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Hoy — Abril 20th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

Relying on the French territorial offer of thermal spa therapies to build a care pathway for long COVID-19 patients

by Milhan Chaze, Laurent Mériade, Corinne Rochette, Mélina Bailly, Rea Bingula, Christelle Blavignac, Martine Duclos, Bertrand Evrard, Anne Cécile Fournier, Lena Pelissier, David Thivel, on behalf of CAUVIM-19 Group

Background

Work on long COVID-19 has mainly focused on clinical care in hospitals. Thermal spa therapies represent a therapeutic offer outside of health care institutions that are nationally or even internationally attractive. Unlike local care (hospital care, general medicine, para-medical care), their integration in the care pathways of long COVID-19 patients seems little studied. The aim of this article is to determine what place french thermal spa therapies can take in the care pathway of long COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Based on the case of France, we carry out a geographic mapping analysis of the potential care pathways for long COVID-19 patients by cross-referencing, over the period 2020–2022, the available official data on COVID-19 contamination, hospitalisations in intensive care units and the national offer of spa treatments. This first analysis allows us, by using the method for evaluating the attractiveness of an area defined by David Huff, to evaluate the accessibility of each French department to thermal spas.

Results

Using dynamic geographical mapping, this study describes two essential criteria for the integration of the thermal spa therapies offer in the care pathways of long COVID-19 patients (attractiveness of spa areas and accessibility to thermal spas) and three fundamental elements for the success of these pathways (continuity of the care pathways; clinical collaborations; adaptation of the financing modalities to each patient). Using a spatial attractiveness method, we make this type of geographical analysis more dynamic by showing the extent to which a thermal spa is accessible to long COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

Based on the example of the French spa offer, this study makes it possible to place the care pathways of long COVID-19 patients in a wider area (at least national), rather than limiting them to clinical and local management in a hospital setting. The identification and operationalization of two geographical criteria for integrating a type of treatment such as a spa cure into a care pathway contributes to a finer conceptualization of the construction of healthcare pathways.

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Specific nanoprobe design for MRI: Targeting laminin in the blood-brain barrier to follow alteration due to neuroinflammation

by Juan F. Zapata-Acevedo, Mónica Losada-Barragán, Johann F. Osma, Juan C. Cruz, Andreas Reiber, Klaus G. Petry, Amael Caillard, Audrey Sauldubois, Daniel Llamosa Pérez, Aníbal José Morillo Zárate, Sonia Bermúdez Muñoz, Agustín Daza Moreno, Rafaela V. Silva, Carmen Infante-Duarte, William Chamorro-Coral, Rodrigo E. González-Reyes, Karina Vargas-Sánchez

Chronic neuroinflammation is characterized by increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, leading to molecular changes in the central nervous system that can be explored with biomarkers of active neuroinflammatory processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has contributed to detecting lesions and permeability of the BBB. Ultra-small superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) are used as contrast agents to improve MRI observations. Therefore, we validate the interaction of peptide-88 with laminin, vectorized on USPIO, to explore BBB molecular alterations occurring during neuroinflammation as a potential tool for use in MRI. The specific labeling of NPS-P88 was verified in endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and astrocytes (T98G) under inflammation induced by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) for 3 and 24 hours. IL-1β for 3 hours in hCMEC/D3 cells increased their co-localization with NPS-P88, compared with controls. At 24 hours, no significant differences were observed between groups. In T98G cells, NPS-P88 showed similar nonspecific labeling among treatments. These results indicate that NPS-P88 has a higher affinity towards brain endothelial cells than astrocytes under inflammation. This affinity decreases over time with reduced laminin expression. In vivo results suggest that following a 30-minute post-injection, there is an increased presence of NPS-P88 in the blood and brain, diminishing over time. Lastly, EAE animals displayed a significant accumulation of NPS-P88 in MRI, primarily in the cortex, attributed to inflammation and disruption of the BBB. Altogether, these results revealed NPS-P88 as a biomarker to evaluate changes in the BBB due to neuroinflammation by MRI in biological models targeting laminin.

