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AnteayerInternacionales

Empathy and Humanistic Care Ability in Oncology Nurses: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence

ABSTRACT

Aim

To investigate the level of humanistic care ability of oncology nurses, its association with empathy and emotional intelligence, and the mediative role of emotional intelligence on empathy and humanistic caring ability.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a cancer hospital in China.

Methods

We enrolled a total of 1189 oncology nurses from several cancer hospitals from December 2023 to January 2024. All participants completed three general questionnaires: the Caring Ability Inventory, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professionals and the Emotional Intelligence Scale.

Results

The overall scores for the three scales were 202.35 ± 23.89, 112.38 ± 18.85 and 137.49 ± 17.81, respectively. A positive correlation was detected between caring ability, empathy and emotional intelligence (r = 0.741, p < 0.001; r = 0.577, p < 0.001). And emotional intelligence mediates the association between empathy and caring ability in oncology nurses (0.233, p < 0.001). The total and direct effect were also significant (0.825, p < 0.001; 0.592, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study findings indicated that oncology nurses exhibit a moderate level of caring ability. Emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between empathy and caring ability, at least in part. Therefore, an increase in the level of emotional intelligence in oncology nurses could improve their caring ability.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

When designing training to improve humanistic care, we recommend the integration of specific training relating to empathy and emotional intelligence into the training system.

Impact

Oncology patients experience multiple forms of distress and require high-quality humanistic care. This study identified a moderate association between empathy and emotional intelligence. Our findings provide further recommendations for nurse leaders in medical institutions relating to how the humanistic care ability of oncology nurses can be improved by specific training in empathy and emotional intelligence.

Reporting Method

This study was reported using the STROBE Checklist for cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nurse leaders organised this survey in their own hospital.

Teaching and Learning Activities That Promote Critical Thinking in Student Nurse Practitioners: A Rapid Review

ABSTRACT

Background

Critical thinking has been identified as a key requirement for safe and competent practice for Nurse Practitioners. It has been suggested that it is the foundation for the development of clinical reasoning, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical judgement. Poorly developed critical thinking is linked to negative patient outcomes, diagnostic error, cognitive bias, and poor information processing. There is little literature that studies the teaching and learning activities that can be used in the development of critical thinking in Nurse Practitioners. The aim of this rapid review was to identify teaching and learning activities that promote critical thinking in Nurse Practitioners.

Design and Method

A rapid review was conducted to identify studies that examined different teaching and learning activities that promoted the development of critical thinking or any of its subthemes such as clinical reasoning, diagnostic reasoning or clinical judgement. Four databases were systematically searched: CINAHL, Medline, Embase and ERIC. The methodology used was guided by the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group. Eligible papers included peer-reviewed publications that evaluated the efficacy or effectiveness of teaching or learning strategies used for the development or promotion of critical thinking or its components. The included populations were faculty teaching in a Nurse Practitioner programme, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner students or graduate level nursing students.

Results

The search yielded 6421 article titles and abstracts. Of these, 12 were included in the final rapid review. Teaching and learning activities were divided into three themes: classroom, simulation, and written. Classroom activities included problem-based learning, unfolding case scenarios, self-explanation, and Socratic inquiry. Simulation was in the form of high fidelity using standardised patients, computer-based programmes, escape rooms and virtual reality. Written activities included concept mapping, evolving case studies and illness scripts. Study participants noted that using a combination of teaching and learning activities had the greatest impact on their development of critical thinking.

Conclusion

There is limited knowledge on the effects of teaching and learning strategies on the development of critical thinking in nurse practitioners. This review offers a perspective on strategies that were most impactful for student nurse practitioners in their development of the different aspects of critical thinking. Simulation activities were the most researched and using it in combination with other activities was preferred by study participants.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution as this is a literature review.

Artificial Intelligence‐Based Delirium Prediction Model for Post‐Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Background

Delirium is a common complication following cardiac surgery and significantly affects patient prognosis and quality of life. Recently, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) has gained prominence in predicting and assessing the risk of postoperative delirium, showing considerable potential in clinical settings.

