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El arte gráfico como medio de comunicación y cuidados en personas con demencia temprana y Alzhéimer

El presente trabajo analiza la repercusión de la técnica de grabado no tóxica Collagraph, en personas con Demencia temprana tipo Alzhéimer, en el programa de educación artística “Retales de una vida”. El objetivo es conectar a los participantes con programas de carácter cultural para fomentar la comunicación e interacción entre participantes. La experiencia se llevó a cabo en el Centro de Referencia Estatal para personas con Alzheimer y otras Demencias de Salamanca (CREA). Una vez adaptada la metodología del taller a las características personales y de salud de las personas enfermas de Alzheimer, se considera la utilización del grabado genera importantes beneficios en los participantes, relacionados con el incremento de la inteligencia cristalizada, la conducta prosocial y la valoración positiva de sí mismos, favoreciendo la inclusión social y familiar.

Asimismo, el empleo del grabado puede ofrecer un soporte de ayuda terapéutica individual y cooperativa a los participantes, desarrollar habilidades funcionales, sociales y cognitivas, ampliando sus recursos emocionales y disfrutar de la experiencia. A su vez fortalecen su autoestima y seguridad ante su capacidad y valía. Por último, planteamos una serie de pautas para la planificación e implementación de este proceso artístico para que sirva de referente a profesionales de la salud.

Adherence to PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines and scope of systematic reviews published in nursing: A cross‐sectional analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Systematic reviews are considered the highest level of evidence that can help guide evidence-informed decisions in nursing practice, education, and even health policy. Systematic review publications have increased from a sporadic few in 1980s to more than 10,000 systematic reviews published every year and around 30,000 registered in prospective registries.

Methods

A cross-sectional design and a variety of data sources were triangulated to identify the journals from which systematic reviews would be evaluated for adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 reporting guidelines and scope. Specifically, this study used the PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines to assess the reporting of the introduction, methods, information sources and search strategy, study selection process, quality/bias assessments, and results and discussion aspects of the included systematic reviews.

Results

Upon review of the 215 systematic reviews published in 10 top-tier journals in the field of nursing in 2019 and 2020, this study identified several opportunities to improve the reporting of systematic reviews in the context of the 2020 PRISMA statement. Areas of priority for reporting include the following key areas: (1) information sources, (2) search strategies, (3) study selection process, (4) bias reporting, (5) explicit discussion of the implications to policy, and lastly, the need for (6) prospective protocol registration.

Discussion

The use of the PRISMA 2020 guidelines by authors, peer reviewers, and editors can help to ensure the transparent and detailed reporting of systematic reviews published in the nursing literature.

Clinical Relevance

Systematic reviews are considered strong research evidence that can guide evidence-based practice and even clinical decision-making. This paper addresses some common methodological and process issues among systematic reviews that can guide clinicians and practitioners to be more critical in appraising research evidence that can shape nursing practice.

Out‐of‐pocket expenditure among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in a tertiary care hospital of south India: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer is a debilitating complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus. Patients lose their earning potential, face repeated hospitalizations, and are forced to bear heavy treatment costs. This places an enormous financial burden on the patients and their families. This study seeks to ascertain the out-of-pocket expenditure among these patients and correlate it with their risk factor profile. In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 154 patients with diabetic foot ulcers or amputations have been studied with an elaborate patient questionnaire and relevant clinical examinations. The costs incurred and the risk factors of the patients were analyzed for statistical association. The median total annual out-of-pocket expenditure for the management of diabetic foot ulcers among the study participants was found to be ₹29 775 (₹9650–₹81 120) ($378.14 [$122.56–$1030.22]). Out of the total expenditure, 58.49% went towards direct medical costs, 5.64% towards direct non-medical costs, and 35.88% for indirect costs. Medications, ulcer dressing and periodic debridement have accounted for 79.26% of direct medical costs. Transportation (61.37%) and patient's loss of income (89.45%) account for the major costs under the direct non-medical and indirect cost categories, respectively. A high ulcer grade and area, long ulcer duration, and past history of ulcers have higher expenditure. Patients seeking treatment from private establishments and those engaged in professional/skilled occupations have higher expenses. Adequate dressing of foot ulcers and proper footwear are associated with lower treatment expenditure. 68.8% of the participants have faced catastrophic expenditure due to treatment costs of diabetic foot ulcers. Adequate glycaemic control and proper foot care are necessary. Patients must seek medical care at the earliest in case of foot ulceration. Clinicians must provide proper wound care, institute effective antibiotics, and manage the complications. Government and insurance schemes are required to alleviate the patients' financial burden.

