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Authentic leadership holds great potential to impact positive nursing and organizational outcomes. However, authentic leadership's connection to organizational culture, self-efficacy, and work engagement remains underreported.
To investigate the associations of authentic leadership, organizational culture, self-efficacy, and work engagement among nurses.
Cross-sectional and correlational design employing consecutive sampling in recruiting nurses (n = 534) between May and October 2024. Four validated self-report scales were used to collect data. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the study variables' interrelationships.
Organizational culture significantly predicted authentic leadership (β = 0.91, p = 0.004), while authentic leadership significantly influenced both self-efficacy (β = −0.16, p = 0.041) and work engagement (β = 0.57, p = 0.001). Meanwhile, self-efficacy directly and positively influences work engagement (β = 0.24, p = 0.002). Organizational culture had significant indirect effects on both self-efficacy (β = −0.14, p = 0.042) and work engagement (β = 0.48, p = 0.001) through the mediation of authentic leadership. Finally, self-efficacy mediated the association between authentic leadership and work engagement (β = −0.04, p = 0.002).
The study shed light on the complex and interwoven relationships among several essential constructs—specifically, authentic leadership, organizational culture, self-efficacy, and work engagement. These factors collectively contribute to the creation and maintenance of a dynamic and supportive working environment for nurses.
Quality improvement is a well-known and commonly utilized approach to improving care and outcomes that is built on process improvement methods but not practice improvement methods. Because quality care includes both process and practice elements, process improvement alone cannot ensure quality outcomes will be achieved. This calls for a new approach.
To share an innovative, synergistic, and collaborative quality framework: Evidence-based Quality in Practice and Process: The EQUiPP Framework.
The EQUiPP Framework's intent is to provide structure for collaborative efforts to effectively identify best practices/processes, implement and sustain change, and improve outcomes. The framework provides guidance to decrease the frequency of implementing ineffective changes by deriving effective solutions … the first time, every time.
A team of experts used a consensus approach to develop the framework.
A precursor to this framework, the Practice and Process Improvement = Quality (PPQ) Model, was evaluated by individual expert review and a two-day beta test workshop. Feedback was obtained during the workshop when participants applied the model in activities reflecting real-world healthcare scenarios. When used in both DNP student work and real-world health systems, fundamental flaws were identified which resulted in the necessity to develop a different conceptualization. The framework described here is a new approach to improving quality care.
The EQUiPP Framework is a tool that provides the synergistic integration of both practice improvement (EBP) and process improvement methodologies to successfully implement and sustain best practices to achieve and sustain quality outcomes.
The EQUiPP Framework aligns EBP and process improvement, allowing clinicians and students to work collaboratively to identify and effectively, as well as efficiently, implement and sustain best practices to deliver quality outcomes.
In clinical oncology nursing practice, the preservation of quality of life is an essential component. E-health interventions have been proven effective in improving quality of life in patients with cancer, but the optimal content and delivery format remain undetermined.
To compare the efficacy of e-health interventions with varying contents and delivery formats in improving quality of life in patients with cancer.
Network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Six databases, including Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO, were searched from inception to October 25, 2025.
Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. A pairwise meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis were performed sequentially to determine the efficacy of different contents and delivery formats of e-health interventions in improving quality of life in patients with cancer.
A total of 50 studies included e-health interventions with eight contents and five delivery formats. The results identified health education (SUCRA = 82.2%), symptom management (SUCRA = 72.2%), and rehabilitation interventions (SUCRA = 71.1%) as the three most effective e-health intervention contents for improving quality of life in patients with cancer. Among delivery formats, app-based (SUCRA = 82.1%), internet/web-based (SUCRA = 71.5%), and telephone-based e-health interventions (SUCRA = 53.3%) ranked among the top three.
This study explored the efficacy of different contents and delivery formats of e-health interventions in improving quality of life in patients with cancer. These results are expected to provide an evidence-based basis for clinical oncology nursing practice.
