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Pain management interventions of the non‐communicating patient in intensive care: What works for whom and why? A rapid realist review

Abstract

Aim

The utility and uptake of pain management interventions across intensive care settings is inconsistent. A rapid realist review was conducted to synthesise the evidence for the purpose of theory building and refinement.

Design

A five-step iterative process was employed to develop project scope/ research questions, collate evidence, appraise literature, synthesise evidence and interpret information from data sources.

Methods

Realist synthesis method was employed to systematically review literature for developing a programme theory.

Data Sources

Initial searches were undertaken in three electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINHAL and OVID. The review was supplemented with key articles from bibliographic search of identified articles. The first 200 hits from Google Scholar were screened.

Results

Three action-oriented themes emerged as integral to successful implementation of pain management interventions. These included health facility actions, unit/team leader actions and individual nurses' actions.

Conclusion

Pain assessment interventions are influenced by a constellation of factors which trigger mechanisms yielding effective implementation outcomes.

Implications

The results have implications on policy makers, health organisations, nursing teams and nurses concerned with optimising the successful implementation of pain management interventions.

Impact

The review enabled formation of a programme theory concerned with explaining how to effectively implement pain management interventions in intensive care.

Reporting Method

This review was informed by RAMESES publication standards for realist synthesis.

Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

The study protocol was registered in Open Science Framework.

10.17605/OSF.IO/J7AEZ

Assessing the heterogeneity of the impact of COVID-19 incidence on all-cause excess mortality among healthcare districts in Lombardy, Italy, to evaluate the local response to the pandemic: an ecological study

Por: Paganuzzi · M. · Nattino · G. · Ghilardi · G. I. · Costantino · G. · Rossi · C. · Cortellaro · F. · Cosentini · R. · Paglia · S. · Migliori · M. · Mira · A. · Bertolini · G. · On behalf of the Fenice network
Objectives

The fragmentation of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic at national, regional and local levels is a possible source of variability in the impact of the pandemic on society. This study aims to assess how much of this variability affected the burden of COVID-19, measured in terms of all-cause 2020 excess mortality.

Design

Ecological retrospective study.

Setting

Lombardy region of Italy, 2015–2020.

Outcome measures

We evaluated the relationship between the intensity of the epidemics and excess mortality, assessing the heterogeneity of this relationship across the 91 districts after adjusting for relevant confounders.

Results

The epidemic intensity was quantified as the COVID-19 hospitalisations per 1000 inhabitants. Five confounders were identified through a directed acyclic graph: age distribution, population density, pro-capita gross domestic product, restriction policy and population mobility.

Analyses were based on a negative binomial regression model with district-specific random effects. We found a strong, positive association between COVID-19 hospitalisations and 2020 excess mortality (p

Conclusions

The homogeneous effect of the COVID-19 spread on the excess mortality in the Lombardy districts suggests that, despite the unprecedented conditions, the pandemic reactions did not result in health disparities in the region.

Healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and associated factors: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims

To identify healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and explore associated factors to digital health competence in healthcare settings.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from 817 healthcare professionals from nine organizations with an electronic questionnaire by using Digital Health Competence instrument (42 items) and Aspects Associated with Digital Health instrument (15 items) between 1st March and 31st July 2022. K-means clustering was used to describe digital health competence profiles. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore associated factors.

Results

Analysis revealed three digital health competence profiles: A – high competence (n = 336), B – intermediate competence (n = 352) and C – low competence (n = 129). Between the profiles, digital health competence showed significant differences (p < .001). Recent graduation year, working in outpatient environments and leader or specialist position were associated with higher digital health competence. Organizational practices and the influence from colleagues improved competence in human-centred remote counselling, digital solutions as part of work, competence in utilizing and evaluating digital solutions and ethical competence. Support from management improved digital solutions as part of work and ethical competence.

Conclusion

Nursing and allied health professionals working in other than outpatient environments should be specifically acknowledged when digital health competence development initiatives are designed and targeted. The positive influence from colleagues could be harnessed by enhancing their involvement in digital health competence development methods such as orientation, mentoring or coaching. Additionally, managers should take a stronger role in supporting different areas of digital health competence.

Impact

This was the first study that explored healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and associated factors. The detection of healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles guides the development of digital health education according to different needs in healthcare environments.

