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AnteayerJournal of Clinical Nursing

The effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions on reducing pain in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

Patients often consider bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to be one of the most painful medical procedures. The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy remains unclear.

Aim

To synthesize existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in mitigating procedural pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

Six electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception to July 15, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 2.0. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 16. The certainty of the evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach.

Results

This meta-analysis included 18 studies derived from 17 articles involving a total of 1017 participants. The pooled results revealed statistically significant pain reduction effects using distraction (SMD: −.845, 95% CI: −1.344 to −.346, p < .001), powered bone marrow biopsy system (SMD: −.266, 95% CI: −.529 to −.003, p = .048), and acupoint stimulation (SMD: −1.016, 95% CI: −1.995 to −.037, p = .042) among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. However, the pooled results on hypnosis (SMD: −1.228, 95% CI: −4.091 to 1.515, p = .368) showed no significant impact on pain reduction. Additionally, the pooled results for distraction did not demonstrate a significant effect on operative anxiety (MD: −2.942, 95% CI: −7.650 to 1.767, p = .221).

Conclusions

Distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation are effective in reducing pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This meta-analysis highlights the effectiveness of distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation for reducing pain in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy. Healthcare professionals should consider integrating these interventions into pain management practices for these patients.

Registration

(PROSPERO): CRD42023422854.

Examining suicide risk in sexual and gender minority youth: A descriptive observational study on depressive symptoms, social support and self‐esteem

Abstract

Aim

To understand the factors that contribute to the risk of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (sexual minorities) youth.

Background

The increase in the likelihood of suicide has made it an urgent issue in public health, particularly among young people, where it now ranks as the fourth leading cause of death. This issue becomes even more significant when focusing on sexual minorities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in targeted young individuals (15–29 years). Several variables were assessed, including suicide risk, self-esteem, presence and severity of depressive symptoms, perceived social support and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression.

Results

Statistically significant disparities were observed in suicide risk, presence of depressive symptoms and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression, all of which were more pronounced in sexual minority youth compared to heterosexual cisgender individuals. Likewise, statistically significant differences were noted concerning self-esteem and family support, both of which were lower in sexual minority youth.

Conclusion

This study has identified risk factors, such as anxiety, depression and limited social support, as well as protective factors, like higher self-esteem and self-concept. Understanding and addressing all these factors are essential in reducing the elevated rates of suicide among sexual minority youth. Consequently, evidence-based interventions such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances, which empower and create safe spaces for sexual minority youth, possess substantial potential for effectively addressing this issue.

Implications for the Profession

Given sexual minorities vulnerability, healthcare pros, especially nurses, must grasp suicide risk factors. They can help by educating, offering care, assessing risk and fighting stigma. This guarantees safety and access to mental health services for at-risk individuals from sexual minorities.

Reporting Method

The reporting follows the STROBE checklist.

Patient Contribution

People who were invited to participate voluntarily completed a range of questionnaires.

Tools to measure the burden on informal caregivers of cancer patients: A literature review

Abstract

Objectives

(1) To describe existing tools to assess the burden of informal caregivers of people with cancer, (2) to describe how these tools have been validated and (3) to describe the areas of interest of existing assessment tool entries.

Background

The caregiver burden of informal caregivers of people with cancer greatly affects their lives. There is a wide variety of relevant assessment tools available, but there are no studies to help researchers to select tools.

Methods

A search was conducted using the keywords ‘cancer’, ‘caregiver’, ‘burden’ and ‘scale’ in Medline (PubMed), CINAHL and EMBASE to include articles that developed or applied tools to assess the burden on informal caregivers of cancer patients. Once eligible tools were identified, we searched their ‘primary reference’ studies. If the original scale was assessed in a population other than informal caregivers of cancer patients, we again searched for psychometric measures in the population of caregivers of cancer patients.

Results

This study retrieved 938 articles on developing or applying the informal caregiver burden instrument for cancer patients, including 42 scales. Internal consistency of the original scales ranged from 0.53 to 0.96. Nineteen scales initially developed to assess caregiver burden for patients with dementia, stroke and other disorders were later used for caregivers of cancer patients, eight of which have not yet been validated. Reclassifying all scale domains of concern revealed that scale assessments focused more on caregivers' physical health, emotional state and caregiving tasks.

