Conectar
To analyse the impact of a participatory process of awareness and reflection on compassion, in the face of end-of-life processes, in students aged 12–23 years in six Spanish regions, and to understand how the participatory process can transform their compassion.
Mixed sequential transformative methodology with different phases. In the first phase, a prospective quasi-experimental design with evaluation pre-post in a single group will be adopted. The second phase is the intervention under study, which will consist of a Participatory Action Research with concurrent evaluations.
In the quantitative phase, 1390 students aged 12–23 from a Public University and a Public Secondary Education Institute across six different Spanish regions will be included. A single questionnaire will be administered before and after the Participatory Action Research to contribute to the process evaluation, incorporating four scales (compassion for others' lives, Death Anxiety Scale, basic empathy modified for adolescents and self-compassion). Responses will be recorded in the Research Electronic Data Capture system. For data analysis, comparison groups, change evolution and associations between variables will be examined, along with multivariate logistic regression models. In the qualitative phase of participatory action research, a promoter group will be established in each university and secondary school in every region. Qualitative data will be analysed following the authenticity, transferability, auditability and neutrality criteria. Discourse analysis triangulation will be conducted to achieve data saturation.
Implementing participative action research in the educational environment to improve students' compassion makes them capable of founding compassion communities to help those who have a terminal illness.
This study will adhere to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines, such as the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study guideline, to efficiently report its results through the different steps of this mixed-methods study.
Participatory action research is a method that enables participants to act as researchers of the phenomenon under study, facilitating the immediate application of results within the context. Although students did not participate in the writing of the proposal grant or the research design.
This study registered on Clinical Trials (NCT06310434), was initiated in January 2024, and it will continue up to December 2026.
This multicentre study will contribute to the nursing community with an overview of compassion for those at the end of their lives among young people and provide the knowledge needed to cultivate compassion at universities and schools.
Implementing compassion programmes and death education in the educational environment will empower students to create a compassionate community. The double evaluation of the process will contribute to the qualitative databases.
Healthcare systems face a growing challenge: as technology advances, patients increasingly feel like data points in systems that prioritise efficiency over empathy. This paper addresses the global healthcare crisis of disconnection, arguing that fundamental change requires putting human experience at the centre through Caring Science principles in nursing.
COVID-19 clearly revealed this disconnect. While showcasing scientific advances, it exposed gaps in compassionate care and fair access globally. Nurses struggled to maintain human connection while dealing with resource shortages and isolation protocols, proving that advanced medical treatments alone cannot address the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social factors that influence health.
This work draws on peer-reviewed studies, contemporary research, and theories of human caring to demonstrate the global responsibility and urgent need for integrating caring practices into healthcare systems. Collectively, this evidence underscores both the necessity of intervention and the effectiveness of Caring Science as a strategy for transforming organisational practices while highlighting a pressing truth: healthcare systems worldwide must move beyond efficiency alone and intentionally weave caring practices into their structures.
This analysis examines Caring Science through three key areas: Relational, Organisational, and Global. Using Watson's Theory of Human Caring and current research, the paper shows how caring relationships can improve through thoughtful use of innovation. Recent healthcare improvements demonstrate promising results when technology integration enhances both nurse empowerment and patient outcomes within frameworks that prioritise human connection.
Future directions position Caring Science as a mature, evidence-informed framework for addressing healthcare's complex challenges. The paper calls for ‘sacred activism’—a commitment to protecting caring's essential dimensions while embracing beneficial innovation, positioning nursing to lead healthcare transformation through both the art and science of nursing that honours human dignity.
To examine the historical origins of ‘advanced’ nursing as a concept.
Historical analysis using primary source documentation.
Historical analysis of articles published in the American Journal of Nursing by the National League of Nursing Education from 1928 to 1950, supplemented by books and articles addressing nursing specialisation history. Articles were analysed chronologically to trace terminology development and strategic decision-making processes during this foundational period.
‘Advanced’ terminology was first introduced in 1933 by Isabel Stewart to distinguish university-based clinical specialisation from exploitative hospital ‘postgraduate courses’. The term served as a strategic tool for legitimacy and professional differentiation. World War II accelerated development through federal funding and increased specialisation demands. Louise McManus provided the first conceptual framework in 1949, defining ‘advanced’ education as ‘planned forward movement’ requiring new learning experiences beyond basic preparation. Master's degree requirements were established in 1952, creating educational structures that persist today.
