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How clinicians make decisions for patient management plans in telehealth

Abstract

Aim

This systematic integrative literature review explores how clinicians make decisions for patient management plans in telehealth.

Background

Telehealth is a modality of care that has gained popularity due to the development of digital technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recognized that telehealth, compared to traditional clinical settings, carries a higher risk to patients due to its virtual characteristics. Even though the landscape of healthcare service is increasingly moving towards virtual systems, the decision-making process in telehealth remains not fully understood.

Design

A systematic integrative review.

Data Sources

Databases include CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

This systematic integrative review method was informed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The databases were initially searched with keywords in November 2022 and then repeated in October 2023. Thematic synthesis was conducted to analyse and synthesize the data.

Results

The search identified 382 articles. After screening, only 10 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included. Five studies were qualitative, one quantitative and four were mixed methods. Five main themes relevant to decision-making processes in telehealth were identified: characteristics of decision-making in telehealth, patient factor, clinician factor, CDSS factor and external influencing factor.

Conclusions

The decision-making process in telehealth is a complicated cognitive process influenced by multi-faceted components, including patient factors, clinician factors, external influencing factors and technological factors.

Impact

Telehealth carries higher risk and uncertainty than face-to-face encounters. CDSS, rather than bringing unification and clarity, seems to bring more divergence and ambiguity. Some of the clinical reasoning processes in telehealth remain unknown and need to be verbalized and made transparent, to prepare junior clinicians with skills to minimize risks associated with telehealth.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Protective and risk factors of mental health of working age adults with adventitious total bilateral blindness and low vision: A scoping review protocol

by Nneoma Dike, Lucia D’Ambruoso, Heather May Morgan, Zoë Skea, Emma-Louise Tarburn

Vision loss has been associated with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which significantly impact lives of working age adults with adventitious total bilateral blindness and low vision. It is imperative, therefore, to prioritize the mental health in this population by exploring and understanding the factors that impact on their mental health. Hence, the objective of this scoping review is to identify and chart existing literature on the protective and risk factors of mental health of working age adults with adventitious total bilateral blindness and low vision. We developed this scoping review protocol in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. This scoping review will include publications in English language with no date restrictions exploring the protective and risk factors of mental health of our study population. A three-step search strategy will be employed. Searches will be carried out in the following databases: Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, CINAHL and Web of Science. Search for grey literature will be conducted in Google, Google Scholar and Websites dedicated to information on visual impairment. Collated results will be imported into Endnote Basic (Clarivate) for deduplication. Two reviewers will independently conduct double screening of all the titles and abstracts in Rayyan- a web application, and full texts in Endnote while three other reviewers will conduct screening of a subset of for example 10% of titles and abstracts and full texts. Furthermore, two reviewers will independently conduct double data extraction while three other reviewers will revise, cross check, and correct any extraction errors. Extracted data will be presented in tabular formats and summarized descriptively in line with the research objectives. This scoping review will generate evidence on factors impacting the mental health of the working age adults with adventitious total bilateral blindness and low vision as well as critically highlight gaps in the literature. The findings will inform and critically underpin future empirical research which will explore the lived experiences of working age people with adventitious total bilateral blindness. Additionally, evidence from this review will inform the development of interventions in the promotion of mental health as well as assisting rehabilitation specialists and workers, public health practitioners and other relevant stakeholders in addressing the mental health needs of working age adults with adventitious total bilateral blindness and low vision.

The parent perspective on paediatric delirium and an associated care bundle: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims

To explore how parents experienced their child with delirium and how parents viewed our delirium management bundle.

Design

We conducted a qualitative exploratory descriptive study using semi-structured individual or dyad interviews.

Methods

Twelve semi-structured interviews with 16 parents of 12 critically ill children diagnosed with delirium in a paediatric intensive care unit were conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 and analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

We generated five themes: (1) knowing that something is very wrong, (2) observing manifest changes in the child, (3) experiencing fear of long-term consequences, (4) adding insight to the bundle, and (5) family engagement.

Conclusion

The parents in our study were able to observe subtle and manifest changes in their child with delirium. This caused fear of lasting impact. The parents regarded most of the interventions in the delirium management bundle as relevant but needed individualization in the application. The parents requested more information regarding delirium and a higher level of parent engagement in the care of their child during delirium.

Impact

This paper contributes to understanding how parents might experience delirium in their critically ill child, how our delirium management bundle was received by the parents, and their suggestions for improvement. Our study deals with critically ill children with delirium, their parents, and staff working to prevent and manage paediatric delirium (PD) in the paediatric intensive care unit.