Conclusion

This review identifies many scales for assessing informal caregiver burden in cancer patients and gives scales recommended. However, a portion still needs to be validated. The development of a new scale proposes to be based on a theoretical framework and to consider dimensions for assessing support resources.

Impact

What problem did the study address?: This paper collates assessment tools on the burden of informal carers of people with cancer. It also provides information on the applicable population, reliability and validity.

What were the main findings?: 41 scales could be considered for use, eight of which have not been validated. The scales focus more on assessing caregivers' physical health, emotional state and caregiving tasks, and less on the dimension of support resources.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: There are implications for informal carers of cancer patients in hospitals or in the community, as well as for relevant researchers.

Reporting Method

Retrieved with reference to systematic evaluation.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Treatment withdrawal experiences of women with breast cancer: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Aim

To obtain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences, values, and beliefs of Taiwanese women with breast cancer who withdrew from cancer treatment.

Background

Fear of side effects, negative experiences and personal beliefs were identified as reasons for withdrawing from cancer treatments. Body–mind consciousness and body autonomy play a crucial role in cancer treatment decisions.

Design

Descriptive phenomenological approach.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, face-to-face and in-depth interviews with 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants were purposefully selected from the Cancer Registry database. Employing a phenomenological approach, our aim was to explore the lived experiences of these individuals. Data analysis followed Giorgi's five-step process. To ensure a comprehensive report the COREQ checklist was applied.

Findings

‘The Determination to Preserve Me’ is the essence of treatment withdrawal, identified by three themes and seven sub-themes. ‘Raising Body-Mind Consciousness’ was generated using body autonomy and preventing repeated psychological trauma from the participant's view. Their lifestyles, maintaining the family role, and returning to a normal trajectory help develop ‘Maintaining Stability for Being a Patient and a Family Carer’. ‘Self-Defending Against the Body Harm’ was generated by concerns about maintaining health and preventing harm.

Conclusion

Women's behaviours became transformed by suffering. Actions were influenced by physical and psychological distress, misconceptions about treatments, and appearance changes by self-determination through self-protection.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare professionals should respect women's autonomy and work collaboratively to ensure their decision-making with accurate information and awareness of the potential risks and benefits of treatment withdrawal need to concern.

Physical frailty trajectories in older stroke survivors: Findings from a national cohort study

Abstract

Background

Physical frailty (PF) is highly prevalent and associated with undesirable outcomes in stroke survivors aged 65 years or older. However, the long-term trajectories of PF are understudied in those older stroke survivors.

Aims

To identify PF trajectories and relative predictors associated with the PF trajectories in older stroke survivors.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a population-based cohort study in the United States.

Methods

Six hundred and sixty-three older stroke survivors from the National Health and Ageing Trends Study from 2015 to 2021 were included. PF was operationally assessed based on the Fried Frailty Phenotype. Trajectories were identified by group-based trajectory modelling. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, symptoms, cognitive factors and PF trajectories were examined using the design-based logistic regression method.

Results

Most older stroke survivors were 75 and older (63.32%), female (53.99%), white (80.54%) and partnered (50.64%). Two PF trajectory groups were identified (Group 1: low risk, robust; 49.47%; Group 2: high risk, deteriorating; 50.53%). Individuals were at a higher risk to be assigned to Group 2 if they were 75–84 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.23–3.80) or 85+ years (aOR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.52–5.04), had fair self-reported health (aOR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.53–5.07) or poor self-reported health (aOR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.51–7.52), had comorbidities (aOR: 8.44, 95% CI: 1.31–54.42), had breathing problems (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.18–4.02) and had balance problems (aOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06–2.73).

Conclusion

PF trajectories in older stroke survivors were heterogeneous and were associated with age, self-rated health status, comorbidities, breathing problems and balance problems.

Implication to Clinical Practice

Early, routine, dynamic screening for stroke-related physical frailty (PF) and relative predictors might be beneficial for identifying the most vulnerable individuals. Our findings might help develop strategies to manage PF progression.

Reporting Method

The reporting followed the STROBE guideline.