Impact effects of COVID‐19 pandemic on chronic disease patients: A longitudinal prospective study

Abstract

Aims

To assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical variables as part of the routine clinical monitoring of patients with chronic diseases in primary care.

Design

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in primary care centres of the Andalusian Health Service.

Methods

Data were recorded before the pandemic (T1), during the declaration of the state of emergency (T2) and in the transition phase (T3). The Barthel index and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) were used to analyse functional and cognitive changes at the three time points. HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, BMI and lipid levels were assessed as clinical variables. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric chi-square test were used for analysis. STROBE checklist was used for the preparation of this paper.

Results

A total fo148 patients with chronic conditions were included in the analysis. Data analysis revealed in T2 only significant reductions in BMI, total levels of cholesterol and HDL during the onset of the pandemic. Barthel Index, SPMSQ, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsened in T2, and the negative effects were maintained in T3. Compared to pre-pandemic values, HbA1c levels improved in T3, but HDL levels worsened.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has drastically disrupted several functional, cognitive and biological variables. These results may be useful in identifying clinical parameters that deserve closer attention in the case of a new health crisis. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of each specific chronic condition.

Impact

Cognitive and functional status, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsen in short term, maintaining the negative effects in medium-term.

An mHealth application for chronic vascular access: A multi‐method evaluation

Abstract

Background

Healthcare consumers require diverse resources to assist their navigation of complex healthcare interactions, however, these resources need to be fit for purpose.

Aim

In this study, we evaluated the utility, usability and feasibility of children, families and adults requiring long-term intravenous therapy using a recently developed mobile health application (App), intravenous (IV) Passport.

Design

Multi-site, parallel, multi-method, prospective cohort study.

Methods

A multi-site, multi-method study was carried out in 2020–2021, with 46 participants (20 adults, 26 children/family) reporting on their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.

Results

Overall, utility rates were acceptable, with 78.3% (N = 36) using the IV Passport over the follow-up period, with high rates of planned future use for those still active in the project (N = 21; 73%), especially in the child/family cohort (N = 13; 100%). Acceptability rates were high (9/10; IQR 6.5–10), with the IV Passport primarily used for documenting new devices and complications. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes (and multiple subthemes) in the qualitative data: Advocacy for healthcare needs, Complexity of healthcare and App design and functionality.

Conclusion

Several recommendations were made to improve the end-user experience including ‘how to’ instructions; and scheduling functionality for routine care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The IV Passport can be safely and appropriately integrated into healthcare, to support consumers.

Impact

Patient-/parent-reported feedback suggests the Intravenous Passport is a useful tool for record-keeping, and positive communication between patients/parents, and clinicians.

Reporting Method

Not applicable.

Patient Contribution

Consumers reported their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.

Best practices for implementation of Kamishibai cards in the healthcare setting to improve nursing‐sensitive indicator associated outcomes: An integrative review

Abstract

Background

Many adverse events are identified as nursing-sensitive indicators (NSIs) and have evidence-based care bundles known to reduce risk of occurrence. Kamishibai cards are a tool from the manufacturing industry used for practice auditing and improvements. Use of Kamishibai cards is believed to be common in the healthcare setting, but true evidence-based guidelines do not yet exist to guide their implementation.

Aims

The aim of this integrative review was to identify best practices around the implementation of Kamishibai cards in the healthcare setting for improvement in NSI-associated outcomes.

Methods

Eleven nurses at three facilities worked through the evidence using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model.

Results

Ten articles were included for this review. Broad themes included direct observation with non-punitive and timely feedback, clearly visualized results, use of evidence-based care bundles, pre-implementation education, and both leadership and frontline-staff involvement. All facilities showed improvement in NSI-associated outcomes after the implementation of K-cards.

Linking Action to Action

In health care, K-cards can be implemented and designed with additional focus on the bundles of care they are intended to audit and staff support, but further evidence would better define guidelines around implementation.

Invasive device‐associated skin complications and mechanical dysfunctions in paediatric healthcare: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to estimate the proportion and rate of skin complications and mechanical dysfunction associated with indwelling invasive devices in paediatric healthcare.

Design

This systematic review is reported in accordance with Cochrane standards for randomized controlled trials and the Meta-analysis of Observation Studies in Epidemiology for cohort studies.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, clinical trial registries, and unpublished study databases were searched.

