Conectar
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem that requires effective preventive and conservative methods to limit morbidity and death.
This study aims to give clinical practice an evidence-based basis for the clinical practice of healthcare professionals by methodically looking for the best available data on conservative strategies and CKD prevention in high-risk and early-stage patients.
The 6S evidence resource model was followed and states that evidence retrieval was done top-down, gathering necessary studies from January 2014 to July 30, 2024. Databases searched included BMJ Best Practice, DynaMed, NICE, GIN, SIGN, JBI Evidence Synthesis, JBI Evidence Implementation, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. Following the JBI grade of evidence and recommendation methodology, two reviewers independently examined and assessed the literature, extracting and summarizing evidence.
Seventy-nine publications were identified: 18 guidelines, 1 randomized controlled trial, 2 expert consensus statements, 36 evidence summaries, and 22 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Key findings were summarized across eight aspects: risk assessment and early detection, risk factors and prevention of genetic factors, management of diabetic nephrology, impact of bariatric surgery on preventing CKD, screening and diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications, and CKD prevention.
This study summarized the best evidence for preventing CKD from eight aspects, which can help clinical or community medical professionals develop and apply CKD preventive strategies for high-risk groups and early-stage patients. By using these evidence-based strategies, healthcare professionals can reduce the incidence and progression of CKD, leading to fewer hospitalizations, improved kidney function preservation, and enhanced long-term survival and quality of life for patients. Future research should address identified gaps and explore the implementation of these strategies in diverse clinical settings.
Women with overweight or obesity tend to engage in low levels of exercise and face challenges in initiating and maintaining exercise throughout pregnancy.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led walking and mobile health (mHealth) app intervention on self-efficacy and change in exercise behavior stage, based on the transtheoretical model (TTM), of women with overweight or obesity from pregnancy to one month postpartum.
The study was a randomized controlled trial with an experimental design. A total of 114 pregnant women (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 and gestation < 16 weeks) were recruited from prenatal clinics in Taiwan from July 2021 to May 2022. The intervention group (IG) received the peer-led walking program with mHealth support, while the control group (CG) received standard antenatal care. Follow-ups were conducted at 24–28 weeks (T2), 36–40 weeks (T3), and one month postpartum (T4).
The IG had significantly higher exercise self-efficacy scores from T1 to T3 compared to the CG. IG participants showed notable progress in exercise behavior stages, transitioning from the contemplation stage at T1 to preparation and action stages at T2 (χ 2 = 13.208, p < 0.01), with some reaching the maintenance stage by T3 (20.9%, χ 2 = 9.49, p < 0.05). In contrast, most of the CG participants remained at the contemplation stage throughout pregnancy to early postpartum.
The peer-led walking intervention with mHealth has the potential to enhance self-efficacy and promote sustained exercise behavior of women with overweight or obesity during and after pregnancy and is a valuable approach to establishing long-term exercise behavior.
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 05022680
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have gained traction in various healthcare settings, particularly for stress reduction among healthcare professionals. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs on reducing stress and depression in obstetrical nurses.
A comprehensive literature search was done across multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PsycINFO/PsycNet, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The risk of bias for each included study was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Subgroup analyses were done according to intervention time (less than 8 weeks, 8 weeks, more than 8 weeks) and population. Meta-analysis was done using random-effects models. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMD). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic.
The sample size in 55 studies was 4612 nurses and midwives (2904 in the intervention group and 1708 in the control group). The meta-analysis showed a significant overall effect of MBIs on reducing stress levels (SMD = −0.71; 95% CI [−0.97, −0.44]; p < 0.001), and depression (SMD = −0.74; 95% CI [−1.35, −0.13]; p < 0.001) among midwives and nurses. Subgroup analysis showed that the effects of intervention duration on reducing stress (X 2 = 3.01, p = 0.220) was not significant, but its effect on depression (X 2 = 61.46, p = 0.000) was significant.