Raman difference spectroscopy and U-Net convolutional neural network for molecular analysis of cutaneous neurofibroma

by Levi Matthies, Hendrik Amir-Kabirian, Medhanie T. Gebrekidan, Andreas S. Braeuer, Ulrike S. Speth, Ralf Smeets, Christian Hagel, Martin Gosau, Christian Knipfer, Reinhard E. Friedrich

In Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), peripheral nerve sheaths tumors are common, with cutaneous neurofibromas resulting in significant aesthetic, painful and functional problems requiring surgical removal. To date, determination of adequate surgical resection margins–complete tumor removal while attempting to preserve viable tissue–remains largely subjective. Thus, residual tumor extension beyond surgical margins or recurrence of the disease may frequently be observed. Here, we introduce Shifted-Excitation Raman Spectroscopy in combination with deep neural networks for the future perspective of objective, real-time diagnosis, and guided surgical ablation. The obtained results are validated through established histological methods. In this study, we evaluated the discrimination between cutaneous neurofibroma (n = 9) and adjacent physiological tissues (n = 25) in 34 surgical pathological specimens ex vivo at a total of 82 distinct measurement loci. Based on a convolutional neural network (U-Net), the mean raw Raman spectra (n = 8,200) were processed and refined, and afterwards the spectral peaks were assigned to their respective molecular origin. Principal component and linear discriminant analysis was used to discriminate cutaneous neurofibromas from physiological tissues with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.3%, and overall classification accuracy of 97.6%. The results enable the presented optical, non-invasive technique in combination with artificial intelligence as a promising candidate to ameliorate both, diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by cutaneous neurofibroma and NF1.

Creencias sobre prácticas de alimentación y obesidad de madres con hijos menores de 5 años del noroeste de México.

Introducción: Existe una tendencia mundial de incremento en los índices de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños menores de 5 años. Las creencias, percepciones y actitudes de las madres hacia las prácticas de alimentación y la obesidad tienen implicaciones directas sobre la salud del hijo. Objetivo: Explorar creencias sobre prácticas de alimentación y obesidad infantil entre madres con hijos menores de cinco años del noroeste de México. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo de aproximación etnográfica. Mediante un muestreo propositivo se realizaron nueve entrevistas semiestructuradas a mujeres que contaban con un promedio de 12 años de educación. Resultados: Las creencias incluyeron inseguridad para asumir el rol de madre, una baja percepción de apoyo familiar y creencias que no se alineaban con las recomendaciones de la lactancia materna exclusiva e introducción de alimentos complementarios. Además, estas tenían la creencia de que la obesidad no es un problema debido a la corta edad de sus hijos. Conclusiones: Existe una ambivalencia entre las creencias de las participantes y sus prácticas con relación a la alimentación y la obesidad infantil. Es imperativo desarrollar estrategias de educación y comunicación que proporcionen información basada en evidencia, de fácil acceso y disponible para madres con la intención de prevenir problemas de nutrición durante la primera infancia.

Cronicidad: Significado construido por los cuidadores y las personas cuidadas

Introducción: Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles van en aumento, ocasionando discapacidad y dependencia en quien la padece, así como la necesidad de un cuidador. La cronicidad es un concepto que se ha analizado desde la mirada de la persona que la padece, dejando un vacío en la comprensión del significado para el cuidador.

Objetivo: comprender el significado de la cronicidad para las personas con Enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y sus cuidadores informales.

Materiales y métodos: investigación cualitativa fenomenológica-hermenéutica según la propuesta de Van Manen, muestreo casual orientado por criterio, participaron 10 personas enfermas y 9 cuidadores. Los criterios de rigor de credibilidad y confirmabilidad, confiabilidad y la transferibilidad, garantizaron la calidad del estudio.

Resultados: emergieron los siguientes temas: Brindar y recibir cuidado como un acto de amor; unión de la familia; enfrentarse a la dureza; Recibir, brindar y buscar apoyo; Estar pendiente; Cambio de vida; Proceso de aprendizaje; una compañía para toda la vida; Imponer restricciones, limitaciones y pérdidas.