Review Methods

Cohort studies and trials published from January 2011 to June 2022, including (1) indwelling invasive devices, (2) paediatric participants admitted to a hospital, (3) reporting post-insertion device-associated skin complication and/or mechanical dysfunction, and (4) published in English, were included. Device-associated skin complication and mechanical dysfunction (infiltration, leakage, occlusion/blockage, dislodgement/malposition, breakage and others). Pooled proportion and incidence rate per 1000 device days are reported.

Results

This review synthesized 114 studies (30,782 devices; 1,635,649 device-days). Skin complications were reported in 40 studies, but none exclusively reported individual device-related pressure injuries. Mechanical dysfunctions were well-reported for central venous access devices, peripheral intravenous catheters, nasogastric/gastric tubes and peritoneal dialysis catheters but less for arterial catheters, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventricular assist devices.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the need for standardized definitions and reporting methods to better surveil and benchmark device-related complications, particularly for understudied device types. Device-related pressure injuries were not reported in any of the included studies, and all devices except for vascular access devices require standardized reporting of complications.

Impact

Despite the widespread use of invasive devices, comprehensive data on their prevalence, utility, and associated paediatric complications is limited. This review identified prevalent skin complications, occlusions and dislodgments in children with devices, underscoring the need for standardized reporting to enhance surveillance and understanding of paediatric device-related complications.

Reporting Method

MOOSE (Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) Checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Exploring older people's experiences of the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients during hospitalization in the pandemic period: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study focusing on the experiences of people aged over 70 years in the interpersonal nurse–patient care relationship in hospital settings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to analyse different aspects of this relationship, including nurses' behaviour and caring attitudes, the person-centred model of care, patients' involvement in their own care and communication in the hospital context.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted on the basis of an interpretative framework.

Methods

Six focus groups were conducted. A total of 34 participants were purposively recruited from three nursing homes in Spain, Italy and Portugal. Specific inclusion criteria were used to select participants.

Results

Five main categories were identified. Analysis revealed the importance of empathy and sensitivity in caring relationships, as well as the need for personalized and patient-centred care. The importance of effective communication and recognition of ageist behaviour by professionals was highlighted. In addition, independent of the pandemic, situational factors in the hospital environment were identified that influence the interpersonal care relationship.

Conclusions

The study highlights the need to promote a person-centred model of care that takes into account the specific preferences and needs of older people. This is achieved by identifying elements of the interpersonal nurse–patient relationship. In addition to highlighting the disparity of opinion regarding an active or passive role in self-care and decision making, the importance of addressing ageism and improving communication is emphasized.

What problem did the study address?

The importance of the patient–nurse relationship in hospital care has been highlighted in previous studies. Critical elements of the patient care experience have been identified as empathy and effective communication. Ageism in healthcare has been recognized as a potential barrier to patient-centred care.

What were the key findings?

The main findings highlight the importance of empathy and personalized care, emphasize the importance of effective communication and address ageist behaviours in the nurse–patient relationship.

Where and who will the research impact?

By highlighting the need for person-centred care and improved communication strategies, particularly in the context of caring for older patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this research will have an impact on healthcare professionals, policy makers and carers.

Reporting Method

The COREQ guideline was used.

Patient or public contribution

This study adopted a collaborative approach to ensure that patient perspectives were integrated into the research process. We organized regular focus groups. Patients were actively involved in shaping the research questions, refining the study design and interpreting the emerging findings. Their valuable input helped us to understand the nuances of their experience and to prioritize the aspects that were critical to their well-being. In addition, their insights guided the development of practical recommendations aimed at improving the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients in hospital settings, ensuring that their voices were heard and reflected in the proposed interventions. This patient-centred approach fostered a sense of empowerment among the participants. It reinforced the notion that their experiences and opinions are integral to shaping healthcare practice.

The Nurse‐Police Assistance Crisis Team (N‐PACT): A new role for nursing

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to gain insights into forensic nurses' perspectives and approaches to behavioural crisis situations, comparing them to disciplines traditionally involved in first-line behavioural crisis response.

Design

This study used a descriptive, qualitative exploratory design and was informed by Systems Theory.

Methods

The study was carried in the United States, between 2022 and 2023. Data were gathered through four focus groups: police officers (n = 12), co-response (mental health) clinicians (n = 13), sexual assault nurse examiners (n = 6) and correctional nurses (n = 4). Thematic analysis was performed.