Healthcare organizations should integrate structured MBIs into staff wellness initiatives to promote mental well-being. Nursing education programs can include mindfulness components to strengthen coping skills. Future work should also examine combined mindfulness–CBT programs (e.g., MINDBODYSTRONG) and address organizational factors contributing to burnout for a more comprehensive approach.
Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a rare, tobacco-associated vasculitis that primarily affects the distal extremities of young males. In advanced stages, it often leads to chronic limb ischemia with ischemic ulceration, culminating in amputation. Data on risk factors for reamputation in this population remain limited. This study aimed to identify clinical, radiological and microbiological predictors of reamputation in patients with TAO-related foot ulcers undergoing amputation. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 25 patients (31 limbs) with Fontaine stage IV TAO ulcers who underwent lower extremity amputation between January 2021 and December 2024. Patients were stratified into two groups based on whether they underwent repeat amputation (Group 1) or a single procedure (Group 2). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, intraoperative tissue cultures and laboratory data were evaluated. Smoking status, hospitalisation metrics and adjunctive therapies were recorded. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney U, Fisher's exact test, ROC curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Seventeen limbs required reamputation. Persistent smoking was observed in 100% of Group 1 compared with 58.4% of Group 2 (p = 0.015). Positive intraoperative cultures were significantly more frequent in Group 1 (64.7% vs. 21.4%; p = 0.029), with all multidrug-resistant organisms confined to this group. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer in Group 1 (25.2 ± 6.4 vs. 15.8 ± 5.3 days; p = 0.001). ROC analysis identified > 19 days of hospitalisation as a threshold for reamputation risk (AUC = 0.781; p = 0.018). Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of reamputation: persistent smoking (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 1.2–22.8; p = 0.015), positive intraoperative culture (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.1–20.1; p = 0.041), and hospitalisation longer than 19 days (OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 1.4–29.4; p = 0.018). Reamputation in advanced-stage TAO is strongly associated with modifiable factors, particularly ongoing tobacco use, Gram-negative infection and prolonged hospital stay. Early identification and targeted intervention addressing these variables may improve limb preservation outcomes in this high-risk population.
This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel thermo-reversible antimicrobial wound gel (TRG, revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel) designed to combat biofilm-related infections in wounds. The TRG was evaluated for its ability to disrupt biofilms, sustain antimicrobial activity and promote wound healing. The gel exhibited thermo-reversible properties, transitioning from a less viscous liquid ≤ 18°C to a highly viscous solid gel at wound temperature which would facilitate easy application and removal. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated that TRG effectively inactivated a broad range of wound-related pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a 99.99%–99.9999% reduction in bacterial counts within 30 min. The TRG also maintained its antimicrobial efficacy after multiple inoculations with high microbial load (107 CFU/mL) over 7 days. In vitro biofilm assays showed effectiveness against biofilm bacteria with a reduction of ≥ 99.99% bacterial counts with one application over the course of 7 days. Biocompatibility testing confirmed that TRG was safe, with no signs of tissue necrosis or signs of tissue damage and no impact on wound healing in a porcine wound model. TRG's ability to reduce both planktonic and biofilm-based bacteria without compromising wound healing makes it a promising candidate for treating both chronic and acute wounds.
This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of double flap tibial transverse transport (dTTT) in the treatment of Wagner grade 3–4 diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and to assess its impact on peripheral nerve function in the affected limb. A total of 25 patients with DFUs who underwent dTTT at our institution were included. Baseline data were collected, and patients were systematically followed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Primary outcome measures included wound healing status, postoperative complications, microcirculatory indicators and nerve conduction parameters. All bone transport sites healed successfully, with no major complications observed except for one patient who died from COVID-19. At 12 months postoperatively, significant improvements were noted in foot skin temperature, transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure and the ankle-brachial index (all p < 0.001). Additionally, motor nerve conduction velocities of the posterior tibial and common peroneal nerves increased significantly (p < 0.001), and corresponding compound muscle action potential amplitudes rose to 4.91 ± 0.14 mV and 4.68 ± 0.29 mV, respectively (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that dTTT not only facilitates wound healing by improving local microcirculation but also enhances peripheral nerve function, offering a promising therapeutic approach for improving long-term outcomes and quality of life in patients with advanced DFUs.