The strategic introduction of ‘advanced’ terminology in the 1930s established foundational concepts that continue to influence contemporary advanced practice nursing development internationally.
Understanding these historical origins enables more informed policy development for countries implementing advanced nursing roles and helps resolve ongoing definitional confusion in international nursing practice.
This research addresses the gap in historical understanding of advanced practice nursing terminology origins. Main findings reveal the strategic nature of professional language in nursing's professionalisation. The research impacts international nursing education policy and contemporary advanced nursing role development across diverse healthcare systems.
This study adhered to guidelines for historical research methodology.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
Poor oral health is a common but often overlooked concern in palliative care, negatively impacting patients' quality of life. There is limited understanding of how palliative care providers (PCPs) approach oral health promotion in this context. This review synthesises evidence on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of PCPs regarding oral health care and strategies to support them in this area.
Integrative review.
A systematic literature search was undertaken until January 2025 across multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest, EMBASE and Scopus) and grey literature. Inclusion criteria focused on nurses, medical specialists and allied health professionals involved in palliative or end-of-life care, with no publication year restriction.
This review followed Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) framework for integrative reviews. Study quality was assessed using appropriate tools for qualitative and quantitative studies, clinical guidelines and screening tools. A hybrid thematic synthesis approach was used for analysis.
Twenty-five studies were included, mostly of moderate to high quality. Sample sizes ranged from 8 to 1339, with most participants being nurses and nursing assistants, followed by medical professionals. Findings revealed inconsistent knowledge, varied practices and limited prioritisation of oral health care. Barriers included system constraints, limited training and patient-related challenges. Supportive strategies such as guidelines, screening tools and educational interventions were identified.
A significant gap exists in PCP knowledge and practices regarding oral healthcare due to various barriers, with few supportive strategies documented in this field.
There is an urgent need for enhanced education, robust evidence-based guidelines and tailored training for providers to advance and integrate oral health care in palliative care settings.
PRISMA Checklist.
No patient or public contribution.
To synthesise primary qualitative studies reporting experiences of post-hospital recovery for critical care survivors, their family and the healthcare professionals supporting them with a particular focus on physical impairment.
The review was conducted through a meta-ethnography using the seven stages of Noblit and Hare.
Qualitative studies or mixed-method studies which included qualitative research were included if they were based on the phenomenon of interest. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and confidence in the findings with the GRADE CERQual framework.
Five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and PEDro) were searched from inception to February 2022 and updated in November 2024. Grey literature for primary qualitative studies was also searched.
A total of 26,249 studies were initially screened, and 38 eligible studies were analysed. Four themes were distilled describing the experiences of critical care survivors, their family members and staff involved in their care: ‘I survived, but I didn't thrive’, ‘Healthcare was there to save my life, but not for my long-term recovery’, ‘I am a burden on my family, and they feel the weight of carrying me’ and ‘My body still doesn't work like it used to’.
This meta-ethnography is unique in bringing together the experiences of patients recovering from critical illness, their families, and the staff who support them after hospital discharge. Ongoing diverse physical impairments prevented patients from thriving, significantly impacting family members. All groups clearly identified unmet rehabilitation needs following critical illness.
Although healthcare infrastructure has improved in recent years, the preoperative journey of patients is often accompanied by anxiety. Allowing patients to walk to the operating theatre is a simple, yet underexplored strategy that may enhance their sense of autonomy and reduce anxiety. As patient-centred care gains importance, evaluating the effects of this approach on patient-reported outcomes may be more relevant than widely assumed.
In this scoping review, we aim to analyse the published literature on preoperative walking into the operating theatre and patient-reported outcomes, such as anxiety and satisfaction.
This study was a scoping review that followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Scoping Review extension guidelines.
Inclusion criteria were adult patients undergoing elective surgery and walking to the operating theatre. Data were extracted using a standardised form, and critical appraisal was performed by using ROBINS-I V2.0, RoB2 and ROB-E tools.
Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases (OVID) and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) were searched up to 31st January 2025.
Our search identified 958 articles, with seven trials included in the final analysis. The studies, published between 1994 and 2022, involved 3001 patients from North America, Asia and Europe. The interventions varied, but most patients reported improved satisfaction and reduced anxiety when walking to the operating theatre. No adverse events were reported, although patient preferences varied, with younger patients more likely to prefer walking.