Reporting Method

The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines were used.

Results

Findings revealed temporal themes in crisis response: (1) Searching for Historical Information; (2) Safety and Acting at the Present Scene; and (3) Future Strategies and Interventions. Common priorities (e.g. safety and de-escalation) were identified across groups. Notably, nurses demonstrated a comprehensive approach, addressing physical and mental health assessments, substance involvement, and physical injury evaluation.

Conclusion

This study proposes the creation of a novel nursing role within first-line multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) for crisis response—the Nurse-Police Assistance Crisis Team (N-PACT). Nurses bring expertise and comprehensive assessment skills to enhance crisis responses, particularly in cases involving mental health emergencies, medical crises, and drug-related incidents.

Implications

Forensic nurses, with their diverse competencies and comprehensive training, are highly valuable assets within MDTs. Their expertise extends to proficiently conducting mental and physical assessments, ensuring safety and adeptly navigating situations that intersect with the legal system.

Impact

The N-PACT concept can improve outcomes and streamline the allocation of resources, particularly considering the number of police calls involving behavioural crises.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reallocating time between device-measured 24-hour activities and cardiovascular risk in Asian American immigrant women: An isotemporal substitution model

by Chorong Park, Britta Larsen, Simona C. Kwon, Yuhe Xia, Marianna LaNoue, Victoria V. Dickson, Harmony R. Reynolds, Tanya M. Spruill

The 24-hour day consists of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and sleep, and changing the time spent on one activity affects the others. Little is known about the impact of such changes on cardiovascular risk, particularly in Asian American immigrant (AAI) women, who not only have a higher cardiovascular risk but also place greater cultural value on family and domestic responsibilities compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of reallocating 30 minutes of each 24-hour activity component for another on BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure in AAI women. Seventy-five AAI women completed 7 days of hip and wrist actigraphy monitoring and were included in the analysis (age = 61.5±8.0 years, BMI = 25.5±3.6 kg/m2, waist circumference = 85.9±10.2 cm). Sleep was identified from wrist actigraphy data, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA, and sedentary behavior identified from hip actigraphy data. On average, the women spent 0.5 hours in MVPA, 6.2 hours in light PA, 10 hours in sedentary activities, and 5.3 hours sleeping within a 24-hour day. According to the isotemporal substitution models, replacing 30 minutes of sedentary behavior with MVPA reduced BMI by 1.4 kg/m2 and waist circumference by 4.0 cm. Replacing that same sedentary time with sleep reduced BMI by 0.5 kg/m2 and waist circumference by 1.4 cm. Replacing 30 minutes of light PA with MVPA decreased BMI by 1.6 kg/m2 and waist circumference by 4.3 cm. Replacing 30 minutes of light PA with sleep also reduced BMI by 0.8 kg/m2 and waist circumference by 1.7 cm. However, none of the behavioral substitutions affected blood pressure. Considering AAI women’s short sleep duration, replacing their sedentary time with sleep might be a feasible strategy to reduce their BMI and waist circumference.

Acute care nurses' experience in providing evidence‐based care for patients with laparotomy wounds: A scoping review

Abstract

To systematically search and synthesise available literature on barriers and enablers to evidence-based care for patients with laparotomy wounds reported by acute care nurses. Specifically, we focused on wound assessment, infection control techniques, wound products used, escalation of care, dressing application, documentation and holistic care. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist and explanation documents directed the review. The methodology framework created by Arksey and O'Malley, updated by Levac et al., and the Joanna Briggs Institute were utilised to assist the scoping review process. Data synthesis was guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Six qualitative and mixed methods studies were selected for the review. Most reported barriers and enablers were mapped to knowledge, skills, beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources and beliefs about capability domains. The main barriers were limited access to and utilisation of wound assessment tools and clinical practice guidelines for wound management and suboptimal time management skills. Inconsistent management of laparotomy wounds was related to ward culture and nurses' lack of knowledge and skills in surgical wound assessment and aseptic technique during wound encounters. The reported enablers were knowledge of multi-factorial risk factors for surgical wound recovery, valuing education and reflective practice and believing that protocols should be utilised alongside comprehensive wound assessments. Holistic wound care included patient education on the role of mobilisation and nutrition in wound healing. Acute care nurses do not routinely incorporate comprehensive, evidence-based care recommendations for laparotomy wound management. Further research on evidence-based care behaviours in managing laparotomy wounds is required. The results indicate a need for standardising the practice of laparotomy wound management while acknowledging the current challenges faced in the ward environment.