Skin tears (ST) are common traumatic wounds, particularly among older adults, that can lead to complications if not accurately assessed and classified. The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) classification system is widely used internationally; however, no validated Persian version currently exists. To culturally adapt, and evaluate the clinimetric properties of the Persian version of the ISTAP Classification System. This methodological study was conducted from February to May 2025 in multiple phases. After forward–backward translation and expert review, face and content validity were assessed. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing nurses' classifications with expert consensus using weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient. Construct validity was examined using the known-groups method, comparing skin tear frequency and severity between 30 elderly patients with impaired mobility and 30 younger adults without impaired mobility. Reliability was evaluated using Fleiss' kappa coefficient for multiple raters, and weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient for inter-rater and intra-rater agreement. Diagnostic accuracy indices, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR–), odds ratio (OR) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), were calculated for each skin tear type. Content validity was excellent (content validity ratio (CVR): 0.82–1.00; item-level content validity index (I-CVI): 0.91–1.00; scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave): 0.94). Criterion validity showed almost perfect agreement with experts (weighted κ = 0.902, p < 0.001). Construct validity was supported by significant group differences in skin tear frequency (Fisher's exact p = 0.001) and severity (t(58) = 2.12, p = 0.039). Reliability was substantial to almost perfect across analyses (Fleiss' κ = 0.8447; inter-rater weighted κ = 0.66; intra-rater weighted κ = 0.86). Diagnostic accuracy was excellent for all types (AUC = 0.99), with sensitivity 97.5%–99.2%, specificity 98.4%–99.6%, PPV 97.5%–99.3%, NPV 98.1%–99.6% and very high OR and LR values. The Persian version of the ISTAP Classification System demonstrated excellent validity, reliability and diagnostic accuracy, supporting its use as a standardised tool for assessing ST in Persian-speaking healthcare settings.
The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of nutritional risk in elderly CAPI patients through retrospective cross-sectional data, to identify core predictors applicable to community/nursing home settings, and to validate the predictive augmentation of the combined Braden Score and Nutritional Blood Indicator in hospitalised patients, to provide a basis for stratified nutritional risk management. A retrospective study was conducted to include 424 elderly CAPI patients. They were divided into two groups according to NRS2002 score. Demographic parameters, physiological function parameters and blood parameters were collected. All above indicators of the patients with CAPI were analysed to explore their correlation with nutritional risk. Among 424 participants, 294 patients (69.34%) were at nutritional risk. Independent risk factors identified were aged ≥ 70 years, reduced intake in the last week, and decrease in BMI, Braden score, ALB (albumin), and PA (prealbumin) levels. The AUCs of the first four parameters mentioned above and all the above parameters were 0.816 and 0.872, respectively. The value of aged ≥ 70 years, reduced intake in the past week, BMI, and Braden score in combination to predict and assess nutritional risk is high, which can be used to predict nutritional risk for elderly patients with CAPI who are at home or in nursing homes. The combination of the above parameters combined with albumin and prealbumin has an even higher predictive value in elderly patients hospitalised with CAPI.
