Nurse-led education programs in childcare settings are critical for improving early childhood health outcomes and caregiver practices. Despite their potential, a systematic synthesis of their effectiveness is lacking.
To summarize the characteristics and evaluate the effectiveness of existing nurse-led education programs in childcare settings through a systematic review of experimental studies.
This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in five databases from inception to December 9, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024618983).
Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 900 childcare workers and 920 families. The programs targeted two main areas: prevention of child health issues and management of child health issues. Lectures and group discussions were the most frequently used strategies. Nurses assumed diverse roles, including educators, consultants, and facilitators. The findings revealed several benefits, including reduced rates of upper respiratory illness, improved family health practices—such as appropriate medication use—and enhanced childcare worker competencies in first aid knowledge.
Nurses play a critical role in implementing education programs in childcare settings. Their contributions should be fully integrated into program planning and delivery. Future research should adopt rigorous methodologies to strengthen evidence-based practices and improve child health outcomes and caregiver competencies.
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a progressive life-limiting condition that necessitates early implementation of advance care planning (ACP). However, patients and caregivers encounter emotional, informational, and cultural barriers to effective ACP engagement. This meta-synthesis consolidates qualitative evidence to deepen our understanding of ACP practices in CHF care.
This study aimed to explore experiences of CHF patients and their caregivers in ACP, which is defined as a proactive decision-making process to establish future treatment plans based on patients' values. The study also aimed to identify barriers and facilitators influencing ACP decisions and assess the impact of flexible, personalized ACP approaches on care quality.
Using qualitative meta-synthesis, we analyzed 10 qualitative studies on CHF patients' and caregivers' ACP experiences. Data were thematically synthesized to identify emotional, relational, and practical factors that influence engagement in ACP.
Three themes emerged: (1) heart failure patients and caregivers face difficulties in ACP (difficulties from patients, difficulties from the family, and difficulties from the society), (2) multidimensional drivers and impacts of ACP (advance care planning drivers, acceptance and implementation of ACP, emotions and effects of ACP), (3) flexible, personalized ACP delivers tangible benefits (timing and effectiveness of ACP discussions, patients and caregivers have personalized needs for ACP, and patients and caregivers affirm ACP benefits).
ACP plays a critical role in improving end-of-life care quality and reducing emotional and decision-making burdens on caregivers. Flexible and personalized ACP strategies supported by trained healthcare professionals more effectively meet the unique needs of patients and families. To overcome persistent barriers and promote broader ACP adoption, healthcare systems should prioritize provider communication training, ACP education, and support systems tailored to diverse cultural contexts.
Home-based exercise offers a cost-effective way to receive thorough rehabilitation without the requirement of costly supervised treatment.
To investigate the effects of home-based exercise on the balance ability in post-stroke patients.
A thorough search was carried out on various databases, such as Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, until October 2024. The inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of home-based exercise interventions.
The meta-analysis indicated that home-based exercise significantly improved static balance ability (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]: MD = 3.45, 95% CI [1.43, 5.47], I 2 = 71%, p = 0.0008, random-effects model). Conversely, the analysis revealed that the home-based exercise group did not exhibit a statistically significant improvement in the Time up and Go Test (TUG) when compared to the control group (TUG: MD = −0.34, 95% CI [−4.30, 3.61], I 2 = 96%, p = 0.86, random effects model). The subgroup analysis revealed that home-based exercise significantly enhanced balance ability in patients with subacute stroke (BBS: p < 0.0001; TUG: Overall effect p = 0.02). However, no significant improvement was observed in patients with chronic stroke (BBS: p = 0.39). Regarding the duration of intervention, both short-term and long-term interventions were effective on the BBS (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0008, respectively), although no significant difference was found for the TUG. Participants engaging in exercise for more than 90 min per week demonstrated greater improvements in balance ability (BBS: p < 0.0001; TUG: p = 0.02). When considering national economic levels, significant effects on the BBS were observed in both developed and developing countries (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), while significant effects on the TUG were noted only in developing countries (p = 0.04).