Reporting Method

The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines were used to ensure the transparency of our reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution to the research design.

What does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Community?

- It increases awareness of the parent's perspective on PD in critically ill children. - It shows how PD might affect parents, causing negative emotions such as distress, frustration, and fear of permanent damage. - It shows that the parents in our study, in addition to the care bundle, requested more information on delirium and more involvement in the care of their delirious child.

Decisional needs in people with kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals about end‐of‐life care options: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

Aim

To investigate the decisional needs in Denmark of people with kidney failure, relatives, and health professionals when planning end-of-life care.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were carried out with people with kidney failure, relatives and health professionals from November 2021 to June 2022. Malterud's systematic text condensation was used to analyse transcripts.

Results

A total of 13 patients, 10 relatives, and 12 health professionals were interviewed. Overall, four concepts were agreed on: (1) Talking about end of life is difficult, (2) Patients and relatives need more knowledge and information, (3) Health professionals need more tools and training, and (4) Experiencing busyness as a barrier to conversations about end of life.

Conclusion

People with kidney failure, relatives, and health professionals shared certain decisional needs while also having some different decisional needs about end-of-life care. To meet these various needs, end-of-life conversations should be systematic and organized according to the patients' needs and wishes.

Impact

Non-systematic end-of-life care decision-making processes limit patients' involvement. Patients and relatives need more knowledge about end-of-life care, and health professionals need more competences and time to discuss decisional needs. A shared decision-making intervention for people with kidney failure when making end-of-life care decisions will be developed.

Reporting Method

This empirical qualitative research is reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, relatives, and health professionals have been involved throughout the research process as part of the research team and advisory board. The patients are people with kidney failure and the relatives are relatives of a person with kidney failure. For this study, the advisory board has particularly contributed to the validation of the invitation letter for participation, the interview guides and the preparation of the manuscript.

Surveillance and patient safety in nursing research: A bibliometric analysis from 1993 to 2023

Abstract

Aims

To identify and characterize the thematic foci, structure and evolution of nursing research on surveillance and patient safety.

Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Bibliometric methods were employed to analyse 1145 articles, using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software.

Data Source

The Scopus bibliographic database was searched on April 7, 2023.

Results

A keyword co-occurrence analysis found the most frequently occurring keywords to be: patient safety, nursing, nurses, adverse events, monitoring, critical care, quality improvement, vital signs, safety, alarm fatigue, education, nursing care, surveillance, clinical alarms, failure to rescue, evidence-based practice, acute care, clinical deterioration, communication, intensive care. Network mapping, clustering and time-tracking of the keywords revealed the focal themes, structure and evolution of the research field.

Conclusion

By assessing critical areas of the nursing research field, this study extends and enriches the current discourse on surveillance and patient safety for nursing researchers and practitioners. Critical challenges still have to be met by nurses, however, including the failure to rescue deteriorating patients. Further knowledge and understanding of surveillance and patient safety must be successfully translated from research to practice.

Implications for the Profession

This study highlights the gaps in nursing knowledge with regard to surveillance and patient safety and encourages nursing professionals to turn to evidence-based surveillance practices.

Impact

In addressing the problem of surveillance and its effect on patient safety, this study found that, in most clinical care settings, preventing failures to rescue and adverse patient outcomes still remains a challenge for the nursing profession. This study should have an impact on nursing academics' future research themes and on nursing professionals' future clinical practices.

Reporting Method

Relevant EQUATOR guidelines have been adhered to by employing recognized bibliometric reporting methods.

Screening for the risk of canine impaction, what are the presumptive signs and how does it affect orthodontics? A cross-sectional study in France

by Damien Brézulier, Steeven Carnet, Alexia Marie-Cousin, Jean-Louis Sixou

Purpose

The treatment of impacted canines is a challenge for orthodontists. The availability of suggestive clinical signs has become crucial for treatment before the potential for evolution ceases. The main objective was to evaluate the prevalence of the suspected displaced canine (SDC) and to highlight factors easily identifiable from the oral examination.

Methods

SDC was assessed on panoramic X-rays, on the basis of the angle with the median sagittal plane and the degree of overlap with the permanent lateral incisor. Its association with mesio-distal tooth and palate widths was assessed by univariate analysis. Next, the association of SDC with temporary tooth extraction, expansion and/or premolar extraction was considered using the same modality.

