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☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Stress and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: The Mediating Role of Perceived Support and Treatment Adherence

ABSTRACT

Aims

To examine the associations among diabetes-related stress, treatment adherence, perceived social support, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1), and to explore the mediating roles of support and adherence in this relationship.

Design

A cross-sectional observational study using self-report standardised measures and mediation analysis.

Methods

A total of 772 Spanish adults with DM1 completed validated instruments measuring diabetes-related distress, perceived social support, treatment adherence, and HRQoL. Hierarchical multiple regression and serial mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 6, 10,000 bootstraps) were conducted, controlling for age, sex, and time since diagnosis.

Data Sources

Not applicable (primary data collection, not a review).

Results

Diabetes-related stress was the strongest predictor of lower HRQoL. Perceived social support and treatment adherence also contributed significantly. Mediation analyses indicated that the impact of stress on HRQoL was partially mediated by perceived social support and, in sequence, by treatment adherence. The indirect path through social support alone and the sequential path involving both mediators were significant.

Conclusion

Stress and social support are critical in understanding and improving HRQoL in adults with DM1. Treatment adherence appears to be influenced by perceived support, highlighting an indirect mechanism linking stress to quality of life.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Healthcare professionals should integrate psychosocial assessments and interventions into routine diabetes care. Targeting stress reduction and enhancing social support may improve adherence and overall well-being in adults with DM1.

Impact

What problem did the study address? The study addressed the need to understand how psychosocial factors—specifically stress, perceived social support, and treatment adherence—contribute to HRQoL in adults with DM1. While prior research often focused on paediatric or clinical populations and rarely explored mediation models, this study sought to fill those gaps with data from a large community sample of adults.

What were the main findings? The main findings indicate that diabetes-related stress is the most significant predictor of reduced HRQoL. This relationship is partially mediated by perceived social support and, sequentially, by treatment adherence. While stress directly affects HRQoL, its negative impact is also channelled through diminished social support and decreased adherence. The indirect effect through treatment adherence alone was not significant.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research has implications for adults living with DM1, particularly those in community settings outside of clinical supervision. It informs healthcare providers, diabetes educators, and policymakers on the importance of addressing emotional distress and strengthening support networks to improve both treatment adherence and overall quality of life.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines for cross-sectional studies. All methods and results are reported in alignment with EQUATOR Network recommendations for transparent and rigorous research reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study was conducted in collaboration with the Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE), which supported participant recruitment and dissemination through its affiliated associations. Patient input was incorporated throughout the study. A person with lived experience of type 1 diabetes contributed to the conceptual development of the research questions and the interpretation of findings. Their perspective helped ensure that the study design, choice of measures, and implications were relevant and meaningful to people living with the condition. This involvement supported a patient-centred approach to both the research and the manuscript preparation. Patients' participation as voluntary contributors was essential to the data collection process.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The Effectiveness of Family Health Conversations Delivered by Nurses: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To extract and interpret quantitative data exploring the effectiveness of family health conversations (FHCs) on family functioning, perceived support, health-related quality of life, caregiver burden and family health in families living with critical or chronic health conditions.

Background

Addressing the health of families affected by critical or chronic illnesses requires focused attention. The effective integration of FHCs is hampered by a scarcity of rigorous quantitative studies that provide solid evidence on best practices and outcomes.

Design

A systematic review following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.

Methods

The review is reported according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Appropriate studies were searched in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane Databases. Results of the search were imported into the Covidence web-based program. Included were studies with a quantitative research design, delivered to families with critical or chronic health conditions, describing FHCs based on the Calgary Family Assessment Model and/or the Calgary Family Intervention Model, and/or the Illness Beliefs Model, using reliable and validated instruments, published between 2008 and 2023, and written in English.

Results

In total, 24 papers met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen papers used a quasi-experimental design, eight of which included a control group. Two papers used a mixed methods design, and six papers were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A statistically significant effect of FHCs on family functioning was reported in two RCTs and three quasi-experimental papers. We also found that a statistically significant effect of FHCs was reported on perceived support in 9 of 15 papers, quality of life in 4 of 11 papers and caregiver burden in 1 of 3 papers.

Conclusion and Implications for Clinical Practice

The interventions reviewed revealed variability and partial results concerning the effectiveness of FHCs on family functioning. More rigorous research about short-term, intermediate- and long-term effectiveness is needed before conclusions can be drawn.