Conclusiones: el significado de la cronicidad para los cuidadores y las personas enfermas es complejo, dinámico y multidimensional; por lo tanto, es necesario realizar intervenciones que ayuden a mitigar el impacto que esta produce en la vida de este binomio.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of individualised (early) patient-directed rehabilitation versus standard rehabilitation after surgical repair of the rotator cuff of the shoulder: protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial with integrated Qui

Por: Mazuquin · B. · Moffatt · M. · Realpe · A. · Sherman · R. · Ireland · K. · Connan · Z. · Tildsley · J. · Manca · A. · Gc · V. S. · Foster · N. E. · Rees · J. · Drew · S. · Bateman · M. · Fakis · A. · Farnsworth · M. · Littlewood · C.
Introduction

Despite the high number of operations and surgical advancement, rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair has not progressed for over 20 years. The traditional cautious approach might be contributing to suboptimal outcomes. Our aim is to assess whether individualised (early) patient-directed rehabilitation results in less shoulder pain and disability at 12 weeks after surgical repair of full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff compared with current standard (delayed) rehabilitation.

Methods and analysis

The rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair (RaCeR 2) study is a pragmatic multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial with internal pilot phase. It has a parallel group design with 1:1 allocation ratio, full health economic evaluation and quintet recruitment intervention. Adults awaiting arthroscopic surgical repair of a full-thickness tear are eligible to participate. On completion of surgery, 638 participants will be randomised. The intervention (individualised early patient-directed rehabilitation) includes advice to the patient to remove their sling as soon as they feel able, gradually begin using their arm as they feel able and a specific exercise programme. Sling removal and movement is progressed by the patient over time according to agreed goals and within their own pain and tolerance. The comparator (standard rehabilitation) includes advice to the patient to wear the sling for at least 4 weeks and only to remove while eating, washing, dressing or performing specific exercises. Progression is according to specific timeframes rather than as the patient feels able. The primary outcome measure is the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index total score at 12-week postrandomisation. The trial timeline is 56 months in total, from September 2022.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11499185.

Alpha 2 agonists for sedation to produce better outcomes from critical illness (A2B trial): protocol for a mixed-methods process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial

Por: Aitken · L. M. · Emerson · L. M. · Kydonaki · K. · Blackwood · B. · Creagh-Brown · B. · Lone · N. I. · McKenzie · C. A. · Reade · M. C. · Weir · C. J. · Wise · M. P. · Walsh · T. S.
Introduction

An association between deep sedation and adverse short-term outcomes has been demonstrated although this evidence has been inconsistent. The A2B (alpha-2 agonists for sedation in critical care) sedation trial is designed to determine whether the alpha-2 agonists clonidine and dexmedetomidine, compared with usual care, are clinically and cost-effective. The A2B intervention is a complex intervention conducted in 39 intensive care units (ICUs) in the UK. Multicentre organisational factors, variable cultures, perceptions and practices and the involvement of multiple members of the healthcare team add to the complexity of the A2B trial. From our pretrial contextual exploration it was apparent that routine practices such as type and frequency of pain, agitation and delirium assessment, as well as the common sedative agents used, varied widely across the UK. Anticipated challenges in implementing A2B focused on the impact of usual practice, perceptions of risk, ICU culture, structure and the presence of equipoise. Given this complexity, a process evaluation has been embedded in the A2B trial to uncover factors that could impact successful delivery and explore their impact on intervention delivery and interpretation of outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This is a mixed-methods process evaluation guided by the A2B intervention logic model. It includes two phases of data collection conducted during and at the end of trial. Data will be collected using a combination of questionnaires, stakeholder interviews and routinely collected trial data. A framework approach will be used to analyse qualitative data with synthesis of data within and across the phases. The nature of the relationship between delivery of the A2B intervention and the trial primary and secondary outcomes will be explored.

Ethics and dissemination

All elements of the A2B trial, including the process evaluation, are approved by Scotland A Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 18/SS/0085). Dissemination will be via publications, presentations and media engagement.

Trial registration number

NCT03653832.