Reporting Method

The study has adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Optimizing CO<sub>2</sub> field flooding during sternotomy: In vitro confirmation of the Karolinska studies

by Mira Puthettu, Stijn Vandenberghe, Spyros Balafas, Clelia Di Serio, Geni Singjeli, Alberto Pagnamenta, Stefanos Demertzis

Although CO2 field-flooding was first used during cardiac surgery more than 60 years ago, its efficacy is still disputed. The invisible nature of the gas and the difficulty in determining the “safe” quantity to protect the patient are two of the main obstacles to overcome for its validation. Moreover, CO2 concentration in the chest cavity is highly sensitive to procedural aspects, such suction and hand movements. Based on our review of the existing literature, we identified four major factors that influence the intra-cavity CO2 concentration during open-heart surgery: type of delivery device (diffuser), delivery CO2 flow rate, diffuser position around the wound cavity, and its orientation inside the cavity. In this initial study, only steady state conditions were considered to establish a basic understanding on the effect of the four above-mentioned factors. Transient factors, such as suction or hand movements, will be reported separately.

Effects of service dogs on children with ASD’s symptoms and parents’ well-being: On the importance of considering those effects with a more systemic perspective

by Nicolas Dollion, Margot Poirier, Florian Auffret, Nathe François, Pierrich Plusquellec, Marine Grandgeorge, Handi’Chiens , Fondation Mira

The integration of a service dog can have numerous benefits for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, although integration takes place within a family, little is known about the dynamics of these benefits on the family microsystem. Thus, the aim of our study was to propose a more systemic perspective, not only by investigating the benefits of SD integration, but also by exploring the relationships between improvements in children with ASD, parents’ well-being, parenting strategies and the quality of the child-dog relationship. Twenty parent-child with ASD dyads were followed before, as well as 3 and 6 months after service dog integration. At each stage, parents completed an online survey which included: the Autism Behavior Inventory (ABI-S), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y), the Parenting Stress Index Short Version (PSI-SF), the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) and the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ). First, repeated measure one-way ANOVAs revealed that both children’s ASD symptoms and parents’ anxiety decreased significantly after service dog integration. Additionally, Spearman correlations revealed that the more ASD symptoms decreased, the more parent’s anxiety and parenting stress also decreased. Second, the quality of the child-dog relationship appeared to contribute to those benefits on both children’s ASD symptoms and parents’ well-being. Interestingly, parenting strategies seemed to adapt according to these benefits and to the quality of the child-dog relationship. Through a more systemic perspective, this study highlighted that the integration of a service dog involved reciprocal and dynamic effects for children with ASD and their parents, and shed new light on the processes that may underlie the effects of a service dog for children with ASD.

Key factors for effective implementation of healthcare workers support interventions after patient safety incidents in health organisations: a scoping review

Por: Guerra-Paiva · S. · Lobao · M. J. · Simoes · D. G. · Fernandes · J. · Donato · H. · Carrillo · I. · Mira · J. J. · Sousa · P.
Objectives

This study aims to map and frame the main factors present in support interventions successfully implemented in health organisations in order to provide timely and adequate response to healthcare workers (HCWs) after patient safety incidents (PSIs).

Design

Scoping review guided by the six-stage approach proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and by PRISMA-ScR.

Data sources

CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Epistemonikos, PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO Citation Index, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, reference lists of the eligible articles, websites and a consultation group.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Empirical studies (original articles) were prioritised. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018 to conduct a quality assessment of the eligible studies.

Data extraction and synthesis

A total of 9766 records were retrieved (last update in November 2022). We assessed 156 articles for eligibility in the full-text screening. Of these, 29 earticles met the eligibility criteria. The articles were independently screened by two authors. In the case of disagreement, a third author was involved. The collected data were organised according to the Organisational factors, People, Environment, Recommendations from other Audies, Attributes of the support interventions. We used EndNote to import articles from the databases and Rayyan to support the screening of titles and abstracts.

Results

The existence of an organisational culture based on principles of trust and non-judgement, multidisciplinary action, leadership engagement and strong dissemination of the support programmes’ were crucial factors for their effective implementation. Training should be provided for peer supporters and leaders to facilitate the response to HCWs’ needs. Regular communication among the implementation team, allocation of protected time, funding and continuous monitoring are useful elements to the sustainability of the programmes.