Objective

This scoping review summarises existing research on AI-based prediction models for post-cardiac surgery delirium and provides insights and recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

Methods

Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, eight databases were searched: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Virtual Information Platform, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were screened, and data were extracted on surgery type, delirium assessment tools, predictive factors, and AI-based prediction models. The search covered database inception through January 12, 2025. Two researchers independently conducted the literature review and data analysis.

Results

Ten studies from China, Canada, and Germany involving 11,702 participants were included. The reported incidence of postoperative delirium ranged from 5.56% to 34%. The most commonly used assessment tools were Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Key predictive factors included age, cardiopulmonary bypass time, cerebrovascular disease, and pain scores. AI-based prediction models were primarily developed using R (6/10, 60%) and Python (4/10, 40%). Model performance, as measured by the area under the curve, ranged from 0.544 to 0.92. Among these models, Random Forest (RF) was the most effective (5/10, 50%), followed by XGBoost (3/10, 30%) and Artificial Neural Networks (2/10, 20%).

Conclusion

AI-based models show promise for predicting postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients. Future studies should prioritise integrating these models into clinical workflows, conducting rigorous multicenter external validation, and incorporating dynamic, time-varying perioperative variables to enhance generalizability and clinical utility.

Reporting Method

This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

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

Examining Stroke Symptom Messages Implemented Globally: A Need for Contextually Relevant Stroke Symptom Messaging

ABSTRACT

Background

Stroke is a global health concern. A timely response to a stroke can help reduce morbidity and mortality. However, barriers to timely response include poor recognition of stroke symptoms. Stroke symptom messages are designed to increase stroke recognition and encourage individuals to seek urgent medical assistance. The Face, Arm, Speech, Time (FAST) and Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time (BE FAST) are commonly used stroke symptom messages shown to improve stroke symptom recognition and response. However, cultural factors and language differences may limit the effectiveness of stroke symptom messages and their acceptability in different countries and contexts. There has not been a comprehensive examination of the stroke symptom messages used worldwide and how these messages have been adapted in various settings.

Aims

We explored what stroke response messages are being used globally, and the contextual factors that influence the adoption of a stroke response mnemonic in different settings.

Methods

A 14-item survey was disseminated by the World Stroke Organization to its networks. The survey contained open- and closed-ended questions and allowed uploading relevant stroke symptom campaign materials. The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a content analysis.

Results

All except one survey respondent used a stroke symptom message. Fifteen respondents (27%) reported they did not translate their stroke awareness messaging. Of these 15 respondents, they used the English versions of FAST (n = 8), BE FAST (n = 4), and both FAST and BE FAST (n = 3). Forty respondents (71%) reported that they/their organization used an acronym to raise public awareness of the signs/symptoms of stroke that was different from FAST or BE FAST (English), many of which were direct or indirect translations or influenced by FAST and BE FAST. Survey responses shared insights and recommendations related to the content, tailoring and dissemination of stroke symptom messages.

Conclusions

Study findings highlight the global use of stroke symptom messages and their contextual adaptations to fit diverse settings and contexts. The challenges in applying universal or commonly used stroke symptom messages to different contexts were highlighted.

Clinical Relevance

Nurses could have a key role in raising awareness of stroke symptoms and the development of locally adapted stroke symptom messages.

How Government Policies and Organisational and Sectoral Circumstances Influence Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Employment and Training: A Realist Analysis Using Surveys

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explain how government policies affected decision-making on Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant employment and training within Dutch healthcare organisations, and how organisational and sectoral circumstances were influential.

Design

An online, cross-sectional survey study.

Methods

A literature- and interview-based program theory was tested using surveys. Respondents from hospital care, (nursing) home care, primary care, and intellectual disability services were recruited using convenience sampling. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Open-ended responses were analysed using thematic synthesis techniques. Survey results were clustered to assess verification, falsification, or refinement of program theory elements.