Effective thermal management at the skin-dressing interface is essential in pressure injury prevention by means of prophylactic dressings. This study quantified the thermal conductivity of AQUACEL Hydrofiber Technology (AHT, hydrofiber) and polyurethane foam dressing materials under normothermic (32°C) and febrile (40°C) conditions across increasing moisture levels. Using a validated custom heat-flow meter system, dry hydrofiber exhibited significantly greater thermal conductivity than the polyurethane foam (0.43 ± 0.01 vs. 0.20 ± 0.01 W/m K at 32°C; p < 0.001). Upon hydration at 32°C, thermal conductivity values increased nonlinearly for both materials but to a much greater extent for the hydrofiber. At 15% moisture, the hydrofiber reached 4.73 ± 0.12 W/m K compared to the polyurethane foam at 1.03 ± 0.02 W/m K. At 40°C, hydrofiber achieved 3.39 ± 0.19 W/m K with only 10% moisture, indicating a temperature-responsive biphasic transformation. Overall, hydrofiber demonstrated a fivefold greater thermal conductivity response to moisture than the polyurethane foam. These findings highlight critical, material-dependent differences in heat dissipation under clinically relevant conditions. The superior moisture-responsive thermal conductivity of hydrofiber highlights its potential to improve heat dissipation at the skin-dressing interface under clinically relevant conditions and thereby mitigate local heat accumulation, contributing to skin protection. Thermal conductivity and thermal adaptability studies should be integrated into dressing efficacy research and be used for selection criteria for pressure injury prevention programs alongside mechanical and absorptive performance.
Pressure injuries present significant challenges in clinical care, leading to severe complications such as infection, pain and delayed wound healing. They are a common chronic wound that contribute to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays and substantial healthcare costs. Despite national efforts to enhance chronic wound management, development of optimal treatment strategies remains a priority. The Pressure Injury Treatment Advisory (PITA) Quick Guide was developed to provide an evidence-based guide to support clinicians in pressure injury management. A survey was conducted to evaluate clinician perspectives on the usability and practicality of the Guide in acute care, residential aged care and community settings. A post-test survey was conducted on a convenience sample of healthcare professionals from three healthcare settings across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia. The survey included 5-point Likert-scale items assessing ease of use, effectiveness and integration with workflows. Three hundred and two responses were received (66.7% response rate). Clinicians expressed overwhelmingly positive perceptions, with over 95% agreeing or strongly agreeing on the guide's utility and effectiveness. No respondents strongly disagreed with any item. Residential aged care and rural clinicians rated the tool slightly higher than acute care and medical clinicians. The PITA Quick Guide was well-received across all settings, demonstrating strong potential to enhance evidence-based pressure injury management.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been in existence for more than 30 years and is recognized as the standard to achieve high quality care.
To examine EBP beliefs, competence, implementation self-efficacy, organizational culture and readiness, access to mentors and assess relationships between nurse characteristics and EBP variables in a large healthcare system in six U.S. states.
A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used to conduct a web-based anonymous survey of registered nurses in a large multistate healthcare system throughout the western US. Measures included: EBP Competency Self-Assessment Scale, the EBP Mentoring Scale, and the Short forms of the EBP Beliefs Scale, EBP Implementation Scale, the Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale for System-Wide Integration of Evidence-Based Practice.
A total of 1468 nurses completed the survey from 36 hospitals in six U.S. states. Overall, participants rated themselves competent in only one competency (asks clinical questions). EBP beliefs followed by implementation self-efficacy scores were highest. Total scores for EBP implementation showed the strongest positive correlation with EBP competency followed by beliefs and mentorship with culture and readiness, the least strong relationship. EBP competency, beliefs, and implementation increased with educational attainment. EBP mentorship scores were low across the system.
The study continues to demonstrate nurses' low perceptions of their EBP competency. Compared to previous studies, nurses in this sample reported their EBP competency higher; however, they still rated themselves above competence in only one statement. This underscores an urgent need for comprehensive education and robust support mechanisms. It is imperative that healthcare organizations establish access to experienced mentors and cultivate organizational structures to empower nurses to master EBP, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and advancing overall quality of care.
