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☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Navigating the Storm: Exploring Triggers, Preventive Strategies, and Sociocultural Dynamics of Violence in Healthcare Settings—A Cross‐Sectional Study in Damietta Governorate, Egypt

Por: Ateya Megahed Ibrahim · Donia Elsaid Fathi Zaghamir — Octubre 4th 2025 at 12:20

ABSTRACT

Aim

Explore and describe the triggers, preventive strategies, and sociocultural dynamics of violence in healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of nurses Damietta Governorate, Egypt.

Design

A cross-sectional design.

Methods

A stratified random sampling approach was followed to ensure representation from all departments by recruiting 424 nurses from several hospitals in Egypt. Self-administered questionnaires were applied, using validated instruments such as the Hospital Safety Climate Scale, the Coping Strategies Inventory, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Perceived Causes of Workplace Violence Questionnaire, and the Workplace Violence Scale to collect data. Data analysis using SPSS version 26 was carried out with descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations. STROBE reporting guidelines were followed.

Results

Nurses had a moderate level of verbal abuse (mean 3.50) and bullying/harassment (mean 3.00) and lesser incidences of physical violence (mean 2.80) and sexual harassment (mean 2.70). The most common cause was perceived as organisational factors (mean 3.80) and then environmental (mean 3.60) and sociocultural (mean 3.40). Problem-focused coping strategies, which were used mostly (mean 3.45), emotional exhaustion (mean 4.20), making the overall burnout level moderate (mean 3.83). The safety climate had positive perceptions concerning management support (mean 3.80), an area needing improvement in safety communication (mean 3.70) and staff training (mean 3.60).

Conclusion

The study underscores the prevalent issues of workplace violence and emotional exhaustion among nurses, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address these challenges.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Implementing comprehensive support programs, enhancing safety protocols, and focusing on both problem-focused and emotional support strategies are essential for improving nurse well-being and reducing workplace violence. These measures will contribute to a safer working environment and better patient care outcomes.

Impact

What problem did the study address? The study explored and described the high incidence of workplace violence and its impact on nurses' emotional well-being and job satisfaction in Egyptian healthcare settings.

What were the main findings? Prevalent verbal abuse and bullying were noted in the study, with the organisational factors identified as the most important cause. High levels of emotional exhaustion and moderate burnout, coupled with positive but improvable perceptions of safety climate, were reported.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Impacts from the research would touch every nurse working in hospitals around the cities of Damietta Governorate in Egypt, including Damietta General Hospital, Central Hospital in Faraskour, Elzarqa General Hospital, and probably other healthcare settings in the locale. It is anticipated that the results will give way to new hospital policies and practices on improving nurse safety and job satisfaction, which could lead to enhanced overall patient care.

Reporting Method

The STROBE checklist was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Evaluation of Nurses' Perceptions and Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Healthcare: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Turkey

Por: Orkun Erkayıran · Rahime Aslan — Septiembre 27th 2025 at 07:30

ABSTRACT

Aim

To determine the perceptions and readiness of nurses regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare services.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from 388 nurses across Turkey using an online questionnaire designed to gather sociodemographic information, perceptions (measured by attitudes) and readiness (assessed by AI knowledge and confidence) toward artificial intelligence. Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests and ANOVA, were used to examine group differences. The study adhered to ethical principles and followed the STROBE Statement guidelines for cross-sectional research.

Results

Findings revealed that nurses' knowledge of AI in healthcare was generally limited, though many participants expressed optimism about its potential to improve efficiency, enhance patient care quality and alleviate nurse burnout. However, concerns about patient privacy and ethical challenges were identified as significant challenges to AI integration in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

The study underscores that while nurses recognise the potential benefits of AI, there is a significant need to address their limited knowledge and concerns regarding ethical and privacy issues. Educational initiatives and ethical frameworks are essential to facilitate AI's successful implementation in nursing practice.

Impact

This study emphasises the necessity of incorporating AI-related education into nursing curricula and highlights the importance of developing policies that mitigate ethical challenges, thereby preparing nurses for a future that integrates AI into patient-centred care.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study involved practicing nurses as participants to provide real-world insights into their perceptions and readiness for AI in healthcare, ensuring that findings reflect the practical implications of AI integration in clinical settings.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Exploring Resilience in Nursing: Multilevel Strategies for Enhancing Workplace Well‐Being

Por: Sayed Ibrahim Ali · Mostafa Shaban — Agosto 4th 2025 at 07:10

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explore how nurses working in a high-pressure academic healthcare setting in Saudi Arabia conceptualise, experience and sustain resilience in the face of professional stressors.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 nurses from diverse clinical and academic backgrounds between March and May 2025. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, incorporating both inductive and interpretive approaches. Researcher reflexivity and methodological rigour were maintained throughout.