Results

A total of 568 experts in hiring and training healthcare professionals participated. Respondents indicated that most government policies promoted employment and training. Organisational and sectoral circumstances caused significant variations in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant deployment across healthcare sectors, shaping how decision-makers interpreted and acted on government policies. Specific circumstances within primary care hampered deployment.

Conclusion

Government policies stimulated training and employment by: (1) removing practice restrictions (scope of practice expansion, legal acknowledgment), (2) facilitating cost-effective training and deployment (training grants, billing options), (3) providing sectoral knowledge on deployment, training, and healthcare outcomes (funding research and a sectoral knowledge center), and (4) establishing sectoral agreements (on apprenticeships). Organisational and sectoral circumstances significantly influenced outcomes. Key circumstances included flanking policies, stakeholder support, labor market capacity, healthcare demand, organisational resources and aims, and type of decision-makers (medical doctor or manager/director). Familiarity with the professions stimulated deployment.

Impact and Implications

The refined and verified program theory supports designing effective skill-mix policies and facilitating Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant employment and training. Tailoring skill-mix policies can optimise outcomes. This offers opportunities for governments, healthcare funders, organisations, and professionals to contribute to healthcare quality, cost efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

Patient or Public Contribution

Healthcare professionals were part of the study population.

Creating a Healthy Work Environment by Balancing Work–Family Conflict Through Ethical Leadership: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Creating a healthy work environment requires balancing organizational goals with ethical responsibilities, where head nurses' ethical leadership can shape staff outcomes by mitigating work–family conflicts and promoting nurses' well-being, retention, and patient safety. This study aims to analyze the mediating role of work–family between head nurses' ethical leadership and nurses' reported errors, turnover intention, and physical and mental health.

Design

Nationwide Multicenter cross-sectional study.

Methods

Validated self-report scales were used to assess nurses' perceptions of head nurses' ethical leadership, work–family conflict, error, turnover intention, physical and mental health. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. Structural equation modeling examined the relationships among these variables based on Della Bella's and Fiorini's framework.

Results

Data from 409 nurses across seven Italian hospitals was analyzed. The structural equation model showed an excellent fit. Head nurses' Ethical leadership was negatively associated with work–family conflicts, turnover intention, and errors, and positively associated with nurses' health. Work–family conflicts were significantly linked to turnover intention, errors, and nurses' health. Work–family conflicts mediate the relation between ethical leadership and turnover intention, errors, and nurses' health.

Conclusion

Promoting healthy work environments is crucial for nurses', patients', and organizations' well-being. Ethical leadership helps achieve this condition by reducing work–family conflicts, fostering nurses' well-being, decreasing turnover intention, and improving care quality. Disseminating ethical leadership programs and integrating with work–life balance policies can therefore strengthen both staff retention and organizational outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Ethical leadership can foster patient care, reduce turnover intention and errors, and improve nurses' well-being. Therefore, maintaining employee performance and organizational results requires integrating work–life balance policies with ethical leadership development programs.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement.

Protocol Registration

The study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework https://osf.io/8jk37/overview.

Patient or Public Contribution

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

The Key Role of Nurse–Patient Mutuality in Shaping Professional Quality of Life Among Nurses: A Bayesian Path Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aim

To examine the association between nurse–patient mutuality (i.e., a good quality of the relationship between the nurse and the patient) and nurse professional quality of life.

Design

A cross-sectional, multi-centre study was conducted across four tertiary hospitals in Italy.

Methods

Data collection took place from November 2023 to June 2024, enrolling 517 nurses. Both medical and surgical departments, as well as inpatients and outpatients departments were included. Data were collected on nurses caring for patients with chronic illness. Mutuality was measured with the Nurse–Patient Mutuality in Chronic Illness scale, which includes three dimensions: Developing and Going Beyond, Being a Point of Reference, Deciding and Sharing Care; Professional Quality of Life was measured with the Professional Quality of Life version 5, which includes three dimensions: Compassion Satisfaction, Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout. A Bayesian path analysis was employed to evaluate the contribution of mutuality dimensions to the dimensions of professional quality of life.