Results

In this retrospective study, the records of 292 patients aged 7 to 13 years were reviewed. SDC was detected in 39% of patients i.e., 28,8% of observed canines. Reduced coronal mesio-distal diameters of permanent maxillary central incisors, 8.7 ± 0.6 mm versus 8.8 ± 0.7 mm (p Conclusion

This study confirmed the interest of panoramic X-rays in detected canines at risk of SDC. Dental factors can be combined to make screening more reliable and predict impaction that makes orthodontics complex.

Trial registration number

Opinion n°21.131, dated 09.21.2021, retrospectively registered.

Multiocular defect in the Old English Sheepdog: A canine form of Stickler syndrome type II associated with a missense variant in the collagen-type gene <i>COL11A1</i>

by Katherine Stanbury, Renata Stavinohova, Louise Pettitt, Chris Dixon, Ellen C. Schofield, Bryan Mclaughlin, Inka Pettinen, Hannes Lohi, Sally L. Ricketts, James A. Oliver, Cathryn S. Mellersh

Multiocular defect has been described in different canine breeds, including the Old English Sheepdog. Affected dogs typically present with multiple and various ocular abnormalities. We carried out whole genome sequencing on an Old English Sheepdog that had been diagnosed with hereditary cataracts at the age of five and then referred to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist due to owner-reported visual deterioration. An ophthalmic assessment revealed that there was bilateral vitreal degeneration, macrophthalmos, and spherophakia in addition to cataracts. Follow-up consultations revealed cataract progression, retinal detachment, uveitis and secondary glaucoma. Whole genome sequence filtered variants private to the case, shared with another Old English Sheepdog genome and predicted to be deleterious were genotyped in an initial cohort of six Old English Sheepdogs (three affected by multiocular defect and three control dogs without evidence of inherited eye disease). Only one of the twenty-two variants segregated correctly with multiocular defect. The variant is a single nucleotide substitution, located in the collagen-type gene COL11A1, c.1775T>C, that causes an amino acid change, p.Phe1592Ser. Genotyping of an additional 14 Old English Sheepdogs affected by multiocular defect revealed a dominant mode of inheritance with four cases heterozygous for the variant. Further genotyping of hereditary cataract-affected Old English Sheepdogs revealed segregation of the variant in eight out of nine dogs. In humans, variants in the COL11A1 gene are associated with Stickler syndrome type II, also dominantly inherited.

“Like fighting a fire with a water pistol”: A qualitative study of the work experiences of critical care nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim

To understand the experience of critical care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the application of the Job-Demand-Resource model of occupational stress.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Twenty-eight critical care nurses (CCN) working in ICU in the UK NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic took part in semi-structured interviews between May 2021 and May 2022. Interviews were guided by the constructs of the Job-Demand Resource model. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

The most difficult job demands were the pace and amount, complexity, physical and emotional effort of their work. Prolonged high demands led to CCN experiencing emotional and physical exhaustion, burnout, post-traumatic stress symptoms and impaired sleep. Support from colleagues and supervisors was a core job resource. Sustained demands and impaired physical and psychological well-being had negative organizational consequences with CCN expressing increased intention to leave their role.

Conclusions

The combination of high demands and reduced resources had negative impacts on the psychological well-being of nurses which is translating into increased consideration of leaving their profession.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The full impacts of the pandemic on the mental health of CCN are unlikely to resolve without appropriate interventions.

Impact

Managers of healthcare systems should use these findings to inform: (i) the structure and organization of critical care workplaces so that they support staff to be well, and (ii) supportive interventions for staff who are carrying significant psychological distress as a result of working during and after the pandemic. These changes are required to improve staff recruitment and retention.

Reporting Method

We used the COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative studies.

Patient and Public Contribution

Six CCN provided input to survey content and interview schedule. Two authors and members of the study team (T.S. and S.C.) worked in critical care during the pandemic.

Using a novel ambulatory monitoring system to support patient safety on an acute infectious disease ward during an unfolding pandemic

Abstract

Aim

To gain staff feedback on the implementation and impact of a novel ambulatory monitoring system to support coronavirus patient management on an isolation ward.

