FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
Ayer — Marzo 4th 2026Tus fuentes RSS

COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people vulnerable to HIV in Uganda: A cross-sectional cohort analysis

by Job Kasule, Julius L. Tonzel, Natalie Burns, Tyler Hamby, Roger Ying, Grace Mirembe, Immaculate Nakabuye, Hannah Kibuuka, Margaret Yacovone, Betty Mwesigwa, Trevor A. Crowell, for the Multinational Observational Cohort of HIV and other Infections (MOCHI) Study Group

Background

People with behavioral vulnerability to HIV face barriers to healthcare engagement that may impede uptake of non-pharmaceutical and other interventions to prevent COVID-19. Understanding COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this population can inform disease prevention efforts during future pandemics.

Materials and methods

From October 2022 to September 2024, we enrolled participants aged 14–55 years without HIV who endorsed recent sexually transmitted infection, injection drug use, transactional sex, condomless sex, and/or anal sex with male partners. At enrollment, we collected socio-behavioral data, including assessments of COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Robust Poisson regression with purposeful variable selection was used to estimate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with COVID-19 preventive practices.

Results

Among 418 participants, 228 (56.9%) were female, the median age was 21 years (interquartile range 19−24), and 362 (84.9%) reported sex work. Knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes was high (95.4%) but lower for the consequences of genetic variants (48.5%−69.7%) and possibility for asymptomatic infection or transmission (66.7%−80.8%). Handwashing was practiced by 90.8% of participants in the preceding month, whereas mask-wearing (76.5%), avoiding symptomatic people (73.7%), and any history of COVID-19 vaccination (46.9%) were less prevalent. Males were more likely to report avoiding symptomatic people (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.16 [95% confidence interval 1.03–1.31]) and COVID-19 vaccination (1.30 [1.05–1.60]). Enrollment during the BQ.1/BQ.1.1 Omicron wave was associated with less mask-wearing (0.81 [0.67–0.99]) but more vaccination (1.59 [1.29–1.95]).

Discussion

We observed variable COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes among Ugandan adolescents and adults with little impact on COVID-19 preventive practices. Efforts to address suboptimal uptake of disease preventive practices during this and future disease outbreaks will require more than just improving knowledge.

Utility of Xpert MTB/RIF using bronchoalveolar lavage samples for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in negative or sputum-scarce adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Introduction

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death globally from a single infectious agent. Early diagnosis is critical to reducing morbimortality. In cases of negative smear microscopy or limited sputum production, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples offer an alternative for diagnosis. Culture, the gold standard, requires a high bacterial load, extensive infrastructure and is time-consuming. Xpert MTB/RIF provides faster results with a higher cost. Previous systematic reviews present substantial limitations, including significant heterogeneity. Therefore, the diagnostic utility of Xpert MTB/RIF using BAL samples in adults with negative or scant sputum for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) needs to be reassessed.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS and Web of Science will be conducted without language or publication date restriction. Cross-sectional diagnostic studies of negative or sputum-scarce adults with presumptive PTB who underwent bronchoscopy to obtain samples for Xpert MTB/RIF and culture will be included. Screening and data extraction will be performed independently. Methodological quality will be assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. A bivariate hierarchical random-effects model will synthesise sensitivity and specificity. Meta-analysis will be performed using Meta-DiSc 2.0. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I2 and Cochrane thresholds. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on study design, population differences, country, culture method and risk of bias. Publication bias will be investigated using a funnel plot. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. There was no patient or public involvement in the development of the systematic review protocol.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this study will use publicly available data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42025639440.

Assessment of health-related quality of life, cognitive, physical and psychological impairments in critically ill adults after status epilepticus (POSEIDON 2): protocol for a multicentre longitudinal study

Por: Legriel · S. · Bernard · C. · Sboui · G. · Sigaud · F. · Lascarrou · J.-B. · Mayenco-Cardenal · N. · Chelly · J. · Bruel · C. · Mongardon · N. · Marzouk · M. · Quenot · J.-P. · Hugues · R. · Schnell · D. · Beuret · P. · Bailly · P. · Lesieur · O. · Argaud · L. · Chambon · R. · Jacq · G.
Introduction

Status epilepticus (SE) in adults is a serious neurological emergency that can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. Although functional outcomes are often assessed using general scoring systems, limited data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are still limited. Furthermore, comprehensive evaluations of patient-reported physical, cognitive, mental health and psychological outcomes are lacking in this population. POSEIDON 2 aims to assess HRQoL and cognitive, physical and psychological impairments at 3 and 12 months after ICU discharge following SE and quantify caregiver burden.