Factors related to psychosocial adjustment in patients with enterostomy: Based on a national cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial adjustment of enterostomy patients on a national scale.

Design

Based on a national cross-sectional survey.

Methods

From December 2021 and February 2023, a total of 22,040 enterostomy patients were assessed using the ostomy adjustment inventory-20. Initial analysis involved employing the chi-square test or Kruskal-Wallis H test to identify factors influencing the psychosocial adjustment of these patients. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the factors affecting the classification of psychosocial adjustment levels of enterostomy patients. The reporting of this study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Results

Eventually 21,124 patients with enterostomy were included in this study, out of which 7788 (36.9%) patients with low level of psychosocial adjustment, 11,803 (55.8%) patients with medium level of psychosocial adjustment and 1533 (7.3%) patients with high level of psychosocial adjustment. The factors influencing the classification of psychosocial adjustment levels of enterostomy patients were gender, educational background, carer, enterostomy self-care knowledge score and medical payment method.

Conclusions

The overall psychosocial adjustment level of enterostomy patients is not optimistic, and the factors that may affect the classification of their psychosocial adjustment level are analysed. Individualised intervention should be given according to different psychosocial adjustment levels of enterostomy patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The number of enterostomy patients with a high level of psychosocial adjustment is small in relation to the total number of enterostomy patients, and caregivers can provide health education to enterostomy patients by analysing the factors affecting the level of psychosocial adjustment of enterostomy patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Depression and anxiety among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Longitudinal results over 2 years from the multicentre VOICE–EgePan study

Abstract

Aims

To examine symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses over 2 years during the pandemic and compare them to the general population.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in mental stress among the population worldwide. Nursing staff have been identified as being under remarkable strain.

Design

A multicentre prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

Symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety in 507 nurses were examined at four different time points (T1: April–July 2020, T2: November 2020–January 2021, T3: May–July 2021, T4: February–May 2022). Results were compared with values of the German general population, presence of gender-specific differences was analysed and frequencies of clinically relevant levels of depression and anxiety were determined.

Results

Throughout the study (T1–T4), a significant increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms was observed. At all four measurement time points, nurses showed significantly higher prevalence for depression and anxiety compared to the German general population. No significant gender differences were found. Frequencies for probable depression and generalised anxiety disorder among nurses were: 21.6% and 18.5% (T1), 31.4% and 29.2% (T2), 29.5% and 26.2% (T3), 33.7% and 26.4% (T4).

Conclusion

During the pandemic, symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses increased significantly and remained elevated. Their symptom levels were permanently higher than in the general population. These findings strongly suggest that the circumstances of the pandemic severely affected nurses´ mental health.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a great mental strain on caregivers. This study was able to demonstrate the significant increase in depression and anxiety among nurses during the pandemic. It highlights the urgent need for prevention, screening and support systems in hospitals.

Implications for the Profession

Supportive programmes and preventive services should be developed, not least to prevent the growing shortage of nurses in the health care systems.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines. The STROBE checklist for cohort study was used as the reporting method.

Patient Contribution

Five hundred and seven nurses completed the questionnaire and provided data for analysis.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (https://drks.de/search/en) under the following ID: DRKS00021268.

The effectiveness of brief reminiscence‐based psychosocial interventions for cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions in alleviating psychological distress in cancer patients.

Background

Cancer patients suffer tremendous psycho-spiritual pain, which affects their quality of life. Brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions have demonstrated positive effects on the mental health of cancer patients; however, the efficacy of these interventions has been inconsistent.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 checklist provided by the EQUATOR network. The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus databases were systematically searched from inception to 27 November 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English.

Results

Twenty studies involving 1744 cancer participants were included. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant effects of brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions on hope, anxiety and depression at post-intervention. A separate analysis revealed that brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions had a sustainable effect on hope, spiritual well-being, anxiety and depression at 1 month after the intervention. However, no statistically significant effect on quality of life was found in our study either immediately after the intervention or at 1 month.

Conclusions

Brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions can significantly reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and improve hope and spiritual well-being in cancer patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study further supports that brief reminiscence-based psychosocial interventions should be incorporated into the routine care of cancer patients to address their psychosocial distress.