Compression therapy is the cornerstone, first-line effective evidence-based treatment for healing and managing venous leg ulcers. However, compression therapy is inconsistently applied in hospitals. This paper explores the experiences of a diverse group of clinicians and senior managers applying compression therapy in hospitals across the United Kingdom. A semi-structured qualitative interview study was conducted with 19 participants, drawn from a larger study, who confirmed that their respective hospitals apply compression therapy to inpatients with venous leg ulcers. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Analysis generated four key themes: Patients ‘slip through the net’, Prioritisation in Hospital Care, A ‘blind Spot’ within Healthcare System and Motivation to Deliver Care. Patients ‘slip through the net’ refers to inpatients with venous leg ulcers face unequal access to compression therapy both within and between hospitals. Prioritisation in Hospital Care indicates how certain diseases are given greater emphasis within healthcare systems. A ‘blind Spot’ in Healthcare System described failing to implement compression therapy has created a critical underlying ‘blind spot’ within the NHS healthcare systems. Motivation to Deliver Care refers to a deep commitment to providing compression therapy, driven by clinicians' inherent dedication and ethical obligation towards improving patient quality of care. The study identified key challenges influencing the application of compression therapy in acute hospitals despite its routine use. These include the lottery of care, systemic inequities, unclear ownership, interprofessional disputes and organisational priorities. It also demonstrated the significant role of passion, motivation and moral responsibility encouraging clinicians to implement compression therapy despite these systemic barriers.
Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening infection with mortality rates that are exceedingly high. Despite the notably high risks of developing NF in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), factors associated with mortality in this population are poorly understood. Therefore, to determine at-risk patients and to improve overall clinical outcomes via hastening management, the objective of this systematic review is to determine what factors are associated with mortality for diabetic patients with NF. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Patient data pertaining to outcomes and surgical management were extracted, and mortality rates were evaluated. Studies were assessed for quality using the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) and Risk of Bias tool. A total of 25 studies were reviewed, covering 7879 patients with NF and DM with a 23.5% mortality rate. The most prevalent comorbidities among those who died included chronic kidney disease (15.95%), hypertension (9.42%) and obesity (9.02%). While limbs were the most common location for the disease, NF in the trunk and groin regions showed the highest mortality rates at 62.07%. Among those who died, common complications were acute renal failure (13.41%), pulmonary issues (20.41%) and septicaemia (12.80%). Mortality rates by surgical management were fasciotomy (42.9%), surgical debridement (40.68%) and amputation (9.09%). Mortality was comparable between patients with NF and DM (23.54%) and those with NF alone (23.61%). Although DM may not independently increase mortality, it can worsen outcomes when combined with other comorbidities, indicating a need for clearer clinical guidance.
Preventing pressure injuries among nursing home residents is a significant challenge that necessitates understanding the barriers and facilitators from the perspective of staff. This qualitative study aimed to describe these factors within Sri Lankan nursing homes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 nursing home staff members from nine nursing homes in and near the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. The study was informed by the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behaviour model that guided both data collection and analysis. Data were analysed using content analysis. Using deductive coding based on capability, opportunity, and motivation, followed by inductive analysis, four primary categories emerged: focusing on skincare is foundational for pressure injury prevention, pressure injury knowledge is critical for prevention, pressure injury prevention is a low organisational priority, and overcoming challenges to enact pressure injury prevention. Key facilitators included access to skincare products, maintaining clean and dry skin, recognising risk factors, proactively managing risks, and understanding the broader implications of pressure injuries on residents and their families. Conversely, barriers encompassed limited training, varying staff support, inadequate resources, and the complexities of managing multiple tasks. This research highlights that enhancing knowledge and allocating resources effectively can improve the implementation of pressure injury prevention strategies in Sri Lankan nursing homes.
Diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputations. Diabetic foot complications, such as structural deformities, ulceration and infection, present significant risks, necessitating early detection and intervention. This study explores the development and validation of artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis for diabetic foot screening, focusing on structural deformity identification which includes callus, hallux valgus and hammer toes, because they represent the earliest detectable visual risk markers for ulceration, preceding wound formation. Leveraging datasets comprising over 1000 healthy foot images and 215 diabetic foot deformity images, the model employed YOLOv5 for object detection, a convolutional autoencoder for anomaly detection, and DenseNet201 for anomaly classification. Initial internal validation yielded 91.1% anomaly detection accuracy, while anomaly classification accuracy improved to 88.57% following refinement. External validation using 27 participants achieved an overall accuracy of 85.2% and anomaly classification accuracy of 66.7%. Final evaluation on 35 unlabelled images demonstrated promising performance, with 88.57% accuracy, 90.47% precision and an F1 score of 86.11%. Integrated into the ‘Foot at Risk’ (FAR) mobile application, this AI-driven solution offers a scalable tool for early diabetic foot deformity detection. With larger dataset input for training and development, it can be utilised as an early screening tool for diabetic foot and integrated into existing community diabetic care model, facilitating timely intervention and improving patient outcomes.