Personalised Exercise-Rehabilitation FOR people with Multiple long-term conditions (PERFORM): protocol for a randomised feasibility trial

Por: Simpson · S. A. · Evans · R. A. · Gilbert · H. R. · Branson · A. · Barber · S. · McIntosh · E. · Ahmed · Z. · Dean · S. G. · Doherty · P. J. · Gardiner · N. · Greaves · C. · Daw · P. · Ibbotson · T. · Jani · B. · Jolly · K. · Mair · F. · Ormandy · P. · Smith · S. · Singh · S. J. · Taylor · R.
Introduction

Personalised Exercise-Rehabilitation FOR people with Multiple long-term conditions (PERFORM) is a research programme that seeks to develop and evaluate a comprehensive exercise-based rehabilitation intervention designed for people with multimorbidity, the presence of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). This paper describes the protocol for a randomised trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the PERFORM intervention, study design and processes.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, parallel two-group randomised trial with individual 2:1 allocation to the PERFORM exercise-based intervention plus usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). The primary outcome of this feasibility trial will be to assess whether prespecified progression criteria (recruitment, retention, intervention adherence) are met to progress to the full randomised trial. The trial will be conducted across three UK sites and 60 people with MLTCs, defined as two or more LTCs, with at least one having evidence of the beneficial effect of exercise. The PERFORM intervention comprises an 8-week (twice a week for 6 weeks and once a week for 2 weeks) supervised rehabilitation programme of personalised exercise training and self-management education delivered by trained healthcare professionals followed by two maintenance sessions. Trial participants will be recruited over a 4.5-month period, and outcomes assessed at baseline (prerandomisation) and 3 months postrandomisation and include health-related quality of life, psychological well-being, symptom burden, frailty, exercise capacity, physical activity, sleep, cognition and serious adverse events. A mixed-methods process evaluation will assess acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of intervention delivery and feasibility of trial processes. An economic evaluation will assess the feasibility of data collection and estimate the costs of the PERFORM intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been given favourable opinion by the West Midlands, Edgbaston Research Ethics Service (Ref: 23/WM/0057). Participants will be asked to give full, written consent to take part by trained researchers. Findings will be disseminated via journals, presentations and targeted communications to clinicians, commissioners, service users and patients and the public.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN68786622.

Protocol version

2.0 (16 May 2023).

Prospective cohort study of genomic newborn screening: BabyScreen+ pilot study protocol

Por: Lunke · S. · Bouffler · S. E. · Downie · L. · Caruana · J. · Amor · D. J. · Archibald · A. · Bombard · Y. · Christodoulou · J. · Clausen · M. · De Fazio · P. · Greaves · R. F. · Hollizeck · S. · Kanga-Parabia · A. · Lang · N. · Lynch · F. · Peters · R. · Sadedin · S. · Tutty · E. · Eggers
Introduction

Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is a highly successful public health programme that uses biochemical and other assays to screen for severe but treatable childhood-onset conditions. Introducing genomic sequencing into NBS programmes increases the range of detectable conditions but raises practical and ethical issues. Evidence from prospectively ascertained cohorts is required to guide policy and future implementation. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate a genomic NBS (gNBS) pilot programme.

Methods and analysis

The BabyScreen+ study will pilot gNBS in three phases. In the preimplementation phase, study materials, including education resources, decision support and data collection tools, will be designed. Focus groups and key informant interviews will also be undertaken to inform delivery of the study and future gNBS programmes. During the implementation phase, we will prospectively recruit birth parents in Victoria, Australia, to screen 1000 newborns for over 600 severe, treatable, childhood-onset conditions. Clinically accredited whole genome sequencing will be performed following standard NBS using the same sample. High chance results will be returned by genetic healthcare professionals, with follow-on genetic and other confirmatory testing and referral to specialist services as required. The postimplementation phase will evaluate the feasibility of gNBS as the primary aim, and assess ethical, implementation, psychosocial and health economic factors to inform future service delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

This project received ethics approval from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Research Ethics Committee: HREC/91500/RCHM-2023, HREC/90929/RCHM-2022 and HREC/91392/RCHM-2022. Findings will be disseminated to policy-makers, and through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

The current state of knowledge on care for co‐occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder: A scoping review

Abstract

Background and Aims

Opioid use disorder often co-occurs with chronic pain but assessment and treatment of these co-occurring disorders is complex. This review aims to identify current treatments and delivery models for co-occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) documented in the scientific literature.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

The review was conducted in six databases in June 2022 (no time limit): CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed and Embase. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was used to guide reporting.