Design

Qualitative service evaluation.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 multidisciplinary isolation ward staff in the United Kingdom between July 2020 and May 2021. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Adopting Innovation to Assist Patient Safety was identified as the overriding theme. Three interlinked sub-themes represent facets of how the system supported patient safety. Patient Selection was developed throughout the pandemic, as clinical staff became more confident in choosing which patients would benefit most. Trust In the System described how nurses coped with discrepancies between the ambulatory system and ward observation machines. Finally, Resource Management examined how, once trust was built, staff perceived the ambulatory system assisted with caseload management. This supported efficient personal protective equipment resource use by reducing the number of isolation room entries. Despite these reported benefits, face-to-face contact was still highly valued, despite the risk of coronavirus exposure.

Conclusion

Hospital wards should consider using ambulatory monitoring systems to support caseload management and patient safety. Patients in isolation rooms or at high risk of deterioration may particularly benefit from this additional monitoring. However, these systems should be seen as an adjunct to nursing care, not a replacement.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses valued ambulatory monitoring as a means of ensuring the safety of patients at risk of deterioration and prioritizing their workload.

Impact

The findings of this research will be useful to all those developing or considering implementation of ambulatory monitoring systems in hospital wards.

Reporting Method

This manuscript follows the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines with inclusion of relevant SQUIRE guidelines for reporting quality improvement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Epidemiology of pressure ulcers in Le Mans General Hospital between 1996 and 2019: Impact of a dedicated “Pressure ulcer, Wounds and Healing” task force

Abstract

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are one of the most important care-related ailments, making their prevention a pressing concern for hospital structures. Epidemiology of PU is interesting to adapt human resources and observe the impact of targeted public health measures. Very few data are presented in the French literature. In this context, a dedicated “Pressure ulcer, Wounds and Healing” task force was created in 1996 by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, administrative staff, and paramedics in the CH of Le Mans. Alongside this, an annual prevalence study was performed between 1996 and 2019 in CH of Le Mans, collecting relevant data: the number of patients who presented pressure ulcers, the number of patients who were at risk of developing pressure ulcers, and the severity of these ulcers. This study brings new data about PU epidemiology in France and shows a significant decrease in the prevalence, becoming lower than the national prevalence. Also, a significant time-related regression of the prevalence was observed, the severity level continually decreased whereas the number of geriatric patients grew and patients with PU's risk remained constant. Finally, the number of patients who developed a PU within the hospitalization decreased too. We observed a link between the creation of the task force and the evolution of pressure ulcer epidemiology, thus recommending that the same practices be adopted in other hospitals and fields of application.

The process of nurses' role negotiation in general practice: A grounded theory study

Abstract

Aim

To explain the process by which nurses' roles are negotiated in general practice.

Background

Primary care nurses do important work within a social model of health to meet the needs of the populations they serve. Latterly, in the face of increased demand and workforce shortages, they are also taking on more medical responsibilities through task-shifting. Despite the increased complexity of their professional role, little is known about the processes by which it is negotiated.

Design

Constructivist grounded theory.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants from 17 New Zealand general practices between December 2020 and January 2022. Due to COVID-19, 11 interviews were via Zoom™. Concurrent data generation and analysis, using the constant comparative method and common grounded theory methods, identified the participants' main concern and led to the construction of a substantive explanatory theory around a core category.

Results

The substantive explanatory theory of creating place proposes that the negotiation of nurse roles within New Zealand general practice is a three-stage process involving occupying space, positioning to do differently and leveraging opportunity. Nurses and others act and interact in these stages, in accordance with their conceptualizations of need-responsive nursing practice, towards the outcome defining place. Defining place conceptualizes an accommodation between the values beliefs and expectations of individuals and pre-existing organizational norms, in which individual and group-normative concepts of need-responsive nursing practice are themselves developed.

Conclusion

The theory of creating place provides new insights into the process of nurses' role negotiation in general practice. Findings support strategies to enable nurses, employers and health system managers to better negotiate professional roles to meet the needs of the populations they serve, while making optimum use of nursing skills and competencies.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Findings can inform nurses to better negotiate the complexities of the primary care environment, balancing systemic exigencies with the health needs of populations.

Impact

What Problem Did the Study Address?

In the face of health inequity, general practice nurses in New Zealand, as elsewhere, are key to meeting complex primary health needs. There is an evidence gap regarding the processes by which nurses' roles are negotiated within provider organizations. A deeper understanding of such processes may enable better use of nursing skills to address unmet health need.

What Were the Main Findings?

Nurses' roles in New Zealand general practice are determined through goal-driven negotiation in accordance with individual concepts of need-responsive nursing practice. Individuals progress from occupying workspaces defined by the care-philosophies of others to defining workplaces that incorporate their own professional beliefs, values and expectations. Negotiation is conditional upon access to role models, scheduled dialogue with mentors and decision-makers, and support for safe practice. Strong clinical and organizational governance and individuals' own positive personal self-efficacy are enablers of effective negotiation.

