clinical decisions. The findings demonstrated that retractions are increasing within published nursing literature. In addition, it was evident that retraction notices do not prevent previously published work from being cited. This study addressed a gap in knowledge about article retractions specific to nursing.

Randomized controlled trials in nursing conducted by Latin American research teams: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the cornerstone of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis. RCT identification remains challenging because of limitations in their indexation in major databases and potential language bias. Scientific production in Latin American nursing is steadily increasing, but little is known about its design or main features. We aimed to identify the extent of evidence from RCTs in nursing conducted by Latin American research teams and evaluate their main characteristics, including potential risk of bias.

Design

Scoping review with risk of bias assessment.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review including a comprehensive electronic search in five relevant databases. We completed a descriptive data analysis and a risk of bias assessment of eligible studies using Cochrane's guidance.

Results

We identified 1784 references of which 47 were RCTs published in 40 journals. Twenty (42.6%) RCTs were published in journals in English. Chronic diseases were the most common health conditions studied (29.7%). Fifteen (31.9%) RCTs had a high risk of bias. Thirty (75%) journals were included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) catalog and 5 (16.7%) were journals classified under nursing category. Twenty-one (52.5%) journals explicitly required CONSORT checklist recommendations for RCTs reporting.

Conclusion

Publication of RCTs in nursing by Latin American authors has increased. Most journals where RCTs are published are in English and not specific to nursing. Searches in journals of other disciplines may be necessary to facilitate identification of RCTs in nursing. CONSORT statements need to be actively promoted to facilitate rigorous methodology and reporting of RCTs.

Clinical Relevance Statement

This study highlights the need for an increased research focus on RCTs in nursing in Latin America, and the importance of enhancing the reporting quality of these studies to support evidence-based nursing practice.

Impact of home‐visit nursing service use on costs in the last 3 months of life among older adults: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction

Considering Japan's aging society, the number of older individuals who die at home is expected to increase. In Japan, there are challenges in utilizing and promoting home-visit nursing services at the end of life for community-dwelling older adults. We examined the use of home-visit nursing services at the end of patients' lives and the recommended use patterns of this service (utilization, timing of initiation, and continuity) that contribute to reducing the medical care and long-term care costs (total costs) in the last 3 months of life.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We examined 33 municipalities in Japan, including depopulated areas. The analysis included 22,927 people aged 75 or older who died between September 2016 and September 2018. We used monthly medical care and long-term care insurance claims data. Participants were classified into five groups based on their history of home-visit nursing service use: (1) early initiation/continuous use, (2) early initiation/discontinued or fragment use, (3) not-early initiation/continuous use, (4) not-early initiation/fragment use, and (5) no use. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between total costs in the last 3 months of life and patterns of home-visit nursing service use.

Results

Overall, the median age was 85, and 12,217 participants were men (53.3%). In the last half year before death, 5424 (23.7%) older adults used home-visit nursing services. Multivariable linear regression analysis of the log10-transformed value of total costs revealed that compared with the no use group, the early initiation/continuous use group was estimated to have 0.88 times (95% confidence interval: 0.84, 0.93) the total costs in the last 3 months of life (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Early initiation use of home-visit nursing services may contribute to reducing total costs in the last 3 months of life for Japanese people aged 75 years or older living at home as they approach the end of life.

Clinical relevance

When approaching the end of life, many older adults require daily life care and palliative care. Policymakers are strengthening end-of-life care for community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Although the current results do not demonstrate the effectiveness of home-visit nursing services, they provide a perspective from which to assess the use of home-visit nursing services and its impact on older adults. The findings can be helpful in considering how to provide nursing care in home-care settings for older adults who prefer to spend their final days at home.

Exploring the uses of yoga nidra: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

The purpose of this paper was to review and synthesize published research articles that have utilized yoga nidra as an intervention.