Patient or Public Contribution

All authors of this article contributed to the study conception and design. All authors of the included studies provided original data for this paper.

Assessing care dependence status and associated influencing factors among middle‐aged hemiplegic stroke patients during the post‐acute rehabilitation phase: A correlational study

Abstract

Aims

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.

Design

A single-centre, cross-sectional study design.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Relevance to 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.

Reporting Method

Our study complies with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist: cross-sectional studies (see Table S1).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Kinesophobia and its related factors in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

To explore the postoperative kinesophobia of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its related factors.

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention is an effective method to treat coronary heart disease (CHD), and cardiac rehabilitation is an important auxiliary method after PCI. However, the compliance of patients with cardiac rehabilitation after PCI is not good, among which kinesophobia is an important influencing factor.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional design was implemented, and the high-quality reporting of the study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement.

Methods

In total, 351 inpatients who underwent PCI in three tertiary grade-A hospitals in China were selected by convenient sampling method. We use one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the relevant related factors.

Results

The kinesophobia of patients after PCI was negatively correlated with chronic illness resource utilization and sense of personal mastery, and positively correlated with illness perception. Education level, clinical classification of CHD, exercise habits, chronic illness resource utilization, illness perception and sense of personal mastery entered the regression equation, which could explain 78.1% of the total variation.

Conclusion

The level of kinesiophobia of patients after PCI is high. Education level, clinical classification of CHD, exercise habits, chronic illness resource utilization, illness perception and sense of personal mastery are the related factors of kinesiophobia of patients after PCI.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

By reducing the level of exercise fear of patients after PCI, patients are more likely to accept and adhere to the cardiac rehabilitation plan, thus improving their prognosis and improving their quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

The patient underwent PCI in the research hospital. Researchers screen them according to the inclusion criteria and invite them to participate in this study. If they meet the requirements, participants will answer the research questionnaire face to face after signing the informed consent form.

Comparative study of clinical reasoning competence and self‐directed learning competence in nurses across varied years of experience

Abstract

Objectives

To compare and analyse the differences in the clinical reasoning competence of nurses with different working years and their relationship with self-directed learning competence.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design (online investigation) was used. A total of 376 nurses were recruited from four independent hospitals in China. Online questionnaires collected data on nurses' demographic characteristics and assessed their clinical reasoning and self-directed learning competence. Pearson correlation analysis, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate regression analysis were used.

Results

Clinical reasoning competence scores of nurses with working years >10 years were higher than those of other nurses. Self-directed learning competence scores of nurses with working years of <1 year and (from ≥1 year to <3 years) were lower than those of nurses with working years of 6–10 years and >10 years. Self-directed learning competence scores of nurses with working years of 3–5 years were lower than those of nurses with working years of >10 years. There was a positive correlation between clinical reasoning competence, self-directed learning competence and each dimension among nurses of different working years. There are differences in the influence of different dimensions of self-directed learning competence on clinical reasoning competence among different working years.

Conclusion

There were differences in clinical reasoning and self-directed learning competence among nurses with different working years. Self-directed learning competence is a positive predictor of nurses' clinical reasoning competence, which applied to nurses with all working years; however, the specific effect of self-directed learning competence on clinical reasoning competence differed among nurses with different working years.

Implication for nursing managers

Nursing managers should pay attention to the development characteristics of clinical reasoning competence and self-directed learning competence of nurses with different working years and determine effective intervention strategies according to specific influencing factors.

Nurse and midwife involvement in task‐sharing and telehealth service delivery models in primary care: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To synthesise and map current evidence on nurse and midwife involvement in task-sharing service delivery, including both face-to-face and telehealth models, in primary care.

Design

This scoping review was informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Scoping Reviews.

Data Source/Review Methods

Five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 16 January 2024, and articles were screened for inclusion in Covidence by three authors. Findings were mapped according to the research questions and review outcomes such as characteristics of models, health and economic outcomes, and the feasibility and acceptability of nurse-led models.