Walking to the theatre positively impacts patient satisfaction and autonomy. However, patient selection is key, as not all individuals are physically or mentally prepared for walking. Future research could explore unaccompanied walking and its effects on hospital resource utilisation. Preoperative walking is a beneficial intervention that enhances patient satisfaction and reduces anxiety, providing a feasible alternative to bed transport for many elective surgical patients.
No patient or public involvement.
To systematically summarise evidence related to the use of non-sterile gloves when preparing and administering intravenous antimicrobials.
Scoping review.
A rigorous scoping review was undertaken following Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework and the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping review guidelines (2018). Five databases and grey literature were included in the search. Literature published between 2009 and 2024 was included.
Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science) and the grey literature were searched in February 2024.
Three studies were included; however, none directly addressed correct non-sterile glove use during intravenous antimicrobial preparation or administration in clinical practice.
We found no evidence to support the use of non-sterile gloves in intravenous antimicrobial preparation. There is an urgent need for rigorous research to inform the development of clear guidelines on non-sterile glove use to underpin evidence-based decision-making in nursing and other health professional education, improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and promote environmental sustainability in healthcare.
Inappropriate use of non-sterile gloves for preparing and administering intravenous antimicrobials hinders correct hand hygiene practices and increases healthcare-associated infections, healthcare costs and waste.
A critical gap in the existing evidence was a key finding of this review, highlighting the urgency for evidence-based guidelines to improve patient safety outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and promote environmental sustainability in healthcare.
This scoping review adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting checklist.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.
The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QY4J2).
To explore how persons with cancer construct and socially position themselves in online blogs. Clarifying the discursive practice of self-construction can deepen healthcare professionals' understanding of how persons with cancer perceive themselves and their place in society.
Mixed qualitative and quantitative design using corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis.
Online blogs active between 2015 and 2023 were evaluated. Google search with keywords: ‘Blog about cancer’ was conducted. Corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis, following Fairclough's framework, was used to analyse data from four persons with cancer living in Norway.
The analysis identified three discursive practices in which bloggers constructed themselves: a discourse of a person's existence, a discourse of norms, and a discourse of a paternalistic system. The bloggers constructed themselves as being trapped in their own bodies, changed and vulnerable individuals who should conform to the expected behaviours, and not being seen and heard by the healthcare system.
The bloggers with cancer struggled between holistic and dualistic ideology, wishing to separate their bodies from themselves and constructed themselves as changed persons. Moreover, they struggled with societal expectations and adapted themselves to a paternalistic healthcare system, despite their desire to be seen and heard as individuals.
This study investigated the experiences of patients living with cancer, offering valuable knowledge for nurses, other healthcare professionals, and the government. The study uncovered that persons with cancer constructed themselves as changed persons and felt vulnerable socially and within a paternalistic healthcare system. These results may provide a stimulus for further discussions on the patient roles in cancer treatment and how to meet their needs for care and treatment.
This study adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
To describe the outcomes of an e(electronic)-Delphi survey used to achieve consensus on the essential elements that should be included in a multidisciplinary, nurse-led service for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
The study design was based on a three-round e-Delphi survey.
A series of three survey rounds were used to gather expert opinions and achieve consensus on the key elements that should be included in a CHF disease management program from a sample of healthcare professionals and organizational leaders with expertise in existing CHF services. Consensus for each item was defined as at least 90% agreement.
There were 20 participants (18 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round-1, 22 (20 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round-2, and 17 (15 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round-3. Fifteen participants attended a final online meeting (13 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders). Consensus was obtained on five essential components: (i) consumer education, (ii) treatment optimization using a multidisciplinary approach, (iii) discharge planning, (iv) provision of supportive community care and (v) mechanisms to respond to early symptoms of decompensated CHF.
Participants focused on mechanisms to improve treatment effectiveness, patient and family knowledge, communication between healthcare providers and supportive care in the community. The proposed model of care may be useful to other health service providers who are designing or adapting CHF models of care for the South-East Asian environment.
This research provides a solid basis for using a Delphi method to resolve the challenges and issues of transferring global model-based recommendations in CHF knowledge. The Delphi method proved successful as an important step in developing a culturally acceptable model of chronic care that meets the goals of local healthcare providers.