PROSPERO number: CRD42025638829
Venous leg ulcers (VLU) account for the majority of chronic wounds, with an estimated rise in prevalence due to demographic change. Care often does not comply with evidence, and patients remain passive and uninformed. To support general practice VLU care, the ‘UlcusCrurisCare’ (UCC) project developed a multimodal intervention comprising provider training, software-supported case management and standardised patient education. Experts from the medical community (physicians, nurses, association of medical assistants), health insurance and patient representatives provided their assessment of barriers in VLU care, requirements for intervention components and their expected effects. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used at two measuring points. Qualitative data analysis was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Ten experts named a lack of knowledge and application regarding compression therapy, reluctance to assume role as primary care provider, and inadequate remuneration as barriers for evidence-based VLU care. To effectively address these barriers, interventions are required to foster the use of compression therapy and patient education. A multimodal approach such as pursued in UCC is expected to effectively address deficits in VLU care at general practitioner level by promoting provider knowledge about evidence-based treatment and supporting patient adherence.
A lack of murine models that mimic impaired wound healing in people with type 2 diabetes has hindered research. The commonly used leptin-receptor knockout model (db/db) fails to accurately reflect the pathophysiology of human disease. This study aimed: (i) to investigate whether our novel murine model of diabetes, whilst less hyperglycaemic and obese than db/dbs, effectively demonstrated impaired wound healing, and (ii) to identify the most robust methods for quantifying wound closure. C57BL/6J mice were high-fat diet fed for a total of 11 weeks and injected with three doses of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight) at week 5 with chow-fed mice as controls. All mice received four excisional wounds and were euthanised at day-4 or day-10 post-wounding (n = 8/group/timepoint). Wound healing was evaluated by digital planimetry, histology, Micro-CT, and tensiometry. Histological analysis was the most sensitive method for identifying impaired wound healing. Our high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin model had significantly higher non-fasting blood glucose (25.7 ± 5.4 mmol/L vs. 8.7 ± 0.8 mmol/L) and lower wound quality scores (day-4 post-wounding: 2.6 ± 1.9 vs. 4.4 ± 0.8) than healthy controls (both p < 0.05). At day-10 post-wounding, a linear trend in wound healing was observed between healthy controls, our novel model and the db/db model, indicating that our diabetic murine model may be clinically relevant for studying diabetes-related wound healing.
Parents of adolescents with a mental disorder describe having overwhelming feelings regarding the psychiatric diagnosis, which they respond to with grief. Existing research indicates that these parents face unique challenges, such as self-blame and stigma. Parents are crucial in adolescent care, and healthcare professionals should find interventions that educate parents about the disorder, treatment and symptom management. The aim of this study was to explore and describe parents' experiences in having an adolescent with a mental disorder admitted to the psychiatric unit of a public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.
The study used Heidegger's interpretive phenomenological design.
A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual method was used. Data were collected through semi-structured telephonic interviews with 10 parents who had an adolescent with a mental disorder admitted to a public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. Tesch's thematic coding steps were used for data analysis.
The themes arising from the findings reflected (1) parents experienced that their lives were stuck amid grief for the loss of what their adolescent child used to be, and anxiety about what the future holds, (2) parents experienced that when they reached out for professional help, the healthcare system failed them due to a lack of guidance, information and support, (3) parents experienced that they prayed for divine intervention as a coping strategy, and (4) parents experienced stigma from the community.
The findings illustrate the need for psychiatric nurses to facilitate the mental health of parents of adolescents with a mental disorder. Furthermore, positive attitudes among parents are improved once they are empowered and receive the necessary support, and stigmatization will also be reduced. It is recommended that further research be conducted to explore the effectiveness of emotional and professional support in addressing the challenges parents experience with an adolescent who has a mental disorder.
This paper contributes knowledge to nursing practice by exploring the experiences of parents who have an adolescent with a mental disorder in the South African context.
Venous ulcers are the most prevalent among those affecting the lower limbs, with high economic and quality of life impact. Due to the chronicity of venous disease, healing and recurrence cycles are common. Patient adherence to self-care activities to prevent recurrence is very low, so it is crucial to reflect on nurses' experiences with this phenomenon. A qualitative and descriptive study was developed to analyse nurses' perceptions about preventing venous ulcer recurrence. According to the inclusion criteria, focus groups with nurses were implemented. Three focus groups were conducted through the Colibri platform, ensuring all ethical assumptions. Content analysis was performed according to thematic criteria, using the WebQda software. Three main themes emerged: integration of care, context of care, and relationship. The participants emphasised the importance of holistic assessment and the establishment of common goals to promote adherence to fundamental recurrence prevention care. Understanding and respecting individual values, empathy and active listening, considering the established relationship, anticipating the person's needs, and trust are essential to overcoming barriers to implementing recurrence prevention care and to its continuity. Taking these aspects into consideration implies that the professional is part of the process of preventing the recurrence of venous ulcers.