Methods and analysis

POSEIDON 2 is a prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study conducted in 19 French ICUs. The study combines data from the SE ICTAL Registry with data from patients who survived admission to the ICU for SE, who will be recruited for the study. The study also includes patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collected 3 (M3) and 12 (M12) months after discharge from the ICU using validated instruments. The Zarit scale will be used to measure the burden on caregivers at M3 and M12. The primary endpoint is the prevalence of overall HRQOL impairment at M3 and M12, as defined by dichotomous scores on the physical and mental components of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey compared with those of the general population. Secondary endpoints include domain-specific impairments, such as cognitive function, dependence, mental health and patient experiences. The sample size has been calculated based on an estimated prevalence of 75% for HRQoL impairment, with a planned sample size of 140 patients.

Ethics and dissemination

The POSEIDON 2 study protocol received ethical approval from the ethics committee ‘Comité de Protection des Personnes Ouest VI’ on 5 October 2023 (#2023-A01223-42). The study is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice and the regulatory requirements of France. Written informed consent is obtained from participants, who are able to decline participation or withdraw from the study at any time. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT06100978.

Doctoral Education in Nursing Is a ‘Special Issue’

ABSTRACT

The extent to which the analysis of the state of play of doctoral education and suggested ways forward are seen as being radical is of course dependent on the context within which nursing research programs currently exist. We are aware that no one size fits all contexts, but we are also aware of a critical need to challenge dominant perspectives and practices and work toward a radical repositioning of the nursing PhD. At a time when the narrative of nursing shortages is pervasive, we need to be positioning nursing research and researchers at the heart of the solution. Without a radical reconsideration of how we build sustainable research teams, the opportunity will bypass us. The special issue on doctoral education deliberately set out to be disruptive, to surface critical questions and trigger a conversation that needs to be had. We are open to continuing this conversation.

AnteayerTus fuentes RSS

The association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hepatosteatosis, pancreatic steatosis and pancreatitis

by Ece Zengin, Aybuke Ucgun, Mehmet Emir Çevik, Sehnaz Evrimler, Ihsaniye Suer Dogan

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with cardiometabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, its potential relationship with pancreatic steatosis and pancreatitis remains unclear, and existing studies offer inconsistent findings. Therefore, a clearer understanding of whether EAT reflects broader systemic ectopic fat burden or inflammatory processes is needed.This study evaluated the relationships between EAT thickness and DM, hyperlipidemia, hepatosteatosis, pancreatic steatosis, and pancreatitis.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study included 200 patients who underwent abdominal CT between 2022 and 2024. EAT thickness was measured at the mid-RCA and LAD levels, and subcutaneous fat was measured at the umbilical level. Liver and pancreatic steatosis were assessed with CT or MRI. Demographic and clinical data (age, gender, LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and history of pancreatitis) were collected. Mann-Whitney U, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression were used in analyses; p  Results

Of the 200 patients, 31.4% had diabetes, 42% had hepatosteatosis, and 73.5% had a history of pancreatitis. EAT and subcutaneous fat were significantly higher in women at all levels (p  Conclusions

EAT thickness is significantly associated with DM, LDL cholesterol, pancreatitis history, and age, supporting its role as a potential imaging biomarker of cardiometabolic risk. These findings suggest that EAT may serve as an imaging marker of broader metabolic and inflammatory burden, supporting its relevance for cardiometabolic risk assessment.