Results

Nurses' sample consisted of 517 participants. The three dimensions of mutuality showed different associations with the three dimensions of professional quality of life. Specifically, Being a Point of Reference, along with Deciding and Sharing Care, was significantly associated with Compassion Satisfaction. The dimensions Developing and Going Beyond and Deciding and Sharing Care were significantly and negatively associated with Secondary Traumatic Stress. Additionally, Deciding and Sharing Care was significantly and negatively associated with Burnout.

Conclusions

As all the dimensions of mutuality were significantly associated with different aspects of professional quality of life, future interventions to improve nurses' professional quality of life may also consider nurse–patient mutuality.

Implications for the Profession

Nurse–patient mutuality may be a novel area of research to enhance nurses' professional quality of life, with implications for clinical practice and organisational development.

Impact

Nurse–patient mutuality is a key indicator of a high-quality relationship, enabling shared goals and shared decision-making. Nurses' professional quality of life is one of the most important factors that influence their intention to leave. Little is known about the association between nurse–patient mutuality and nurses' professional quality of life. Mutuality influences nurses' and patients' outcomes. Understanding mutuality could enhance the professional quality of life for nurses, improving their compassion satisfaction and reducing their burnout.

Reporting Method

We adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were not included in the sample. Health workers were involved in the study.

Characteristics and role of the parental supporter during paediatric resuscitation: an opportunity for paediatric nurses to improve parental experience

Por: Chapman · S. M.

Commentary on: Ghavi A, Hassankhani H, Meert KL. Parental supporter in pediatric resuscitation: A mixed-method study with Delphi and analytic hierarchy process. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2023 Nov 29. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12947. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38031298.

Implications for practice and research

  • Parental presence during resuscitation is widely recommended, despite a lack of empirical evidence to guide its implementation.

  • This study explores the characteristics and role of the parental supporter and provides an evidence-based foundation to develop this role in clinical practice.

  • Context

    International guidelines on paediatric resuscitation support parental presence during resuscitation.1 To ensure their needs are met, parents need dedicated support during their child’s resuscitation, whether they are present or not. Resuscitation is a stressful and potentially life-changing time for parents; however, there is little empirical evidence on who and how parental support should be provided. The aim of this...

    Behavioural interventions adapted for autistic adults with moderate-to-severe intellectual disabilities are feasible and acceptable for reducing anxiety

    Por: Al Qadire · M. · Abdelrahman · H.

    Commentary on: Langdon, P.E., Apanasionok, M.M., Scripps, E., Barrowcliff, A., Biswas, A., Bunning, K., Burbidge, C., Byron-Daniel, K., Cookson, A., Croom, S. and Filipczuk, M.2024. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: The BEAMS-ID feasibility study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 375, p.e13282.

    Implications for practice and research

  • The BEAMS-ID study demonstrates that behavioural interventions, when properly adapted, are both feasible and acceptable for adults with autism and moderate-to-severe intellectual disabilities.

  • A larger randomised controlled trial is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of these adapted interventions in reducing anxiety in this population.

  • Context

    People with autism, particularly those experiencing moderate-to-severe intellectual impairments, face an increased likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.1 2 Although anxiety is common among this group, there is limited research demonstrating the effectiveness of psychological treatments for...

    Importance of training and education for nurses delivering stroke care

    Por: McLoughlin · A. · Kidd · L.

    Commentary on: Zhao et al. The impact of education/training on nurses caring for patients with stroke: a scoping review. BMC Nurs 23:90

    Implications for practice and research

  • Nurses working in clinical stroke care could benefit from leadership and management strategies that encourage empowerment and time and space to reflect on current evidence, training and practice.

  • Comprehensive evaluation strategies are needed to assess the impact and effectiveness of empowerment-based stroke education and training on patient outcomes.

  • Context

    Stroke nursing is widely recognised for its significant role across the whole multidisciplinary stroke care pathway.1 Ensuring that stroke nurses are equipped with the latest stroke specialist knowledge and skills is fundamental in providing high-quality and safe stroke care.1 2 However, in spite of the provision of nationally-recognised, quality-assured training and education programmes, for example, the Stroke-Specific Education Framework in the...