Background

Yoga nidra is a form of guided meditation that has emerged in the literature in the past two decades as an intervention for a variety of medical conditions such as stress and mental health. It differs from traditional yoga, in that it does not require yoga poses. It is a noninvasive, cost-effective approach that is also easily accessible so it can be done in the privacy and comfort of the home.

Design

The integrative review methodology by Whittemore and Knafl (2005) provided the framework for this review.

Methods

The databases CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO were used to search for articles. Inclusion criteria consisted of journal articles in English with no limitations on dates of publication. Studies were excluded if any form of traditional yoga requiring poses was used as an intervention. Also excluded were all types of meditation that were not yoga nidra, systematic reviews, studies that utilized multiple intervention types (i.e., traditional yoga and yoga nidra), and commentaries/brief reports. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was completed for each study.

Results

The 29 studies that were reviewed consisted of 12 randomized controlled trials, 13 quasi-experimental studies, 3 mixed-methods studies, and 1 qualitative study. Outcome variables were categorized according to themes and results were systemically synthesized and reported by theme: (a) stress, (b) mood, (c) well-being, (d) psychologic dysfunction, (e) biomarkers, (f) sleep, and (g) miscellaneous.

Conclusion

Yoga nidra was found to be effective in most of these studies. However, there was some clinical heterogeneity in the sample populations and intervention session lengths, frequencies, and durations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about yoga nidra intervention based solely on the findings presented in this review. More studies are needed overall, particularly ones with larger sample sizes and stronger experimental designs.

Clinical Relevance

Yoga nidra has the potential to be a useful, noninvasive, nonpharmacologic treatment or adjunct for a variety of conditions, particularly mental health.

Supporting Parkinson's disease medication safety for nurses in the acute care setting through an educational intervention study

Abstract

Introduction

Patient medication safety in the acute care setting is a foundational action provided by nurses and healthcare providers for safe patient care. Hospitalization of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be dangerous due to the unique and variable medication regimen required. Patients with PD often have their medication administered inappropriately in the acute care setting (e.g., holding a PD medication in preparation for surgery, not administering the medication on the patient's home schedule, and delaying administration). The research question posed in this study was the following: does a PD medication educational intervention in the clinical setting enhance knowledge, comfort, and competence of practicing nurses in the care of patients with PD regarding their medication safety?

Design

A mixed methods study design was used for this 5-month, two-part study with a sample of practicing RNs at three different hospitals. Part one of the study assessed nurses' initial knowledge of PD and PD medication safety and included an educational intervention. Part two of the study occurred 3 months later and evaluated if knowledge from the educational intervention was retained.

Methods

The study was conducted in two parts and included a pre-test, educational intervention, post-test, and follow-up test 3 months later. The educational intervention consisted of a 15-minute video of two PD advanced practice nurses being interviewed regarding the general care of a patient with PD. The pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test were identical and consisted of six questions regarding knowledge, comfort, and self-perceived competency. Participants were additionally asked three open-ended questions at follow-up to gain insight on the effectiveness of the educational intervention.

Results

A total sample of 252 RNs participated in this study. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge, comfort, and self-perceived competency were observed in the post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. These statistically significant improvements were retained after 3 months, despite a 42.9% decrease in the number of responders (n = 252 vs. n = 144). Additionally, compared to the post-test, there were no statistically significant declines in knowledge, comfort, or competency in the follow-up test. Qualitative findings indicated that the training regarding PD medications was retained and found to be valuable, even if it was seldom applied in practice.

Conclusion

A review of the literature and this study both support the need for increased education for practicing nurses as it relates to PD and PD medication safety. Healthcare systems, organizations, and associations that support continuing education for nurses create a stronger workforce. Education has been found to keep nurses up to date on the latest advances in care and treatment while also providing exposure to other areas of nursing beyond their clinical settings.

Clinical Relevance

Promoting better patient outcomes through safe medication administration is a hallmark of nursing care excellence. This study found that supporting the use of an educational intervention of PD medication safety for nurses improved RN levels of knowledge, comfort, and competency up to 3 months later. As the population of those with PD increases, healthcare systems, and nurses must now, more than ever, be poised to care for these individuals. This is a critical point in PD patient care since persons with PD are hospitalized 1.5 times more than their peers without PD.