Spatial heterogeneity and spatially varying determinants of childhood stunting in Northern Rwanda: A cross-sectional study to inform targeted interventions

by Clarisse Kagoyire, Albert Ndagijimana, Gilbert Nduwayezu, Jean Nepo Utumatwishima, Jean Pierre Mpatswenumugabo, Marie Anne Mukasafari, Diane Rinda, Vedaste Ndahindwa, Kristina Elfving, Gunilla Krantz, Torbjörn Lind, Ali Mansourian, Renée Båge, Ewa Wredle, Elias Nyandwi, Aline Umubyeyi, Jean Baptiste Ndahetuye, Petter Pilesjö

Despite national progress, stunting remains prevalent in specific regions of Rwanda, highlighting the limitations of coarse-resolution data for effective mapping and intervention planning. This study explored optimal spatial resolution and analytical approach to capture localised dynamics and the multifactorial nature of stunting. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the Northern Province of Rwanda, focusing on children aged 1–36 months. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic, economic, health, childcare, livestock factors and anthropometric measurements. Environmental characteristics were obtained from national datasets, while household geographic coordinates were captured using a customized mobile geodata platform (emGeo). After data cleaning, predictors were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression as well as geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) to account for spatial heterogeneity. Among 601 children, stunting prevalence was 27% (boys 33.8%; girls 20.9%). GWLR improved model fit, increasing adjusted deviance explained from 34% to 39%. Significant predictors included child age (adjusted OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.78–3.39), male sex (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.65–4.86), birthweight (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54–0.94), maternal autonomy (ability to refuse sexual intercourse; OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27–0.86), inconsistent maternal social support (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.20–4.42), household electricity access (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27–0.84) and handwashing facilities (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07–0.67). GWLR revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity in these factors, delineating areas where each factor matters most. This household-level, spatially explicit analysis reveals localised risk patterns often masked by aggregated national data. Prioritising context-specific interventions (such as electrification, hygiene promotion, and enhanced maternal social support), can enhance effectiveness. The proposed analytical workflow provides a model for addressing persistent stunting in other resource-limited settings.

Spherical Video‐Based Virtual Reality for Nurses' Workplace Violence Management: A Convergent Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a spherical video-based virtual reality training programme aimed at helping nurses manage workplace violence.

Design

A convergent mixed-methods study.

Methods

This study included nurses from a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan. The training programme involved four interactive 360° scenarios focused on recognising, de-escalating, and responding to workplace violence. Quantitative measures included risk perception, confidence in coping with aggression, and technology acceptance. Qualitative measures included the participants' learning experiences. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated through joint displays.

Results

The programme was feasible, with all participants completing the training. Nurses reported high levels of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Quantitative data revealed considerable improvements in risk awareness and confidence in responding to incidents of violence. Qualitative data revealed that immersion and emotional resonance enhanced engagement, fostered self-reflection, and reinforced learning. Technical challenges included subtitle placement and speech recognition accuracy.

Conclusion

Spherical video-based virtual reality is a feasible, acceptable, and effective training approach that improves nurses' preparedness for managing workplace violence by enhancing situational awareness and confidence in addressing high-risk situations.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Integrating spherical video-based virtual reality into continual education may strengthen nurses' workplace safety competencies, prevent harm from incidents of violence, and improve patient care in stressful environments.

Impact

Workplace violence undermines nurse safety and patient care. Current training modules often lack contextual realism. Our programme improved nurses' awareness, confidence, and reflective learning and was feasible and well accepted. The findings are relevant to nursing educators, hospital administrators, and policymakers seeking sustainable strategies for addressing workplace violence.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or the public were not involved in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study.

Evidence‐Based CKD Prevention Strategies for Healthcare Professionals: Focusing on Primary and Secondary Prevention in Conservative Care

ABSTRACT

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem that requires effective preventive and conservative methods to limit morbidity and death.

Aim

This study aims to give clinical practice an evidence-based basis for the clinical practice of healthcare professionals by methodically looking for the best available data on conservative strategies and CKD prevention in high-risk and early-stage patients.

Methods

The 6S evidence resource model was followed and states that evidence retrieval was done top-down, gathering necessary studies from January 2014 to July 30, 2024. Databases searched included BMJ Best Practice, DynaMed, NICE, GIN, SIGN, JBI Evidence Synthesis, JBI Evidence Implementation, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. Following the JBI grade of evidence and recommendation methodology, two reviewers independently examined and assessed the literature, extracting and summarizing evidence.

Results

Seventy-nine publications were identified: 18 guidelines, 1 randomized controlled trial, 2 expert consensus statements, 36 evidence summaries, and 22 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Key findings were summarized across eight aspects: risk assessment and early detection, risk factors and prevention of genetic factors, management of diabetic nephrology, impact of bariatric surgery on preventing CKD, screening and diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications, and CKD prevention.