Home-based exercise interventions showed significant results in improving static balance in patients with subacute stroke, especially home-based exercise that lasted longer than 12 weeks and lasted at least 90 min per week. However, more methodologically rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these results. In addition, the optimal exercise program and type to optimize the balance ability of stroke patients also need further research.
“Opiophobia” lacks a clear definition and measurement, but it is commonly used by researchers and healthcare professionals in pain management to describe the underutilization of opioids by patients, caregivers, prescribers, and other healthcare professionals. This inconsistency complicates research and clinical interventions.
This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the conceptualization and operationalization of opiophobia across quantitative studies involving adult populations.
Peer-reviewed articles published before July 2024 were retrieved from four bibliographic databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus) and systematically reviewed. Included studies defined and/or measured opiophobia or opioid stigma among adult patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The review was conducted in two phases: the first phase provided a comprehensive understanding of study characteristics, while the second phase evaluated the conceptualization and measurement of opiophobia.
Thirty-six articles met inclusion criteria. Studies focused on healthcare professionals (n = 23, 64%); adult patients (n = 13, 33%), including 7 studies involving patients with cancer (19%); healthcare professionals and patients (n = 2, 5%); and family caregivers (n = 1, 3%). Among the studies that defined opiophobia (n = 20, 67%), common definitions included fear, prejudice, reluctance, addiction, exaggeration, underutilization, and inappropriate attitudes/beliefs, respectively. Limitations included the predominance of observational designs (n = 32, 89%) and the use of investigator-developed instruments (n = 27, 73%).
Instruments measuring opiophobia focused on opioid-related fears and behaviors. Instrument items that measured opiophobia primarily focused on fears and behaviors resulting from these fears. It remains unclear whether opiophobia is solely fear-based or also includes poor adherence to prescribed opioids. The wide variations in definitions and the use of mostly investigator-developed measures led to inconsistencies among studies. Further research is needed to design specific interventions and determine delivery times.
Medication errors, particularly during administration, are a major threat to patient safety, with interruptions being a key contributor. Nurses are the most affected by these disruptions, and various interventions have been proposed to reduce interruptions.
This review evaluates the effectiveness of preventive and responsive interventions aimed at reducing interruptions during medication administration.
A systematic search of multiple databases identified 14 eligible studies on interventions targeting nurse interruptions. The review includes randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, focusing on interruption and medication error rates. Significant heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis.
Preventive strategies, like no-interruption vests and awareness campaigns, may reduce interruptions from external sources, but nurse-to-nurse interruptions remained common. Responsive strategies showed limited success in reducing interruptions but improved nurses' ability to manage them. The impact on medication errors was inconclusive.
Preventive strategies help reduce interruptions, but more targeted interventions are needed for nurse-to-nurse disruptions. A combined approach of preventive and responsive strategies can enhance medication safety.
Although multimodal rehabilitation programs are effective for substance use disorders and widely used, addiction is still a global socioeconomic problem. Providing practical strategies, such as the HeartMath intervention for managing stress at the moment, helps mitigate the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts associated with substance use disorder, promotes resilience, and enhances treatment motivation.
To investigate the effects of the nurse-led HeartMath Training Program on resilience, emotional adjustment, and treatment motivation among patients with substance use disorder.
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to carry out this study. This study was conducted at the inpatient unit for patients with addiction at Elmaa'mora Hospital for Psychiatric Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt. The subjects were 130 patients with substance use disorders (65 in each group). Researchers used three tools to collect the necessary data: Tool I Resilience Scale, Tool II Brief Adjustment Scale–6, and Tool III Treatment Motivation Questionnaire.
The difference in resilience, emotional adjustment, and treatment motivation between the study and control groups after the Nurse-Led HeartMath training intervention was statistically significant.
The HeartMath Training Program is efficacious in improving resilience and emotional adjustment among patients with substance use disorder and increasing their treatment motivation.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06437366
Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern, with a high prevalence in Egypt. Type 2 diabetes imposes substantial health and economic challenges. Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs, such as the Diabetes Conversation Map, have demonstrated promise in enhancing patient knowledge, self-management, and self-efficacy. However, evidence regarding their direct impact remains scarce, necessitating further investigation.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Diabetes Conversation Map program in improving knowledge retention, self-management, and self-efficacy among type 2 diabetes patients in Egypt.