Reporting Method

The study is reported according to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) (File S1).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. Data were gathered from previously published studies.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Examining the Association Between Perceived Quality of Care and Experienced Coercion Among Patients in Acute Mental Health Units in Spain: A National Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To examine the association between perceived quality of care and the level of coercion experienced by individuals hospitalised in acute mental health units.

Design

National cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from 255 patients admitted to 12 acute mental health units across Spain. Standardised instruments assessed perceived quality of care and levels of coercion, humiliation and fear at discharge. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore associations between care quality dimensions and patients' experiences.

Results

Perceived quality of care was significantly associated with lower levels of perceived coercion and humiliation. All dimensions of care quality showed inverse associations, with the “secluded” dimension showing the strongest association. The association between care quality and perceived fear was less consistent. These findings are particularly relevant for mental health nurses, who play a central role in delivering relational care and ensuring patients' emotional safety.

Conclusion

Higher perceived quality of care is associated with lower levels of coercion, humiliation, and fear during hospitalisation in acute mental health settings.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

For mental health nursing, these results underscore the critical role of nurses in creating therapeutic environments that reduce coercive experiences. By fostering trust, promoting patient autonomy, and ensuring emotional and physical safety, nurses can significantly influence the quality of care and patient outcomes.

Impact

The study addresses the lack of evidence on how perceived quality of care influences experiences of coercion in acute mental health settings. Better perceived care quality is linked to reduced feelings of coercion, humiliation and fear. The research has direct implications for mental health nurses, clinical educators and healthcare managers aiming to improve patient experiences and reduce coercive practices in psychiatric care.

Reporting Method

STROBE reporting guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Evaluating Leadership and Teamwork Competency Acquisition Through Clinical Simulation: Development of the Clinical Simulation Learning Leadership and Teamwork Scale

ABSTRACT

Advanced simulation is a methodology that allows the development of technical skills and transversal skills such as teamwork and leadership. There are tools to measure the development of technical competencies and student satisfaction with the methodology, but not to measure the development and use of transversal competencies in the clinical practice setting.

Aim of the Study

To develop and validate a scale to measure the impact of clinical simulation on the development and application of teamwork and leadership competencies.

Design

A multicentre study was carried out in two Spanish universities in which the Clinical Simulation Learning Teamwork and Leadership Scale was developed and validated.

Methods

The study was carried out in several phases: development of the questionnaire using a Delphi method, pilot test and validation of the construct with a sample of 207 nursing students. Reporting of this research adheres to STROBE guidelines.

Results

Content validity was checked according to Aiken's V for the three attributes of the questionnaire. Reliability or internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α and the sensitivity analysis showed no significant variation when any item was eliminated. On the other hand, McDonald's Omega statistic was used. Intraobserver reliability was taken from a sample of 47 students, in which it was observed that the intraclass correlation was positive.

Conclusions

The Clinical Simulation Learning teamwork and leadership scale is a valid instrument for measuring the development of transversal competencies.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This scale will provide information to evaluate the weight of the clinical simulation in the students' knowledge.

Impact

It is a tool for evaluating transversal skills that is proven valid and will improve the training of students.

Reporting Method

The instructions of the STROBE checklist have been followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

The students have participated in the knowledge transfer self-assessment.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Predictive Performance of Device‐Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale to Evaluating Pressure Injuries Risk in the Neonates. An Observational Multicenter Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To assess the validity of a modified Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment scale (Dev-NSARS) for neonatal pressure injuries (PIs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and neonatal sub-intensive care unit (NICU-Sub) environment.

Background

Medical devices are the leading cause of pressure injuries (PIs) in neonates, a key cause of morbidity in neonatology, significantly impacting the length of stay (LOS) and public hospital resources.

Methods

The Dev-NSRAS scale, considering the presence of medical devices, was tested on a national multicenter prospective study on newborns. The discrimination power of the Dev-NSRAS scale was compared to that of the more commonly used Glamorgan scale.

Results

Nine newborns (6.6%) developed PIs, with a total of 16 injuries, 75% (12 out of 16) of which were device related. Newborns with postconceptional age ≤ 30.8 weeks were at higher risk of developing PIs. First 24-h total Dev-NSRAS scores were compared with first 24-h Glamorgan scores, to obtain and compare respective sensitivity and specificity. During the first 24 h from admission, a very good discriminative performance was evidenced for Dev-NSRAS ≤ 11 (AUC 0.921, 95% CI: 0.899–0.940, p < 0.0001; 81.6% sensitivity and 93.6% specificity) as compared to a moderate discriminative performance shown by a Glamorgan score > 28 (AUC 0.752, 95% CI: 0.634–0.660, p < 0.0001; 92.1% sensitivity and 65.5% specificity).