Linking Evidence to Action

This study summarized the best evidence for preventing CKD from eight aspects, which can help clinical or community medical professionals develop and apply CKD preventive strategies for high-risk groups and early-stage patients. By using these evidence-based strategies, healthcare professionals can reduce the incidence and progression of CKD, leading to fewer hospitalizations, improved kidney function preservation, and enhanced long-term survival and quality of life for patients. Future research should address identified gaps and explore the implementation of these strategies in diverse clinical settings.

Perceptions of determinants for the provision and uptake of maternal influenza vaccination from the perspective of healthcare providers in Kuwait: a qualitative study

Por: Alhendyani · F. · Lindsey · L. · Hayes · L. · McNally · R.
Objectives

To explore the current context in which maternal influenza vaccination (MIV) is delivered in Kuwait and to identify determinants influencing its provision and uptake from the perspectives of preventive medicine professionals (PMPs), including policymakers.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with purposely selected PMPs including policymakers. Interview questions were obtained from the Tailoring Immunization Programme for improving MIV in Europe.

Setting

PMPs from six governmental regions of Kuwait, including hospitals and associated polyclinics. Data collection was conducted between March and June 2022.

Participants

A total of 10 participants reflected diverse professional and population contexts, including Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti professionals working in rural and urban settings. Cell sampling was used to ensure representation across key roles involved in MIV delivery, including policymakers, vaccination campaign managers and campaign implementers.

Results

Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes: barriers, facilitators, influences on MIV uptake and suggested interventions. Key barriers included limited knowledge among pregnant women and healthcare providers (HCPs), lack of prioritisation of pregnant women within vaccination programmes, shortage of vaccine supply and the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators and influential factors included the presence of vaccination champions, targeted health promotion activities and the availability of a Ministry of Health (MoH) hotline for addressing concerns and system-level accessibility and digital facilitation of MIV uptake. Suggested interventions emphasised strengthening HCP education through continuous training aligned with clear national policies and guidelines.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for clear national policies and clinical guidelines to support consistent MIV provision, alongside ongoing education for HCPs in Kuwait to strengthen MIV recommendation. Future research should include obstetricians, given their central role in antenatal care, to ensure MIV strategies are clinically grounded and integrated into routine maternity services.

Nursing Students' Perceptions of Acceptable Use of Smartphones During Clinical Placement: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background

The rise in smartphone use presents opportunities and challenges in clinical settings. Despite guidelines restricting mobile phone use, nurses frequently rely on them for various purposes. While beneficial, smartphone use poses risks to information security, patient safety, and care quality, prompting the need for monitoring.

Objective

This study examined smartphone usage among nursing students and their perspectives on acceptable and unacceptable use during clinical placements.

Design

This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling to recruit undergraduate nursing students from five universities in Australia and New Zealand. Participants completed the Attitude Towards Digital Device Use during Clinical Placement (Adduct) Scale online between September 2021 and August 2022. The survey included closed and open-ended questions. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS. Exploratory factor analysis identified attitudinal dimensions, while group comparisons assessed demographic variations. Qualitative responses were thematically analysed. Reporting followed the Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS).

Results

Among 279 respondents, drawn from an eligible population of 2682 students, the response rate was 10.4%. Age significantly influenced perceptions of unacceptable smartphone use. Younger students (mean age = 25.0, SD = 9.8) were more likely to view such use as acceptable, with those up to 21 years reporting higher scores on the Unacceptable Use sub-scale compared to older peers (p = 0.024). Most respondents found smartphone use beneficial for accessing information and learning, though concerns included distractions and confidentiality breaches. Younger students were at greater risk of non-adherence to guidelines.

Conclusion

Smartphones can enhance learning and efficiency, but clear guidelines and education are needed to balance benefits with risks, particularly for younger students.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study highlights the need for clear guidelines and structured training to balance educational benefits of smartphone use with the risks of distraction and breaches of patient confidentiality in clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public pontribution.

An Exploration of Emergency Healthcare Provision When Intimate Partner Abuse Is Identified

ABSTRACT

Aim

This paper aims to synthesise the current, global evidence on addressing psychological concerns of women presenting with domestic and family violence within the ED and suggest avenues for future research.

Design

This discursive paper draws on clinical experience and research of the authors and critical synthesis of current literature on management of victim-survivors of DFV presenting with psychological symptoms in ED.