A prospective, parallel, two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Damanhour Health Insurance Outpatient Diabetic Clinic in Egypt. A total of 120 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized into a control group (n = 60), receiving standard diabetes education, and an intervention group (n = 60), attending 8 weekly interactive sessions using the Diabetes Conversation Map. Primary outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months later.
The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in knowledge, self-management, and self-efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, positive correlations between these outcomes were observed post-intervention, replacing negative correlations observed at baseline.
The Diabetes Conversation Map program effectively enhances patient knowledge, self-management, and self-efficacy, supporting its integration into routine diabetes education. Healthcare providers should implement structured, interactive educational interventions to empower patients in managing their condition. Regular follow-ups and reinforcement strategies are necessary to sustain long-term self-efficacy improvements. Policymakers should consider incorporating evidence-based diabetes education into national healthcare programs. Future research should explore digital adaptations of the program to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Registration No: R000061691, Trial ID: UMIN000054044
Cognitive decline, including subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, significantly affects social participation, leading to social isolation and reduced quality of life. Enhancing social participation through interventions may mitigate these effects, yet evidence on intervention effectiveness and mechanisms remains inconsistent.
To evaluate the effectiveness of social participation interventions for individuals with cognitive decline and identify effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) supporting social participation.
Our search using the following databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang—was conducted until October 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata18, and the certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
Sixteen RCTs involving 2190 participants were included. Music therapy (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI [0.15, 1.10]) and reminiscence therapy (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [0.02, 0.66]) demonstrated significant positive effects on social participation. Group-based interventions were particularly effective (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI [0.04, 0.43]). Commonly used BCTs included goal setting, behavioral practice/rehearsal, and social support. However, substantial heterogeneity and limited data on SCD and MCI restricted generalizability.
Interventions promoting social participation may enhance engagement for individuals with cognitive decline, particularly through music therapy, reminiscence therapy, and group-based formats. The complexity and dynamic nature of social interaction require individuals to engage and integrate various cognitive functions and skills, which can present significant challenges for older adults with cognitive impairments in their daily social participation. Further research is needed to optimize intervention components and address gaps in targeting early cognitive decline stages.
The characteristics, application, and effectiveness of chatbots in improving the mental health of young people have yet to be confirmed through systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chatbot-delivered interventions for improving mental health among young people, identify factors influencing effectiveness, and examine feasibility and acceptability.
To identify eligible interventional studies, we systematically searched 11 databases and search engines covering a publication period of January 2014 to September 2024. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were performed on randomized controlled trials to investigate the effectiveness of chatbot-delivered interventions and potential influencing factors. Narrative syntheses were conducted to summarize the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions in all the included studies.
We identified 29 eligible interventional studies, 13 of which were randomized controlled trials. The meta-analysis indicated that chatbot-delivered interventions significantly reduced distress (Hedge's g = −0.28, 95% CI [−0.46, −0.10]), but did not have a significant effect on psychological well-being (Hedge's g = 0.13, 95% CI [−0.16, 0.41]). The observed treatment effects were influenced by factors including sample type, delivery platform, interaction mode, and response generation approach. Overall, this review demonstrates that chatbot-delivered interventions were feasible and acceptable.
This review demonstrated that chatbot-delivered interventions had positive effects on psychological distress among young people. Chatbot-delivered interventions have the potential to supplement existing mental health services provided by multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Future recommendations include using instant messenger platforms for delivery, enhancing chatbots with multiple communication methods to improve interaction quality, and refining language processing, accuracy, privacy, and security measures.
Nurse leaders at every level are needed to help organizations achieve strategic goals and deliver safe patient care. Nurse leaders can find fulfillment in their roles; however, they are often prone to poor work-life balance due to the complexity and demands of their jobs. Professional well-being, consisting of an individual's overall health and the perception of good work-related quality of life, is at risk for being compromised in these nurses. Research exploring variables associated with psychosocial well-being in nurse leaders is limited.
