FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
Anteayer Journal of Advanced Nursing

The relationships between certified nursing assistants' voice behaviour and job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions: A two‐wave survey study

Abstract

Aim

Whereas voice behaviour has been identified as a key precursor to safe and high-quality patient care, little is known about how voice relates to key workforce outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between certified nursing assistants' perceived promotive voice behaviour (speaking up with suggestions for future improvement) and prohibitive voice behaviour (speaking up about problems or potentially harmful situations) and their self-reported levels of job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions.

Design and methods

Dutch certified nursing assistants were recruited for a two-wave survey study through non-random convenience sampling. The final sample contained 152 respondents. The data were analysed using multiple linear regression analyses. In all analyses, the dependent variable at time one was controlled for.

Results

Certified nursing assistants' promotive and prohibitive voice behaviour at time one were found to be positively related to their level of job satisfaction at time two while controlling for job satisfaction at time one. No relationships with work engagement or occupational turnover intentions were found.

Conclusion

While previous research has found positive effects of voice on patient safety outcomes and team and organizational improvements in care organizations, we demonstrate that voice is also related to a key workforce outcome, that is, certified nursing assistants' job satisfaction.

Implications and impact

Recognizing the interplay between voice behaviour and job satisfaction underscores the importance of creating work environments where certified nursing assistants feel able and willing to make their voices heard—with ideas and suggestions, as well as information regarding problems and concerns.

Patient or public involvement

Three certified nursing assistants have contributed to the development of the survey.

Comparison of student nurses' expectations and newly qualified nurses' experiences regarding clinical practice: A secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aim

To compare student nurses' expectations and newly qualified nurses' experiences regarding clinical practice in Switzerland 1 year after graduation.

Design

A secondary explorative analysis of a cross-sectional survey.

Methods

The data were sourced from the Swiss National Graduate Survey of Health Professionals covering six universities of applied sciences between 2016 and 2019, with information on three cohorts of bachelor student nurses, with a 1-year follow-up between each year. The participants were 533 bachelor-prepared nursing graduates.

Results

The student nurses' overall expectations included the following top two prioritized aspects: ‘contributing to something important’ and ‘adequate time to spend with patients’. Newly graduated nurses' clinical practice experiences demonstrated that not all expectations were met 1 year after graduation. The largest gaps were found in ‘adequate time to spend with patients’, ‘work–life balance’ and experiencing ‘good management’.

Conclusion

The most crucial expectation gaps are related to having sufficient time to spend with patients and a good work–life balance. The most important result is whether there is a shortage of places for nurses to work rather than the oft-cited shortage of nurses.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The expectations of Swiss newly qualified nurses can be better met by an assessment in the first year about which individual perceptions of workplace characteristics cause them to make choices to change something about their work, affect their job satisfaction or influence their intention to stay.

Impact

Few of the student nurses' expectations were met 1 year after graduation, therefore Swiss healthcare institutions should improve needs assessments to strengthen the nurse workforce starting early in employment. The results underscore the importance of a constructive management culture, such as that in magnet hospitals in the United States which underpins the philosophy of changing in nursing. The results can be used internationally as a benchmark and as a basis for introducing potential interventions for nurse retention.

Reporting Method

This study was reported following the Standardized Reporting of Secondary Data Analyses Checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

There were no patient or public contributions.

Trial and Protocol Registration

This study has not been registered.

Parents' Trigger Tool for Children with Medical Complexity – PAT‐CMC: Development of a recognition tool for clinical deterioration at home

Abstract

Aim

To develop a trigger tool for parents and lay caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) at home and to validate its content.

Design

This was a multi-method study, using qualitative data, a Delphi method and a concept mapping approach.