Conclusions

Early application (i.e., in the first day from hospital admission) of Dev-NSRAS by the nursing personnel shows excellent accuracy in predicting the risk of developing PUs in newborns admitted to NICU and NICU-Sub, as compared to the Glamorgan scale.

Reporting Method

The STROBE statement for cohort observational studies was used as the reference reporting method.

Impact

The study addressed the lack of a risk assessment scale for pressure injuries in neonates. Development and testing of a scale that demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the early prediction of pressure injury risk in neonates within the first 24 h. The research will have an impact in NICUs and NICU-Sub units, enabling nurses to plan personalised care to prevent pressure injuries in neonates, thereby reducing the length of hospital stays and overall healthcare costs.

Contribution

Introduce a validated scale for improving neonatal pressure injury prevention worldwide. Enhance early detection tools, reduce hospital stays and global costs.

Protocol Registration

The study protocol has been approved by the Paediatric Tuscany Region Ethical Committee (date: 18 January 2021; protocol code 18/2021).

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Nursing Skills in the Care of Patients With Respiratory Stomas in Hospitals With and Without Advanced Practice Tracheostomy Service

ABSTRACT

Aims

To identify whether there are differences in knowledge regarding the management of patients with respiratory stomas among nurses working in hospitals with an advanced practice tracheostomy service compared to those without it.

Design

Descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative, analytical survey study.

Method

The study was conducted from January to March 2023 in four tertiary care hospitals, two of which have an advanced practice tracheostomy service. A self-administered questionnaire was designed, consisting of 16 questions about nurses' specialised training in caring for tracheostomy patients. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (24.0) from IBM.

Results

Nurses in hospitals with a dedicated tracheostomy service obtained a higher mean score (7.1/10) and demonstrated greater anxiety when managing patients with stomas (p < 0.001), as well as an increased willingness to undergo specific training (p = 0.017) to reduce their lack of self-confidence.

Conclusions

A higher level of anxiety in the management of tracheostomised patients and a greater interest in receiving specific training have been observed among nurses in hospitals with advanced practice services (APTS), despite having greater training. Therefore, institutions should commit to incorporating advanced practice nurses and continuing education in the approach to ostomies among their professionals.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Implementing ongoing training programmes and specific tracheostomy services or units in hospitals would enable nurses to provide high-quality care for patients with respiratory stomas.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Neither patients nor the public were involved in the design or conduct of this research. Nurses participated exclusively in data collection.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The effect of virtual reality versus standard‐of‐care treatment on pain perception during paediatric vaccination: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To study the effects of virtual reality (VR) on pain perception among a paediatric population while being vaccinated. We will also investigate the effects of VR on the fear experienced by children during the vaccination procedure, as well as parental satisfaction levels.

Background

Many studies, for example, in the fields of oncology, dermatology or plastic surgery, have described the benefits of using VR to reduce the perception of pain among paediatric populations. These results are encouraging, but their main limitations were the small sample sizes they included or their methodological design.

Design

This will be a randomised clinical trial.

Methods

SPIRIT guidelines were followed to report this protocol, and we will use the CONSORT and CONSORT-EHEALTH guidelines to report the randomised clinical trial. The sample will comprise 148 children aged 3–14 years who will come for vaccination at the Tres Forques Health Center. The participants will be randomly allocated into intervention group (VR; n = 74) or (the control group standard-of-care; n = 74) at a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will view experiences with a VR headset as a distraction measure. The study variables will be the level of pain and fear perceived by the child during vaccination, parental satisfaction with the vaccination procedure, and sociodemographic and vaccination variables.

Results

The start of the study is planned for September 2020, and the results will be expected in September 2021.

Conclusions

This study aims to identify what measures reduce pain and fear in children during vaccination, which in turn, can help to improve the degree of parental satisfaction with these procedures.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Vaccination is an independent function of the nursing profession. Identifying which distraction measures reduce the perception of pain and fear in the paediatric population will not only improve children's experiences but will also improve the satisfaction of both parents and children, thus increasing the degree of compliance with the vaccination schedule.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

What comes next? A cross‐sectional study on post‐discharge referrals of adolescents treated in emergency services following a suicide attempt

Abstract

Aim

To assess the proportions and associated factors of different post-discharge referrals among adolescents treated in the emergency department after a suicide attempt.