Methods

Academic databases and grey literature were systematically searched to identify relevant sources, and findings were narratively synthesised.

Results

DFV victim-survivors often present with mental health symptoms in ED; however, many health professionals in EDs fail to correctly identify the underlying trauma and offer support to address DFV. The most reported barriers to DFV screening/identification include time constraints, privacy issues, and lack of education/training about DFV and its support mechanisms. As a result, only mental health symptoms are being treated, ignoring the broader psychosocial needs of DFV victim-survivors. Use of trauma-informed support models is recommended to address the mental and psychosocial needs of DFV victim-survivors visiting the ED.

Conclusions

DFV victim-survivors visiting the ED are often treated for their mental health symptoms without addressing their underlying trauma and risk of future victimisation. To address the ongoing adverse impact of DFV, it is necessary to ensure holistic and continual support from ED professionals for victims.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The importance of not only education but the implementation of sustained education and training programs surrounding DFV identification, screening, and cannot be understood. DFV is a global problem whereby many victim-survivors become healthcare patients. It would be poor decision making for clinicians to not prioritise appropriate responses to this societal problem within their clinical practice.

Womens health and well-being over the life course: conceptual framing supported by a scoping review

Por: Iyer · A. · Sen · G. · Rao Seshadri · S. · Snow · R. · Ataullahjan · A. · Liang · M. · Baird · S. · Drake · J. K. · Sharafi · L. · Bhutta · Z.

As a framework to conceptualise well-being, the capability approach (CA) combines structural drivers with personal freedoms, making it a compelling approach for understanding women’s health and well-being (WHW). The WHW Project of the Exemplars in Global Health initiative chose the CA for its conceptual framing, while emphasising the influential role of gender and other intersecting inequalities (intersectional gender inequality) in shaping health and well-being over the life course. We discuss the Exemplars in Global Health – Women’s Health and Well-being (EGH-WHW) Framework and a scoping review that supports it.

Objectives

  • To identify well-established and/or validated CA-based frameworks and measures attuned to intersectional gender inequality that analyse women’s well-being over the life course and across multiple geographies.

  • If needed, to develop a new conceptual framework to analyse WHW over the life course through an intersectional gender inequality lens.

  • Design

    The scoping review, which was carried out between January and May 2024 and re-run in May 2025, adhered to the methodology by Arksey and O’Malley, Levac et al and Daudt et al, and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. The EGH-WHW Framework was developed by a multidisciplinary Working Group comprising representatives of organisations in the WHW Project consortium.

    Data sources

    The review drew upon database searches (Scopus, PubMed) and targeted online hand searches for CA-based frameworks and measures.

    Eligibility criteria

    All CA-based frameworks and measures of multidimensional well-being were included. CA-based empirical research was considered if it applied a framework or measure; or if it analysed multidimensional well-being across multiple geographies.

    Data extraction and synthesis

    Information about each type of CA-based application—its choice of well-being dimensions, methods, focus on inequality, intersectionality and the life course—was recorded in a data charting form. Thematic summative syntheses of publications about each CA-based framework or measure led up to an overall evaluative synthesis of the fit between existing work and our requirements.

    Results

    The review culminated in 94 publications, including six frameworks and 14 measures that met only some of the WHW Project’s requirements: multidimensionality of well-being; attention to intersectional gender inequality and the life course; as well as demonstrated and intended measurements across multiple geographies.

    Discussion

    The review reaffirms the need for the EGH-WHW Framework, which recognises that WHW depend on their freedom ‘to be’ and ‘to do’, and proposes three interconnected clusters of dimensions depicting key capabilities, agency and functionings that are sensitive to intersectional gender inequality and the life course. Each dimension is mapped to specific indicators to support comparative assessments of country performance and drivers of progress across low-income and middle-income countries.

    Conclusion

    The EGH-WHW Framework distinguishes itself from other CA-based frameworks by incorporating both an intersectional gender lens and a life course perspective. The framework’s conceptualisation of multidimensional well-being allows for a rich and nuanced foundation on which to build policies and programmes that address the complex determinants of health, well-being and human rights of different groups of girls and women.

