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☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Integrating sequence-based GWAS and comparative genomic analysis reveals conservation and species-specificity of putative functional variants influencing tail length and tail abnormalities in pigs and sheep

by Xuying Zhang, Johanna Mainzer, Isabella Giambra, Tong Yin, Petra Engel, Hannah Hümmelchen, Henrik Wagner, Axel Wehrend, Christiane Egerer, Katharina Gerhards, Gerald Reiner, Sven König

Long tails trigger tail biting in pigs and increase the risk of flystrike infections in sheep. Tail docking has been a common management practice in both species for decades, but increasingly conflicts with legal animal welfare guidelines. Sustainable solutions require breeding strategies targeting shorter tails. In consequence, the aims were to conduct whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and comparative genomic analyses (CGA) to explore functional elements influencing tail traits. Phenotypically divergent experimental populations of pigs and sheep were established through unified selection and mating experiments. Tail traits included tail length (TL) measured at birth, and tail abnormalities (TA) assessed radiographically at 14 weeks of age. WGS-based GWAS identified a significant locus on SSC18 in pigs and suggestive loci for TL in both species, which, together with previously reported loci for TA, were further analyzed by CGA. The genomic windows of the significant locus on SSC18 in pigs and the TL GWAS locus on OAR4 in sheep were found to be conserved, harboring six common genes with predicted functional variants. These variants were jointly associated with TL (Plm) in both species in linear regression models adjusted for sex, age of the dam, body length, and body weight. In other GWAS locus windows (±1 Mb), species-specific TL candidate genes were identified in sheep (HOXB13, MUC5B, EPB41L3, MTCL1, PIEZO2, MPPE1, and LOXHD1) and in pigs (KNL1, DISP2, SPRED1, TGFB2, and HAND1), each harboring associated putative functional variants. For TA, sheep-specific candidates (PGM2, LRRC66, CRACD, LOC105601916, and SH2D4B) and pig-specific candidates (MYOT, TMCO6, and PCDHAC2) were revealed using logistic regression models (Pglm). GO analyses of candidate genes predicted shared biological processes between sheep and pigs, whereas pathway analyses indicated that common carbohydrate metabolism pathways, along with species-specific immune and inflammatory signaling, and pig-specific TGF-β signaling and endochondral ossification, may contribute to tail length variation and abnormalities. These findings provided deeper insights into the genetic basis of differential embryonic tail morphogenesis and perinatal tail development across species.
☐ ☆ ✇ Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing

Publication Dynamics Where Evidence Is Missing: Mapping Empty Reviews in Nursing

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The production of science is characterized by socio-political and technological forces that influence what knowledge is produced. In this context, empty reviews have received little attention, with debate ranging over the pros and cons of their publication. However, their dissemination may improve the ability to recognize and prioritize research gaps. The main aim of the study was to map empty reviews published in nursing science.

Materials and Methods

A scoping review in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley, Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews. The review protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework database in April 2025. Four databases and grey literature were searched; there were eligible scoping or systematic reviews defined as “empty” in the field of nursing. A modified framework of Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice, and Research recommendations was used to summarize the extracted data.

Results

Fifteen empty reviews were identified. In terms of Patterns, the empty reviews were mainly published in high-income countries over the last 10 years and related to clinical practise and outcomes, education and training, organizational and human resources, and approaches to maternity care, mental health, and nursing education. In general, reporting guidelines were used, while funding was not documented. In terms of Recommendations, more primary studies, the development of tools and the strategic use of empty reviews to inform the funding and research agenda were suggested.

Linking Evidence to Action

Empty reviews in nursing may indicate neglected or emerging areas that can help orient research agendas to ensure equity-oriented priorities and reduce the marginalization of under-investigated topics. Recognizing empty reviews as legitimate scholarly outputs supports transparent mapping of knowledge gaps, helping funders, institutions, and research programs direct resources to under-investigated areas. Dedicated registries that publicly report empty reviews, establish minimum reporting standards, and require explicit keywords in titles and abstracts would improve transparency and accessibility, and stimulate targeted primary research that can turn “empty” areas into active inquiry. From this perspective, empty reviews may attract research investment rather than be seen as methodological failures.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Relationships Among Symptom Burden, Self‐Care, and Quality of Life Among Individuals Living With Heart Failure and Multimorbidity: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To examine factors, including symptom burden profiles and self-care, associated with quality of life among individuals with heart failure and multimorbidity.