Design

Observational, cross-sectional retrospective study.

Methods

We conducted a study using the medical records of 140 adolescents treated for a suicide attempt between January 2015 and May 2023 in a Brazilian emergency department, focusing on post-discharge referrals, defined as discharge without referral, unaddressed referral and referral addressed to the network. Associations between the outcomes and other variables were analysed using a Poisson regression model.

Results

Discharges without referrals prevailed, followed by addressed and unaddressed referrals. Regression models showed associations between post-discharge and age, prior continuous use of psychotropic medications, location of care, continued suicidal ideation at discharge and evaluation by a multi-professional team.

Conclusion

A high number of adolescents were discharged from emergency departments without co-ordination with the mental health network, and the involvement of the multi-professional team was positively associated with addressed referrals.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study informs healthcare professionals by raising awareness of their practices in discharging adolescents after suicide attempts in emergency departments, with the possibility of improving care quality and reducing the likelihood of readmission.

Reporting Method

STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The effect of virtual reality versus standard‐of‐care treatment on pain perception during paediatric vaccination: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To determine the effect of immersive virtual reality (VR) on perceived pain and fear in children during vaccination and parental satisfaction with the procedure.

Background

Virtual reality can reduce the perception of pain by children but only three studies have analysed its use during vaccination to date; these had small sample sizes and imperfect methodological designs.

Design

A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Methods

One hundred and sixty participants from the Tres Forques Health Center were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG) (n = 82) in which distraction with immersive VR was used during the vaccination, while standard distraction techniques were used for the control group (n = 80). The primary outcome was pain (Wong–Baker FACES). Secondary outcomes included (Children's Fear Scale) and parental satisfaction with the vaccination procedure. Chi-squared tests were used for qualitative variables, relationships between quantitative variables were tested with Spearman correlations, and Mann–Whitney U- or Student t-tests were employed to assess the relationship between quantitative and qualitative variables.

Results

Compared to the controls, the children in the IG reported significantly less pain and fear, while parental satisfaction was significantly higher. Reported pain and fear did not differ according to the sex of the patient. Child age was not linked to fear but was related to pain: the younger the patient, the greater the pain they described.

Conclusions

Immersive VR effectively controlled pain and fear in children during vaccination and increased parent satisfaction with the vaccination process. Patient sex did not influence the level of pain and fear but age did.

Relevance to clinical practice

Improving vaccination experiences can reduce perceived pain and fear in children and increase parent satisfaction, thereby enhancing vaccination schedule adherence and improving group immunity.

Reporting Method

The CONSORT Statement for non-pharmacological randomised clinical trials were followed.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Measurement properties of patient‐reported outcome measures for women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, is a subjective experience, and can only be assessed by patient-reported outcomes. These instruments should be reliable, valid and responsive.

Aim

To identify and critically appraise the available evidence for the measurement properties of specific patient-reported outcome measures used for dysmenorrhea.

Methods

The PRISMA statement was used to report this systematic review. Databases searched were PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar (April 2021; updated on February 2023). Original studies with primary data collection, with no restriction on language and publication date that reported psychometric properties of one or more dysmenorrhea-related patient-reported outcome measure. The literature searches, selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias were performed independently by two reviewers and followed the COSMIN guidelines.

Results

Thirty studies were analysed in this review, and 19 patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated. The instruments varied in relation to the measured construct and measurement properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness). The methodological quality of the studies and the quality of evidence of the patient-reported outcome measures were variable. Among the 13 studies that reported the development of patient-reported outcome measures, most had inadequate methodological quality, and the overall rating was insufficient or inconsistent.

Conclusions

The Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) scale was the only identified patient-reported outcome measure that has the potential to be recommended because of its sufficient rating combined with moderate quality of evidence for content validity. Future studies should further evaluate the measurement properties of the existing patient-reported outcome measures, or develop new patient-reported outcome measures following the COSMIN methodology.

Patient or public contribution

Not applicable as this is a systematic review.