    Association between eco-anxiety and mental health difficulties among student nurses has implications for nurse education during a climate emergency

    Por: Parkinson · B. · Johnston · M.

    Commentary on: Er S, Murat M, Ata EE, Kose S, Buzlu S. Nursing student’s mental health: How does eco-anxiety effect? Int J Mental Health Nurs. 2024;00:1-12.

    Implications for practice and research

  • Nurse educators should be aware of eco-anxiety and think about the impact of climate change on nursing students.

  • Nurse researchers should investigate ways of supporting nursing students affected by eco-anxiety and develop strategies to promote student learning during a climate emergency.

  • Context

    Climate change is causing a global climate emergency, which is increasingly seen as a major problem for global health concern.1 Climate change has far-reaching consequences for society and can impact our mental health.2 Eco-anxiety is the fear of an environmental catastrophe and is associated with symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and trauma.3 Nurses are exposed to the negative impact of climate change through...

    Qualitative study with postnatal women in Turkey provides perspectives on the practice of postnatal debriefing as a desired practice that promotes processing of birth experiences and provides benefits for health and well-being

    Por: Sperlich · M.

    Commentary on: Demerci AD, Oruc M, Kabukcuoglu K. "I need to make sense of my birth experience": A descriptive qualitative study of postnatal women’s opinions, and expectations about postnatal debriefing. Midwifery 2024;131;103955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2024.103955

    Implications for practice and research

  • Healthcare professionals should prioritise and establish routines for postnatal debriefing, with a goal of averting problematic parenting adaptation and development of post-traumatic stress symptoms.

  • More research is needed to determine the ideal format (structured or unstructured) and to consider whether either or both formats might influence subsequent reproductive decision making.

  • Context

    Previous investigations into postnatal debriefing have had mixed results regarding its effectiveness and have not established best practices for its usage.1 Shortcomings of prior studies included the heterogeneity of types of debriefing delivery, which varied across contexts (format, setting, provider type), and varying inclusion and exclusion criteria.1 Importantly,...

    How can we improve low-volume paediatric emergency departments to enhance readiness?

    Por: Goparaju · N. · Pines · J. M.

    Commentary on:Michelson KA, Rees CA, Florin TA, et al. Emergency department volume and delayed diagnosis of serious pediatric conditions. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178:362–8. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6672

    Implications for practice and research

  • Low-paediatric-volume emergency departments (EDs) can increase paediatric readiness by improving diagnostic tools, expanding paediatric expertise (eg teleconsultation) and using electronic clinical decision support.

  • Further research is needed to examine the costs and effectiveness of specific interventions to improve readiness in low-volume paediatric EDs.

  • Context

    Children sometimes have subtle illness presentations and symptom overlap with non-serious conditions.1 Young age also presents a communication barrier. The combination of these factors can lead to diagnostic delays and sometimes misdiagnosis, particularly in emergency department (EDs) that do not see high volumes of children. In the USA, one in three EDs sees fewer than five children daily. A prior study linked low-paediatric ED volume to diagnostic delays in...

    Mindfulness-based interventions effectively reduced anxiety among nurses

    Por: Al Qadire · M. · Abdelrahman · H.

    Commentary on: Alkhawaldeh JFM, Khawaldeh MA, Mrayyan MT, et al. The efficacy of mindfulness-based programs in reducing anxiety among nurses in hospital settings: a systematic review. Worldviews Ev Based Nurs 2024. doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12722

    Implications for practice and research

  • Implementing mindfulness-based programmes in healthcare settings can significantly reduce anxiety among nurses.

  • Further longitudinal and well-designed randomised controlled trials are necessary to establish the long-term efficacy and optimal programme characteristics.

  • Context

    Anxiety is a prevalent issue among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, owing to the highly stressful nature of their work environments.1 Increasing workload, emotional demands and critical responsibilities contribute to elevated anxiety levels, which can affect well-being and job performance.2 Mindfulness-based programmes have gained attention as potential interventions for alleviating anxiety by promoting mental well-being and resilience. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of these programmes in reducing anxiety among...