Methods

A three-round electronic Delphi was performed from December 2021 to April 2022 with a panel of 23 expert parents and 30 healthcare providers, supplemented by a preliminary qualitative exploration of children's signs of deterioration and three consensus meetings to develop the PArents' Trigger Tool for Children with Medical Complexity (PAT-CMC). Cognitive interviews with parents were performed to assess the comprehensiveness and comprehensibility of the tool. The COREQ checklist, the COSMIN guidelines and the CREDES guidelines guided the reporting respectively of the qualitative study, the development and content validity of the trigger tool and the Delphi study.

Results

The PAT-CMC was developed and its content validated to recognize clinical deterioration at home. The tool consists of 7 main clusters of items: Breathing, Heart, Devices, Behaviour, Neuro-Muscular, Nutrition/Hydration and Other Concerns. A total of 23 triggers of deterioration were included and related to two recommendations for escalation of care, using a traffic light coding system.

Conclusion

Priority indicators of clinical deterioration of CMC were identified and integrated into a validated trigger tool designed for parents or other lay caregivers at home, to recognize signs of acute severe illness and initiate healthcare interventions.

Impact

The PAT-CMC was developed to guide families in recognizing signs of deterioration in CMC and has potential for initiating an early escalation of care. This tool may also be useful to support education provided by healthcare providers to families before hospital discharge.

Patient or Public Contribution

Parents of CMC were directly involved in the selection of relevant indicators of children's clinical deterioration and the development of the trigger tool. They were not involved in the design, conducting, reporting or dissemination plans of this research.

Entangled in complexity: An ethnographic study of organizational adaptability and safe care transitions for patients with complex care needs

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to visualize vulnerabilities and explore the dynamics of inter-professional collaboration and organizational adaptability in the context of care transitions for patients with complex care needs.

Design

An ethnographic design using multiple convergent data collection techniques.

Methods

Data collection involved document review, participant observations and interviews with healthcare and social care professionals (HSCPs). Narrative analysis was employed to construct two illustrative patient scenarios, which were then examined using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM). Thematic analysis was subsequently applied to synthesize the findings.

Results

Inconsistencies in timing and precision during care transitions pose risks for patients with complex care needs as they force healthcare systems to prioritize structural constraints over individualized care, especially during unforeseen events outside regular hours. Such systemic inflexibility can compromise patient safety, increase the workload for HSCPs and strain resources. Organizational adaptability is crucial to managing the inherent variability of patient needs. Our proposed ‘safe care transition pathway’ addresses these issues, providing proactive strategies such as sharing knowledge and increasing patient participation, and strengthening the capacity of professionals to meet dynamic care needs, promoting safer care transitions.

Conclusion

To promote patient safety in care transitions, strategies must go beyond inter-professional collaboration, incorporating adaptability and flexible resource planning. The implementation of standardized safe care transition pathways, coupled with the active participation of patients and families, is crucial. These measures aim to create a resilient, person-centred approach that may effectively manage the complexities in care transitions.

Implications

The recommendations of this study span the spectrum from policy-level changes aimed at strategic resource allocation and fostering inter-professional collaboration to practical measures like effective communication, information technology integration, patient participation and family involvement. Together, the recommendations offer a holistic approach to enhance care transitions and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

Reporting Method

Findings are reported per the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Comparing didactic approaches for practical skills learning in Scandinavian nursing simulation centres: A qualitative comparative study

Abstract

Aim

To explore and compare the didactic approaches to practical skills learning at simulation centres in Scandinavian universities and university colleges.

Background

Academic simulation centres are an important arena for learning practical nursing skills which are essential to ensure competent performance regarding patient safety and quality of care. Knowledge of didactic approaches to enhance learning is essential in promoting the provision and retention of students' practical nursing skills. However, research on didactical approaches to practical nursing skills learning is lacking.

Design

A qualitative comparative design was used.

Methods

During November and December 2019, interviews were conducted with a total of 37 simulation centre directors or assistant directors, each of whom possessed in-depth knowledge of practical skills in teaching and learning. They represented bachelor nursing education in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. A qualitative deductive content analysis was conducted.