How predictive of SARS-CoV-2 infection are clinical characteristics at presentation among individuals with COVID-like symptoms treated at the Mexican Institute of Social Security

by Juan Pablo Gutierrez, Gustavo Olaiz, Arturo Juárez-Flores, Víctor H. Borja-Aburto, Iván J. Ascencio-Montiel, Stefano M. Bertozzi

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has progressed rapidly, with the emergence of new virus variants that pose challenges in treating infected individuals. In Mexico, four epidemic waves have been recorded with varying disease severity. To understand the heterogeneity in clinical presentation over time and the sensitivity and specificity of signs and symptoms in identifying COVID-19 cases, an analysis of the changes in the clinical presentation of the disease was conducted.

Aim

To analyze the changes in the clinical presentation of COVID-19 among 3.38 million individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) from March 2020 to October 2021 and evaluate the predictivity of signs and symptoms in identifying COVID-19 cases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical presentation patterns of COVID-19 among individuals treated at IMSS was performed, contrasting the signs and symptoms among SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals with those who tested negative for the virus but had respiratory infection symptoms. The sensitivity and specificity of each sign and symptom in identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection were estimated.

Results

The set of signs and symptoms reported for COVID-19-suspected patients treated at IMSS were not highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The signs and symptoms exhibited variability based on age and epidemic wave. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.62 when grouping the five main symptoms (headache, dyspnea, fever, arthralgia, and cough). Most of the individual symptoms had ROC values close to 0.5 (16 out of 22 between 0.48 and 0.52), indicating non-specificity.

Conclusions

The results highlight the difficulty in making a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 due to the lack of specificity of signs and symptoms. The variability of clinical presentation over time and among age groups highlights the need for further research to differentiate whether the changes are due to changes in the virus, who is becoming infected, or the population, particularly with respect to prior infection and vaccination status.

Dynamic phase-locking states and personality in sub-acute mild traumatic brain injury: An exploratory study

by Harm J. van der Horn, Myrthe E. de Koning, Koen Visser, Marius G. J. Kok, Jacoba M. Spikman, Myrthe E. Scheenen, Remco J. Renken, Vince D. Calhoun, Victor M. Vergara, Joana Cabral, Andrew R. Mayer, Joukje van der Naalt

Research has shown that maladaptive personality characteristics, such as Neuroticism, are associated with poor outcome after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The current exploratory study investigated the neural underpinnings of this process using dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analyses of resting-state (rs) fMRI, and diffusion MRI (dMRI). Twenty-seven mTBI patients and 21 healthy controls (HC) were included. After measuring the Big Five personality dimensions, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to obtain a superordinate factor representing emotional instability, consisting of high Neuroticism, moderate Openness, and low Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Persistent symptoms were measured using the head injury symptom checklist at six months post-injury; symptom severity (i.e., sum of all items) was used for further analyses. For patients, brain MRI was performed in the sub-acute phase (~1 month) post-injury. Following parcellation of rs-fMRI using independent component analysis, leading eigenvector dynamic analysis (LEiDA) was performed to compute dynamic phase-locking brain states. Main patterns of brain diffusion were computed using tract-based spatial statistics followed by PCA. No differences in phase-locking state measures were found between patients and HC. Regarding dMRI, a trend significant decrease in fractional anisotropy was found in patients relative to HC, particularly in the fornix, genu of the corpus callosum, anterior and posterior corona radiata. Visiting one specific phase-locking state was associated with lower symptom severity after mTBI. This state was characterized by two clearly delineated communities (each community consisting of areas with synchronized phases): one representing an executive/saliency system, with a strong contribution of the insulae and basal ganglia; the other representing the canonical default mode network. In patients who scored high on emotional instability, this relationship was even more pronounced. Dynamic phase-locking states were not related to findings on dMRI. Altogether, our results provide preliminary evidence for the coupling between personality and dFNC in the development of long-term symptoms after mTBI.