Nurses confront substantial daily workloads. Coping mechanisms, including resilient behaviours at both individual and team levels, are pivotal in managing these challenges. Factors like work experience can significantly influence individual resilience. Yet, team resilience among nurses remains relatively unexplored.
Our study examined perceptions of both individual and team resilience among Dutch hospital nurses. Furthermore, we investigated the impacts of hospital type, ward type and work experience.
The Employee Resilience Scale was used to evaluate individual resilience and adapted for team contexts to assess team resilience. This study was one of three conducted under a governmental research program aimed at improving patient safety in the Netherlands. A paired t-test and correlation analysis were conducted to compare individual resilience with team resilience. A separate t-test assessed the impact of ward type on perceived individual and team resilience. Finally, post hoc analyses were used to examine the effects of hospital type and work experience.
In total, 344 nurses from 25 different wards of 17 Dutch hospitals completed the survey. In general, nurses indicated to act more resilient on the individual level (mean = 3.77, SD = 0.61) compared to the team level (mean = 3.53, SD = 0.65; t = 7.25, p = 0.00). A correlation was found between perceived individual and team resilience (r = 0.53, p = 0.00). No effects of hospital- and ward type were found on both individual or team resilience. Years of work experience did not affect individual resilience but showed a significant effect on team resilience.
Dutch hospital nurses indicated they often act resilient on both individual and team levels. However, with increasing workloads in healthcare, being able to remain resilient will become increasingly challenging and important. Organisations should therefore support employees to maintain resilience by adapting their work environment to meet more employees' needs.
Investigate the perception of male accessibility to the fields of nursing practice by those studying or teaching nursing in England.
Cross-sectional survey.
Online questionnaire with three closed-scale questions and two open-text questions designed to elicit perceptions on the accessibility of men to the fields of nursing practice. The questionnaire was distributed to the staff and students at 61 nursing schools in England. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the closed questions data and inductive content analysis was used to analyse open-text questions data.
Students (n = 52) and staff (n = 51) responded to the survey. Adult (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2) and mental health (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2) were perceived as the most accessible fields of nursing practice to men, and child (Mdn = 4, IQR = 2) the least. Specialised practice areas in acute and emergency (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2), education (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2), leadership (Mdn = 7, IQR = 1), prison services (Mdn = 7, IQR = 1), and research (Mdn = 7, IQR = 2) were rated the most accessible to men and neonatal care (Mdn = 3, IQR = 3) the least. Societal stereotyping and stigma were seen as barriers to men entering the nursing profession. The perception that nursing is a feminised profession persists and a distrust of men is associated with child nursing. Men were viewed as progressing to leadership roles with greater ease than women.
Societal level stereotyping and stigma are perceived as prevalent in nursing practice areas considered less accessible to men entering the nursing profession.
This study adds insight into the gendered nature of nursing and highlights the barriers to men entering a profession with a workforce crisis.
STROBE cross-sectional studies guidelines. COREQ guidelines for content analysis.
No patient or public contribution.
To explore the social context of violence for hospital-based and community nurses from different ethnic groups, the types of violence experienced or witnessed both in and outside the workplace, and its impact on mental and physical health.
Cross-sectional, qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with 12 hospital-based and community nurses recruited from London, England, between May and August 2021. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
The sample comprised seven hospital nurses and five community nurses. Four themes were identified: (i) the social context in which nurses from different ethnic groups are exposed to community violence; (ii) types of workplace violence experienced or witnessed by hospital-based and community nurses from different ethnic groups; (iii) perceptions of the factors contributing to workplace violence; (iv) impacts of violence on mental and physical health outcomes. Using the social ecological framework and sociological theory of stress, these findings informed a conceptual stress process model of violence exposure for nurses.
Nurses from different ethnic groups are exposed to violence both in and outside the workplace which negatively affects their mental and physical health. Effective violence prevention requires a multi-factorial approach that addresses the social and institutional factors contributing to violence, shifting the focus from individual measures to systemic organisational changes.
The NHS workforce is currently more diverse than ever, and healthcare leaders must improve access to mental health and well-being resources for staff affected by workplace violence, particularly for those who hold multiple social identities at the intersection of ethnicity, gender and age. Prioritising this support is essential not only to safeguard against negative health outcomes but also to improve the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals.
No patient or public contribution.
Chinese-speaking immigrants in Australia have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and face more barriers to accessing quality healthcare compared to non-culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This study aimed to explore the self-management experiences of Chinese-speaking Australians with self-reported lived experience of prediabetes following immigration.