Conclusion

HCWs’ well-being depends on an adequate implementation of a complex group of interrelated factors to support them after PSIs.

Comparative analysis of silver-nanoparticles and whey-encapsulated particles from olive leaf water extracts: Characteristics and biological activity

by Hanem M. M. Mansour, Mohamed G. Shehata, Eman M. Abdo, Mona Mohamad Sharaf, El-sayed E. Hafez, Amira M. Galal Darwish

Nanotechnology applications have been employed to improve the stability of bioactive components and drug delivery. Natural-based extracts, especially olive leaf extracts, have been associated with the green economy not only as recycled agri-waste but also in the prevention and treatment of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The aim of this work was to provide a comparison between the characteristics, biological activity, and gene expression of water extract of olive leaves (OLE), green synthesized OLE silver nanoparticles (OL/Ag-NPs), and OLE whey protein capsules (OL/WPNs) of the two olive varieties, Tofahy and Shemlali. The particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared. The bioactive compounds of the preparations were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and anticancer effect on HCT-116 colorectal cells as well as for their regulatory effects on cytochrome C oxidase (Cox1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) genes. (OL/Ag-NPs) were found to be smaller than (OL/WPNs) with sizes of (37.46±1.85 and 44.86±1.62 nm) and (227.20±2.43 and 553.02±3.60 nm) for Tofahy and Shemlali, respectively. SEM showed that Shemlali (OL/Ag-NPs) had the least aggregation due to their highest Ƹ-potential (-31.76 ± 0.87 mV). The preparations were relatively nontoxic to Vero cells (IC50 = 151.94–789.25 μg/mL), while they were cytotoxic to HCT-116 colorectal cells (IC50 = 77.54–320.64 μg/mL). Shemlali and Tofahy OLE and Tofahy OL/Ag-NPs had a higher selectivity index (2.97–7.08 μg/mL) than doxorubicin (2.36 μg/mL), indicating promising anticancer activity. Moreover, Shemlali preparations regulated the expression of Cox1 (up-regulation) and TNF-α (down-regulation) on HCT-116 cells, revealing their efficiency in suppressing the expression of genes that promote cancer cell proliferation. (OL/Ag-NPs) from Tofahy and Shemlali were found to be more stable, effective, and safe than (OL/WPNs). Consequently, OL/Ag-NPs, especially Tofahy, are the best and safest nanoscale particles that can be safely used in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy on pain intensity in postpartum women with nipple or perineal trauma: protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial

Por: Gondim · E. J. L. · Nascimento · S. L. · Gaitero · M. V. C. · Mira · T. A. A. d. · Goncalves · A. d. V. · Surita · F. G.
Introduction

Photobiomodulation (PBM) using low-level laser can affect tissue repair mechanisms and seems promising in reducing pain intensity. However, few studies support the effectiveness of PBM on postpartum period complications, such as nipple and/or perineal trauma and pain, probably due to the low doses used. The primary objective of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of PBM on pain intensity in the nipple and perineal trauma in women in the immediate postpartum period. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect on tissue healing and the women’s satisfaction.

Methods and analysis

A double-blind, multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial will be performed in two public referral maternity hospitals in Brazil with 120 participants, divided into two arms: 60 participants in the nipple trauma arm and 60 participants in the perineal trauma arm. Participants will be women in the immediate postpartum period, who present with nipple trauma or perineal trauma and report pain intensity greater than or equal to 4 points on the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain. Block randomisation will be performed, followed by blinding allocation. In the experimental group, one application of PBM will be performed between 6 hours and 36 hours after birth. For the sham group, the simulation will be carried out without triggering energy. Both participants and the research evaluator will be blinded to the allocation group. Intention-to-treat method and the between-group and within-group outcome measures analysis will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of the University of Campinas, Brazil, and of the School Maternity Assis Chateaubriand, Brazil (numbers CAAE: 59400922.1.1001.5404; 59400922.1.3001.5050). Participants will be required to sign the informed consent form to participate. Results will be disseminated to the health science community.

Trial registration number

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-2qm8jrp).