Results

The results revealed all five predetermined didactical components derived from the didactical relationship model. Twenty-two corresponding categories that described a variation in didactic approaches to practical skills learning in Scandinavian nursing simulation centres were identified. The didactical components of Learning process revealed mostly similarities, Setting mostly differences and Assessment showed only differences in didactic approaches.

Conclusion

Although various didactic approaches were described across the countries, no common approach was found. Nursing educational institutions are encouraged to cooperate in developing a shared understanding of how didactic approaches can enhance practical skills learning.

Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care

Cross-country comparisons of practical nursing skills learning in Scandinavian countries highlight the importance of educator awareness concerning the impact diverse didactic approaches may have on competent performance in nursing education. Competent performance is pivotal for ensuring patient safety and the provision of high-quality care.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Reporting Method

This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research reporting guidelines.

Home‐based management on hospital re‐admission rates in COPD patients: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To determine the impact of home-based management on hospital re-admission rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

Systematic review methodology was utilized, combining meta-analysis, where appropriate, or a narrative analysis of the data from included studies.

Data Sources

Electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and SAGE journals for primary papers, 2015 to 2021, were searched between December 2020 and March 2021, followed by hand-searching key journals, and reference lists of retrieved papers.

Methods

The review followed the guidance of PRISMA. Data were extracted using a predesigned data extraction tool. Quality appraisal was undertaken using RevMan ‘risk of bias’ tool. Meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan software.

Results

This review integrates evidence from eight studies, five Random Control Trials, two observational studies and one retrospective study. The studies span three continents, Asia, Europe and North America, and include 3604 participants with COPD. Home-based management in patients with COPD resulted in a statistically significant reduction in rates of hospital readmission. For the outcomes, length of stay and mortality, while slightly in favour of home-based management, the results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Given the burden of COPD on healthcare systems, and crucially on individuals, this review identified a reduction in hospital re-admission rate, a clinically important outcome.

Impact

This study focused on the impact on hospital re-admission rates among the COPD patient cohort when home-based management was involved. A statistically significant reduction in rates of re-admission to the hospital was identified. This is positive for the patient, in terms of hospital avoidance, and reduces the burden on hospital systems. Further research is needed to determine the impact on cost-effectiveness and to quantify the most ideal type of care package that would be recommended for home-based management.

Beliefs and practices of the nursing team related to pressure injury preventive measures: A analysis of social representations

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To analyse the process of elaborating social representations about pressure injury preventive measures by the nursing team (nurses and nurse technicians) and how this process relates to preventive practices for hospitalized patients.

Design

Qualitative study, with the application of the theory of social representations in its procedural methodological approach.

Methods

The study was carried out in an inpatient clinic of a public hospital in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Totally, 28 nursing professionals in the medical clinic sectors who had worked directly with patient care for more than 6 months participated. The data were collected between July and September 2021 via in-depth interviews with the application of a semi-structured instrument. Analysis was carried out with the help of ALCESTE software, which performed a lexicographic analysis, and also via thematic analysis. The COREQ guided the presentation of the research report.

Results

The social representations were developed based on the professionals' symbolic beliefs about the visibility/invisibility of the results of applying preventive care. These symbolic constructions mobilized positive and negative feelings among the nursing team, which guided the classification of prevention practices as being of greater or lesser priority among other care activities. There were favourable attitudes among professionals, which included applying prevention measures in their daily routines, and unfavourable attitudes of non-adherence to the institution's protocol for preventing pressure injuries.

Conclusions

The nursing team's perception of pressure injury prevention is influenced by symbolic, affective, values, and social dimensions. Non-adherence behaviours are attributed to the belief in the invisibility of prevention outcomes, resulting in a reluctance to implement preventive measures.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Understanding the subjective logic that explains the thinking and actions of the nursing team suggests the need to incorporate discussions on beliefs, values, sentiments, and attitudes of nursing professionals into educational programs on pressure injury prevention.