Where and on Whom Will the Research Have Impact?

The theory of Creating Space can inform organizational and individual efforts to advance the roles of general practice nurses to meet the health needs of their communities. General practice organizations can provide safe, supported environments for effective negotiation; primary care leaders can promote strong governance and develop individuals' sense of self-efficacy by involving them in key decisions. Nurses themselves can use the theory as a framework to support critical reflection on how to engage in active negotiation of their professional roles.

Reporting Method

The authors adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines using the COREQ reporting method.

Patient or Public Contribution

Researchers and participants currently working in general practice were involved in the development of this study. By the process of theoretical sampling and constant comparison, participants’ comments helped to shape the study design.

What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

An understanding of the processes by which health professionals negotiate their roles is important to support them to meet the challenges of increased complexity across all health sectors globally.

The reported experiences of internationally qualified nurses in aged care: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To examine the experiences of internationally qualified nurses, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, transitioning to and working in the aged care sector of high-income countries.

Design

A scoping review.

Data Sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE and PSychINFO databases were searched to find eligible literature published from January 2010 onwards.

Review Methods

This scoping review was based on the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The literature search was conducted by the first author, and all three authors reviewed the retrieved studies for eligibility and inclusion.

Results

Fourteen articles were eligible. Data was categorized into three broad themes: stress of migration and transition; miscommunication, racism and discrimination; and aged care specific challenges which included two sub-themes ‘shock of aged care’ and ‘bottom care’.

Conclusion

Internationally qualified nurses, particularly if they are culturally and linguistically diverse, face unique stresses and challenges in aged care and face barriers in the recognition of skills and qualifications. The under-utilization of skills is not only a loss in terms of patient care but is linked to fears of de-skilling, losing professional development and opportunities for career progression.

Impact

Internationally qualified nurses are positioned as a solution to aged care shortages in high-income countries; however, there is a scarcity of research exploring their experiences. In the context of the global aged care staffing crisis, an understanding of the stresses and challenges faced by internationally qualified nurses will further strengthen efforts to recruit, support and retain skilled nurses in aged care.

Clinician‐perceived barriers and facilitators for the provision of actionable processes of care important for persistent or chronic critical illness

Abstract

Aim

To explore clinician-perceived barriers to and facilitators for the provision of actionable processes of care important for patients with persistent or chronic critical illness.

Design

Qualitative descriptive interview study.

Methods

Secondary analysis of semi-structured telephone interviews (December 2018 – February 2019) with professionally diverse clinicians working with adults experiencing persistent or chronic critical illness in Canadian intensive care units. We used deductive content analysis informed by the Social-Ecological Model.

Results

We recruited 31 participants from intensive care units across nine Canadian provinces. Reported intrapersonal level barriers to the provision of actionable processes of care included lack of training, negative emotions and challenges prioritizing these patients. Facilitators included establishment of positive relations and trust with patients and family. Interpersonal barriers included communication difficulties, limited access to physicians and conflict. Facilitators included communication support, time spent with the patient/family and conflict management. Institutional barriers comprised inappropriate care processes, inadequate resources and disruptive environmental conditions. Facilitators were regular team rounds, appropriate staffing and employment of a primary care (nurse and/or physician) model. Community-level barriers included inappropriate care location and insufficient transition support. Facilitators were accessed to alternate care sites/teams and to formalized transition support. Public policy-level barriers included inadequacy of formal education programs for the care of these patients; knowledge implementation for patient management was identified as a facilitator.

Conclusion

Our results highlighted multilevel barriers and facilitators to the delivery of actionable processes important for quality care for patient/family experiencing persistent or chronic critical illness.

Impact

Using the Social-Ecological Model, the results of this study provide intra and interpersonal, institutional, community and policy-level barriers to address and facilitators to harness to improve the care of patients/family experiencing persistent or chronic critical illness.

Reporting Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Needs assessment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the encounter and communication with healthcare professionals: A fieldwork study

Abstract

Aim

To explore how patients with Inflammatory bowel disease experienced encounters with healthcare professionals in two gastrointestinal outpatient clinics to demonstrate what matters in the communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Design

This fieldwork study is part of a larger study developing an application for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a framework inspired by Participatory Design. Participatory design consists of three phases and this study focused on the first phase, needs assessment. A phenomenological hermeneutic approach and qualitative methods were applied to obtain an understanding of patients' needs.