Results

One hundred peer-reviewed articles (as 99 studies) were deemed eligible for inclusion. Task-sharing models existed for a range of conditions, particularly diabetes and hypertension. Nurse-led models allowed nurses to work to the extent of their practice scope, were acceptable to patients and providers, and improved health outcomes. Models can be cost-effective, and increase system efficiencies with supportive training, clinical set-up and regulatory systems. Some limitations to telehealth models are described, including technological issues, time burden and concerns around accessibility for patients with lower technological literacy.

Conclusion

Nurse-led models can improve health, economic and service delivery outcomes in primary care and are acceptable to patients and providers. Appropriate training, funding and regulatory systems are essential for task-sharing models with nurses to be feasible and effective.

Impact

Nurse-led models are one strategy to improve health equity and access; however, there is a scarcity of literature on what these models look like and how they work in the primary care setting. Evidence suggests these models can also improve health outcomes, are perceived to be feasible and acceptable, and can be cost-effective. Increased utilisation of nurse-led models should be considered to address health system challenges and improve access to essential primary healthcare services globally.

Reporting Method

This review is reported against the PRISMA-ScR criteria.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Protocol registration

The study protocol is published in BJGP Open (Moulton et al., 2022).

Influencing factors of inter‐nursing lateral violence: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Background

Lateral violence is a global social problem that has attracted considerable attention in the field of public health. This has seriously affected the quality of care, the safety of patients' lives and the career development of nurses.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the factors influencing of nursing lateral violence and provide evidence for preventing and reducing inter-nursing lateral violence.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative study was performed in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. We collected qualitative studies on the factors influencing of inter-nursing lateral violence by searching PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Science Direct, WanFang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). Data from inception to September 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were independently conducted by two reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) scale was employed to assess the quality of the studies, including objectives, methodologies, designs, results and contributions.

Results

A total of 25 studies involving 882 participants were included. The results of the thematic analysis indicated that inter-nursing lateral violence was influenced by hospital management, perpetrators, victims and sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion

Inter-nursing lateral violence was influenced by multidimensional factors. To reduce the occurrence of horizontal violence among nurses, hospitals need to explore the establishment and improvement of a horizontal violence resolution mechanism, and schools should pay attention to the joint support and education of nursing students, create a good working environment and harmonious nursing culture, and promote mutual respect among nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This review emphasises the importance of the influencing factors of horizontal violence among nurses, analyses the importance of influencing factors from different perspectives, and proposes corresponding measures to reduce inter-nursing lateral violence.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study was mostly a literature review; neither patients nor pertinent staff were involved in either the design or conduct of the investigation.

Impact effects of COVID‐19 pandemic on chronic disease patients: A longitudinal prospective study

Abstract

Aims

To assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical variables as part of the routine clinical monitoring of patients with chronic diseases in primary care.

Design

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in primary care centres of the Andalusian Health Service.

Methods

Data were recorded before the pandemic (T1), during the declaration of the state of emergency (T2) and in the transition phase (T3). The Barthel index and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) were used to analyse functional and cognitive changes at the three time points. HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, BMI and lipid levels were assessed as clinical variables. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric chi-square test were used for analysis. STROBE checklist was used for the preparation of this paper.

Results

A total fo148 patients with chronic conditions were included in the analysis. Data analysis revealed in T2 only significant reductions in BMI, total levels of cholesterol and HDL during the onset of the pandemic. Barthel Index, SPMSQ, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsened in T2, and the negative effects were maintained in T3. Compared to pre-pandemic values, HbA1c levels improved in T3, but HDL levels worsened.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has drastically disrupted several functional, cognitive and biological variables. These results may be useful in identifying clinical parameters that deserve closer attention in the case of a new health crisis. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of each specific chronic condition.

Impact

Cognitive and functional status, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsen in short term, maintaining the negative effects in medium-term.

Efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions for severe radiation‐induced oral mucositis among head and neck cancer patients: A network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of different nonpharmacological treatments for severe radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background

Radiation-induced oral mucositis is highly prevalent in patients with head and neck cancer. Current medications for radiation-induced oral mucositis are limited in effectiveness and susceptible to side effects, and while there is an increasing adoption of nonpharmacological interventions, the optimal one remains unclear.

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis based on the PRISMA-NMA guidelines.