Venous leg ulcers occur due to chronic venous insufficiency in the lower extremities and are often difficult to heal. Platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin are products that contain high concentrations of platelets. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of these products for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Guided by the 2020 Joanna Briggs Institute systematic review of effectiveness guideline, this review included original studies that investigated platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of venous leg ulcers from databases including the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry, Clinical Trials.gov and Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Methodological quality was assessed using relevant appraisal checklists. Information related to general characteristics of included articles and relevant outcomes of interest were extracted and synthesised narratively. Of thirty-six eligible studies, 24 studies used platelet-rich plasma, eleven investigated fibrin-rich plasma and one study used both platelet-rich plasma and fibrin-rich. Most studies reported these products were effective in promoting wound healing, reducing other symptoms, and were safe to use. The use of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin resulted in significantly higher healed venous leg ulcers compared to control using conventional treatment (RR: 2.93, 95% CI, 1.90–4.53, p = 0.01). These products were safe to used topically and promoted to wound healing, reduced pain, either along or combined with other treatments. Platelet-rich plasma and fibrin-rich plasma improves wound healing and appears to be safe to use in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.
We aimed to investigate the learning needs of general practitioners and their preferences as regards the most appropriate teaching session for continuing medical education in wound management. A survey targeting general practitioners at the public health centres in the City of Helsinki. Twenty-seven general practitioners participated in the study. The majority (74.1%) had received education in medical school, 40.7% from wound care nurses, and 40.7% from colleagues. Participants felt the most competent in wound diagnosis (59.3%) and etiological tests (55.6%) and requested training in these topics (74.1% and 74.1%). A peer-led lecture (88.9%) was the most preferred technique, followed by lectures by wound care nurses (55.6%), an educational video (44.4%), a specialist-led lecture (37.0%), an interactive wound product session (29.6%), and digital self-study (29.6%). Wound diagnostics and etiological tests are recognised as crucial topics for continuing medical education. Peer-led lectures were preferred over other techniques; however, we observed varying preferences regarding the most optimal technique. Based on our results, we propose a half-day training including lectures, interactive and hands-on activities, and reflection, led by a peer and a wound care nurse with supporting video materials. Future studies could assess its impact on learning outcomes and wound care quality.
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) compounded by diabetic foot ulceration remains a leading precursor to major lower-extremity amputation. Transverse tibial transport (TTT) can improve perfusion but requires corticotomy and bulky external fixation. We report what is, to our knowledge, the first application of fully automated tibial periosteal distraction (PD) for limb preservation. A 65-year-old man with recurrent forefoot gangrene underwent tibial PD using a miniaturised, programmable motor to gradually elevate the periosteum. Through a 1 cm incision, a low-profile subperiosteal plate was implanted and linked to the motor, which advanced 0.031 mm hourly (0.75 mm/day) up to 10 mm. Distraction was completed uneventfully over 13 days, and the device was removed at the bedside on Day 21. Skin temperature increased by 2°C, and digital systolic (toe) pressure rose from 22 to 50 mmHg. The wound progressed to healing without complication. Automated PD may offer a minimally invasive, biologically driven alternative for high-risk CLTI patients, eliminating the need for patient-adjusted screws and standardising adherence. Prospective studies are required to validate its safety, durability, optimal distraction parameters and cost-effectiveness.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated burnout, isolation, and disconnection among healthcare workers, leading to national calls to address workplace mental health. Storytelling has emerged as an effective strategy to build belonging, resilience, and connection. In response, a pediatric healthcare system launched an evidence-based storytelling initiative rooted in narrative medicine and visual symbolism.
To strengthen workplace culture by fostering connection, psychological safety, and meaning through structured storytelling.
Developed in partnership with Dear World, the intervention integrated guided reflection, peer sharing, and professional photography. Initially focused on staff, the initiative expanded to include adolescent and young adult patients. Implementation included phased rollout, train-the-trainer models, onboarding integration, and multimedia engagement. Evaluation methods included pre- and post-surveys and organizational metrics, with the Connection During Conversations Scale (CDCS) used to assess effectiveness across different session formats.