Patient or Public Contribution

No public contribution.

Self‐determination in older patients: Experiences from nurse‐dominated ambulance services

Abstract

Aim

To describe ambulance clinicians' experiences of self-determination in older patients.

Design

The study had an inductive and explorative design, guided from a life-world perspective.

Methods

Thirty-two Swedish ambulance clinicians were interviewed in six focus groups in November 2019. The data were analysed with content analysis, developing manifest categories and latent themes.

Findings

The ambulance clinicians assessed the older patients' exercise of self-determination by engaging in conversation and by being visually alert, to eventually gain an overall picture of their decision-making capacity. This assessment was used as a platform when informing older patients of their rights, thus promoting their participation in care. Having limited time and narrow guidelines counteracted ambulance clinicians' ambitions to support older patients' general desire to avoid hospitalization, which resulted in an urge to displace their responsibility to external decision-makers.

Conclusion

Expectations that older patients with impaired decision-making ability will give homogeneous responses mean an increased risk of ageist attitudes with a simplified view of patient autonomy. Such attitudes risk the withholding of information about options that healthcare professionals do not wish older patients to choose. When decision-making is difficult, requests for expanded guidelines may paradoxically risk alienation from the professional nursing role.

Implications and Impact

The findings show ambulance clinicians' unwillingness to shoulder their professional responsibility when encountering older patients with impaired decision-making ability. In assuming that all older patients reason in the same way, ambulance clinicians tend to adopt a simplistic and somewhat ageist approach when it comes to patient autonomy. This points to deficiencies in ethical competence, which is why increased ethics support is deemed suitable to promote and develop ethical competence. Such support can increase the ability to act as autonomous professionals in accordance with professional ethical codes.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to COREQ guidelines.

Patient and Public Contribution

None.

Sustainable employability of long‐term care staff in self‐managing teams: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To discover what long-term care (LTC) staff working in self-managing teams consider necessary to remain sustainably employable.

Design

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews.

Methods

In 2020, semi-structured interviews were conducted one-on-one with 25 LTC workers from a medium-large Dutch organization providing long-term care. All interviews were audio-recorded, anonymously transcribed verbatim and analysed with thematic content analysis in the software program Atlas.ti.

Results

LTC workers indicated a need for autonomy. They wanted their control and involvement in decisions to be strengthened. Furthermore, LTC workers indicated a need for relatedness, by experiencing support, a feeling of togetherness and more time to have attention for the residents. Lastly, LTC workers expressed a need for (assistance in) further developing their competence.

Conclusion

In order to remain willing and able to work, LTC workers in self-managing teams want their needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence to be addressed. Working conditions are important to these LTC workers' sustainable employability since they can hinder or promote the satisfaction of their needs.

Implications

It is important that management in LTC is aware of the importance of LTC workers' needs for sustainable employability. We recommend that management critically reflect on and invest in addressing these needs by enhancing indicators and limiting inhibitors of the needs.

Impact

A robust LTC workforce is necessary to provide care to the aging population. In the context of the increasing implementation of self-managing teams in LTC organizations, understanding what workers in self-managing teams need in order to remain sustainably employable is crucial. For sustainable employability (i.e. to remain willing and able to work), interviewees indicated a need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Nearly all participants stressed the importance of belonging and feeling connected. Working conditions seemed to relate not only directly to the sustainable employability of LTC staff but also indirectly through their lack of contribution to the satisfaction of workers' psychological needs. The outcomes of this study primarily impact workers and management within LTC organizations with self-managing teams. They benefit from recognizing the significance of addressing workers' needs to ensure their essential and sustainable employability in the sector.

Reporting Method

The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) research were used.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two LTC workers provided advice and feedback regarding the materials and set up of the interviews. These two ambassadors additionally helped in reaching our population, by disseminating information about the study.