Methods

Six databases were searched. Two authors independently performed the literature screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of the included studies. Traditional pairwise meta-analysis was performed by R Studio. A network meta-analysis was then conducted to assess the effects of nonpharmacological interventions for severe radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Results

Fifty-two studies involving seven types of nonpharmacological interventions were enrolled. The network meta-analysis indicated that natural plant-based therapies might be the most effective, health education interventions might be the second most effective, and honey might be the third most effective interventions for reducing the incidence of severe radiation-induced oral mucositis. For reducing the incidence of severe oral mucositis-related pain, the pairwise meta-analysis showed that only natural plant-based therapies and health education interventions were effective.

Conclusions

Nonpharmacological interventions are effective in the management of severe radiation-induced oral mucositis among patients with head and neck cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nonpharmacological interventions are a category of safe and effective adjunctive therapies that should be encouraged in clinical practice.

Trial registration details

CRD42023400745.

Development of a supportive care framework for breast cancer survivor's unmet needs: A modified Delphi study

Abstract

Aim

To establish a supportive care framework for addressing unmet needs among breast cancer survivors, providing practical guidance for healthcare providers to assess and manage these needs, ultimately enhancing the health outcomes and quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Design

We conducted a two-round Delphi survey to gather expert opinions regarding the unmet needs supportive care framework for breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Initial framework identification and inquiry questionnaire creation was achieved via literature search and expert group discussions, which included 15 experts from nursing practice, clinical medicine, nursing management and nursing education was conducted using a Delphi survey. To establish consensus, a two-round Delphi poll was done, using criteria based on the mean (≥4.0), coefficient of variation (CV < 0.25) and percentage for entire score (≥20%).

Results

Experts reached a consensus, leading to six care modules, and 28 care entries: Tumour Detection Support (three care entries), Management of Complications of Antitumor Therapy (seven care entries), Healthy Lifestyle Management (five care entries), Sexual and Fertility Support (four care entries), Psychosocial Support (four care entries) and Resource and Linkage Support (five care entries).

Conclusion

To address breast cancer survivors' unmet needs, a supportive framework was developed to actively enhance their health outcomes. However, further refinement and feasibility testing using mobile devices or artificial intelligence are required.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This pioneering framework prioritises addressing unmet needs and equips healthcare providers to assess and manage these needs effectively, facilitating the implementation of programs aimed at improving the well-being of breast cancer survivors.

Reporting Method

This study was guided by a modified guideline for the Conducting and Reporting of Delphi Studies (CREDES) (Palliative Medicine, 31(8), 684, 2017).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Trial and protocol registration

The Delphi study methodology does not require registration.

Enhancing blood pressure management protocol implementation in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage through a nursing‐led approach: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the impact of nurse care changes in implementing a blood pressure management protocol on achieving rapid, intensive and sustained blood pressure reduction in acute intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data over 6 years.

Methods

Intracerebral haemorrhage patients within 6 h and systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg followed a rapid (starting treatment at computed tomography suite with a target achievement goal of ≤60 min), intensive (target systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg) and sustained (maintaining target stability for 24 h) blood pressure management plan. We differentiated six periods: P1, stroke nurse at computed tomography suite (baseline period); P2, antihypertensive titration by stroke nurse; P3, retraining by neurologists; P4, integration of a stroke advanced practice nurse; P5, after COVID-19 impact; and P6, retraining by stroke advanced practice nurse. Outcomes included first-hour target achievement (primary outcome), tomography-to-treatment and treatment-to-target times, first-hour maximum dose of antihypertensive treatment and 6-h and 24-h systolic blood pressure variability.

Results

Compared to P1, antihypertensive titration by stroke nurses (P2) reduced treatment-to-target time and increased the rate of first-hour target achievement, retraining of stroke nurses by neurologists (P3) maintained a higher rate of first-hour target achievement and the integration of a stroke advanced practice nurse (P4) reduced both 6-h and 24-h systolic blood pressure variability. However, 6-h systolic blood pressure variability increased from P4 to P5 following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, compared to P1, retraining of stroke nurses by stroke advanced practice nurse (P6) reduced tomography-to-treatment time and increased the first-hour maximum dose of antihypertensive treatment.

Conclusion

Changes in nursing care and continuous education can significantly enhance the time metrics and blood pressure outcomes in acute intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

Patient and Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

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