    Developing a green nursing workforce to mitigate healthcare emissions and improve human health

    Por: Mills · A.

    Commentary: Luque-Alcaraz OM, Aparico-Martinez P, Gomera A, Vaquero-Abellan. The environmental awareness of nurse as environmentally sustainable healthcare leaders: a mixed method analysis. BMC Nursing 2024;23:229.1

    Implications for practice and research

  • Healthcare emissions contribute to climate change and threaten human health; therefore, nurses have a professional obligation to become environmentally informed, take action to reduce healthcare emissions and support green solutions.

  • Future research must understand and modify workplace barriers to promote environmentally sustainable staff behaviour and facilitate the green transformation of healthcare systems.

  • Context

    Climate change is increasingly harming human health. Extreme weather events cause devastation, low crop yields and failure, contributing to food insecurity, economic hardship and resource shortages. Rising temperatures also increase the spread of infectious diseases and epidemics. Globally, countries are using healthcare services as an initial method of addressing these challenges.2 However, healthcare systems are major...

    Midwife-led care for the induction of labour with a Foley catheter and subsequent amniotomy is associated with equivalent maternal outcomes but worse neonatal outcomes

    Por: Phillipi · M. · Caughey · A. B.

    Commentary on: Velthuijs ELM, Jacod BC, Videler-Sinke L, et al. Outcome of induction of labour at 41 weeks with Foley catheter in midwifery-led care. Midwifery 2024 Aug;135:104026. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104026. Epub 9 May 2024. PMID: 38781793.

    Implications for practice and research

  • Performing induction of labour with a Foley catheter and subsequent amniotomy in midwife-led care is associated with worse neonatal outcomes and equivalent maternal outcomes compared with consultant-led care.

  • Future research should further explore the cost-effectiveness, feasibility and neonatal outcomes associated with midwife-led care in different patient populations.

  • Context

    Although care for low-risk births in the Netherlands is primarily conducted by midwives, the use of consultant-led care has been increasing for a variety of indications, leading to a high patient burden for consultants. The induction of labour (IOL) of late-term pregnancies has historically been an indication for consultant-led care. This study by Velthuijs et...

    Parents of children with congenital heart disease face substantial financial hardships

    Por: Abdelrahman · H. · Al Qadire · M.

    Commentary on: Delaney, A. E., Fu, M. R., Conway, C., Marshall, A. C., Lindberg, J., Thiagarajan, R. R., Glazer, S.2024. Financial Stressors for Parents of Children and Emerging Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Pediatric Health Care.

    Implications for practice and research

  • Enhanced financial counselling and support services, coupled with strong advocacy for policy reforms, are essential to alleviate the financial burden on families of children with congenital heart disease.

  • Future research should explore long-term financial impacts and effective interventions to alleviate economic stress.

  • Context

    Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent birth defect that significantly affects infant and child mortality and morbidity.1 2 While medical advancements have extended the survival of children with CHD into adulthood, the financial burden on parents remains a growing concern. Indirect evidence links this to stress and family...

    Can an intensive food-as-medicine programme enhance preventive care engagement without improving glycaemic control in patients with T2DM?

    Por: Magon · A. · Caruso · R.

    Commentary on: Doyle J, Alsan M, Skelley N, et al. Effect of an intensive food-as-medicine programme on health and healthcare use: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(2):154–163. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.667

    Implications for practice and research

  • Food-as-medicine programmes could enhance patient engagement with preventive healthcare.

  • Further adjustments are needed within these programmes to improve glycaemic control significantly.

  • Food-as-medicine programmes interest nurses, as these programmes are sensitive to nursing interventions.

  • Context

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant public health issue, with diet playing a crucial role in its management.1 Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, exacerbates this condition, making effective dietary interventions critical.2 Food-as-medicine programmes, which provide medically tailored meals and nutritional education, aim to improve health outcomes for individuals with chronic diseases.2 The study...

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