Methods

Three weeks of participant observations and three focus groups with 14 subjects were conducted at two university hospitals in Denmark. Field notes and interview transcripts were analysed using condensation of meaning and interpreted based on interactional nursing practice theory. The reporting method adhered to the EQUATOR guideline: COREQ.

Results

Four themes emerged: Easy and dependable access to healthcare professionals. Predictability of follow-up appointments. Importance of privacy during patient exams and Quality of time spent with healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Easy, dependable access, privacy, presence and predictability of follow-up appointments were important to patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Implications for the profession and patient care

In communication with patients with inflammatory bowel disease, healthcare professionals must be aware of privacy and the importance of predictable follow-up agreements. They must be aware that presence and easy, reliable access positively affect patients' self-care skills.

Patient contribution

This study is part of a larger project based on Participatory design involving patients and healthcare professionals in the development of technology to support communication.

Should oral care be about more than a gut feeling? A qualitative study investigating patients' and healthcare professionals' experiences

Abstract

Aim

To explore patients' and healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of oral care during hospitalisation to identify needs and challenges.

Background

Daily oral care is important to patients' health and well-being, to prevent diseases in the oral cavity, systemic infections and increased morbidity, which subsequently can lead to prolonged hospitalisation and, at worst, increased mortality. Despite this knowledge, oral care is a neglected part of nursing practice. Studies do not clearly identify barriers regarding oral care, as the existing knowledge is inadequate.

Design

A qualitative study exploring participants' experiences to gain new in-depth knowledge of oral care among hospitalised patients.

Methods

A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was applied. Participant observations were conducted on five hospital wards, combined with individual semi-structured interviews with 16 patients and 15 HCP. Data analysis was based on Ricoeur's theory of narrative and interpretation.

Results

Four themes describing the challenges regarding oral care emerged: Oral care as a gut feeling; oral care fades into the background; even self-reliant patients need help with oral care; and the mouth reflects the life lived.

Conclusions

The identified challenges show there is a need for improvement in the health professional approach to oral care in nursing practice. Focus on increasing HCPs' knowledge, skills and competences can increase their nursing agency and support patients' self-care capacity.

Impact

Investigation of oral care during hospitalisation revealed four main challenges concerning both patients' and HCPs' lack of knowledge and awareness of oral care. Thus, patients and HCPs should be included in developing solutions to improve oral care in nursing practice.

Reporting methods

The COREQ criteria for reporting qualitative research were adhered to.

Patient contribution

A patient representative was involved in the discussion of the proposal, conduct and results of the study.

The choice for colostomy following spinal cord injury: A grounded theory study

Abstract

Aim

Explore experiences and choices related to bowel management following spinal cord injury.

Background

In one UK spinal centre, more are choosing a colostomy soon after injury in contravention of professional guidelines. Reasons for this were unknown.

Methods

Grounded theory study using semi-structured interviews with 12 individuals living with spinal cord injury.

Results

All ‘Experienced Loss’ related to bowel function. Those who chose colostomy later ‘Progressed into Suffering’. Colostomy transformed lives and was likened to ‘Being Alive Again’. ‘Failures of Care’ contributed to experiences and decision-making.

Conclusion

Possessing information and choice emerge as key in transforming lives following spinal cord injury. They allow individuals to make choices from a lifeworld perspective, which may differ from those professionals assume. Present neurogenic bowel management guidelines fail to account for the wider lifeworlds of those they are designed for.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

An imperative emerges to make information and choice available and involve patients in the reconstruction of guidelines.

Impact

Unique knowledge emerges about patient experiences and motivations, and points to a patient-led revolution in how bowel management following spinal cord injury is understood and managed. The imperative for adequate access to information and choice is demonstrated.

Reporting Method

EQUATOR Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) were adhered to.

Patient or Public Contribution

The methodology facilitated discussion of areas important to patients and made them co-constructors of theory.

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

Abstract

Introduction

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

Design

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Clinical Relevance

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

The characteristics and prevalence of phobias in pregnancy

The primary objective was to estimate the population prevalence of specific phobias (including pregnancy related specific phobias) and associated mental disorders. The secondary objective was to investigate the effectiveness of routinely collected screening tools (depression and anxiety screens, Whooley and GAD-2 respectively) in identifying specific phobias. Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorder to occur during pregnancy, but studies on prevalence and clinical correlates of specific phobias, including pregnancy related specific phobias are lacking.
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