Over 2 years, 1818 participants attended 60 events. Significant improvements in perceived connection and belonging were observed (p < 0.001), with 94% reporting stronger connections to colleagues and 93% to organizational values. CDCS analysis of Year 2 participants (n = 148) demonstrated comparable effectiveness between full and abbreviated session formats, with slightly stronger outcomes in full sessions. As part of broader workforce engagement efforts, nurse turnover declined from 21% to 13%, contributing to $2.3 million in projected cost avoidance.
This scalable, low-cost initiative offers a sustainable model for rehumanizing healthcare. Its integration into orientation, leadership development, and wellness programs underscores its value in fostering connection, resilience, and retention across high-stress care settings.
Patient participation improves patient outcomes, but factors that predict participation in pressure injury prevention (PIP) are relatively unknown. This study aimed to identify patient-related factors predictive of patient participation in pressure injury prevention (PPPIP) in hospitalised medical and surgical patients and to assess the psychometric properties of the PPPIP scale. This observational substudy recruited consenting adults at risk of pressure who participated in a parent trial. The seven-item PPPIP scale was administered within 48 h of recruitment, with higher scores reflecting more participation. Multiple regression was used to identify patient-related factors predictive of patient participation. The scale's psychometric properties were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. In total, usable data were obtained from 856 patients. Mean PPPIP scale scores were relatively high, with 571 (66.7%) scores reflecting agreement or strong agreement. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, and most confirmatory factor analysis criteria for construct validity were met. Only the use of mobility aids was statistically significant in the model, but it predicted a small amount of variability in PPPIP score (adjusted R 2 = 0.017; p < 0.001). Targeting patients with limited mobility may be a useful strategy when trying to engage patients in PIP if resources are limited.
Investigate the epidemiological characteristics of outpatients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers who were ultimately confirmed to have cutaneous malignant tumours, and provide a diagnostic and therapeutic basis for the occurrence of secondary diseases in chronic wounds. We conducted a retrospective study analysing clinical data from patients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers at our hospital between July 2021 and February 2025, and analysed the epidemiological characteristics of malignant transformation in these ulcer cases. Among 128 patients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers, 16 cases (12.5%) were confirmed with cutaneous malignancies. The malignant group had a significantly higher mean age (69.44 ± 11.30 years) compared to the non-malignant group (58.39 ± 17.88 years; t = 5.752, p = 0.01). The distribution of lesion sites differed significantly between the malignant and non-malignant groups (χ2 = 30.498, p < 0.01). In the malignant group, the head and neck (41.2%) and trunk & extremities (41.2%) were the predominant sites. The most common malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The trunk & extremities was the most frequent site (62.5%). The second was basal cell carcinoma, which mainly occurs in the head and neck (80.0%). The mean duration of ulceration was 4.5 years. The primary treatment modality was surgical excision (11 cases, 68.8%). Approximately one-seventh of skin ulcer cases were confirmed as cutaneous malignancies. This finding underscores the significance of skin ulcers as potential malignant lesions, highlighting the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly perform histopathological examinations to improve early detection rates of skin cancers.
Preventing central line associated bloodstream infections is feasible; although numerous hospitals continue to face challenges in achieving this important patient safety goal.
The aim of this project was to reduce the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.
This evidence-based practice quality improvement project was conducted in the general intensive care unit with 35 beds in King Abdullah Medical City in response to an increase in reported central line associated bloodstream infections cases. A searchable clinical question was formulated, and the relevant literature was reviewed and critically appraised to identify effective prevention strategies. Multimodal Interventions were then implemented and evaluated. The Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology was integrated with an evidence-based practice model to enhance the effectiveness, sustainability, and overall quality of the initiatives.
Central line associated bloodstream infection rates decreased from 1.37 to 0.62 per 1000 central line days in the intensive care unit following implementation of the interventions. Moreover, the project generated a total cost savings of $244,201 USD (915,756 SAR), reflecting reduced costs associated with central line associated bloodstream infection cases over the subsequent 18 months.
Implementation of multimodal interventions is essential to decrease central line associated bloodstream infection rate in intensive care units.