Authentic allyship for gender minorities

Abstract

The visibility and discussion on the rights and needs of Trans and Non-Binary communities in relation to healthcare have seen growing prominence in recent years. Despite an overall improvement in access to legal protections, civil rights, and in many jurisdictions specialist provision of healthcare for gender minorities, there remain poorer health outcomes in many areas and ongoing experiences of discrimination and transphobia. In this article, we set out the prerogative for nurses to step up as authentic allies for Trans and Non Binary people and put forward strategies to enhance the experience of gender minorities in healthcare through practice, education, and systems change.

Stigma, social and structural vulnerability, and mental health among transgender women: A partial least square path modeling analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Existing literature suggests that transgender women (TW) may be at high risk for adverse mental health due to stress attributed to combined experiences of stigma and complex social and structural vulnerabilities. Little research has examined how these co-occurring experiences relate to mental health. We aimed to test a theoretically driven conceptual model of relationships between stigma, social and structural vulnerabilities, and mental health to inform future intervention tailoring.

Design/Methods

Partial least square path modeling followed by response-based unit segmentation was used to identify homogenous clusters in a diverse community sample of United States (US)-based TW (N = 1418; 46.2% White non-Hispanic). This approach examined associations between latent constructs of stigma (polyvictimization and discrimination), social and structural vulnerabilities (housing and food insecurity, unemployment, sex work, social support, and substance use), and mental health (post-traumatic stress and psychological distress).

Results

The final conceptual model defined the structural relationship between the variables of interest within stigma, vulnerability, and mental health. Six clusters were identified within this structural framework which suggests that racism, ethnicism, and geography may be related to mental health inequities among TW.

Conclusion

Our findings around the impact of racism, ethnicism, and geography reflect the existing literature, which unfortunately shows us that little change has occurred in the last decade for TW of color in the Southern US; however, the strength of our evidence (related to sampling structure and sample size) and type of analyses (accounting for co-occurring predictors of health, i.e., stigma and complex vulnerabilities, reflecting that of real-world patients) is a novel and necessary addition to the literature. Findings suggest that health interventions designed to offset the negative effects of stigma must include anti-racist approaches with components to reduce or eliminate barriers to resources that contribute to social and structural vulnerabilities among TW. Herein we provide detailed recommendations to guide primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts.

Clinical Relevance

This study demonstrated the importance of considering stigma and complex social and structural vulnerabilities during clinical care and design of mental health interventions for transgender women who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological distress. Specifically, interventions should take an anti-racist approach and would benefit from incorporating social support-building activities.

Provider cultural competence and humility in healthcare interactions with transgender and nonbinary young adults

Abstract

Purpose

Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) patients experience many barriers when seeking quality healthcare services, including ineffective communication and negative relationships with their providers as well as a lack of provider competence (including knowledge, training, and experience) and humility (engagement in the process of self-reflection and self-critique) in treating TGNB individuals. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors associated with cultural competence and humility that facilitate and impede effective relationships between TGNB young adults and their healthcare providers.

Methods

Data came from individual interviews with 60 young adults aged 18 to 24 from Florida who self-identified as transgender or nonbinary. We analyzed the data using inductive thematic approaches, and a feminist perspective, to identify themes associated with patient-provider relationships.

Conclusions

We identified 4 themes related to patient-provider relationships: (1) Participants indicated effective patient-provider communication and relationships are facilitated by providers requesting and utilizing TGNB patients' correct names and personal pronouns. (2) Participant narratives conveyed their preferences that providers “follow their lead” in terms of how they described their own anatomy, reinforcing the utility of cultural humility as an approach for interactions with TGNB patients (3) Participants discussed the detrimental effects of TGNB patients having to educate their own providers about their identities and needs, suggesting clinicians' competence regarding gender diversity is paramount to fostering and maintaining patient comfort. (4) Finally, participants' responses indicated concerns regarding the confidentiality and privacy of the information they provided to their providers, suggesting a lack of trust detrimental to the process of building rapport between patients and their providers.