    Perspectives on primary healthcare careers across career stages among medical students and primary healthcare providers in Chinas Greater Bay Area: a qualitative interview study

    Por: Chen · J. · Wong · E. L. Y. · Yu · S. · Wang · Y. · Cheung · A. W. L. · Xu · R. H. · Yeoh · E. K. · Wang · D.
    Background or context

    Primary healthcare (PHC) workforce shortages remain a critical global and national challenge, threatening progress toward Universal Health Coverage. Limited research has examined career-stage-specific motivations and deterrents. This study explores how perceptions of PHC careers differ between final-year medical students and current PHC providers, offering insights for targeted recruitment and retention strategies.

    Design, setting and participants

    We conducted semi-structured face-to-face and online interviews (November 2023 to December 2024) with final-year medical students and primary healthcare providers (PCPs) from Greater Bay Area institutions. Participants were purposively sampled to ensure diversity in key characteristics. Interviews continued until thematic saturation was reached. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework.

    Results

    Interviews with 17 PCPs and 13 students identified five themes: systemic and institutional factors, education and training, professional development, community perceptions and personal motivations and trade-offs. The analysis identified common barriers across the participant groups, including inadequate resources, fragmented health information systems, unstructured career pathways and inequitable pay-for-performance mechanisms. Career-stage differences were notable: students associated success with hospital-based specialisation and viewed PHC as a fallback option, influenced by limited PHC training exposure, unclear advancement pathways and prevailing stigma. In contrast, PCPs described professional fulfilment through developing niche expertise and fostering continuity of care, increasingly perceiving PHC as an innovative platform for specialised practice. PCPs with prior hospital experience described their transition from hospital settings as motivated by burnout and the pursuit of better work–life balance, an opportunity often overlooked in workforce planning.

    Conclusions

    Career-stage-specific recruitment strategies are essential to strengthen the PHC workforce. Policies that address early-career and mid-career needs, establish structured development pathways and enhance the societal value of PHC will be critical to building a resilient primary care system. Findings offer practical implications for health system reforms in China and other countries advancing toward Universal Health Coverage.

    Can provision of near vision glasses as an early intervention improve visual outcomes in infants at risk of perinatal brain insult? The Babies in Glasses (BiG) randomised feasibility trial

    Por: Bullaj · R. · Dyet · L. · Mitra · S. · Bunce · C. · Clarke · C. S. · Saunders · K. · Dale · N. · Horwood · A. · Williams · C. · St Clair Tracy · H. · Marlow · N. · Bowman · R.
    Objectives

    We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the feasibility of recruiting patients to examine the effect of near vision glasses in young infants at risk of cerebral visual impairment.

    Design

    A three-arm, parallel-group, open-label randomised feasibility trial.

    Setting

    Tertiary neonatal intensive care in London, UK.

    Participants

    We included babies born before 29 weeks of gestation or at full term with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Babies who needed ongoing inpatient care, with established eye anomalies or with very high refractive errors at baseline (±8.00D) were not included. Infants with retinopathy of prematurity were not excluded.

    Interventions

    At 8 weeks corrected age, we allocated 18 infants to wear glasses (+3.00D over full cycloplegic refraction) immediately (intervention 1), 18 to wear the same glasses at 16 weeks (intervention 2) and 19 infants were allocated to standard treatment (no glasses).

    Outcomes

    Recruitment and retention of study participants (primary), compliance wearing glasses, preferential-looking visual acuity (with glasses) and visual function as determined using A Test Battery of Child Development for Examining Functional Vision at 3-month and 6-month age post-term.

    Results

    Of 70 eligible families, 55 consented and 34 attended baseline assessments, and 28 completed the study. Non-attendance was due mainly to prolonged inpatient stay, infant health and scheduling conflicts. Glasses were worn for similar periods in each group (Intervention 1: median 2 hours/day (95% CI 1 hour to 4 hours); Intervention 2: median 2 hours/day (95% CI 1.5 hours to 3 hours)). Visual acuity improved from baseline to 6 months. Mean (SE) LogMAR (Minimum Angle of Resolution) improvements were standard care: 0.47 (0.45); intervention 1: 0.66 (0.44); intervention 2: 0.37 (0.36). Among the 29 very preterm infants, there were similar findings: standard care: 0.35 (0.35); Intervention 1: 0.67 (0.47); Intervention 2: 0.34 (0.40). As a functional measure, object permanence was present at the following rates by randomised arm: standard care: 29%; whereas intervention 1: 56%; and intervention 2: 44% (OR intervention 1 vs standard care: 3.13 (95% CI 0.38 to 25.57), ie, not statistically significant).