Design

A cross-sectional design.

Methods

353 adults aged 50 years or older with heart failure and at least one additional chronic condition were recruited from a university-affiliated hospital. Three symptom burden groups were identified (low, moderate, and high) through latent profile analysis of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale scores. The Heart Failure Self-care Index and EuroQoL-5D-5L measured self-care behaviours and quality of life. This study examined group differences and associations overall and stratified by symptom burden groups via multivariable linear regression.

Results

A higher disease burden and the high symptom burden group compared to the low symptom burden group were associated with lower quality of life. Self-care maintenance was positively associated with a higher quality of life, but not in the high-burden group. Among individual symptoms, pain and depression were associated with lower quality of life. In the high-burden group, older age was positively associated with quality of life. Higher symptom burden groups included a greater proportion of women and middle-aged adults.

Conclusion

Symptom burden and self-care maintenance show significant associations with quality of life in multimorbidity. Symptom burden profiles identified through latent profile analysis may complement conventional approaches by targeting high-risk individuals, such as middle-aged individuals and women with high symptom burden, for follow-up and integrated multimorbidity management.

Impact

For healthcare providers, including nurses, these findings underscore the importance of holistic, symptom-based care approaches combined with routine support for self-care maintenance. Adopting a life-course approach, through early identification and management of high-risk individuals, may help promote aging in place with a better quality of life for those with heart failure and multimorbidity.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Psychological Outcomes of Family Members Related to a Loved One's Resuscitation in the Emergency Department: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Por: Ira Rahmawati · Tamara Page · Lisa Conlon · Anggun Setyarini · Frank Donnelly — Febrero 24th 2026 at 06:22

ABSTRACT

Aims

This study aimed to assess the psychological outcomes of family members of patients who were resuscitated in the Emergency Department (ED) and analyse factors associated with these outcomes.

Design

This study utilised a cross-sectional design

Methods

Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire sent to family members of patients who had undergone resuscitation in the ED from February 2024 to January 2025. Instruments for data collection included The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the short version of The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 items (DASS-21), the Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI) and questions related to demographic variables and the resuscitation event.

Results

A total of 106 family members completed the questionnaire. Of this, 64.2% (n = 68) reported witnessing the resuscitation attempt, and 35.8% (n = 38) did not witness the event. Family members who witnessed the resuscitation displayed more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), measured by the IES-R, compared to those who did not witness the event. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the IES-R and the MQLI scores, indicating that higher PTSD symptoms correlate with lower quality of life (QoL) ratings.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated that witnessing the resuscitation of a loved one in the ED is associated with increased PTSD symptoms.

Implications for Health Professionals and Patient Care

Patients' and family members' cultural and religious needs should be acknowledged by the health care providers. Study findings indicate that family members prefer to be with the patient during the patient's resuscitation. However, without adequate support from hospital staff, this experience may cause adverse psychological effects. Strategies to support family members during and after resuscitation should be developed and integrated into the management of in-hospital resuscitation.

Reporting Method

This study followed the STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Cohort profile: Sub-cohort study on the second phase of the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health (C-MACH), Japan

Por: Takaguchi · K. · Yoda-Tsumura · K. · Nakayama · Y. · Shimatani · K. · Sakurai · K. · Suzuki · N. · On behalf of the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health Group · Mori · Shimojo · Hata · Fukuoka · Koshizaka · Hanazato · Yamamoto · Kawanami · Eguchi · Hisada · Takatani · Konno — Febrero 18th 2026 at 14:51
Purpose

The second phase of the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health (C-MACH) was initiated to investigate how environmental exposures from the fetal period to early childhood influence maternal and child health outcomes. The sub-cohort focuses specifically on detailed assessments of indoor environmental factors and neighbourhood-built and social environments. By integrating environmental metrics with biological, behavioural and sociodemographic data, the study aims to elucidate their role in the development of allergies, neurodevelopmental disorders and other non-communicable diseases in early life.