Results

Forty-seven publications addressing the issue of co-occurring chronic pain and OUD management were included. Randomized controlled trials provide evidence for the effectiveness of opioid agonist treatments (OAT) such as methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as for combining OAT with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement or cognitive behavioural therapy. A number of other pharmacological treatments (opioid and nonopioid), nonpharmacological treatments (e.g. physiotherapy) and service delivery models (e.g. simultaneous treatment of comorbidities, interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration) are also underlined. In most cases, authors recommend a combination of strategies to meet patient needs.

Conclusions

The scoping review reveals gaps in evidence-based knowledge to effectively care for co-occurring chronic pain and OUD, but several experts recommend the uptake of known ‘best’ practices such as integrated treatment of the multiple biopsychosocial dimensions of the co-occurring disorders as well as collaborative interdisciplinary work.

Clinical Relevance

Improving services is dependent on alleviating barriers such as working in silos, the costs associated with nonpharmacological treatments, and the double stigma associated with pain in people with a substance use disorder.

A post‐diagnosis information and support programme for dyads—People living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers: A feasibility study

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to establish the feasibility of delivering a structured post-diagnosis information and support program to dyads (persons living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers) in two primary care settings.

Design

A two-phase explanatory mixed-method approach guided by the Bowen Feasibility Framework focused on acceptability, implementation, adaptation, integration and efficacy of a five-part programme. In phase 1, the quantitative impact of the programme on the dyadic programme recipients' self-efficacy, quality of life, dyadic relationship and volume of care was measured. In phase 2, inductive content analysis focused on nurse and dyad participant experiences of the programme. Quantitative and qualitative data were reviewed to conclude each element of feasibility.

Methods

Four registered nurses working within the participating sites were recruited, trained as programme facilitators and supported to deliver the programme. Eligible dyads attending the respective primary health clinics were invited to participate in the programme and complete surveys at three time points: recruitment, post-programme and 3-month follow-up. Post-programme semi-structured interviews were conducted with dyads and programme facilitators.

Results

Twenty-nine dyads completed the program; the majority were spousal dyads. The programme proved acceptable to the dyads with high retention and completion rates. Implementation and integration of the programme into usual practice were attributed to the motivation and capacity of the nurses as programme facilitators. Regarding programme efficacy, most dyads reported they were better prepared for the future and shared the plans they developed during the programme with family members.

Conclusion

Implementing a structured information and support programme is feasible, but sustainability requires further adaptation or increased staff resources to maintain programme fidelity. Future research should consider selecting efficacy measures sensitive to the unique needs of people living with dementia and increasing follow-up time to 6 months.

Impact

This study established the feasibility of registered nurses delivering a post-diagnosis information and support programme for people living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their informal carers in primary care settings. The motivation and capacity of nurses working as programme facilitators ensured the integration of the programme into usual work, but this was not considered sustainable over time. Family carer dyads reported tangible outcomes and gained confidence in sharing their diagnosis with family and friends and asking for assistance. Findings from this study can be used to provide direction for a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of the structured information and support programme in the primary care setting.

Reporting Method

The authors have adhered to the EQUATOR STROBE Statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

A public hospital memory clinic and general medical practice participated in project design, study protocol development and supported implementation.

Investigating low rates of compliance to graduated compression therapy for chronic venous insufficiency: A systematic review

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a chronic lower limb progressive disorder with significant burden. Graduated compression therapy is the gold-standard treatment, but its underutilisation, as indicated in recent literature, may be contributing to the growing burden of CVI. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the reasons for poor compliance in patients who are prescribed graduated compression therapy in the management of chronic venous insufficiency. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify the reasons for non-compliance in wearing graduated compression therapy in the management of chronic venous insufficiency. The keyword search was conducted through Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library, AMED, and Embase databases from 2000 to April 2023. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included with no study design or language limits imposed on the search. The study populations were restricted to adults aged over 18 years, diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. Of the 856 studies found, 80 full-text articles were reviewed, with 14 being eligible for the review. Due to the variability in study designs, the results were summarised rather than subjected to meta-analysis. There are five main overarching themes for non-compliance, which are physical limitations, health literacy, discomfort, financial issues, and psychosocial issues with emerging sub-themes. Graduated compression therapy has the potential to reduce the burden of chronic venous insufficiency if patients are more compliant with their prescription.