    Conclusions

    We demonstrate feasibility for a definitive RCT (randomized controlled trial) with good recruitment and retention and observed potential benefits for vision and development following the dispensing of glasses at 8 weeks post-term age compared with untreated controls. We identified methodological modifications to further improve recruitment processes for a future larger study.

    Trial registration numbers

    ISRCTN14646770; NCT05048550.

    Gut microbiome profile among children and adolescents living with sickle cell disease: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

    Por: Salako · A. O. · Ogbeh · J. I. · Adekola · H. A. · Odubela · O. · Akinsolu · F. · Jimoh · R. · Musari-Martins · T. E. · Luka · S. · Oba · A. · Ayegbeso · D. · Odubela · O. O. · Gbaja-Biamila · T. A. · Musa · A. Z. · Salako · B. L.
    Introduction

    This systematic review aims to synthesise current evidence on gut microbiome profiles among children with sickle cell disease (SCD), assess the influence of analgesic and antibiotic use, and explore the contributions of environmental factors on their gut microbiota diversity. Through identification of consistent microbial patterns and gaps in the existing literature, this review will provide vital insight into potential microbiome-targeted strategies for improving health outcomes in paediatric SCD care.

    Methods and analysis

    Studies describing the gut microbiota among paediatric SCD human subjects (

    Ethics and dissemination

    Ethical approval will not be required as this is a systematic review of published data. The findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant scientific conferences.

    PROSPERO registration number

    CRD420251102736.

    Building the Ship While Sailing: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of the Implementation of Nursing Care Delivery Models in a Hospital Setting

    ABSTRACT

    Aim

    To explore factors influencing the implementation of a nursing care delivery model in a hospital setting.

    Design

    A qualitative evidence synthesis with a thematic synthesis was conducted.

    Methods

    The search string consisted of four ‘cluster topics’: (1) nursing, (2) care delivery models, (3) hospital setting, (4) qualitative and mixed methods designs. Four electronic databases were searched from January 2000 until July 2024: MEDLINE (PubMed interface), Embase (embase.com interface), CINAHL (EBSCOhost interface) and Web of Science. A thematic synthesis was conducted consisting of the following steps; the ‘line-by-line’ coding of the text, the development and allocation of ‘descriptive themes’ and the generation of ‘analytical themes’.

    Results

    In total, 3976 references were screened, of which 25 were included in the qualitative evidence synthesis. Eight analytical themes were generated that influence the implementation of a nursing care delivery model in a hospital setting: shared understanding of the care delivery model, ownership of the change, scope of practice and role clarity, collaboration, communication, responsibility, a double-loop process and aggregated recommendations. The themes were categorised on four different levels: vision, process, interactional factors and contextual factors.

    Conclusion

    The eight themes identified in this qualitative evidence synthesis showed that during the implementation of a nursing care delivery model, a clear implementation strategy is often missing. It is advised that future implementation processes have a clear guide and goal.

    Impact

    The analytical themes can guide the future implementation of a new nursing care delivery model in a hospital setting. This review can support nurses, researchers, hospital management and policymakers when implementing organisational alternatives to reorganise nursing care in a hospital setting.

    Reporting Method

    The qualitative evidence synthesis was reported according to the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) statement.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Latent Profiles of Nurses' Insomnia, Fatigue, Recovery, Psychological Distress and Burnout During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Examining the Role of Organisational Support

    ABSTRACT

    Aims

    To identify latent profiles of insomnia, fatigue, recovery, psychological distress and burnout among hospital nurses; examine variations in personal and work-related characteristics across profiles; investigate associations between profiles and outcomes such as patient care quality, nursing work satisfaction and workplace satisfaction; and assess the moderating role of organisational support on these relationships.

    Design

    A cross-sectional descriptive study.

    Methods

    This study analysed survey data from 2488 hospital nurses using latent profile analysis, multinomial logistic regression and hierarchical multiple linear regression.

    Results

    Four well-being profiles emerged: low, average, above-average and high well-being. Profiles differed significantly in personal and work-related characteristics. Nurses in the high well-being profile were associated with better patient safety, care quality and satisfaction. Organisational support moderated the negative associations between low well-being profiles and nursing work and workplace satisfaction.