To describe variables related to psychological well-being in nurse leaders, explore associations among these variables, and identify potential demographic and psychosocial predictors of resilience and burnout.
Participants were a convenience sample of nurse leaders from two hospitals located in the southwestern United States. We used a prospective observational design to describe the incidence of and relationships between self-compassion, satisfaction with life, resilience, perceived stress, and burnout. We then sought to identify predictors of disengagement and exhaustion (subscales of burnout) and resilience.
Participants (n = 105) were mostly female (82.7%) and white (57.7%), while one-third were charge nurses. Most reported normal to high levels of satisfaction with life (86%), self-compassion (90%), and resilience (93.3%) and 72.4% reported high stress levels. Moderately high levels of disengagement (46.4%) and exhaustion (59.1%) were also present. Higher self-compassion levels predicted higher levels of resilience. Lower satisfaction with life and self-compassion together predicted high disengagement scores, while lower self-compassion scores predicted high exhaustion scores.
When disengagement, exhaustion, and perceived stress are elevated, nurse leaders are at risk for low professional well-being and may be more prone to resignation ideation or turnover. Evidence-based interventions designed specifically for nurse leaders promoting professional well-being and emphasizing self-compassion skills are needed along with high-quality research on program outcomes.
Integrating evidence-based interventions in services by midwives and public health nurses (PHNs) has the potential to improve public health. Attitudes and individual readiness to change can influence the implementation of evidence-based interventions, but there is limited research in community nursing and maternity and child health care services (MCHCs).
To examine attitudes toward evidence-based practice and readiness to change in midwives and PHNs in MCHCs before implementing the “Mamma Mia” intervention (an evidence-based intervention to improve maternal mental health).
A survey-based, multisite cross-sectional study following the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline. Data were collected from 190 midwives and PHNs from 42 MCHCs across 33 municipalities in Norway (2021–2022). Six subscales of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) assessed attitudes toward evidence-based practice, and the Brief Individual Readiness for Change Scale (BIRCS) measured individual readiness. Descriptive and inferential statistics using frequency tables, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression were used for data analysis. Open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis.
Sixty-five midwives and 125 PHNs completed the baseline survey (mean age 46.8, all female). Mean EBPAS subscales scores were 2.99 to 3.58 (SD = 0.46–0.77) mean BIRCS score was 3.16 (SD = 0.49) (possible range 0–4). Scores were slightly higher than typically reported in clinical settings, with no significant differences based on demographics (all p-values ≥ 0.166). EBPAS subscores and the BIRCS score showed a moderate positive association. The most frequently reported positive factors influencing readiness were “enhanced care and positive gain” (42.6%), “organizational support” (26.3%), and “receiving training and implementation support” (23.2%). Negative factors included “time constraints and workload” (58.4%), and “research participation and implementation demands” (27.9%).
Midwives and PHNs showed positive attitudes toward EBP and a high degree of individual readiness. Our findings align with previous research highlighting barriers such as time constraints and workload, offering insights to inform strategies for more effective EBP adoption and implementation. These results can guide nurse managers, administrators, policymakers, professional associations, implementers, and intervention developers in enhancing EBP integration into practice.
Nursing well-being is foundational to the specialties workforce and broader healthcare industry worldwide. Despite frequent reports and descriptions of activities that support nurses' well-being, most reports describe singular activities and programs that lack science-based structures contextualized within academic healthcare systems (AHS) with validated impact.
To evaluate and synthesize the existing national and international literature on nurse well-being initiatives offered in AHS.
Over 18 months, an 8-member interprofessional team conducted a scoping review adhering to PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Five databases were searched, and results were screened in a multistep process by researcher pairs. Discrepancies were resolved by a third team member's review. Citations were reviewed uniquely three times to ensure methodological rigor. A final set of 54 articles was extracted for key data elements pertinent to the research question describing setting, population, study design, intervention, and other subsidiary fields. Reviewers additionally analyzed publication quality indicators and trends for additional implications for research and practice.