Deciphering the immune landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A single-cell transcriptomic analysis of regulatory T cell responses to PD-1 blockade therapy

by Adib Miraki Feriz, Fatemeh Bahraini, Arezou Khosrojerdi, Setareh Azarkar, Seyed Mehdi Sajjadi, Edris HosseiniGol, Mohammad Amin Honardoost, Samira Saghafi, Nicola Silvestris, Patrizia Leone, Hossein Safarpour, Vito Racanelli

Immunotherapy is changing the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) landscape and improving outcomes for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. A deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is required in light of the limitations of patients’ responses to immunotherapy. Here, we aimed to examine how Nivolumab affects infiltrating Tregs in the HNSCC TME. We used single-cell RNA sequencing data from eight tissues isolated from four HNSCC donors before and after Nivolumab treatment. Interestingly, the study found that Treg counts and suppressive activity increased following Nivolumab therapy. We also discovered that changes in the CD44-SSP1 axis, NKG2C/D-HLA-E axis, and KRAS signaling may have contributed to the increase in Treg numbers. Furthermore, our study suggests that decreasing the activity of the KRAS and Notch signaling pathways, and increasing FOXP3, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and GZMA expression, may be mechanisms that enhance the killing and suppressive capacity of Tregs. Additionally, the result of pseudo-temporal analysis of the HNSCC TME indicated that after Nivolumab therapy, the expression of certain inhibitory immune checkpoints including TIGIT, ENTPD1, and CD276 and LY9, were decreased in Tregs, while LAG-3 showed an increased expression level. The study also found that Tregs had a dense communication network with cluster two, and that certain ligand-receptor pairs, including SPP1/CD44, HLA-E/KLRC2, HLA-E/KLRK1, ANXA1/FPR3, and CXCL9/FCGR2A, had notable changes after the therapy. These changes in gene expression and cell interactions may have implications for the role of Tregs in the TME and in response to Nivolumab therapy.

Experiencia vivida durante el climaterio por mujeres de zonas rurales de Asientos, Aguascalientes

Objetivo: Conocer la experiencia que tienen las mujeres que cursan la etapa del climaterio y que viven en zona rural del municipio de Asientos, Aguascalientes. Introducción: El cuidado de enfermería busca la integridad de la persona en todas sus esferas de desarrollo y con ello mejora calidad de vida. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo con enfoque fenomenológico hermenéutico de Heiddeger. Participaron 7 mujeres. Para la recolección de la información se realizaron siete entrevistas fenomenológicas, para garantizar la calidad del estudio. Resultados: Las entrevistas tuvieron una duración aproximada de 40 minutos. Se obtuvo 9 unidades de significado, las cuales se dividieron en dos grupos: óntico y ontológico. En las unidades de significado óntico se incluyó: identificación deficiente del climaterio, angustia en el climaterio y el sorge y el climaterio. El otro grupo abarca las unidades de significado ontológico integrado por: el deseo sexual en tinieblas, ausencia de compañero, el mundo familiar y el climaterio, trascendencia en el climaterio, sufrimiento en el climaterio. Conclusión: Las mujeres climatéricas tienen una influencia sobre el entorno sociocultural, patrones repetitivos y conocimientos escasos del tema.

Comparing estimates of psychological distress using 7-day and 30-day recall periods: Does it make a difference?

by Miranda R. Chilver, Richard A. Burns, Ferdi Botha, Peter Butterworth

Self-report measures are widely used in mental health research and may use different recall periods depending on the purpose of the assessment. A range of studies aiming to monitor changes in mental health over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic opted to shorten recall periods to increase sensitivity to change over time compared to standard, longer recall periods. However, many of these studies lack pre-pandemic data using the same recall period and may rely on pre-existing data using standard recall periods as a reference point for assessing the impact of the pandemic on mental health. The aim of this study was to assess whether comparing scores on the same questionnaire with a different recall period is valid. A nationally representative sample of 327 participants in Australia completed a 7-day and 30-day version of the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and a single-item measure of psychological distress (TTPN item) developed for the Taking the Pulse of the Nation survey. Linear mixed models and mixed logistic regression models were used to assess whether altering the recall period systematically changed response patterns within subjects. No substantive recall period effects were found for the K6 or the TTPN, although there was a trend towards higher K6 scores when asked about the past 30 days compared to the past 7 days (b = 1.00, 95% CI: -0.18, 2.17). This may have been driven by the “feeling nervous” item which was rated higher using the 30-day compared to the 7-day recall period. Neither the K6 nor the TTPN item were significantly affected by the recall period when reduced to a binary variable of likely severe mental illness. The results indicate that altering the recall period of psychological distress measures does not substantively alter the score distribution in the general population of Australian adults.