Depression and anxiety among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Longitudinal results over 2 years from the multicentre VOICE–EgePan study

Abstract

Aims

To examine symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses over 2 years during the pandemic and compare them to the general population.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in mental stress among the population worldwide. Nursing staff have been identified as being under remarkable strain.

Design

A multicentre prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

Symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety in 507 nurses were examined at four different time points (T1: April–July 2020, T2: November 2020–January 2021, T3: May–July 2021, T4: February–May 2022). Results were compared with values of the German general population, presence of gender-specific differences was analysed and frequencies of clinically relevant levels of depression and anxiety were determined.

Results

Throughout the study (T1–T4), a significant increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms was observed. At all four measurement time points, nurses showed significantly higher prevalence for depression and anxiety compared to the German general population. No significant gender differences were found. Frequencies for probable depression and generalised anxiety disorder among nurses were: 21.6% and 18.5% (T1), 31.4% and 29.2% (T2), 29.5% and 26.2% (T3), 33.7% and 26.4% (T4).

Conclusion

During the pandemic, symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses increased significantly and remained elevated. Their symptom levels were permanently higher than in the general population. These findings strongly suggest that the circumstances of the pandemic severely affected nurses´ mental health.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a great mental strain on caregivers. This study was able to demonstrate the significant increase in depression and anxiety among nurses during the pandemic. It highlights the urgent need for prevention, screening and support systems in hospitals.

Implications for the Profession

Supportive programmes and preventive services should be developed, not least to prevent the growing shortage of nurses in the health care systems.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines. The STROBE checklist for cohort study was used as the reporting method.

Patient Contribution

Five hundred and seven nurses completed the questionnaire and provided data for analysis.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (https://drks.de/search/en) under the following ID: DRKS00021268.

Nurses' use of an advisory decision support system in ambulance services: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To illuminate from the perspective of nurses in ambulance services the experiences of using a web-based advisory decision support system to assess care needs and refer patients.

Design

Inductive and descriptive approaches.

Method

Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in the spring of 2020. The data were analysed through the reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The Swedish web-based advisory decision support system (ADSS) was found to strengthen nurses' feelings of security when they assess patients' care needs, promote their competence and professional pride, and help them manage stress. However, the system also generated difficulties for nurses to adjust to the dynamic ambulance team and revealed a discrepancy between their professional roles and responsibilities to refer patients and provide self-care advice. The nurses thought that the support system facilitated their increased participation and helped them understand patients and significant others by offering transparency in assessment and decision making. Thus, the support system provides nurses with an opportunity to strengthen patients' independence through information and education. However, in the care relationship, nurses worked to overcome patients' expectations.

Conclusion

Nurses using the ADSS increased their security while performing assessments and referrals and found new opportunities to provide information and promote understanding of their decisions. However, nursing care values can be threatened when new support systems are introduced, especially as ambulance services become increasingly protocol-driven.

Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care

These findings have implications for nurses' work environments and help them maintain consistency in making medical assessments and in providing equivalent self-care advice when referring patients to the different levels of care. The findings will also impact researchers and policymakers who formulate decision support systems.

Reporting Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Integrating genomics into Canadian oncology nursing policy: Insights from a comparative policy analysis

Abstract

Aim

To learn from two jurisdictions with mature genomics-informed nursing policy infrastructure—the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK)—to inform policy development for genomics-informed oncology nursing practice and education in Canada.

Design

Comparative document and policy analysis drawing on the 3i + E framework.

Methods

We drew on the principles of a rapid review and identified academic literature, grey literature and nursing policy documents through a systematic search of two databases, a website search of national genomics nursing and oncology nursing organizations in the US and UK, and recommendations from subject matter experts on an international advisory committee. A total of 94 documents informed our analysis.

Results

We found several types of policy documents guiding genomics-informed nursing practice and education in the US and UK. These included position statements, policy advocacy briefs, competencies, scope and standards of practice and education and curriculum frameworks. Examples of drivers that influenced policy development included nurses' values in aligning with evidence and meeting public expectations, strong nurse leaders, policy networks and shifting healthcare and policy landscapes.

Conclusion

Our analysis of nursing policy infrastructure in the US and UK provides a framework to guide policy recommendations to accelerate the integration of genomics into Canadian oncology nursing practice and education.