Un encuentro inesperado: evocando a José María Arguedas durante su paso por la Asistencia Pública de Grau

El presente artículo contribuye con información adicional, hasta ahora muy poco conocida, cuando el gran escritor peruano José María Arguedas, herido de muerte producto de haberse infligido un balazo en la cabeza es trasladado desde la Universidad Nacional Agraria hacia el Hospital del Empleado. En el trayecto, se hace notar que se hizo una escala, hasta ahora escasamente conocida, que ocurrió en el Puesto de la Asistencia Pública de Grau, en la tarde del viernes 28 de noviembre de 1969. Ese día a consecuencia de una fuerte infección intestinal, el autor del presente artículo fue atendido de emergencia en la Asistencia Pública de Grau, compartiendo la misma habitación, durante el tiempo que permaneció el escritor en aquel centro asistencial de salud.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Sleep Intervention in Adults at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome With Short Sleep Duration

imageBackground The prevalence of short sleep duration is rising and is linked to chronic comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Sleep extension interventions in adults with MetS comorbidities and short sleep duration are limited and vary widely in terms of approach and duration. Objectives This pilot study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a personalized 12-week systematic sleep time extension intervention on post-intervention sleep outcomes in middle-aged adults at risk for MetS with actigraphy-estimated short sleep duration. Methods A single-arm, 12-week, 12-session systematic sleep time extension intervention was delivered weekly via videoconferencing. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using retention rates and mean sleep diary completions. Sleep was estimated for 14 consecutive days prior to and immediately following the 12-week intervention using wrist actigraphy. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Paired sample t-tests modeled changes in study outcomes. Results Study participants (N = 41) had a mean age of 52 years and were mostly female and White; 86% attended >80% of sessions, and mean sleep diary completion was 6.7 diaries/week. Significant improvements in sleep from pre- to post-intervention included increased total sleep time, earlier sleep onsets, more regular sleep onsets, a higher sleep regularity index, and reduced daytime sleepiness. Extending sleep, as well as improving sleep timing and regularity in middle-aged adults with actigraphy-estimated short sleep duration and at risk for MetS, is feasible and acceptable. Discussion Behavioral sleep characteristics may be modifiable and present a novel behavioral paradigm for mitigating MetS risk. This pilot study provides a proof of concept for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a systematic sleep time extension for middle-aged adults at risk for MetS with actigraphy-estimated short sleep duration.

“We'd really love to but we're really busy”: Silence, precarity and resistance as structural barriers to anti‐racism in nursing education

Abstract

Aim

To identify structural barriers to the uptake and practice of anti-racism in nursing education, specifically in the Canadian context.

Design

A deconstructive, critical, qualitative inquiry informed by critical race theory, critical whiteness, feminism and post-colonialism.

Methods

This study employed an anonymous online open-ended questionnaire and online focus groups with Canadian nurse educators from April to June 2021. The data were analysed through a contextualist thematic analysis that accounts for data as essential experience and also a product of discourse.

Results

Structural barriers identified are organized into themes of: the academic environment; position and power; racism; program delivery; and Whiteness. Pervasive silence, especially white silence, can be interpreted in related contexts of precarity, self-interest and institutional violence. Overarching processes of precarity and resistance exert power over the environment of nursing education which act to destabilize, disrupt and discourage anti-racist efforts and education.

Conclusion

The sustainability of anti-racism should be a primary focus. This entails attending to structures in nursing and higher education that make nursing education precarious work, especially for educators racialized as Other in the white supremacist racial binary of White: non-White. Explicit and ongoing attention to conditions that silence is necessary for any progress to be made. Strategies of applying anti-racism need to be as complex as the barriers.

Implications

Many schools of nursing are engaged in attempts to include anti-racism as learning and environment. The structural barriers that interfere with effective integration of anti-racism as a lens for nursing education must be named and addressed so educators and schools can be successful. The implication of trying to incorporate anti-racism without addressing the barriers is a very superficial or pocketed application of anti-racism, and a continuation of the status quo that reproduces Whiteness and excludes and harms people racialized otherwise.

Impact

The study addressed both strategies and barriers to anti-racism in nursing education. This article addressed structural barriers in anti-racism in Canadian nursing education. The main findings are that processes of precarity specific to nursing education in institutions of higher learning, and resistance through Whiteness, decision-making hierarchy and regulatory structures interfere with the application of anti-racism. This research impacts nurse educators in all nursing schools and leaders in higher education. It also impacts all current and future nursing students as the recipients of the education we provide.