The incidence of cancer continues to increase, and cancer patients still suffer from a range of burdens, leading to decreased quality of life. AI has been increasingly studied in the field of cancer care, demonstrating its enormous potential. However, most AI applications in cancer care are still in the developmental stage, and the strength of evidence from randomized controlled trials is not yet sufficient.
To evaluate the effects of AI-enhanced interventions in randomized controlled trials conducted in clinical settings and the impact of AI-enhanced interventions on the health outcomes of adult cancer patients.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Nine databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Sinomed) were systematically searched, and metadata analysis was performed using R software and R Studio. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB2) and the GRADE approach. The process was independently completed by two authors. The intervention effect was estimated by calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model.
A total of ten articles were included. Meta-analysis results showed that AI-enhanced interventions can significantly improve the quality of life (SMD 0.89, 95% CI 0.06–1.73), symptom burden (SMD −0.81, 95% CI −1.44 to −0.18), anxiety (SMD −0.20, 95% CI −0.32 to −0.07), and self-efficacy (SMD 0.55, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.03) of cancer patients. The type of AI application and the duration of the intervention had an impact on the quality of life of cancer patients: the effect of algorithm recommendations (SMD 1.49, 95% CI 0.04–2.93) was better than that of risk alerts (SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.03–0.63), and the effect of short-term interventions (< 3 months) (SMD 1.49, 95% CI 0.04–2.93) was better than that of long-term interventions (≥ 3 months) (SMD 0.19, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.43). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of this study were stable and reliable.
AI-enhanced interventions are effective tools for improving patient outcomes. When integrating AI into clinical practice for cancer patients, priority should be given to the type of technology involved, ensuring its acceptability by enhancing perceived usefulness. AI technology should be adopted to relieve clinical nurses from documentation and low-complexity tasks, thereby addressing concerns about the loss of “humanistic care.” We recommend the formal integration of AI literacy frameworks, such as N.U.R.S.E.S., into nursing education and practice.
Trial Registration: PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251040938).
Open femoral vessel access is commonly performed in vascular surgery, but surgical site complications (SSCs) occur frequently. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and identify potential risk factors by applying a new standardised definition and grading of various types of groin wound complications. This retrospective analysis includes 201 consecutive patients with 219 vertical groin incisions to expose the femoral vessels for different vascular interventions. A prophylactic drain was placed intraoperatively in almost all incisions (91%). Groin SSCs were defined and graded into four categories according to a modified Clavien-Dindo classification. Potential risk factors were evaluated using univariable analysis. For multivariable analysis, a multiple logistic regression was performed. Cutoff values were determined through ROC analysis. According to the proposed definition, regular postoperative course grade 0 (no SSC) occurred in 163 patients (74.4%), grade 1 (minor SSC) in 10 (4.6%), grade 2 (moderate SSC) in 14 (6.4%), and grade 3/4 (major or life-threatening SSC) in 32 (14.6%) incisions. The incidence of clinically relevant SSCs (grade 2–4) was 21%. Drainage volume was an independent parameter that predicted relevant SSCs with a threshold value of 70 mL/24 h on postoperative day 4 (sensitivity 100%; specificity 67%; AUC = 0.835; p = 0.0004). Groin wound complications following vascular procedures are common. Lymphatic leakage appears to be the most significant, potentially preventable condition associated with relevant SSCs. Prophylactic or early therapeutic interventions should focus on reducing lymphatic morbidity.