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

Abstract

Aim

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

Design

Inductive and descriptive approaches.

Method

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care

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

Reporting Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Nurses' use of ‘wellness’ supplements during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States

Abstract

Aim

Quantify disparities and identify correlates and predictors of ‘wellness’ supplement use among nurses during the first year of the pandemic.

Design

Longitudinal secondary analysis of Nurses' Health Studies 2 and 3 and Growing Up Today Study data.

Methods

Sample included 36,518 total participants, 12,044 of which were nurses, who completed surveys during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to April 2021). Analyses were conducted in March 2023. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate disparities in ‘wellness’ supplement use between nurses and non-healthcare workers and, among nurses only, to quantify associations with workplace-related predictors (occupational discrimination, PPE access, workplace setting) and psychosocial predictors (depression/anxiety, county-level COVID-19 mortality). Models included race/ethnicity, gender identity, age and cohort as covariates.

Results

Nurses were significantly more likely to use all types of supplements than non-healthcare workers. Lacking personal protective equipment and experiencing occupational discrimination were significantly associated with new immune supplement use. Depression increased the risk of using weight loss, energy and immune supplements.

Conclusion

Nurses' disproportionate use of ‘wellness’ supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic may be related to workplace and psychosocial stressors. Given well-documented risks of harm from the use of ‘wellness’ supplements, the use of these products by nurses is of concern.

Impact

‘Wellness’ supplements promoting weight loss, increased energy, boosted immunity and cleansing of organs are omnipresent in today's health-focused culture, though their use has been associated with harm. This is of added concern among nurses given their risk of COVID-19 infection at work. Our study highlighted the risk factors associated with use of these products (lacking PPE and experiencing occupational discrimination). Findings support prior research suggesting a need for greater public health policy and education around the use of ‘wellness’ supplements.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines were followed throughout manuscript.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was involved.

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

Abstract

Aim

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

Design

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Implications for the profession

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

Impact

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

Trends in publication impact of evidence‐based healthcare terminology (2013–2022)

Abstract

Aims

This article explored the publication impact of evidence-based healthcare terminology to determine usage and discuss options for low usage terms.

Background

A plethora of terms describe the scholarship of evidence-based healthcare. Several terms are synonyms, creating redundancy and confusion. The abundance and overlap of terms may impede the discovery of evidence.

Design

This discursive article explored and discussed publication impact of evidence-based healthcare terms.

Methods

Evidence-based healthcare terms were identified, and their 10-year (2013–2022) publication impact was assessed in the CINAHL and Medline databases. A card sort method was also used to identify terms with low usage.

Results

A total of 18/32 terms were included in the review. The terms evidence-based practice, quality improvement, research and translational research were the most highly published terms. Publication data were presented yearly over a 10-year period. Most terms increased in publication use over time, except for three terms whose use decreased. Several terms related to translational research have multiple synonyms. It remains unknown whether these terms are interchangeable and possibly redundant, or if there are nuanced differences between terms.

Conclusion

We suggest a follow-up review in 3–5 years to identify publication trends to assess context and terms with continued low publication usage. Terms with persistent low usage should be considered for retirement in the reporting of scholarly activities. Additionally, terms with increasing publication trends should be treated as emerging terms that contribute to evidence-based healthcare terminology.

Implications for Nursing

Confusion about the use of appropriate terminology may hinder progress in the scholarship of evidence-based healthcare. We encourage scholars to be aware of publication impact as it relates to the use of specific terminology and be purposeful in the selection of terms used in scholarly projects and publications.

Healthy work environment: A systematic review informing a nursing professional practice model in the US Military Health System

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for creating a healthy work environment based on current literature for nurses working within the US Military Health System (MHS). However, our findings would likely benefit other nursing populations and environments as well.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Data Sources

We conducted a systematic literature search for articles published between January 2010 until January 2024 from five databases: PubMed, Joanna Briggs, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus.