Qualitative study.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected Australian Chinese-speaking immigrants aged over 40 years. Data collection was undertaken in Perth, Western Australia between April and August 2024. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Three themes are presented in this paper: (1) An acculturation journey: Reshaping cultural identity and social connections in immigrant lives, (2) Embodying prediabetes: Cognitive reconstruction and emotional adaptation in the transition to the patient role and (3) Decision-behaviour dynamics: Mapping agency and adaptiveness in self-management processes. Participants demonstrated dynamic adjustment through the processes of self-awareness, adaptive behaviours, self-reflection and self-attribution of health outcomes.
Chinese-speaking Australians navigating prediabetes following immigration underwent a complex process of reconstruction across cognitive, cultural and psychological domains. Prediabetes self-management was shaped by cultural values, acculturation, dietary preferences, emotional resilience, local and distant social networks and resource availability. These findings underscore the importance of empowering both individuals and communities through evidence-based and culturally appropriate strategies.
Participants experienced profound transformations in their cultural adaptation, prediabetes cognition, social support networks and emotional–psychological landscape. Future interventions must address identified barriers (e.g., cooking burden, comorbidities, stress), facilitators (e.g., leisure travel, family support), motivations (e.g., cultural heritage, health risk perception) and challenges (e.g., knowledge–behaviour gap, digital health information) that shape self-management behaviours. A community empowerment approach, utilising evidence-based content, flexible delivery formats and existing cultural networks, should be adopted to offer promising pathways for prediabetes health education.
The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.
Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, with two community representatives providing feedback on interview questions and recruitment strategies.
This paper outlines key developments, innovations, and milestones in the field of spirituality and spiritual care in nursing.
A discursive paper.
Nursing scholars have significantly influenced the profession and contributed to the development of nursing knowledge, particularly in the field of spirituality and spiritual care. Key research has focused on nurses' perceptions and attitudes toward spirituality, clarifying foundational spiritual concepts, and establishing a framework of core spiritual care competencies for the profession.
Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain in nurses' knowledge, understanding, and experience in providing spiritual care. The development of agreed-upon spiritual care competencies at the European level offers important guidance for the profession, and educational initiatives are underway to support their integration. However, the field remains in an early stage of development, and further research is needed to embed spiritual care competencies into national and international nursing policy and practice. Moreover, continued research is also essential to inform and evaluate current educational programmes and nursing interventions, and to support the translation of evidence-based knowledge into effective spiritual care delivery.
Spiritual support is proven to be an important consideration for many patients and families globally. Imbedding spiritual care education into both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing curricula is essential to prepare nurses to address the spiritual needs of patients in healthcare settings. Structured curricula that provide clear instructions on how to recognise, assess, and respond to spiritual concerns in clinical practice can enhance nurses' competence and confidence. Embedding spiritual care into education and training helps normalise spiritual care as a component of holistic nursing, supporting its inclusion in everyday care rather than treating it as an optional or marginal practice. Such educational integration has the potential to improve the consistency and quality of spiritual care across healthcare settings.
Internationally there are evident gaps in the consistent provision of spiritual care to patients and their families. These are being addressed through conceptual clarity, the agreed-upon competencies, and enhanced educational initiatives. It is essential to continue to increase awareness among the nursing profession on the necessity of addressing spiritual care needs, within the context of cultural perspectives to ensure that value is placed on the significance of these issues on a global scale.
There was no patient or publication contribution in this specific commentary.
Investing in advanced nursing roles (AN) in social care is a strategic priority to address workforce challenges, create new career pathways, improve outcomes and future-proof the sector. However, there is limited understanding of these roles globally. This systematic scoping review maps the international presence and impact of post-qualification advanced practice roles for registered nurses (RNs) working in care homes and charitable organisations.
This review was conducted following the methodology established by the JBI and adhered to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews checklist.
Studies were included if (1) they included RNs working in care homes, charities or not-for-profit health centres, (2) the RN was in a specialist, enhanced or advanced practice role and (3) if role details were provided. Studies were limited to those published in the English language between 2014 and 2024. Evidence was gathered from a comprehensive search of electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science), grey literature, relevant webpages, and reference lists. Expert consultations were also conducted. Eligible full texts were reviewed in Covidence software by two independent researchers.