Spatial variation and predictors of missing birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) messages in Ethiopia

by Aklilu Habte, Samuel Hailegebreal, Tamirat Melis, Dereje Haile

Background

The Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) message is one of the prenatal care packages targeted at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by avoiding unnecessary delays during labor and delivery. There is limited evidence in Ethiopia that has looked at the spatial variation of missing BPCR messages and potential predictors. Hence, this study aimed to identify spatial predictors missing BPCR messages at the national level.

Methods

The study was based on analysis of 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey data, using a weighted sample of 4771 women. Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used for the spatial analysis. To explore spatial variation and locate spatial clusters of missing BPCR messages, the Global Moran’s I statistic and Bernoulli-based spatial scan (SaTScan) analysis were carried out, respectively. Hotspot (Getis-OrdGi*) analysis was conducted to identify Hotspots and Cold spotsof missing BPCR messages. Finally, spatial regression were carried out via ordinary least squares and geographically weighted regression to identify predictors of hotspots for missing BPCR messages.

Results

The overall prevalence of missing BPCR messages in Ethiopia was found to be 44.0% (95%CI: 42.6, 45.4%), with significant spatial variation across regions (Moran’s I = 0.218, p-value Conclusion

The level of missing BPCR messages during pregnancy was found to be high in Ethiopia, with significant local variation. As a result, policymakers at the national level and local planners should develop strategies and initiatives that enhance women’s economic capacities, health-seeking behavior, and media exposure. Furthermore, the regional authorities should focus on strategies that promote universal health coverage through enrolling citizens in health insurance schemes.

Maternal exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs and the risk of congenital abnormalities in offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis

by Weiyi Huang, Robin L. Page, Theresa Morris, Susan Ayres, Alva O. Ferdinand, Samiran Sinha

Background

The association of maternal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) with the risk of system-specific congenital malformations in offspring remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine this association and the risk difference between these two types of inhibitors.

Methods

A literature search was performed from January 2000 to May 2023 using PubMed and Web of Science databases. Cohort and case-control studies that assess the association of maternal exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs with the risk of congenital abnormalities were eligible for the study.

Results

Twenty-one cohort studies and seven case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to non-exposure, maternal exposure to SNRIs is associated with a higher risk of congenital cardiovascular abnormalities (pooled OR: 1.64 with 95% CI: 1.36, 1.97), anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (pooled OR: 1.63 with 95% CI: 1.21, 2.20), malformations of nervous system (pooled OR: 2.28 with 95% CI: 1.50, 3.45), anomalies of digestive system (pooled OR: 2.05 with 95% CI: 1.60, 2.64) and abdominal birth defects (pooled OR: 2.91 with 95%CI: 1.98, 4.28), while maternal exposure to SSRIs is associated with a higher risk of congenital cardiovascular abnormalities (pooled OR: 1.25 with 95%CI: 1.20, 1.30), anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (pooled OR: 1.14 with 95%CI: 1.02, 1.27), anomalies of digestive system (pooled OR: 1.11 with 95%CI: 1.01, 1.21), abdominal birth defects (pooled OR: 1.33 with 95%CI: 1.16, 1.53) and musculoskeletal malformations (pooled OR: 1.44 with 95%CI: 1.32, 1.56).

Conclusions

SSRIs and SNRIs have various teratogenic risks. Clinicians must consider risk-benefit ratios and patient history when prescribing medicines.

Perceptions of individuals regarding barriers to participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program after hospitalization due to COVID-19: A qualitative study

by Rafaella Rabelo Polato, Cristino Carneiro Oliveira, Yuri Augusto de Sousa Miranda, Leandro Ferracini Cabral, Carla Malaguti, Anderson José

Introduction

Several individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome referred for pulmonary rehabilitation did not participate. This study aimed to explore individuals’ barriers to participating in posthospitalization COVID-19 rehabilitation.

Materials and methods

This was a qualitative, multicenter study performed using semistructured interviews. This study included 20 individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 who refused to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program at a university hospital.