Results

Four major themes were identified: (1) Navigating Emotional Demands, which captured nurses' experiences of compassion fatigue and emotional resilience; (2) Support Systems and Collegial Ties, emphasising peer collaboration and mentorship; (3) Organisational Culture and Leadership, which highlighted the role of managerial support, workload policies and institutional climate; and (4) Adaptive Coping Strategies and Personal Development, including mindfulness, spirituality and continuous learning. These themes demonstrate the multilevel nature of resilience, shaped by personal attributes, interpersonal relationships and systemic factors.

Conclusion

Nurses develop resilience through an interplay of individual, relational and organisational strategies. Supportive leadership, collegial networks and opportunities for professional growth are critical in mitigating stress and preventing burnout. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, system-wide interventions that embed emotional safety, reflective practice and mentorship into healthcare settings. Future research should evaluate the impact of resilience-oriented policies on workforce retention and patient care outcomes.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Nursing Scholarship

Perceptions of Gender Equity and Workplace Bias Among Nurses: Implications for Job Satisfaction and Career Progression

Por: Ateya Megahed Ibrahim — Junio 21st 2025 at 06:09

ABSTRACT

Background

Gender equity and workplace bias are critical factors influencing job satisfaction and career progression in healthcare. Despite global initiatives promoting equity, disparities persist within nursing, impacting organizational commitment and workforce retention.

Aim

This study investigates registered nurses' perceptions of gender equity and workplace bias and their impact on job satisfaction at King Khaled Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional quantitative study design was employed, involving 246 randomly selected registered nurses. Data were collected using the gender equity in the Workplace Scale (GEWS), Workplace Gender Bias Scale (WGBS), and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS to assess gender differences and relationships between perceptions of equity, bias, and job satisfaction.

Results

The study revealed moderate agreement regarding gender equity in promotions (48.8%) and compensation (52%), indicating room for improvement in implementing equality policies. Workplace bias was perceived notably in stereotyping (50.8%) and differential treatment (60%), with female nurses reporting higher levels of bias. Job satisfaction was moderate, with 60% of participants expressing overall satisfaction and only 42% satisfied with promotional opportunities. Perceptions of gender equity positively correlated with job satisfaction (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), while workplace bias was inversely correlated (r = −0.54, p < 0.001).

Clinical Relevance

Persistent gender inequities and workplace biases negatively affect job satisfaction and career progression in nursing. Addressing these disparities through equitable organizational policies, diversity training, and inclusive leadership can enhance job satisfaction, improve retention, and foster a supportive work environment. These findings highlight the need for systemic reforms to promote workplace equity and well-being in healthcare organizations.

☐ ☆ ✇ Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing

Applying Evidence to Improve Practice: Qualitative Insights Into Nurses' Experiences With Organizational Support for Mental Health Recovery

Por: Sayed Ibrahim Ali · Mostafa Shaban — Junio 4th 2025 at 06:18

ABSTRACT

Background

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.

Aim

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Linking Evidence to Action

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.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Digital Bridges and Emotional Anchors: Nurses Facilitating Social Connectivity in Virtual Age‐Friendly Communities

Por: Sayed Ibrahim Ali · Mostafa Shaban — Mayo 19th 2025 at 11:06

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore how nurses facilitate social connectivity among older adults in virtual age-friendly communities in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia by serving as digital bridges and emotional anchors. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in enhancing digital literacy and reducing social isolation among older adults.

Design

A qualitative study.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2024 with 12 older adult participants and 10 nurse participants involved in virtual age-friendly community initiatives in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed using a hybrid approach that combined deductive thematic analysis—guided by socio-technical systems theory and relationship-centred care principles—with inductive analysis to identify key themes related to digital facilitation, emotional support and social connectivity.

Results

The findings indicate that nurse-led digital and emotional support significantly enhances older adults' digital literacy and emotional well-being, leading to improved social connectivity. Nurses acting as digital bridges provided essential technical guidance, while their role as emotional anchors offered empathetic support that mitigated feelings of isolation. However, challenges such as technical issues, resource limitations and cultural factors moderated the overall effectiveness of these interventions.