Participants

Between June 2021 and April 2023, 505 pregnant women were enrolled in the second phase of the C-MACH main study. Of these, 298 participants consented to join the sub-cohort study, including 258 in the sleep and physical activity monitoring option (Option 1) and 148 in the indoor allergen exposure sub-study (Option 2). The study includes biological sampling, environmental monitoring and repeated questionnaire surveys. At baseline, 253 live births were recorded from 251 pregnancies.

Findings to date

Of the 298 women, 272 completed early pregnancy questionnaires. The mean maternal age was 33.1 years (SD 4.6); 97.8% were married. University-level education was reported by 51.0% of mothers and 53.7% of fathers. Most households had an annual income of 6 to

Future plans

Longitudinal follow-up will continue until the children reach age 15. Future analyses will examine associations between environmental exposures and allergic, developmental, endocrine/metabolic and obesity-related outcomes.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Family functionality and its association with non-communicable diseases among urban adults in Selangor, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Por: Abdullah · N. N. · Mohammed Ali Azzani · M. · Mohamad · M. · Ismail · Z. · Jamil · A. T. · Isa · M. R. · Yasin · S. M. · Suddin · L. S. · Ibrahim · K. · Selamat · M. I. · Azhar · Z. I. · Ismail · N. · Ahmad Saman · M. S. · Xin Wee · C. · Samsudin · E. Z. · Muzaini · K. · Yaacob · S. S. — Febrero 18th 2026 at 14:51
Objectives

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly escalating in developing countries and social factors such as the dynamics of the family play an important part in the lifestyle choices that lead to the onset and maintenance of chronic illness. There remains a gap in Malaysia as the majority of the studies were focused on the normal population rather than directly towards persons having NCDs. This study aimed to examine emerging risk factors such as family functionality and its association with NCD.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage random sampling method.

Setting

Urban residential areas in Selangor, Malaysia.

Participants

A total of 2542 adults residing in urban areas of Selangor were recruited.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Family functionality was measured using the APGAR (Adaptation, Participation, Gain or Growth, Affection and Resources) scale and multiple logistic regression was performed to measure the association between emerging risk factors and NCD.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was 10.8% and 6.1%, respectively. Widowed/separated status (adjusted OR (AOR) 41.53, 95% CI 19.06 to 90.48, p value=0.001) was reported to be a predictor of diabetes. As for hypertension, familial functionality (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.11 to 14.50, p value

Conclusions

There is a growing concern that family functionality is an emerging risk factor for NCDs. Future family-centred health promotion programmes should be incorporated to improve self-management behaviours and health outcomes.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Trends and predictors of caesarean section in Thailand before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis of national hospitalisation data under the Universal Coverage Scheme

Por: Karunayawong · P. · Sukmanee · J. · Butchon · R. · Saeraneesopon · T. · Boonma · C. · Kunanusont · C. · Lumbiganon · P. · Morton · A. · Teerawattananon · Y. · Isaranuwatchai · W. — Febrero 17th 2026 at 13:17
Objectives

Since 1985, the international healthcare community has recommended the ideal rate of caesarean section (CS) to be 10%–15% at the national level. The literature has reported that overused CS without necessary medical indications can be harmful to both maternal and child health. To generate evidence to support policy on CS, this study evaluated the trend over time of CS in Thailand during January 2016 to October 2021 (which included the COVID-19 pandemic period) and explored predictors of CS use.

Design and setting

This study was a retrospective secondary data analysis of de-identified hospitalisation data under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) from the National Health Security Office’s e-Claims database. Descriptive analyses were conducted to explore the number and rate of CS over time and across different characteristics (ie, age, hospital type, COVID-19 status and delivery day) including a multivariable logistic analysis to explore predictors of CS. Interrupted time series analysis was adopted to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on CS rate.