Results

Individuals reported difficulties accessing the rehabilitation center, mainly due to distance, transport costs and conditions, and lack of companions. Health problems (e.g., surgeries, pain, and mobility difficulties) and lack of time due to work, commuting, and household work were also reported. Another reported theme was not perceiving the need for rehabilitation due to feeling well. Minor themes included the need for more information about rehabilitation and a lack of interest, motivation, and medical encouragement.

Conclusion

Individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 faced several barriers to participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. These barriers included difficulties in accessing the rehabilitation center, health problems, lack of time, and the perception that rehabilitation was unnecessary. There is a need for actions to overcome these barriers to make the program available to a larger number of individuals.

Prevalence of surgical wound infection and related factors in patients after long bone surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of the prevalence of surgical wound infection and related factors in patients after long bone surgery. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as “Prevalence”, “Surgical wound infection”, “Surgical site infection” and “Orthopedics” from the earliest to the May 1, 2023. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool) evaluates the quality of the included studies. A total of 71 854 patients undergoing long bone surgery participated in 12 studies. The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients who underwent long bone surgery reported in the 12 studies was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.5%–7.2%; I 2 = 99.39%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in male and female patients who underwent long bone surgery was 4.6% (95% CI: 1.7%–11.7%; p < 0.001; I 2 = 99.34%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.0%–6.3%; I 2 = 98.84%; p < 0.001), respectively. The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients with femur surgery sites reported in nine studies was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.1–6.4%; I 2 = 93.43%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in open and close fractures was 16.4% (95% CI: 8.2%–30.2%; I 2 = 95.83%; p < 0.001) and 2.9% (95% CI: 1.5%–5.5%; I 2 = 96.40%; p < 0.001), respectively. The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) was 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3%–8.9%; I 2 = 81.50%; p < 0.001), 2.7% (95% CI: 1.2%–6.0%; I 2 = 83.82%; p < 0.001) and 3.0% (95% CI: 1.4%–6.4%; I 2 = 69.12%; p = 0.006), respectively. In general, the different prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients undergoing surgical treatment after long bone fracture may be caused by underlying factors (gender and co-morbidity) and fracture-related factors (surgery site and type of fracture).

Intravenous acetaminophen for postoperative pain in the neonatal intensive care unit: A protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial (IVA POP)

by Victoria Anne Archer, Samira Samiee-Zafarghandy, Forough Farrokyhar, Daniel Briatico, Luis H. Braga, J. Mark Walton

Background

In neonates, uncontrolled pain and opioid exposure are both correlated with short- and long-term adverse events. Therefore, managing pain using opioid-sparing approaches is critical in neonatal populations. Multimodal pain control offers the opportunity to manage pain while reducing short- and long-term opioid-related adverse events. Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen may represent an appropriate adjunct to opioid-based postoperative pain control regimes. However, no trials assess this drug in patients less than 36 weeks post-conceptual age or weighing less than 1500 g.

Objective

The proposed study aims to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized control trial to compare IV acetaminophen and fentanyl to a saline placebo and fentanyl for patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) undergoing major abdominal or thoracic surgery.

Methods and design

This protocol is for a single-centre, external pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Infants in the NICU who have undergone major thoracic or abdominal surgery will be enrolled. Sixty participants will undergo 1:1 randomization to receive intravenous acetaminophen and fentanyl or saline placebo and fentanyl. After surgery, IV acetaminophen or placebo will be given routinely for eight days (192 hours). Appropriate dosing will be determined based on the participant’s gestational age. Patients will be followed for eight days after surgery and will undergo a chart review at 90 days. Primarily feasibility outcomes include recruitment rate, follow-up rate, compliance, and blinding index. Secondary clinical outcomes will be collected as well.

Conclusion

This external pilot RCT will assess the feasibility of performing a multicenter RCT comparing IV acetaminophen and fentanyl to a saline placebo and fentanyl in NICU patients following major abdominal and thoracic surgery. The results will inform the design of a multicenter RCT, which will have the appropriate power to determine the efficacy of this treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05678244, Registered December 6, 2022.