The search yielded 575 records, and 89 were taken forward for full-text screening. A total of 20 met the inclusion criteria: 19 were concerned with AN roles in care homes, and one focused on a charitable organisation. The majority of these studies (n = 12) were conducted in North America.
The literature on AN roles in care homes and charitable organisations is notably sparse. Despite this, the available evidence highlights substantial benefits, including improved care quality, enhanced resident outcomes and positive impacts on team dynamics. This review identifies four key themes: scope of practice, positive impacts, influencing factors and barriers, which provide a framework for policymakers, healthcare leaders and educators to optimise the contributions of this group within the evolving global social care sector.
Not undertaken because of the nature of scoping reviews.
This review highlights the crucial role of advanced nurses in enhancing care quality, resident outcomes, and workforce sustainability in care homes and charitable organisations. The findings provide direction for policymakers and health and social care leaders to further develop the role of nursing in social care settings globally.
To understand the social representations of bedside milk expression (BME) among mothers of preterm newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Qualitative descriptive study.
The study was conducted from July to August 2024 in two NICUs of a referral maternity hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil. Nineteen mothers of hospitalised premature newborns participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and subjected to thematic content analysis.
Mothers perceived BME as a meaningful act of protection and bonding, though some were unfamiliar with the practice. Emotional ambivalence was common, shaped by prior breastfeeding experiences and the context of prematurity. Discomfort related to privacy and shared spaces was noted. Support from healthcare professionals was essential to promote understanding and adherence.
Social representations of BME are shaped by emotional, social and institutional experiences. Anchored in prior breastfeeding experiences and cultural meanings of maternal care, the practice is objectified through both gestures of affection and tangible barriers.
Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, should receive training to support mothers in BME. Structural improvements, privacy and emotional support are essential for fostering maternal autonomy and confidence.
This study highlights the barriers to BME, emphasising the role of healthcare support and the need for better infrastructure, privacy and training to enhance maternal confidence and breastfeeding.
The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.
None.
This paper highlights the pivotal role of healthcare professional support in overcoming barriers to BME and promoting breastfeeding practices.
Fresh breast milk is considered the gold standard for reducing complications and improving survival in preterm infants. BME is recommended as an effective strategy to ensure the availability of fresh breast milk. Mothers' social representations of this practice remain underexplored within the neonatal intensive care context.
Explores mothers' social representations of BME in NICUs, addressing a significant gap in qualitative research. Reveals how emotional, social and institutional factors shape mothers' perceptions, motivations and challenges related to BME. Highlights the need for targeted professional support, improved infrastructure and privacy to enhance maternal autonomy and adherence to milk expression practices.
Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, should receive specialised training to provide technical guidance and emotional support, enhancing mothers' confidence and autonomy in BME. Improving infrastructure and ensuring privacy in NICUs are crucial to creating supportive environments that facilitate milk expression and strengthen maternal–infant bonding. Institutional policies should integrate maternal-centred strategies to support breastfeeding continuity and promote humanised neonatal care.
To explore the challenges that visually impaired individuals face in managing their prescribed therapy at home, and to identify the implications for all healthcare professionals involved in medication management and patient safety.
A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study.
Data were collected from 357 visually impaired adults recruited at the premises of the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired during their visits for various reasons between October 2022 and June 2023, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Variables included demographics, medication practices, and self-reported challenges in medication administration and dosing. Data were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), a series of Kruskal-Wallis tests, and post hoc Dunn's tests in R (v. 4.4.3).
Respondents faced major problems in differentiating different types of tablets/capsules (56%) and differentiating different packages of drugs (47%); 5% of respondents sometimes take the wrong medicine, 4% sometimes take the wrong dose, and 11% sometimes take medicine at the wrong time. The most frequent problem was applying medications in liquid form. Older participants, those with chronic illness, multiple medications, lower education, or complete blindness reported significantly more difficulties. More than half of the respondents stated that they needed help in recognising drugs (60%), dosing (62%), and the expiration date of the drug (74%).
Visually impaired individuals, particularly those who are older and have complex medication regimens, face substantial barriers to safe and independent medication use. These findings highlight the need for individualised support and practical education strategies.
Through individualised approaches and practical training, with interprofessional collaboration, patient safety can be significantly improved and the risk of medication errors reduced. In a healthcare system with rapid technological advances and a growing shortage of healthcare workers, it is necessary to consider a broader range of support strategies, including efforts to understand the specific needs of people with visual impairments and the use of available assistive devices.