Participants

569 321 CS cases under UCS from 2016 to 2021.

Results

The results showed an increasing trend of CS rate, from 30% in January 2016 to 35% in October 2021. Both clinical (eg, medical indication and age) and non-clinical (eg, region and day of delivery) factors were significantly associated with CS. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic had no significant effect on CS rate (level: –0.0016, 95% CI –0.0085 to 0.0053, p=0.66).

Conclusion

This study highlighted an increasing trend of CS in Thailand and could present supportive evidence that Thailand might have been facing an overuse of CS. More awareness and actions are warranted to ensure the movement towards reduction of unnecessary CS in Thailand.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Healthcare Professionals' Descriptions of Contextual Factors Affecting Complex Aortic Surgical Care: A Secondary Analysis Using the Fundamentals of Care Framework

Por: Linda Haakseth · Caisa Öster · Kevin Mani · Anders Wanhainen · Eva Jangland — Febrero 16th 2026 at 06:39

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore how factors in the complex aortic surgical care context can affect care provision towards patients' postoperative recovery.

Design

Secondary qualitative analysis.

Methods

Results about patients' recovery after complex aortic surgery was presented in focus groups with healthcare professionals in 2022. Reflexive thematic analysis, using the Fundamentals of Care framework, was conducted to explore contextual factors affecting care provision.

Results

Healthcare professionals' descriptions resulted in one main theme: Care provision is challenged by discrepancies in values, goals and norms and unclear responsibilities within the context, and two subthemes: Values, goals and norms determine what care is provided; Taking responsibility for care requires resources, evaluation and feedback.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals describe care provision as affected by a dynamic integration of contextual factors. Healthcare professionals need to be made aware of their own role in this context. Care provision needs to be guided by feedback from patients and healthcare professionals, and work with patients' resources at both an individual, system and societal level.

Implications for the Profession

The results provide knowledge regarding how contextual factors in dynamic integration can affect care provision in a complex surgical context. Healthcare professionals, leaders and policy makers all have responsibility to focus on patients' values and goals, and empower adequate care through feedback loops and resource management.

Impact

The context-of-care dimension of the Fundamentals of Care framework has been scarcely described. Our results illustrate how an integration of factors affects care provision, where values, goals, and norms affect what care is provided, and responsibility for care belongs to everyone in the care system. The results can contribute to the description of the context-of-care dimension within the framework and enable professionals to understand how they, as part of the context, could affect care towards patient recovery.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the Equator research reporting checklist: Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research: a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Hand Hygiene Among Nursing Students and Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Comparative Survey

Por: Per‐Ola Blomgren · Lisa Hultin · Johan Westerbergh · Katarina Hjelm — Febrero 16th 2026 at 06:39

ABSTRACT

Aim

To describe and compare attitudes toward hand hygiene and the perceived effectiveness of prevention methods among nursing students and registered nurses at a university and its affiliated university hospital.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional comparative survey.

Methods

A total of 201 first- and final-semester nursing students and registered nurses completed the World Health Organisation's ‘Perceptions Survey for Health-Care Workers’. The survey examined perceptions on hand hygiene, patient safety and the usefulness of improvement measures. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Nursing students consistently rated the importance of hand hygiene and related interventions higher than registered nurses. Students particularly emphasised the availability of hand disinfectants, ongoing education and supportive leadership. Both groups acknowledged the role of management support, regular feedback and organisational policies in reinforcing optimal hand hygiene.

Conclusion

Differences in attitudes between nursing students and registered nurses underscore the need for ongoing education, strong managerial involvement and supportive policies to sustain adherence. Strengthening these factors can help maintain positive perceptions formed during training and enhance patient safety in clinical practice.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Educational curricula and workplace strategies that prioritise hand hygiene may help lower healthcare-associated infections. Management-led feedback, continuous training and accessible hand hygiene resources offer additional support for safe patient care.