Reporting Method

The paper adheres to COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Assessment of psychological terror and its impact on mental health and quality of life in medical residents at a reference medical center in Mexico: A cross-sectional study

by Víctor Manuel Enriquez Estrada, Neftali Eduardo Antonio-Villa, Omar Yaxhemen Bello-Chavolla, Carlos Fredy Cuevas-García, Pedro Luis Vargas Gutiérrez, Irma Sau-Yen Corlay Noriega, Luis Rey García-Cortés

Background

Mobbing, particularly in medical residencies, can lead to psychological terror with lasting mental and physical health consequences. Its impact on Mexican residents, however, remains underexplored.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological terror among medical residents at a medical center in Mexico City.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, medical residents from various specialties were assessed for mobbing domains, quality of life, and anxiety/depression using the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror (LIPT), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Psychological terror was defined as a LIPT score ≥ p80. Linear and binomial logistic regression models were used to explore independent predictors of mobbing and psychological terror.

Results

Of the 349 participants included (median age: 28; IQR: 27–30 years), 19.5% (95% CI: 15.5%-24.0%) were identified with psychological terror. Furthermore, 39% reported higher-degree trainees as mobbing perpetrators. Women in surgical residencies in their second or fifth year were found to experience higher levels of mobbing. Manifested bullying, workplace stigma, and inappropriate tasks were the most impacted mobbing domains. Anxiety, diminished mental health quality of life, and higher degree of medical specialization were independent predictors of mobbing. Meanwhile, increased anxiety, affiliation to surgical specialties, and being in the second or fifth year of training were identified as predictors of psychological terror.

Conclusions

Mobbing and psychological terror are prevalent conditions among medical residents in Mexico. Identification of occupational conditions and adverse psychological stressors can help to improve quality of life and training of medical residents.

A medium-chain fatty acid analogue prevents hepatosteatosis and decreases inflammatory lipid metabolites in a murine model of parenteral nutrition-induced hepatosteatosis

by Bennet S. Cho, Scott C. Fligor, Gillian L. Fell, Jordan D. Secor, Savas T. Tsikis, Amy Pan, Lumeng J. Yu, Victoria H. Ko, Duy T. Dao, Lorenzo Anez-Bustillos, Thomas I. Hirsch, Jenny Lund, Arild C. Rustan, David A. Fraser, Kathleen M. Gura, Mark Puder

Background

Parenteral (intravenous) nutrition is lifesaving for patients with intestinal failure, but long-term use of parenteral nutrition often leads to liver disease. SEFA-6179 is a synthetic medium-chain fatty acid analogue designed to target multiple fatty acid receptors regulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways. We hypothesized that SEFA-6179 would prevent hepatosteatosis and lipotoxicity in a murine model of parenteral nutrition-induced hepatosteatosis.

Methods

Two in vivo experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, six-week-old male mice were provided an ad lib fat-free high carbohydrate diet (HCD) for 19 days with orogastric gavage of either fish oil, medium-chain triglycerides, or SEFA-6179 at a low (0.3mmol/kg) or high dose (0.6mmol/kg). In the second experiment, six-week-old mice were provided an ad lib fat-free high carbohydrate diet for 19 days with every other day tail vein injection of saline, soybean oil lipid emulsion, or fish oil lipid emulsion. Mice then received every other day orogastric gavage of medium-chain triglyceride vehicle or SEFA-6179 (0.6mmol/kg). Hepatosteatosis was assessed by a blinded pathologist using an established rodent steatosis score. Hepatic lipid metabolites were assessed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Effects of SEFA-6179 on fatty acid oxidation, lipogenesis, and fatty acid uptake in human liver cells were assessed in vitro.

Results

In the first experiment, mice receiving the HCD with either saline or medium-chain triglyceride treatment developed macrovesicular steatosis, while mice receiving fish oil or SEFA-6179 retained normal liver histology. In the second experiment, mice receiving a high carbohydrate diet with intravenous saline or soybean oil lipid emulsion, along with medium chain triglyceride vehicle treatment, developed macrovescular steatosis. Treatment with SEFA-6179 prevented steatosis. In each experiment, SEFA-6179 treatment decreased arachidonic acid metabolites as well as key molecules (diacylglycerol, ceramides) involved in lipotoxicity. SEFA-6179 increased both β- and complete fatty oxidation in human liver cells, while having no impact on lipogenesis or fatty acid uptake.

Conclusions

SEFA-6179 treatment prevented hepatosteatosis and decreased toxic lipid metabolites in a murine model of parenteral nutrition-induced hepatosteatosis. An increase in both β- and complete hepatic fatty acid oxidation may underlie the reduction in steatosis.

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.

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