Among the 54 eligible articles, 72% were research and 28% were evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or doctoral dissertations. The concepts studied were psychosocial (e.g., resiliency) and physical (e.g., sleep). The number of instruments used per study ranged from 1 to 11. Thirty percent of studies utilized a framework from various disciplines that included nursing, social and behavioral sciences, and safety science principles. Nurses were included as authors 67% of the time, and 35% received funding from either the public or private sector.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) should be implemented in clinical settings and practiced by registered nurses as it improves healthcare quality, safety, costs, and patient outcomes. For this to occur, nurses need to be skilled and acculturated. An EBP culture needs to be developed and sustained, both in initial academic programs and in clinical settings. Implementation models already exist and are being used, but outcomes are not consistently measured.
The aim of this scoping review was to gather and map the use of EBP implementation models as well as their implementation strategies and outcomes.
The methodology for the JBI Scoping Reviews was applied. The databases queried were PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCARE, AMED, BNI, HMIC, PsycInfo. Inclusion criteria were as follows: Any primary study that describes the implementation of EBP in nursing, clinical, or academic settings. Studies using the following EBP implementation models were included: the ARCC Model, ARCC-E Model, IOWA Model, Stetler Model, Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model, ACE Star Model as well as PARIHS and i-PARIHS. They must have used Proctor's taxonomy for implementation outcomes as well as described implementation strategies according to the ERIC classification. Data extraction was performed by four independent reviewers in February 2024. There was no language or date limitation. Three independent reviewers performed an initial selection on titles and abstracts. Reading of the full texts was carried out by two independent reviewers using the JBI SUMARI.
A total of 2244 articles were retrieved. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion criteria, 26 articles were reviewed, and data extracted. The most used implementation model was the PARiHS or i-PARiHS model followed by the IOWA model, the ARCC model combined with the JHNEBP model and the Stetler model. Nearly all studies used the implementation strategy domain “Use evaluative and iterative strategies” of ERIC classification. Overall, the selected studies used between 1 and 2 outcomes from Proctor's eight available.
The underuse of existing taxonomies (Proctor, ERIC) prevents an exhaustive mapping of the use of implementation models. The vocabulary used is too vague, and the implementation strategies are sometimes poorly described. An effort needs to be made to report on all work done to transfer the results to other settings and thus improve health care practices.
Nurse managers are pivotal to the successful implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). However, enhancing their skills and competencies remains a critical priority. Assessing the influence of nurse managers' competencies in managing and practicing EBP is essential, as it directly impacts outcomes across all levels of healthcare institutions.
This study explored how leadership, organizational support, and knowledge management influence EBP implementation among nurse managers.
A descriptive correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of nurse managers in seven Egyptian hospitals. A total of 369 nurse managers completed three validated instruments: EBP Leadership and Organizational Support Scale (EBPLOSS), Knowledge Management Competencies for Nurse Managers (KMQN), and EBP Questionnaire (EBPQ). Descriptive statistics, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied for data analysis.
Nurse managers reported high levels of perceived EBP leadership (84.7%), organizational support (79.52%), knowledge management (KM) competencies (75.15%), and EBP implementation (74.83%). SEM analysis identified KM competencies as the strongest predictor of EBP implementation, with a direct effect (B = 0.86, p < 0.001) accounting for 86% of the total effect. EBP leadership significantly influenced EBP implementation both directly (β = 0.31, p = 0.02) and indirectly through KM competencies (B = 0.89, p < 0.001). Organizational support showed a minimal direct effect (B = 0.13, p < 0.05) and a slightly negative indirect effect through KM competencies (B = −0.10, p < 0.001).
KM competencies are critical for EBP implementation, mediating the effects of leadership and organizational support. Healthcare organizations should enhance nurse managers' KM skills, foster transformational leadership, and create supportive environments. Future research should address barriers and explore longitudinal relationships in EBP implementation from a managerial perspective.
A skilled and diverse healthcare workforce is essential in nursing homes, yet recruitment and retention remain a major challenge. Gaining insight into the well-being of different care worker groups and how they perceive their work environment can highlight areas of concern and opportunities for improvement.