Implications for the profession

Findings can assist Canadian oncology nurses in developing nursing policy infrastructure that supports full participation in safe and equitable genomics-informed oncology nursing practice and education within an interprofessional context.

Impact

This study informs Canadian policy development for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice. The experiences of other countries demonstrate that change is incremental, and investment from strong advocates and collaborators can accelerate the integration of genomics into nursing. Though this research focuses on oncology nursing, it may also inform other nursing practice contexts influenced by genomics.

Prevalence and impact of sarcopenia in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (the SARC-HF study): A prospective observational study protocol

by Pablo Marino Corrêa Nascimento, Luiz Fernando Rodrigues Junior, Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano, Valéria Gonçalves da Silva, Bernardo Rangel Tura, Fabio César Sousa Nogueira, Gilberto Domont, Adriana Bastos Carvalho, Antônio Carlos Campos de Carvalho, Taís Hanae Kasai-Brunswick, Claudio Tinoco Mesquita, Humberto Villacorta Junior, Helena Cramer Veiga Rey

Sarcopenia, a clinical syndrome primarily associated with reduced muscle mass in the elderly, has a negative impact on quality of life and survival. It can occur secondarily to other diseases such as heart failure (HF), a complex clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. The simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions can worsen the prognosis of their carriers, especially in the most severe cases of HF, as in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, due to the heterogeneous diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, estimates of its prevalence present a wide variation, leading to new criteria having been recently proposed for its diagnosis, emphasizing muscle strength and function rather than skeletal muscle mass. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and/or dynapenia in individuals with HF with reduced LVEF according to the most recent criteria, and compare the gene and protein expression of those patients with and without sarcopenia. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the association of sarcopenia and/or dynapenia with the risk of clinical events and death, quality of life, cardiorespiratory capacity, ventilatory efficiency, and respiratory muscle strength. The participants will answer questionnaires to evaluate sarcopenia and quality of life, and will undergo the following tests: handgrip strength, gait speed, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respiratory muscle strength, cardiopulmonary exercise, as well as genomic and proteomic analysis, and dosage of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and growth differentiation factor-15. An association between sarcopenia and/or dynapenia with unfavorable clinical evolution is expected to be found, in addition to reduced quality of life, cardiorespiratory capacity, ventilatory efficiency, and respiratory muscle strength.

Qualitative study of challenges with recruitment of hospitals into a cluster controlled trial of clinical decision support in Australia

Por: Baysari · M. T. · Van Dort · B. A. · Stanceski · K. · Hargreaves · A. · Zheng · W. Y. · Moran · M. · Day · R. O. · Li · L. · Westbrook · J. · Hilmer · S. N.
Objective

To identify barriers to hospital participation in controlled cluster trials of clinical decision support (CDS) and potential strategies for addressing barriers.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design comprising semistructured interviews.

Setting

Five hospitals in New South Wales and one hospital in Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Senior hospital staff, including department directors, chief information officers and those working in health informatics teams.

Results

20 senior hospital staff took part. Barriers to hospital-level recruitment primarily related to perceptions of risk associated with not implementing CDS as a control site. Perceived risks included reductions in patient safety, reputational risk and increased likelihood that benefits would not be achieved following electronic medical record (EMR) implementation without CDS alerts in place. Senior staff recommended clear communication of trial information to all relevant stakeholders as a key strategy for boosting hospital-level participation in trials.

Conclusion

Hospital participation in controlled cluster trials of CDS is hindered by perceptions that adopting an EMR without CDS is risky for both patients and organisations. The improvements in safety expected to follow CDS implementation makes it challenging and counterintuitive for hospitals to implement EMR without incorporating CDS alerts for the purposes of a research trial. To counteract these barriers, clear communication regarding the evidence base and rationale for a controlled trial is needed.

Youth, caregiver and healthcare professional perspectives on planning the implementation of a trauma‐informed care programme: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims

To explore youth, caregiver and staff perspectives on their vision of trauma-informed care, and to identify and understand potential considerations for the implementation of a trauma-informed care programme in an inpatient mental health unit within a paediatric hospital.

Design and Methods

We applied the Interpretive Description approach, guided by complexity theory and the Implementation Roadmap, and used Applied Thematic Analysis methods.