    Conclusion

    Tailored interventions addressing factors associated with low well-being and enhancing organisational support may be beneficial for improving nurse well-being, delivering high-quality care and supporting nurse retention in sustainable healthcare environments.

    Implications

    Healthcare organisations should prioritise nurse well-being through targeted interventions, adequate staffing, recovery opportunities and stress management resources to support a resilient and sustainable workforce.

    Impact

    The findings revealed the diversity of well-being patterns among hospital nurses and provided insights for identifying subgroups at higher risk of impaired patient safety, reduced care quality and dissatisfaction with nursing work and the workplace. Greater organisational support was associated with weaker negative relationships between poor well-being and nurse outcomes.

    Reporting Method

    STROBE guidelines.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No direct patient or public contribution.

    The Application of Classic Grounded Theory in Nursing Studies: A Qualitative Systematic Review

    ABSTRACT

    Aim(s)

    To explore the application of Classic Grounded Theory (GT) methodology in nursing research and critically appraise studies employing Classic GT against the validated framework Guideline for Reporting and Evaluating Grounded Theory (GUREGT) research studies.

    Design

    Systematic review without meta-analysis

    Methods

    The review followed the PRISMA statement and used the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guideline for data analysis. The quality of included articles was assessed using the CASP qualitative research appraisal tool, and the GUREGT framework was applied to evaluate adherence to Classic GT guiding principles.

    Data Sources

    Databases were PUBMED, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health Database (ProQuest).

    Results

    Twenty-nine studies from 2010 to 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Findings revealed inconsistencies in the reporting of Classic GT methodology in nursing research, with frequent omissions of key methodological elements. The GUREGT tool, while user-friendly and practical, highlights gaps in areas such as identifying the main concern, philosophical positioning, and engagement with the literature. These omissions can compromise methodological rigour, suggesting that further refinement of the GUREGT tool is necessary.

    Conclusion

    The GUREGT tool provides a promising framework for improving the reporting and evaluation of Classic GT studies. However, its current version requires enhancement to fully address the unique demands of Classic GT and ensure rigorous application and reporting of the methodology. Development of a dedicated reporting guideline tailored to Classic GT is critical for advancing the quality of nursing research and supporting researchers in generating robust, theory-driven insights.

    Impact

    Few studies critically appraise Classic GT methodology in health research. This review highlights the need for dedicated reporting guidelines to support methodological rigour and transparency in Classic GT studies.

    Reporting Method

    This review adhered to EQUATOR reporting guidelines.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Factors Affecting Patient Safety Near Miss Reporting: A Systematic Review

    ABSTRACT

    Aim

    To explore individual and organisational factors affecting near-miss reporting in healthcare settings.

    Design

    Systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

    Data Sources

    Five electronic databases from 2013 to 2024 studies published were searched.

    Methods

    A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus and OpenAlex, covering English, full-text literature from 2013 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies investigating factors influencing near-miss reporting in healthcare. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool. Data were synthesised using the Health Belief Model and the Hospital Patient Safety Culture framework.

    Results

    A total of 20 studies were included. Key individual barriers to near-miss reporting included a lack of knowledge and negative perceptions. Organisational factors, including hospital safety culture, leadership support, error communication, and non-punitive responses to reporting, significantly impacted reporting behaviours.

    Conclusion

    Promoting a structured and supportive reporting culture, educational initiatives, and simplified reporting mechanisms can improve near-miss reporting practices.

    Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

    Improving near-miss reporting practices by addressing identified barriers can lead to safer healthcare environments and better patient outcomes.

    Impact

    This paper addresses a gap in the literature regarding near-miss underreporting. The findings will have an impact on healthcare administrators, healthcare professionals, and ultimately, patients. Implementing strategies such as peer mentoring and constructive feedback, targeted training and simplified reporting systems can encourage consistent near-miss reporting. These efforts will ultimately lead to safer healthcare environments and improved patient outcomes.

    Reporting Method

    The review methodology, including data selection, extraction and synthesis, follows PRISMA standards to ensure clarity, transparency and reproducibility.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.

    Trial Registration

    This systematic review has been registered with the OSF and is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EJGY2

    ❌