What problem did the study address?: Visually impaired individuals encounter substantial challenges in safely managing their prescribed medications, especially as they age and develop chronic health conditions. Despite the increasing global prevalence of vision impairment, this issue remains underexplored in nursing literature and practice.
What were the main findings?: This study presents evidence on the specific challenges that visually impaired adults face when self-administering medications. It identifies key risk factors—including advanced age, polypharmacy, chronic illness, and complete blindness—and highlights the dosage forms that pose the greatest difficulty. Importantly, it also reveals a widespread need for assistance with medication identification, dosing, and monitoring expiration dates.
Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: The findings highlight nurses' essential role in facilitating safe medication management for visually impaired patients. This involves assessing medication literacy, educating patients and caregivers, and promoting accessible medication labeling. The study highlights the need for nurse-led interventions and policy efforts to reduce disparities in medication safety, while recognising the valuable roles of both pharmacists and physicians in providing a comprehensive, interprofessional approach.
The authors adhered to the STROBE guidelines.
No patient or public involvement.
To explore the professional development, roles, competencies, labour environment, and recognition of doctorally prepared nurses in Spain.
A national cross-sectional survey.
An online questionnaire was distributed to nurses holding a PhD in Spain. The survey, conducted from March 2023 to April 2024, covered five domains: sociodemographic characteristics, postdoctoral professional development, competencies and leadership, work environment, and satisfaction. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate methods.
A total of 363 nurses participated. Most held academic positions, yet 35.8% worked in clinical care. Despite strong engagement in research, teaching, and leadership activities, only 21.3% reported financial recognition and 23% experienced postdoctoral career advancement. Gender disparities emerged, with men frequently holding senior academic roles and leading research projects. Institutional barriers included limited access to protected research time, funding, and formal recognition. However, enabling factors such as motivation, teamwork, and research networks supported ongoing postdoctoral professional development.
Doctorally prepared nurses in Spain contribute substantially to research, education, and leadership, thereby enhancing healthcare delivery. However, their expertise remains underrecognized, particularly within clinical settings. Increased investment is essential to support their integration, professional advancement, and broader impact across academic and healthcare sectors.
Structured career pathways, postdoctoral support, and formal recognition mechanisms are needed to enhance doctoral nurses' impact on research, innovation, and leadership across academic and healthcare settings.
What problem did the study address? National evidence on the roles and recognition of doctorally prepared nurses in Spain was lacking.
What were the main findings? Doctoral nurses contribute to research, education, and leadership but face limited recognition, gender inequities, and scarce advancement opportunities.
Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Academic institutions, healthcare organisations, policymakers, and nursing leaders in Spain.
The STROBE checklist guided reporting.
Nurses were involved in the expert judgement phase, providing insights to validate and refine the research instruments.
To map existing sexual and gender minority (SGM) health research in Ireland, identify gaps in literature and outline priorities for future research and healthcare. SGM is an umbrella term that includes people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex and is sometimes abbreviated as LGBTQI+.
A scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024.
The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and PRISMA-ScR framework for scoping reviews. Articles were identified through systematic database searches and screened independently by reviewers.
PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase were searched for articles published between January 2014 and April 2024. Sixty studies met inclusion criteria.
The review highlighted a disproportionate focus on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), particularly regarding HIV and sexual health. Mental health research revealed high levels of anxiety, depression and suicidality, largely attributed to minority stress and systemic discrimination. Transgender health studies documented barriers to accessing gender-affirming care and mental health services. Few studies explored experiences of sexual minority women, older SGM individuals or intersex people. Intersectional perspectives on race, disability and socio-economic status were notably absent.
SGM health research in Ireland reflects significant progress in documenting disparities in mental and sexual health. However, there is a lack of representation for some groups. There is also limited attention to intersectionality. Systematic gaps in sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data impede targeted policymaking and service delivery.
Findings underscore the need for inclusive, culturally competent healthcare services, better integration of SGM health topics into nursing education, and community-centred interventions. Addressing structural barriers and improving provider competence can enhance equitable healthcare access for SGM populations.
This review addresses the fragmented state of SGM health research in Ireland, highlighting gaps in representation and systemic issues.
Authorship includes individuals from various sexual and gender minority communities.
FreshRSS