Impact

What problem did the study address? Low adherence to hand hygiene is a key driver of preventable infections. What were the main findings? Nursing students rated hand hygiene and improvement measures more highly than registered nurses, highlighting a need for strategies that sustain positive attitudes during the transition from education to clinical practice. Who will benefit? Nurse educators, clinical leaders and healthcare workers can use these findings to improve infection prevention across educational and practice settings.

Reporting Method

We adhered to STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patients or members of the public were involved in designing or conducting this study, which focused on perceptions of nursing students and registered nurses.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Effectiveness of Organisational Strategies for Pressure Injury Prevention and Treatment in Acute Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To investigate the effects of organisational interventions on the incidence, healing and management of pressure injuries in adult patients in acute hospital settings.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

The review included adult patients at risk of or with pre-existing pressure injuries in acute hospital settings, excluding mental health units, emergency departments or operating theatres. Interventions employed in the included studies were categorised using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care taxonomy.

Data Sources

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL Complete and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from 01 January 2012 to 31 December 2023.

Results

Of 8861 records identified, 7 prevention studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies reported reductions in pressure injury incidence. Included studies employed various combinations of 14 organisational strategies to enhance practices. Educational interventions were utilised in six studies, including educational meetings, materials and outreach visits. Other common strategies included audit and feedback, communities of practice and continuous quality improvement. The interventions targeted patients and clinicians, primarily nurses, with some involving multidisciplinary teams. The focus was on enhancing healthcare practices through systematic approaches and stakeholder engagement.

Conclusions

Organisational strategies targeting both patients and clinicians as part of an intervention bundle may enhance the prevention of pressure injuries in acute hospital settings. Further, high-quality effectiveness–implementation hybrid trials are required to evaluate these strategies.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Organisational factors influence clinicians' ability to implement evidence-based practices. The effectiveness of specific organisational strategies in acute settings is uncertain. Multiple organisational strategies targeting patients and clinicians may improve the implementability of a pressure injury prevention intervention.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to PRISMA guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in this study.

☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Systematic review of lung function assessment among youth and young adults e-cigarette users: Current tools and emerging methods

Por: Nirul Isamuddin Nasir · Mohd Hasni Ja’afar · Norfazilah Ahmad — Febrero 6th 2026 at 15:00

by Nirul Isamuddin Nasir, Mohd Hasni Ja’afar, Norfazilah Ahmad

Introduction

This review focuses on the need to identify the lung function assessment tools used for young EC users. The objectives are to examine the current and emerging methods used in assessing lung function among young EC users, besides identifying the alterations in lung function following EC exposure measured by those tools.

Methodology

This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 flow checklist. Six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, SAGE, and ScienceDirect) were searched in April 2025 for original articles published between 2016 and 2025. Quality appraisal of the eligible articles was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Findings were synthesized using Narrative analysis.

Results

A total of 7 studies were included. Spirometry was used in all included studies; however, it is unable to detect subclinical lung alterations, as observed through ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) MRI and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Acute exposure to EC results in a decrease of FEV₁, FVC, PEF, and MEF₇₅ spirometric parameters, as well as reducing FeNO levels, while concurrently increasing exhaled breath temperature (EBT). Besides, an increase in V/Q mismatch and heterogeneity in ventilation is observed, with a reduction in perfusion heterogeneity. Chronic EC exposure causes a reduction in FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25–75%, besides an increment of Carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO) level. The assessment of the lung function post-EVALI in association with EC cessation revealed lung function improvement and increased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO).

Conclusions

Spirometry remains the first-line tool for assessing the lung function of young EC users; however, it often misses early lung dysfunction. Emerging methods (FeNO, DLCO, EBT, MRI, HbCO) increasingly complement this limitation. Tailoring multimodal assessment to exposure context, alongside screening and monitoring programs, may assist in early disease detection and prevent long-term respiratory effects.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Direct-to-consumer commercial virtual care: a scoping review

Por: Spithoff · S. · Arnott · C. A. · Visanji · A. · Bhavsar · P. · Goulem · B. · Lapointe-Shaw · L. · Merriman · K. · Raza · D. · Xie · E. C. · Hedden · L. · Abejirinde · I.-O. O. · Motulsky · A. · Shaw · J. — Febrero 4th 2026 at 15:16
Objective

The literature examining direct-to-consumer (DTC) commercial virtual care has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Our objective was to synthesise the nature and range of evidence on DTC commercial virtual care.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

MEDLINE ALL, EMBASE Classic+Embase, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and grey literature sources.

