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To understand the role of simulation in ensuring the development of the competencies expected by newly graduated register nurses (NGRNs) from the work initiation up to 5 months of transition.
Mixed-method study design. A longitudinal phase employing the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS, from 0 to 100, excellent) to assess the perceived competencies among NGRNs (N = 151) at three time points (first day of work up to fifth month); followed by a qualitative phase involving four focus groups of preceptors (N = 16) to explore the potential role of simulation in the NGRNs' working transition. Integration was performed at findings level, using the building procedures and joint displaying the results.
During the different time periods, variations emerged in the NCS scores from 64.41 out of 100 in the first day of work to 61.82 after 15 days, reaching 69.25 and 73.21 at 3 and 5 months. Nine potentialities have been identified as having simulation supporting NGRNs during their transition to independent practice. Simulation may contribute to develop competencies in some competence domains (diagnostic function, managing situation, therapeutic intervention, quality assurance and working role) while not in others (helping role and teaching–coaching).
Early interventions, through integration of simulation sessions into strategies offered at the unit's level may be useful to ensure an effective working transition.
Problem the study addresses: Challenges in transition from education to working settings are increasing given the difficulties of the units in providing time and support to NGRNs. Main findings: Competencies of NGRNs' are fluctuant in the five first months of work, and sub-optimal in certain domains. Simulation may support the full development of most competencies. Impact on research: Healthcare organisations can support NGRNs to ensure smoother transitions by integrating simulations in their strategy.
This study was conducted following the Good Reporting of a Mixed-Methods Study.
Only healthcare professionals were involved.
Acute wounds with high exudate output, such as split-thickness skin-graft donor sites, require dressings that effectively manage fluid, reduce pain, and support timely epithelialization. Foam dressings are widely used, but superabsorbent materials may provide advantages in exudate handling. This study compared the absorption performance, wound healing, and pain outcomes of foam versus superabsorbent dressings in donor-site wounds. Thirty patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting were enrolled, with no exclusions or loss to follow-up. Each donor site was divided into two equal zones, with one receiving a foam dressing and the other a superabsorbent dressing according to randomized allocation. Data were collected using coded identifiers. Clinical outcomes, including absorption capacity, wound epithelialization, pain scores, and complications, were evaluated at 3-day intervals through postoperative day 15. Experimental testing showed that a 10 × 10 cm foam dressing weighed 7.5 g and absorbed 75 mL of saline, whereas the superabsorbent dressing weighed 5.5 g and absorbed 93 mL. Clinically, absorption power was significantly higher with the superabsorbent dressing on day 3 (104.09 vs. 71.87 mg/cm2/day; p = 0.034), day 6 (84.45 vs. 40.91 mg/cm2/day; p < 0.001), and day 9 (76.59 vs. 19.74 mg/cm2/day; p = 0.022). Pain scores tended to be lower with the superabsorbent dressing on days 6 and 9, although the differences were not statistically significant. Wound epithelialization was comparable between groups, with no allergic reactions, infections, or other complications observed. Superabsorbent dressing demonstrated superior absorption capacity compared with foam dressing, while achieving comparable epithelialization and healing outcomes. Pain scores tended to be lower with the superabsorbent dressing during the early postoperative period, although the differences were not statistically significant.
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by Chayanis Som-On, Chawisa Suradom, Roger S. McIntyre, Sirijit Suttajit, Suttipong Kawilapat, Sutrak Pilakanta, Manit Srisurapanont
PurposeBipolar disorder (BD) is frequently misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, leading to inappropriate treatment and adverse outcomes. The Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) was developed to improve BD detection, a prerequisite for improving health outcomes in BD. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the RMS into Thai (RMS-T) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in Thai adults with bipolar I disorder (BD-I) and bipolar II disorder (BD-II).
MethodsThe RMS was translated using forward–backward translation and cultural adaptation. Participants included outpatients at a tertiary psychiatric clinic with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 109) and BD (n = 31; BD-I = 21, BD-II = 10). Psychometric properties included internal consistency, item-total correlations, test–retest reliability, and criterion validity against the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-5). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses compared RMS-T with the Thai Mood Disorder Questionnaire (T-MDQ), and optimal cutoffs were determined using Youden’s index.
ResultsInternal consistency was acceptable for a brief six-item screening tool (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.610; McDonald’s Omega = 0.632). RMS-T demonstrated good discriminative ability for BD (AUC = 0.805), comparable to T-MDQ. Optimal cutoffs were ≥ 4 for BD (sensitivity 64.5%, specificity 78.9%, Youden’s index 0.43). Test–retest reliability was strong.
ConclusionThe RMS-T is a valid, practical, and time-efficient screening tool for BD patients presenting with depressive episodes. Further research should investigate end-user satisfaction, the impact on health outcomes, clinical utility, and cost-effectiveness in broader settings and populations.
by Areeya Madsusan, Saowaluk Krainara, Wantanasak Suksong, Kittithat Sudchoo, Nadeyah Tohmoh, Pattharaporn Jonggrijug, Chomkaeo Maipunklang, Chanitsara Chadaram, Kholeeyoh Samaeng, Piyadhida Kurdthongmee, Uratit Noosab, Arun Nakapong, Yanawut Udomsri, Suttiporn Kanaso, Natee Sakorn, Ng Yee Guan, Sukrit Sangkhano
Gross anatomy dissection is an essential component of medical and health science education, yet it presents notable occupational hazards, particularly from formaldehyde (FA) exposure and microbial contamination. These risks may be intensified in anatomy dissection halls located in tropical monsoon (Am) climates, where elevated humidity and temperature promote both chemical volatility and microbial persistence. This study assessed the combined effects of such climatic conditions on FA concentrations and microbial ecology within a naturally ventilated dissection hall in southern Thailand. FA levels were measured through personal and area air sampling across seven anatomical regions, while microbial contamination on cadaver-contact surfaces was evaluated using culture-based methods and high-throughput sequencing. Functional prediction of microbial communities was performed using PICRUSt2 to assess their metabolic adaptation to environmental stressors. The results revealed that both personal and indoor FA concentrations (mean 1.17 ± 0.39 ppm and 1.09 ± 0.45 ppm, respectively) exceeded several international occupational exposure limits, with the highest levels observed during dissections involving deep or adipose-rich anatomical regions. Microbial analyses identified stress-tolerant and potentially pathogenic genera, including Bdellovibrio, Aequorivita, and Aspergillus spp., along with enriched pathways involved in aromatic compound degradation and environmental resilience. These findings highlight the limitations of natural ventilation in controlling occupational exposures and microbial contamination in Am climate anatomy laboratories. The study supports the implementation of climate-responsive engineering controls and laboratory management strategies that address chemical safety, thermal regulation, and biosafety to promote healthier and more sustainable dissection environments in similar high-risk settings.
FreshRSS 