To compare the perceived work environment and well-being among different care worker groups in nursing homes.
This descriptive study used cross-sectional survey data from the Flanders Nursing Home (FLANH) project, collected from February–July 2023. A total of 1521 care workers from 25 Flemish nursing homes participated (64.4% response rate), including care assistants (43.7%), registered nurses (20.5%), support staff (15.4%), allied health professionals (14.8%), and team leaders (5.7%). Chi-squared tests were used to compare the percentages of the care worker groups reporting the work environment items and well-being outcomes (job satisfaction, intention to leave, burnout). Post hoc analyses were conducted to identify which groups contributed to the significant differences observed.
Significant differences among care worker groups were found for almost all work environment items and well-being outcomes. Staffing adequacy was perceived least among care assistants and registered nurses. More registered nurses and team leaders perceived high workload and emotional burden compared to the other groups. Work–life interference and involvement were perceived most among team leaders. A person-centered vision, work autonomy, and salary satisfaction were reported most among allied health professionals and team leaders. Skill use and training opportunities were reported least among support staff. Work-related well-being appeared to be experienced most among allied health professionals and least among care assistants.
These findings highlight key differences in work environment perceptions and well-being among care worker groups, offering valuable insights for tailored initiatives to foster a supportive workplace that benefits the well-being of all types of care workers in nursing homes.
Work wellbeing, also known as workplace wellbeing, is a global concern for nurses, particularly because excessive stress and exhaustion contribute to burnout.
The Caring Science International Collaborative (CSIC), an international research network, empirically investigates nurse work wellbeing using the Profile of Caring, a psychometrically validated and reliable instrument.
The CSIC framework defines wellbeing intrinsically—as caring and clarity—and extrinsically—as the social and technical resources needed to work efficiently and effectively. The Profile of Caring explains 80% of work wellbeing in nursing without bias across 10 countries.
This research protocol describes an international multicenter observational study that measures nurse work wellbeing using the Profile of Caring and other concepts and outcomes measures.
A call for action has been issued nationwide to prevent suicide among nurses. An increased understanding of contributing and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation in nurses is needed to implement preventive measures. Factors needing exploration include nurses' burnout, mental well-being, physical health, and workplace characteristics.
This study aimed to determine factors associated with suicidal ideation in 501 moderate-to-high-risk nurses, including their mental health, level of burnout, health-related personal beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and workplace characteristics.
A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on baseline survey data that was completed before the nurses were randomized to one of two interventions as part of their participation in a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a combined mental health screening program and cognitive-behavioral skills building intervention versus a screening program alone. Nurses were recruited from across the United States via email. Only nurses identified with moderate-to-high-risk adverse mental health outcomes, including suicidal ideation, were included. The survey used valid and reliable measures to assess burnout, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress, healthy lifestyle behaviors, health-related personal beliefs, resilience, job satisfaction, self-perceived mattering to the workplace, and intent to leave. Bivariate tests were performed.
Burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress were individually correlated with increased odds of suicidal ideation, as were nurses working 12-h shifts and those who reported an intent to leave their jobs. Protective factors against suicidal ideation included resilience, positive health-related personal beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, job satisfaction, and workplace mattering.
There is an urgent need for policies and implementation of evidence-based interventions to address mental health issues in nurses to ultimately prevent suicide. Burnout should be considered as a possible precursor to serious adverse mental health problems and not just an operational retention issue. Leaders need to invest in resources to enhance nurses' mental health, fix system problems that are at the root cause of burnout, routinely recognize employees for their excellent work, and communicate that they matter. Leaders should listen carefully to their nurses, prioritize their ideas for impactful change, and appreciate those who contribute to improving culture and caring practices.
Work-related stressors have been associated with physician suicide. Physician burnout and depression were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remain unresolved and of national concern. Future pandemics are predicted. This study is the first to characterize professional and pandemic-related stressors in physician suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This study aimed to evaluate whether there was a change in reported job-related stressors after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Physician suicides were identified within the National Violent Death Reporting System dataset (March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021). Free-text law enforcement and medical examiner notes for physician suicides were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Of 307 physician suicides, 70 included professional or pandemic-related stressors associated with death. Themes included pandemic-related dysregulation, financial distress, relationship issues, mental/physical/substance use problems, grief, and discipline.