The handover process is a critical component of patient safety, enabling effective communication and the transfer of responsibility among nurses. However, despite their critical role, it is often compromised by interruptions, lack of standardization, and variability in practice, which may reduce quality and nurse satisfaction. Existing tools primarily measure information transfer and efficiency but rarely incorporate nurses' perspectives on safety and satisfaction. This gap underscores the need for a validated instrument that comprehensively assesses handover quality from both a professional and safety perspective.
To develop and validate the Handover Quality Questionnaire (HAND-Q), a tool assessing nurses' satisfaction with handovers and their perceived impact on patient safety.
HAND-Q development included a conceptualization phase (literature review, expert discussions) and a validation phase (pilot and large-scale testing). Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (EFA, CFA) assessed psychometric properties.
EFA revealed four factors: Satisfaction, Patient Safety, Care Pathway Safety, and Handover Content. CFA confirmed good model fit. Inter-factor correlations showed strong links between handover quality and safety, alongside discrepancies between satisfaction and objective standards.
The HAND-Q offers a practical tool to assess handover quality, support standardization, enhance patient safety, and inform training and digital solutions.
Technology-assisted interventions offer a promising alternative to conventional cardiac rehabilitation. However, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness, particularly in non-Western settings with emphasis on exercise self-efficacy.
To evaluate the effects of a 12-week, technology-assisted hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (TecHCR) program on physical, physiological, and psychological outcomes of patients with coronary heart disease.
A two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial including 160 participants was randomly assigned to either TecHCR or usual care. TecHCR was underpinned by the Health Belief Model, consisting of three supervised exercise training and occupational therapy sessions, a fitness watch for exercise self-monitoring, six audio-visual educational videos, and a weekly video call follow-up. Data were collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 24 weeks post-intervention.
Participants in TecHCR demonstrated significantly greater improvement in exercise self-efficacy (β = 5.909, 95% CI [3.146, 8.672]; p < 0.001), health-promoting behaviors (β = 9.058, 95% CI [5.524, 12.591]; p < 0.001), and perceived anxiety levels (β = −1.255, 95% CI [−1.893, −0.616]; p < 0.001) at immediate post-intervention and (β = 8.506, 95% CI [4.951, 12.061]; p < 0.001, β = 14.563, 95% CI [8.809, 20.317]; p < 0.001, β = −1.145, 95% CI [−1.975, −0.315]; p = 0.007, respectively) 24 weeks post-intervention when compared with the control group. No statistically significant improvements were observed in perceived depression and cardiovascular risk factors.
The TecHCR program, combining supervised sessions with technology-assisted components, is an effective approach for significantly improving exercise self-efficacy, health-promoting behaviors, and anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease. Healthcare institutions should consider implementing hybrid programs to overcome barriers to traditional cardiac rehabilitation, leveraging technology to extend support and maintain patient engagement beyond supervised sessions.
clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04862351
Stroke is a global health concern. A timely response to a stroke can help reduce morbidity and mortality. However, barriers to timely response include poor recognition of stroke symptoms. Stroke symptom messages are designed to increase stroke recognition and encourage individuals to seek urgent medical assistance. The Face, Arm, Speech, Time (FAST) and Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time (BE FAST) are commonly used stroke symptom messages shown to improve stroke symptom recognition and response. However, cultural factors and language differences may limit the effectiveness of stroke symptom messages and their acceptability in different countries and contexts. There has not been a comprehensive examination of the stroke symptom messages used worldwide and how these messages have been adapted in various settings.
We explored what stroke response messages are being used globally, and the contextual factors that influence the adoption of a stroke response mnemonic in different settings.
A 14-item survey was disseminated by the World Stroke Organization to its networks. The survey contained open- and closed-ended questions and allowed uploading relevant stroke symptom campaign materials. The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a content analysis.
All except one survey respondent used a stroke symptom message. Fifteen respondents (27%) reported they did not translate their stroke awareness messaging. Of these 15 respondents, they used the English versions of FAST (n = 8), BE FAST (n = 4), and both FAST and BE FAST (n = 3). Forty respondents (71%) reported that they/their organization used an acronym to raise public awareness of the signs/symptoms of stroke that was different from FAST or BE FAST (English), many of which were direct or indirect translations or influenced by FAST and BE FAST. Survey responses shared insights and recommendations related to the content, tailoring and dissemination of stroke symptom messages.
Study findings highlight the global use of stroke symptom messages and their contextual adaptations to fit diverse settings and contexts. The challenges in applying universal or commonly used stroke symptom messages to different contexts were highlighted.