Conclusion

The study underscores the pivotal role of nurse-led interventions in promoting social connectivity among older adults in virtual settings. Future research should explore strategies to overcome technical and resource-related barriers and further integrate culturally sensitive approaches to optimise the benefits of digital health initiatives.

Implication for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should prioritise the implementation of nurse-led digital and emotional support programmes to reduce social isolation and improve the overall quality of life for older adults. Culturally tailored interventions are essential to address the unique needs of ageing populations in the digital era.

Reporting Method

The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

The insights obtained from older adult participants and nurses provided critical understanding of the dynamics and impact of digital and emotional support within virtual age-friendly communities.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Climate Anxiety and COPD: Unveiling Its Impact on Patients' Quality of Life Through a Multivariate Lens

ABSTRACT

Objective

To examine the impact of climate anxiety on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with COPD. It also explores how climate anxiety interacts with clinical factors, such as disease severity and comorbidities, to influence QoL.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Methods

A total of 270 COPD patients were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through structured interviews and clinical assessments, incorporating the Climate Anxiety Scale, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and the BODE Index. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of QoL.

Results

The study found a statistically significant association between climate anxiety and both QoL (r = 0.81, p < 0.01) and COPD severity (r = 0.76, p < 0.01). COPD severity (B = 4.68, p < 0.01) and climate anxiety (B = 0.28, p < 0.01) were predictors of QoL. Among the covariates, former smokers, older patients and multiple comorbidities reported significantly worse QoL (B = 4.80, p = 0.03; B = 0.43, p < 0.01; B = 0.85, p = 0.02, respectively). Collectively all predictors explained 86% of the variance in QoL.

Conclusion

Climate anxiety significantly contributes to reduced QoL in COPD patients, beyond disease severity and demographic factors. Addressing psychological distress in COPD management is essential to improving patient outcomes.

Implications for Practice

Nurses should recognise climate anxiety as a key variable influencing COPD management. Incorporating climate anxiety screening into nursing assessments and providing targeted interventions can enhance patient support and improve overall COPD care.

Impact

Climate anxiety is an emerging concern in COPD. While previous research has focused on physical and clinical determinants of COPD-related QoL, climate anxiety remains underexplored. This study provides new evidence that climate anxiety is a predictor of poorer QoL, highlighting the need for holistic nursing interventions that address both physical and psychological health.

Reporting Method

This study was reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients with COPD were involved in this study.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Relationship Between Health Literacy, Health Protective Behaviour, Quality of Life and Social Health in Older Adults Living in the Community

Por: Ibrahim Aldemir · Celalettin Cevik — Abril 19th 2025 at 05:33

ABSTRACT

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between health literacy, health protective behaviour, quality of life and social health in older adults living in the community.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Method

This observational study was carried out by interviewing 600 older adult people living in a province in the South Marmara region of Turkey using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The dependent variable of the study was social health perception, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used in the analyses. Reporting of the study followed the STROBE checklist.

Results

The social health of the participants is at a medium level. As a result of linear regression analysis, the social health score was found in those who have high school education or higher, those who live with their children and those who live alone to be significantly lower in those with poor general health perception. As age increases, health literacy increases, and quality of life decreases, the social health score decreases (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this context, steps should be taken to increase social harmony and social support for the older adult; the perceived environment should be improved, and environments that facilitate the lives of the older adult should be created.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Determining the level of social health of the older adult and identifying the related factors is important in terms of improving the quality of services to be provided for the older adult. In this context, it is important for health professionals to take initiatives to improve the lifestyle, health literacy and quality of life of the older adult.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Pediatric Nurses' Challenges in Implementing and Sustaining Clinical Handover in Intensive Care Units: Advocating for the Safety of Critically Ill Paediatric Patients

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study aimed to examine the challenges faced by pediatric nurses in implementing and sustaining clinical handover in intensive care units (ICUs), focusing on identifying key barriers affecting the handover process in these specialised environments.

Background

Pediatric nurses encounter several challenges that hinder the effective implementation of clinical handover in intensive care settings. These challenges can compromise patient safety and care continuity. Understanding these obstacles is essential for identifying areas for improvement and enhancing handover practices in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Method

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the specialised university hospital for children in Alexandria, Egypt. The sample included 127 nurses who provided direct care to critically ill children. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess various challenges encountered during the clinical handover process. The questionnaire covered five key areas: nurse-related challenges, handover quality-related challenges, organisational challenges, environmental challenges and communication challenges. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including multivariate regression analysis. The study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Results

The study found that the most significant challenges during clinical handover were nurse-related (mean = 74.7, SD = 5.6), followed by organisational challenges (mean = 69.2, SD = 16.7). Statistically significant differences were observed in nurses' characteristics, such as gender, age, marital status, years of experience and the place and duration of handover. Nurses who conducted longer handovers or performed them at the bedside reported fewer challenges compared to those who performed handovers at the nursing station or those with shorter durations.