While loss of employment, physical, mental health, legal, and substance use issues continue to be associated with suicide, grief and pandemic-specific stress were novel findings. Fear of disease, quarantine, and prolonged illness due to contracting COVID warrant psychological support. Psychological support is also indicated for recent discharge, grief management, transition into retirement, and during disciplinary processes. The stress of a pandemic may exacerbate previous risks. Proactive physician suicide prevention measures remain indicated.
The mental health and well-being of nurses are critical issues in health care, particularly following the increased stressors introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses frequently experience burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion due to systemic issues such as staffing shortages, heavy workloads, and limited access to mental health resources. These challenges not only affect nurses' well-being but also impact the quality of patient care. Organizational support plays a pivotal role in mitigating these issues, yet the lived experiences of nurses regarding such support remain underexplored.
This Study Aimed to Explore Nurses' Lived Experiences of Organizational Support and Its Impact on Their Mental Health Recovery, With a Focus on Identifying Actionable Strategies for Improvement.
A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain deep insights into nurses' experiences. Twenty nurses from various healthcare facilities in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes.
Three main themes emerged: (1) Supportive Leadership, highlighting the critical role of empathetic and communicative leadership in fostering well-being; (2) Systemic Barriers, including staffing shortages, heavy workloads, and limited access to mental health resources; and (3) Workplace Wellness Culture, reflecting the influence of stigma, peer support, and the practicality of wellness programs on mental health recovery. These themes underscore the interconnected nature of leadership, systemic issues, and workplace culture in supporting nurses' mental health.
The findings suggest several actionable strategies, including leadership training programs to foster empathy and communication, policies to address systemic barriers, tailored and accessible wellness programs, and initiatives to reduce mental health stigma. These interventions are essential for creating supportive environments that prioritize nurses' well-being and enhance their ability to deliver high-quality care.
Optimal glycemic control is known to be challenging for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to the maintenance of long-term self-management behavior. Incorporating the transtheoretical model (TTM) components into motivational interviewing (MI) has been applied to promote self-management behaviors such as physical activity in T2D patients. However, the effectiveness of the TTM-based MI intervention in improving glycemic control, self-management, and self-efficacy in adults with T2D remains unclear.
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to estimate the effect of a TTM-based MI intervention on glycemic control, self-management, and self-efficacy in adults with T2D patients.
We searched five electronic databases up to September 13, 2023. Two researchers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Pooled effects were estimated in standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) using fixed- and random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis and meta-regression explored the reasons for heterogeneity.
Thirty trials with 4214 participants were identified. The TTM-based MI intervention significantly reduced HbA1c (MD = −0.92, 95% CI [−1.08, −0.75], p < 0.001, I 2 = 65%), FPG (SMD = −1.06, 95% CI [−1.38, −0.73], p < 0.001, I 2 = 93%), and 2hPG (MD = −1.42 mmol/L, 95% CI [−1.83, −1.00], p < 0.001, I 2 = 89%), with high, moderate, and low certainty of evidence, respectively. The intervention also improved self-management (SMD = 1.47, 95% CI [1.16, 1.78], p < 0.001, I 2 = 80%) and self-efficacy (SMD = 1.53, 95% CI [1.04, 2.02], p < 0.001, I 2 = 92%). Meta-analysis revealed that MI treatment dose and initial glycemic status contributed to the high heterogeneity.
The TTM-based MI intervention can be a promising intervention for understanding patients' stage of change with tailored strategies and MI techniques to facilitate behavior change, resulting in improved glycemic control, self-management, and self-efficacy in T2D patients. Nevertheless, given the moderate to high risk of bias in the included studies, further rigorous randomized controlled trials should be conducted to examine the effectiveness of TTM-based MI interventions. Short and multiple sessions that comply with the fidelity of MI in the intervention plans are suggested in daily nursing routine for diabetes self-management education.