Burn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally; however, limited data are available from low- and middle-income countries such as Jordan. This study aimed to describe burn patient presentation, initial management and factors associated with in-hospital mortality. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using records of 493 patients admitted to a national referral centre in Jordan between 2018 and 2022. The sample was predominantly male (61.5%) with a mean age of 19.6 years (SD = 21); children under 18 years comprised 58.4%. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 18%. Flame (50.1%) and scald (44.6%) injuries were most common. Inhalation injury occurred in 25.8% and 21.3% required mechanical ventilation. The hospital mortality rate was 15.6%, significantly associated with TBSA, age, inhalation injury and low serum total protein. Baux and revised Baux scores showed high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.902 and 0.918). Logistic regression identified TBSA, age, inhalation injury and total protein level as independent predictors of mortality. Burn injuries in Jordan disproportionately affect children and are associated with substantial mortality. Early identification of high-risk patients using validated scores and prompt nutritional and respiratory interventions are essential. Multicentre studies and a national burn registry are recommended to guide future policy and care improvements.
Although research and evidence-based practice are widely regarded as foundational to high quality patient care, little is known about the evidence-based practice and research competencies of ambulatory care nurses.
The aim of this study was to measure the self-perceived evidence-based practice and research competencies and learning needs of ambulatory care nurses.
In 2024, a national sample of 2790 ambulatory care nurses participated in an online cross-sectional structured survey measuring evidence-based practice and research competencies. Respondents rated their competency using the EBP Capability Beliefs Scale and the Application of Knowledge and Skills subscale from the Research Competencies Assessment Instrument for Nurses (RCAIN). Results were compared across practice settings, job roles, and subspecialties.
Higher education levels correlated with higher scores in both evidence-based practice and research competencies. After controlling for education level, nurses from specialty or procedural areas scored higher in evidence-based practice competencies than nurses from all other work environments. Direct care nurses scored lower than nurses in all other roles in research competencies. Statistically significant correlations were also found between evidence-based practice competencies and the type of organization where a nurse worked.
Findings indicate EBP and research competencies must be increased among ambulatory care nurses. Leadership support and resource allocation are critical for EBP development. Among ambulatory care nurses, those in direct care roles may have the greatest opportunities to develop EBP and research competencies. Nurses with limited exposure to EBP and research should be encouraged to engage in professional development activities on these topics. Education and EBP mentorship for ambulatory care nurses should be tailored to the ambulatory care environment where possible, to make it relatable to learners.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely endorsed as a cornerstone for high-quality, patient-centered care. However, its integration into daily clinical routines remains inconsistent, particularly in settings where cultural, educational, and organizational challenges persist. Reliable, contextually adapted tools are essential to measure EBP implementation and guide improvement efforts.
This study aimed to validate the Italian versions of the EBP Implementation Scale and its short-form (3-item) version.
A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Both versions of the EBP Implementation Scale were translated and culturally adapted in accordance with internationally recognized guidelines. Data were gathered from a national sample of 405 nurses through a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. Psychometric assessment encompassed confirmatory and Bayesian factor analyses, evaluation of internal consistency and test–retest reliability, and measurement invariance testing. All analyses were performed in R Studio.
Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that both versions (long and short) of the scale measure a single underlying construct. The instruments demonstrated high reliability (ω = 0.96 and 0.87 respectively). Measurement invariance across educational groups was partially established, as the partial scalar invariance model demonstrated acceptable fit (CFI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.045), suggesting consistent interpretation of the scale across different levels of EBP training. Latent profile analysis revealed distinct subgroups of EBP implementers, with notable differences in latent means (p < 0.001) associated with previous education in evidence-based practice.
The Italian EBP Implementation Scales are valid and reliable tools for assessing EBP implementation behaviors. They can support education planning, monitor practice changes over time, and inform interventions aimed at enhancing evidence-based care.
FreshRSS 