Clinical Relevance

Our findings indicate balancing the use of cultural humility and cultural competence during clinical encounters with TGNB young adults can enhance patients' experiences seeking healthcare. Nursing education is often devoid of focus on caring for transgender and nonbinary persons. Additional provider training and education on approaching clinical encounters with TGNB patients with cultural humility and competence should improve patient-provider communication and relationships, leading to a higher quality of patient care.

Impact of standardized nursing terminologies on patient and organizational outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aims

To explore the impact of 12 American Nurses Association recognized standardized nursing terminologies (SNTs) on patient and organizational outcomes.

Background

Previous studies reported an effect of SNTs on outcomes, but no previous frameworks nor meta-analyses were found.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Review Methods

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and OpenGrey databases were last consulted in July 2021. All abstracts and full texts were screened independently by two researchers. The review included primary quantitative studies that reported an association between recognized SNTs and outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence for each meta-analyzed outcome using the “Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation” (GRADE) approach.

Results

Fifty-three reports were included. NANDA-NIC-NOC and Omaha System were the most frequently reported SNTs used in the studies. Risk of bias in randomized controlled trials and not-randomized controlled trials ranged from high to unclear, this risk was low in cross-sectional studies. The number of nursing diagnoses NANDA-I moderately correlated with the intensive care unit length of stay (r = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.31–0.44). Using the Omaha System nurse-led transitional care program showed a large increase in both knowledge (d = 1.21; 95% CI = 0.97–1.44) and self-efficacy (d = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.97–1.48), while a reduction on the readmission rate (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.09–0.83). Nursing diagnoses were found to be useful predictors for organizational (length of stay) and patients' outcomes (mortality, quality of life). The GRADE indicated that the certainty of evidence was rated from very low to low.

Conclusions

Studies using SNTs demonstrated significant improvement and prediction power in several patients' and organizational outcomes. Further high-quality research is required to increase the certainty of evidence of these relationships.

Clinical relevance

SNTs should be considered by healthcare policymakers to improve nursing care and as essential reporting data about patient's nursing complexity to guide reimbursement criteria.

Assessing the fulfillment of nurses' full potential in diverse geriatric settings—moving towards change

Abstract

Background

In response to the aging population, the Department for Professional Development in the Nursing Division at the Israeli Ministry of Health has invested significant resources in training registered nurses for post-basic certification in the field of geriatrics. However, little is known about how the nurses implement the scope of practice in the field and how they maximize their full potential following the training.

Aims and objectives

To assess whether nurses' full potential is maximized in geriatric acute and long-term geriatric care, and community settings in Israel.

Design

A quantitative, cross-sectional study.

Methods

The study population is a convenience sample of registered nurses who completed post-basic certification in geriatric care (n = 287). The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire addressing socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, implementation of the scope of practice, and a professional satisfaction questionnaire.

Baseline demographic variables were summarized using means and counts, with frequency counts and percentages used for the scope of practice. A one-way ANOVA was utilized to examine the differences between the workplace and the scope of practice. Chi-square was used to examine practice types and the workplace.

Results

Nurses in all surveyed geriatric settings reported average to high overall performance in independent decision-making activities and delegated duties. The majority (66%) reported very high satisfaction with the completion of the post basic certification education However overall performance differed significantly between the different geriatric settings.

Conclusion

Most of the nurses with a post-basic geriatric certification are satisfied with their scope of practice, feel valued by colleagues and managers, and are able to practice independently within their professional scope. This can have a positive impact on the care of the older adult population.

Clinical Relevance

Administrators should ensure that nurses with a post-basic geriatric certification are able to maximize their scope of practice. Specifically, we recommend nurse managers to leverage the results of this study and advocate for nurses to fulfill their full potential in their scope of practice.

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