Conclusion

Pediatric nurses in critical care settings face significant challenges in clinical handover, with barriers such as resistance to change, non-standardised language, time constraints and outdated reports being prominent. Female nurses, older nurses and those working in settings with less standardised handover practices reported more difficulties. Addressing these challenges is critical for improving handover processes, ensuring better patient safety and enhancing care outcomes.

Implications for Nursing Practice and Policy

Standardised handover protocols tailored to intensive care workflows, along with targeted training for nurses, are essential to address the identified challenges. These measures will enhance communication, improve handover efficiency and promote patient safety in pediatric ICUs. No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Mediating Effect of Turnover Intention on the Relationship Between Job Burnout and Quiet Quitting in Nurses

Por: İbrahim Gün · Feyza Çetinkaya Kutun · Selma Söyük — Febrero 11th 2025 at 05:09

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of turnover intention in the relationship between job burnout and quiet quitting among nurses and shed light on the associations between job burnout, turnover intention and quiet quitting intention.

Design

This study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 317 nurses were selected using convenience sampling approach from a training and research hospital in Turkey. Quiet quitting, job burnout and turnover intention data were collected using the self-reported questionnaires using paper-and-pencil versions. Pearson correlation analysis, independent sample t-test and mediation analysis was conducted with Process v4.3.

Results

Statistically significant associations among job burnout, turnover intention and quiet quitting were found (p < 0.05). Job burnout had a positive effect on turnover intention (β = 0.339, p < 0.001) and quiet quitting (β = 0.245, p < 0.001). Additionally, turnover intention had a positive and significant effect on quiet quitting intention of nurses (β = 0.336, p < 0.001). Moreover, mediation analysis revealed that the association of job burnout with quiet quitting was partially mediated by turnover intention (β = 0.034, 95% CI [0.019, 0.054]).

Conclusion

This study enrich our understanding of the associations among study variables and suggest that focusing solely on job burnout without considering the mediating effects of turnover intention might not be adequate for reducing the quiet quitting intention among nurses.

Impact

This study shed light on how job burnout and turnover intention of nurses affect their quiet quitting intention. It has been proven that turnover intention is a significant factor in the relationship between job burnout and quiet quitting. These findings could provide guidance for managers in the administration of nurses.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing

Navigating transition shock: The role of system thinking in enhancing nursing process competency among early career nurses

Abstract

Background

Building nursing process competency among beginner nurses is a pivotal need in contemporary, complex, fast-paced nursing practice. However, transitioning from the educational phase to practicing as a nurse can be a significant adjustment. New practitioners often experience a period of shock, which may present challenges in developing nurse competency. Fostering system thinking among those nurses could buffer the negative signs of transition shock and cultivate nursing process competencies at earlier times.

Aim

This study explores the relationship between transition shock and nursing process competency among early career nurses and investigates the moderating effect of system thinking on this relationship.

Method

This cross-sectional correlational exploratory study was conducted at four large hospitals in Egypt. Data were collected from 393 nurses from the first of February 2024 to the end of April 2024 using the transition shock scale, the competency of nursing process questionnaire, and the system thinking scale. Correlational and hierarchical regression analyses were used to test the study variables.

Results

A statistically significant negative correlation exists between transition shock, nursing process competency, and system thinking among early-career nurses. System thinking is positively associated with nursing process competency. System thinking positively moderates the relationship between transition shock and nursing process competency among early-career nurses. Transition shock and system thinking account for 23.9% of the variance in nursing process competency among early-career nurses.

Linking Evidence to Action

Transition shock is an inevitable phenomenon among early-career nurses, negatively affecting their competency in the nursing process. System thinking buffers this adverse effect and significantly augments nursing process competency among this set of nurses. Predicting and mitigating transition shock among early-career nurses is pivotal in building nursing process competency. Nurse educators must develop curricula that cultivate system thinking skills among nursing students, which enables them to buffer transition shock after graduation.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The other COVID‐19 survivors: Timing, duration, and health impact of post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To determine the frequency, timing, and duration of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) and their impact on health and function.