The management of digital competence sharing in health care: A qualitative study of managers' and professionals' views

Abstract

Aim

To describe managers' and professionals' views on the management of digital competence sharing in health care.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Managers (n = 22) and professionals (n = 12) from two public primary, one public special and one private health care organization in Finland participated in semi-structured individual interviews between February and May 2022. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Managers' and professionals' views formed six main categories: providing resources and opportunities for digital competence sharing, creating methods and practices for digital competence sharing, managing digital competence, implementing intergenerational learning, creating a friendly and safe digital organizational atmosphere, and promoting digital competence sharing through leadership.

Conclusion

The support of management is significant in promoting the sharing of digital competence in health care organizations. The management of digital competence sharing requires a both resources and a commitment to continuous training and development. It also requires the creation of a collaborative culture to promote mutual learning between professionals and people of different generations.

Impact

Due to rapid technological advancements and the resulting load, it is important to focus on the development and sharing of digital competence among health care professionals. The study indicated that managers should have the ability to identify the strengths of professionals' digital competence and be able to utilize them in promoting digital competence sharing. It also highlighted the specific competency requirements for managers in this context. The results can be applied to the training of health care managers and professionals, particularly around digital competence.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reporting Method

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was used in the reporting.

Deficiencies in reporting inclusion/exclusion criteria and characteristics of patients in randomized controlled trials of therapeutic interventions in pressure injuries: a systematic methodological review

Abstract

Wound care is a complex procedure and the related research may include many variables. Deficiencies in the sample inclusion and exclusion criteria may limit the generalizability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for wound patients in the real world. This study aimed to evaluate deficiencies in reporting the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the characteristics of patients in RCTs of pressure injuries (PI) therapeutic interventions. We conducted a systematic methodological review in which 40 full text RCTs of PI treatment interventions published in English, from 2008 to 2020, were identified. Data on the general characteristics of the included RCTs and data about inclusion/exclusion criteria and characteristics of patients were collected. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were categorized into five domains (definition of disease, precision, safety, ethical/legal and administrative). Study duration (in weeks) was 8.0 (quartile 1: 2.0; quartile 3: 48.0); only 5.0% of the trials mentioned race, skin colour or ethnicity, and 37.5% reported the duration of the wound. Only 9 (22.5%) studies reported the drugs that the included patients were using and 10 (25.0%) RCTs reported adverse events. The presence of the five domains was observed only in 12.5% of RCTs and only 12 (30.0%) had the precision domain. Much more research is required in systematic assessments of the external validity of trials because there is substantial disparity between the information that is provided by RCTs and the information that is required by clinicians. We concluded that there are deficiencies in reporting of data related to inclusion/exclusion criteria and characteristics of patients of RCTs assessing PI therapeutic interventions.

Effects of working in vulnerable contexts on the mental health of primary healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study

Objective

The objective of this study is to analyse the relationship and psychosocial issues between working during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities located in the most vulnerable health region (HR) of the Federal District of Brazil (FDB) compared with a lesser region.

Design

Mixed-method study data. The questionnaire was based on the World Health Survey and the Convid Behavioural Survey. Quantitative data were described in absolute and relative frequency. Pearson’s 2 test verified differences according to the region (significance level

Setting

A representative sample of PHC professionals working at the Western HR and Central HR of the FDB.

Participants

111 women and 27 male PHC professionals, aged ≥ 18 years.

Outcome measures

Psychosocial variables—personal emotions towards the clients, social relationships and use of psychoactive substances (PAS).

Intervention

An online questionnaire (27 questions) and 1 open-ended question.

Results

The sample comprised 138 PHC professionals; 80.40% were female aged between 40 and 49 years old (27.3%); declared themselves as black/pardo (58.7%); were married (53.60%), and worked in family healthcare teams (47.80%). No association between working in the most vulnerable HR compared with the least one and presenting psychosocial issues, except for anger towards clients (p=0.043). 55.10% worked much more than usual, 60.80% reported being depressed, 78.20% anxious, 76.80% stressed, 77.50% had no empathy and 78.30% felt isolated from family/friends. Towards the clients, 59.40% reported empathy and 72.5% no affection/care. The consume of psychotropic medications was reported by 34.80%, and 14.50% increased alcohol/PAS use. Qualitative data leverage quantitative findings: work overload, the indifference of the Federal Government and distance from family/friends.

Conclusion

Working in the most vulnerable region and in the least one affects the psychosocial aspects of the PHC professionals equally.

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