Methods

Articles were screened, selected and extracted using Covidence software. Article findings were synthesized to create recommendations for the development, implementation and measurement of healthy work environments.

Results

Ultimately, a total of 110 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The articles informed 13 recommendations for creating a healthy work environment. The recommendations included ensuring teamwork, mentorship, job satisfaction, supportive leadership, nurse recognition and adequate staffing and resources. Additionally, we identified strategies for implementing and measuring these recommendations.

Conclusions

This thorough systematic review created actionable recommendations for the creation of a healthy work environment. Based on available evidence, implementation of these recommendations could improve nursing work environments.

Impact

This study identifies methods for implementing and measuring aspects of a healthy work environment. Nurse leaders or others can implement the recommendations provided here to develop healthy work environments in their hospitals, clinics or other facilities where nurses practice.

Reporting Method

PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Canadian intensive care unit nurses' responses to moral distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and their recommendations for mitigative interventions

Abstract

Aims

To describe intensive care unit nurses' experiences of moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their recommendations for mitigative interventions.

Design

Interpretive description.

Methods

Data were collected with a purposeful sample of 40 Canadian intensive care unit nurses between May and September 2021. Nurses completed a demographic questionnaire, the Measure of Moral Distress—Healthcare Professionals survey and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were categorized and synthesized using reflexive thematic analysis and rapid qualitative analysis.

Results

Half of the nurses in this sample reported moderate levels of moral distress. In response to moral distress, nurses experienced immediate and long-term effects across multiple health domains. To cope, nurses discussed varied reactions, including action, avoidance and acquiescence. Nurses provided recommendations for interventions across multiple organizations to mitigate moral distress and negative health outcomes.

Conclusion

Nurses reported that moral distress drove negative health outcomes and attrition in response to moral events in practice. To change these conditions of moral distress, nurses require organizational investments in interventions and cultures that prioritize the inclusion of nursing perspectives and voices.

Implications for the Profession

Nurses engage in a variety of responses to cope with moral distress. They possess valuable insights into the practice issues central to moral distress that have significant implications for all members of the healthcare teams, patients and systems. It is essential that nurses' voices be included in the development of future interventions central to the responses to moral distress.

Reporting Method

This study adheres to COREQ guidelines.

Impact

What Problem did the Study Address?

Given the known structural, systemic and environmental factors that contribute to intensive care unit nurses' experiences of moral distress, and ultimately burnout and attrition, it was important to learn about their experiences of moral distress and their recommendations for organizational mitigative interventions. Documentation of these experiences and recommendations took on a greater urgency during the context of a global health emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, where such contextual influences on moral distress were less understood.

What Were the Main Findings?

Over half of the nurses reported a moderate level of moral distress. Nurses who were considering leaving nursing practice reported higher moral distress scores than those who were not considering leaving. In response to moral distress, nurses experienced a variety of outcomes across several health domains. To cope with moral distress, nurses engaged in patterns of action, avoidance and acquiescence. To change the conditions of moral distress, nurses desire organizational interventions, practices and culture changes situated in the amplification of their voices.

Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact on?

These findings will be of interest to: (1) researchers developing and evaluating interventions that address the complex phenomenon of moral distress, (2) leaders and administrators in hospitals, and relevant healthcare and nursing organizations, and (3) nurses interested in leveraging evidence-informed recommendations to advocate for interventions to address moral distress.

What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Community?

This paper advances the body of scientific work on nurses' experiences of moral distress, capturing this phenomenon within the unique context of a global health emergency. Nurses' levels of moral distress using Measure of Moral Distress—Healthcare Professional survey were reported, serving as a comparator for future studies seeking to measure and evaluate intensive care unit nurses' levels of moral distress. Nurses' recommendations for mitigative interventions for moral distress have been reported, which can help inform future interventional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

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

Abstract

Aims

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

Design and Methods

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

Findings

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

Conclusion

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

Impact

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

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

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

❌