Background

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection is an emerging major public health problem that is poorly understood and has no current treatment or cure. PASC is a new syndrome that has yet to be fully clinically characterised.

Design

Descriptive cross-sectional survey (n = 5163) was conducted from online COVID-19 survivor support groups who reported symptoms for more than 21 days following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Participants reported background demographics and the date and method of their covid diagnosis, as well as all symptoms experienced since onset of covid in terms of the symptom start date, duration, and Likert scales measuring three symptom-specific health impacts: pain and discomfort, work impairment, and social impairment. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendencies were computed for participant demographics and symptom data.

Results

Participants reported experiencing a mean of 21 symptoms (range 1–93); fatigue (79.0%), headache (55.3%), shortness of breath (55.3%) and difficulty concentrating (53.6%) were the most common. Symptoms often remitted and relapsed for extended periods of time (duration M = 112 days), longest lasting symptoms included the inability to exercise (M = 106.5 days), fatigue (M = 101.7 days) and difficulty concentrating, associated with memory impairment (M = 101.1 days). Participants reported extreme pressure at the base of the head, syncope, sharp or sudden chest pain, and “brain pressure” among the most distressing and impacting daily life.

Conclusions

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be characterised by a wide range of symptoms, many of which cause moderate-to-severe distress and can hinder survivors' overall well-being.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study advances our understanding of the symptoms of PASC and their health impacts.

☐ ☆ ✇ Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing

The influence of supportive work environment on work‐related stress and conflict management style among emergency care nurses: A descriptive correlational study

Abstract

Background

Stress and conflict in emergency departments are inevitable but can be managed. A supportive work environment is key to helping emergency care providers, especially nurses, constructively manage work-related stress and conflict.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of supportive work environments on work-related stress and conflict management style among emergency care nurses.

Methods

A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. Data were collected from 221 staff nurses recruited from two university hospital emergency departments in Alexandria, Egypt. Three instruments were used: (1) perceived organizational support scale, (2) nurses' occupational stressors scale, and (3) conflict management style inventory.

Results

There was a highly significant correlation between supportive work environments and work-related stress (p = .000) and a significant correlation between supportive work environments and conflict management style (p = .026). Supportive work environments had a significant inverse negative relationship with work-related stress experienced by nurses (p = .001) and accounted for 51% of variance in work-related stress. Meanwhile, supportive work environments had a significant positive relationship with conflict management styles of nurses (p = .026). Work-related stress had a significant relationship with nurses' conflict management style (p = .000) and accounted for 45% of the variance in conflict management style.

Linking Evidence to Action

The style of conflict management modeled by staff within emergency departments can positively or negatively influence the work environment and level of work-related stress. There is a necessity to cultivate a supportive culture for nurses in emergency departments to develop skills for constructive conflict management styles to reduce work-related stress.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Cut‐off scores of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐8: Implications for improving the management of chronic pain

Abstract

Aim

Mental distress, non-specific symptoms of depression and anxiety, is common in chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It contributes to poor recovery. Women's health nurses operate in multidisciplinary teams to facilitate the assessment and treatment of CPP. However, valid cut-off points for identifying highly distressed patients are lacking, entailing a gap in CPP management.

Design

This instrumental cross-sectional study identified a statistically derived cut-off score for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-8 (DASS-8) among 214 Australian women with CPP (mean age = 33.3, SD = 12.4, range = 13–71 years).

Methods

Receiver operator characteristic curve, decision trees and K-means clustering techniques were used to examine the predictive capacity of the DASS-8 for psychiatric comorbidity, pain severity, any medication intake, analgesic intake and sexual abuse. The study is prepared according to the STROBE checklist.

Results

Cut-off points resulting from the analysis were ordered ascendingly. The median (13.0) was chosen as an optimal cut-off score for predicting key outcomes. Women with DASS-8 scores below 15.5 had higher analgesic intake.

Conclusion

CPP women with a DASS-8 score above 13.0 express greater pain severity, psychiatric comorbidity and polypharmacy. Thus, they may be a specific target for nursing interventions dedicated to alleviating pain through the management of associated co-morbidities.

Implications for patient care

At a cut-off point of 13.0, the DASS-8 may be a practical instrument for recommending a thorough clinician-based examination for psychiatric comorbidity to facilitate adequate CPP management. It may be useful for evaluating patients' response to nursing pain management efforts. Replications of the study in different populations/countries are warranted.

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