Eligibility criteria

We included original research studies published in English or French between 1 January 2016 and 30 April 2025 that assessed DTC commercial virtual care in all contexts and in all populations.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening titles and abstracts, and full-text manuscripts, and extracting data was done in duplicate. We analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics and reported findings in tables. We provided a narrative summary of textual data.

Results

After excluding duplicates, we identified 8055 studies for title and abstract screening; 691 articles for full-text screening; and 103 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. 32 studies (31.1%) reported financial ties to the virtual care industry. 67 (65.0%) studies were conducted in the USA. Studies were largely quantitative (87/103 (84.5%)) or mixed methods (8/103 (7.8%)) studies and used cross-sectional (85/95 (89.5%)) designs. Most quantitative studies were descriptive, reporting on quality of care, health outcomes, platform characteristics and patient views, with only 24 of the 95 quantitative studies (25.3%) including a control or comparison group. 18 of these 24 studies (75.0%) compared the quality of care, costs and/or utilisation to other models of care and reported variable findings. The rest compared patient characteristics. Few studies assessed clinician perspectives or addressed privacy-related ethical concerns.

Conclusions

Despite a large number of studies assessing DTC commercial virtual care, we have little insight into impacts on quality of care, health outcomes, health system utilisation and privacy-related ethical concerns. The financial ties with industry suggest that there may be bias in the body of research literature.

☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Factors associated with unmet healthcare needs in patients using Primary Care Access Points for unattached patients in Quebec (Canada)

by Mylaine Breton, Catherine Lamoureux-Lamarche, Véronique Deslauriers, Djamal Berbiche, Maude Laberge, Annie Talbot, Aude Motulsky, Marie-Pascale Pomey, Isabelle Gaboury

Background

Access to primary care is an important component of health systems. Given the barriers experienced by unattached patients to accessing primary care in Quebec (Canada), the Ministry of Health mandated the province-wide implementation of Primary care access points for unattached patients (Guichet d’accès première ligne; GAP), an organizational innovation designed to orient patients to the most appropriate professional or service. This study aims to 1) document the factors associated with unmet healthcare needs after receiving GAP services and 2) assess whether those factors vary by GAP orientation.

Methods

This cross-sectional study builds on data collected between April and July 2024 using an online patient questionnaire. All patients with a valid email address registered on the centralized waiting list for unattached patients in three local health territories (LHTs) received an email invitation to participate in the survey. The total sample included 20,282 participants who responded to the questionnaire and used the GAP.

Results

The findings showed that younger age, self-reporting poor/fair physical and mental health, receiving services in LHT 3 and reporting an emergency room visit were associated with increased likelihood of reporting unmet needs. Stratified analyses suggested that some characteristics (age, use of emergency room) were associated with unmet needs across orientations, while others (self-reported physical and mental health) were associated with specific orientations.

Conclusion

This study serves as a first step in deepening our understanding from a patient perspective of how to better plan primary care services and improve unattached patients’ experiences using the GAP. The findings showed that patients oriented to other professionals than a medical appointment with a family physician had the highest percentage of unmet needs. The next step involves an in-depth exploration of the reasons for patients’ unmet needs, enabling the development of more precise and effective strategies to address them.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Patient engagement in digital health: a preliminary observation on user-centred and stakeholder feedback

Por: Abdelkader · K. · Barile · C. F. · Jobe · N. I. · Huey · N. · Isaac · Z. · Sarno · D. · Kurz · J. · Barron · D. S. — Enero 28th 2026 at 14:51
Design

Prospective cohort study

Setting

In this pilot study, we recruited patients from a secondary pain clinic in Boston, Massachusetts.