Findings

Twenty-five individuals participated in individual or group interviews between March and June 2022, including 21 healthcare professionals, 3 youth and 1 caregiver. We identified two overarching themes. The first theme, ‘Understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for distress’, related to participants’ understanding and vision of TIC in the current setting comprising: (a) ‘Participants’ understanding of TIC’; (b) ‘Trauma screening and trauma processing within TIC’; (c) ‘Taking “a more individualized approach”’; (d) ‘Unit programming’; and (e) “Connecting to the community”. The second theme, ‘Factors that support or limit successful TIC implementation’ comprises: (a) ‘The need for a broad “cultural shift”’; (b) ‘The physical environment on the unit’; and (c) ‘Factors that may limit successful implementation’.

Conclusion

We identified five key domains to consider within trauma-informed care implementation: (a) the centrality of engagement with youth, caregivers and staff in trauma-informed care delivery and implementation, (b) trauma-informed care core programme components, (c) factors that may support or limit success in implementing trauma-informed care within the mental health unit and (d) hospital-wide and (e) the importance of intersectoral collaboration (partnering with external organizations and sectors).

Impact

When implementing TIC, there is an ongoing need to increase clarity regarding TIC interventions and implementation initiatives. Youth, caregiver and healthcare professional participants shared considerations important for planning the delivery and implementation of trauma-informed care in their setting. We identified five key domains to consider within trauma-informed care implementation: (a) the centrality of relational engagement, (b) trauma-informed care programme components, (c) factors that may support or limit successful implementation of trauma-informed care within the mental health unit and (d) hospital-wide and (e) the importance of intersectoral collaboration. Organizations wishing to implement trauma-informed care should consider ongoing engagement with all relevant knowledge user groups throughout the process.

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

The local hospital research institute's Patient and Family Advisory Committee reviewed the draft study methods and provided feedback.

Multicentre randomised trial of screening with sFlt1/PlGF and planned delivery to prevent pre-eclampsia at term: protocol of the PE37 study

Por: Llurba · E. · Crispi · F. · Crovetto · F. · Youssef · L. · Delgado · J. L. · Puig · I. · Mora · J. · Krofta · L. · Mackova · K. · Martinez-Varea · A. · Tubau · A. · Ruiz · A. · Paya · A. · Prat · M. · Chantraine · F. · Comas · C. · Kajdy · A. · Lopez-Tinajero · M. F. · Figueras · F. · Gratac
Introduction

Pre-eclampsia affects ~5%–7% of pregnancies. Although improved obstetric care has significantly diminished its associated maternal mortality, it remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the world. Term pre-eclampsia accounts for 70% of all cases and a large proportion of maternal–fetal morbidity related to this condition. Unlike in preterm pre-eclampsia, the prediction and prevention of term pre-eclampsia remain unsolved. Previously proposed approaches are based on combined third-trimester screening and/or prophylactic drugs, but these policies are unlikely to be widely implementable in many world settings. Recent evidence shows that the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (s-Flt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio measured at 35–37 weeks’ gestation predicts term pre-eclampsia with an 80% detection rate. Likewise, recent studies demonstrate that induction of labour beyond 37 weeks is safe and well accepted by women. We hypothesise that a single-step universal screening for term pre-eclampsia based on sFlt1/PlGF ratio at 35–37 weeks followed by planned delivery beyond 37 weeks reduces the prevalence of term pre-eclampsia without increasing the caesarean section rates or worsening the neonatal outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We propose an open-label randomised clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a screening of term pre-eclampsia with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio followed by planned delivery in asymptomatic nulliparous women at 35–37 weeks. Women will be assigned 1:1 to revealed (sFlt-1/PlGF known to clinicians) versus concealed (unknown) arms. A cut-off of >90th centile is used to define the high risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia and offer planned delivery from 37 weeks. The efficacy variables will be analysed and compared between groups primarily following an intention-to-treat approach, by ORs and their 95% CI. This value will be computed using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model for binary response (study group as fixed effect and the centre as intercept random effect).

Ethics and dissemination

The study is conducted under the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This study was accepted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clinic Barcelona on 20 November 2020. Subsequent approval by individual ethical committees and competent authorities was granted. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04766866.

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