Nurses could have a key role in raising awareness of stroke symptoms and the development of locally adapted stroke symptom messages.
Creating a healthy work environment requires balancing organizational goals with ethical responsibilities, where head nurses' ethical leadership can shape staff outcomes by mitigating work–family conflicts and promoting nurses' well-being, retention, and patient safety. This study aims to analyze the mediating role of work–family between head nurses' ethical leadership and nurses' reported errors, turnover intention, and physical and mental health.
Nationwide Multicenter cross-sectional study.
Validated self-report scales were used to assess nurses' perceptions of head nurses' ethical leadership, work–family conflict, error, turnover intention, physical and mental health. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. Structural equation modeling examined the relationships among these variables based on Della Bella's and Fiorini's framework.
Data from 409 nurses across seven Italian hospitals was analyzed. The structural equation model showed an excellent fit. Head nurses' Ethical leadership was negatively associated with work–family conflicts, turnover intention, and errors, and positively associated with nurses' health. Work–family conflicts were significantly linked to turnover intention, errors, and nurses' health. Work–family conflicts mediate the relation between ethical leadership and turnover intention, errors, and nurses' health.
Promoting healthy work environments is crucial for nurses', patients', and organizations' well-being. Ethical leadership helps achieve this condition by reducing work–family conflicts, fostering nurses' well-being, decreasing turnover intention, and improving care quality. Disseminating ethical leadership programs and integrating with work–life balance policies can therefore strengthen both staff retention and organizational outcomes.
Ethical leadership can foster patient care, reduce turnover intention and errors, and improve nurses' well-being. Therefore, maintaining employee performance and organizational results requires integrating work–life balance policies with ethical leadership development programs.
The study adhered to The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.
This study did not include patient or public involvement.
The study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework https://osf.io/8jk37/overview.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
Pressure injuries remain a significant concern in military hospital settings, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Understanding the interplay of multiple risk factors is critical for effective prevention. To identify key risk factors and their combined effects on pressure injury development among inpatients in multi-centre military hospitals using factor analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 4876 inpatients across multiple military hospitals. Data were collected on 15 potential risk factors, including incontinence, care dependency, mobility limitations, comorbidities, medication use, nutritional status, and demographics. Factor analysis with principal component analysis and varimax rotation was applied, and maximum canonical correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the predictive contribution of single and combined factors. Single-factor analysis identified incontinence as the strongest predictor (MaxCanonicalCorr = 0.50126), followed by care dependency (0.31982) and bedridden status (0.30061). Two-factor analysis revealed incontinence combined with care dependency as the highest-performing model (MaxCanonicalCorr = 0.50867). Three-factor models incorporating incontinence, health conditions, and care dependency achieved the greatest predictive capacity (MaxCanonicalCorr = 0.5157), demonstrating that multi-factor interactions enhance risk prediction beyond single-factor effects. Incontinence is the primary modifiable risk factor for pressure injury in military hospital inpatients. Integrating continence management with assessments of functional status and comorbidities can improve early identification of high-risk patients and guide targeted preventive strategies.
Self-treatment of benign symptoms using hot water bottles, steam inhalation or hot tea is common in households and poses risks of severe scald injuries. This study aims to investigate associated hazards and identify high-risk patient groups to facilitate targeted prevention. A retrospective, single-center descriptive study was conducted on adult burn patients with scald injuries from hot water bottles, steam inhalation or hot tea. Demographic information, injury mechanism and outcomes were analysed. A total of 43 patients (mean age: 37.5 years; female:male ratio 23:20) were included. Injuries were caused by hot water/tea (37.2%), steam (34.9%) and hot water bottles (27.9%). The average burned total body surface area (TBSA) was 4%, with 79.1% of injuries being superficial partial-thickness burns. Surgical intervention was required in 13.9% of cases. Hot water bottle injuries predominantly affected young females (75%, mean age 32.6 years), with a high incidence of genital burns (58.3%). Hot tea-related injuries were more frequent in older males (62.5%, mean age 41.6 years), involving greater TBSA (6.5%) and a higher necessity for skin grafting (18.8%). Common self-treatment strategies can cause serious scalds, particularly in specific demographic groups, thereby burdening healthcare systems. Awareness of these risks is pivotal for effective education and prevention.
FreshRSS 