Participants

In this pilot study, we recruited patients from a secondary pain clinic within the Spaulding Rehabilitation network in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. We enrolled 37 patients who initially came in for a clinical visit with the principal investigator of the study. Of the 37 patients, 14 patients who continued to enrol/join after December 2024 received the ‘DigitalPulse’ to drive engagement.

Objectives

To present a roadmap for our efforts to contextualise engagement in our digital health technology study and showcase our attempts to incorporate an engagement approach inspired by the Method for Program Adaptation through Community Engagement. Building on this, we further incorporated continued feedback and revision beyond the prototype of the user-centred feedback form (‘DigitalPulse’) to include expanded stakeholders such as clinicians and research assistants.

Results

From these patients, we observed that our approach produced highly variable changes in engagement with slight increases at the group level.

Conclusion

From our observations, we have found that it is important to incorporate iterative refinements and expanded stakeholder involvement in designing patient-centred digital health tools to improve engagement. Overall, we report a process to address engagement and emphasise the need for continuous personalisation in digital health interventions.

☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

From ADHD symptoms to parental stress: The roles of functional impairment, family functioning, and parental ADHD

by Nitchawan Jongrakthanakij, Thanavadee Prachason, Nida Limsuwan, Komsan Kiatrungrit, Masatha Thongpan, Passaporn Lorterapong, Pattarabhorn Wisajun, Sudawan Jullagate

Background

Raising a child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with significant parental stress. However, the complex relationships between factors in the child and family in shaping this stress are not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate these interrelationships and identify the key determinants of parental stress.

Methods

A cross-sectional study included 127 children and adolescents with ADHD (70.9% males; mean age 9.6 ± 3.3 years) and their caregivers, recruited from the ADHD Registry at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok (2019–2023). Caregivers completed standardized measures of parental stress, child ADHD symptoms, child functional impairment, family functioning, and parental ADHD symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to examine pathways from child and parental ADHD symptoms to parental stress, with functional impairment and family functioning specified as mediators.

Results

Examining child- and family-related factors separately, child ADHD symptoms indirectly influenced parental stress via functional impairment, whereas parental ADHD symptoms significantly influenced parental stress both directly and indirectly via family functioning. In the integrated model examining both child- and family-related factors concurrently, the direct and indirect pathways from parental ADHD symptoms to parental stress via family functioning remained significant, but not the pathway from child ADHD symptoms to parental stress via functional impairment.

Conclusions

Functional impairment, parental ADHD, and family functioning, rather than child ADHD symptoms, are key determinants of parental stress in families of children with ADHD. These factors should be routinely assessed and targeted to alleviate parental stress more effectively than focusing on child ADHD symptoms alone.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Recent Trends in Doctoral Theses in Nursing Across Eight Countries: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore and map the landscape of doctoral nursing research across eight countries.

Design

A scoping review.

Methods

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and included doctoral theses in nursing defended between 2020 and 2023 in Austria, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.

Data Sources

Searches were conducted across 15 national and university repositories (4 national, 11 university) in the eight participating countries.

Results

This review included 431 doctoral nursing theses, the majority of which employed quantitative methodologies and focused on patient populations and healthcare professionals. Key topics included clinical nursing care, quality of care, quality of life, home care, perinatal care and the work environments.

Conclusion

Nursing doctoral research shows progress in healthcare delivery, patient care and education via digital tools, holistic approaches and professional development. Yet gaps persist in mental health, paediatrics and marginalised groups. Limited qualitative/mixed-methods research and weak interdisciplinary collaboration reveal further opportunities.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This review underscores that nursing doctoral research is addressing major healthcare and professional challenges. Nonetheless, the identified gaps emphasise the need for more comprehensive and inclusive research to enhance equity and guide future nursing practices and policies.

Impact

This review provides an overview of the scope of doctoral nursing research across eight countries, identifying key trends and research gaps. The findings are expected to inform nursing academia, policymakers, and healthcare professionals by guiding future research priorities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting equitable, patient-centred care practices.

Patient or Public Contribution

No direct involvement in data collection; one lay reviewer gave feedback on readability and practice implications, informing minor refinements.

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