Trial registration

PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021244410. Registration on April 22, 2021.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Impact effects of COVID‐19 pandemic on chronic disease patients: A longitudinal prospective study

Abstract

Aims

To assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical variables as part of the routine clinical monitoring of patients with chronic diseases in primary care.

Design

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in primary care centres of the Andalusian Health Service.

Methods

Data were recorded before the pandemic (T1), during the declaration of the state of emergency (T2) and in the transition phase (T3). The Barthel index and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) were used to analyse functional and cognitive changes at the three time points. HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, BMI and lipid levels were assessed as clinical variables. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric chi-square test were used for analysis. STROBE checklist was used for the preparation of this paper.

Results

A total fo148 patients with chronic conditions were included in the analysis. Data analysis revealed in T2 only significant reductions in BMI, total levels of cholesterol and HDL during the onset of the pandemic. Barthel Index, SPMSQ, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsened in T2, and the negative effects were maintained in T3. Compared to pre-pandemic values, HbA1c levels improved in T3, but HDL levels worsened.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has drastically disrupted several functional, cognitive and biological variables. These results may be useful in identifying clinical parameters that deserve closer attention in the case of a new health crisis. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of each specific chronic condition.

Impact

Cognitive and functional status, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsen in short term, maintaining the negative effects in medium-term.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Enhancing blood pressure management protocol implementation in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage through a nursing‐led approach: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the impact of nurse care changes in implementing a blood pressure management protocol on achieving rapid, intensive and sustained blood pressure reduction in acute intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data over 6 years.

Methods

Intracerebral haemorrhage patients within 6 h and systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg followed a rapid (starting treatment at computed tomography suite with a target achievement goal of ≤60 min), intensive (target systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg) and sustained (maintaining target stability for 24 h) blood pressure management plan. We differentiated six periods: P1, stroke nurse at computed tomography suite (baseline period); P2, antihypertensive titration by stroke nurse; P3, retraining by neurologists; P4, integration of a stroke advanced practice nurse; P5, after COVID-19 impact; and P6, retraining by stroke advanced practice nurse. Outcomes included first-hour target achievement (primary outcome), tomography-to-treatment and treatment-to-target times, first-hour maximum dose of antihypertensive treatment and 6-h and 24-h systolic blood pressure variability.

Results

Compared to P1, antihypertensive titration by stroke nurses (P2) reduced treatment-to-target time and increased the rate of first-hour target achievement, retraining of stroke nurses by neurologists (P3) maintained a higher rate of first-hour target achievement and the integration of a stroke advanced practice nurse (P4) reduced both 6-h and 24-h systolic blood pressure variability. However, 6-h systolic blood pressure variability increased from P4 to P5 following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, compared to P1, retraining of stroke nurses by stroke advanced practice nurse (P6) reduced tomography-to-treatment time and increased the first-hour maximum dose of antihypertensive treatment.

Conclusion

Changes in nursing care and continuous education can significantly enhance the time metrics and blood pressure outcomes in acute intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

Patient and Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Patient safety in surgical settings: A study on the challenges and improvement strategies in adverse event reporting from a nursing perspective

Abstract

Aims

To explore adverse event reporting in the surgical department through the nurses' experiences and perspectives.

Design

An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted with a theoretical-methodological orientation of phenomenology.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 nurses, followed by an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Themes include motives for reporting incidents, consequences, feelings and motivational factors. Key facilitators of adverse event reporting were effective communication, knowledge sharing, a non-punitive culture and superior feedback.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of supportive organisational culture for reporting, communication and feedback mechanisms, and highlights education and training in enhancing patient safety.

Implications

It suggests the need for strategies that foster incident reporting, enhance patient safety and cultivate a supportive organisational culture.

Impact

This study provides critical insights into adverse event reporting in surgical departments from nurses' lived experience, leading to two primary impacts: It offers specific solutions to improve adverse event reporting, which is crucial for surgical departments to develop more effective and tailored reporting strategies. The research underscores the importance of an open, supportive culture in healthcare, which is vital for transparent communication and effective reporting, ultimately advancing patient safety.

Reporting Method

The study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

Patients or Public Contribution

No patients or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Factors associated with satisfaction and depressed mood among nursing home workers during the covid‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

This paper aims to examine the satisfaction and depressed mood experienced by nursing home workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated variables. Specifically, to analyse the factors that may contribute to nursing home workers developing adaptive behaviours that promote satisfaction or, on the contrary, show characteristics associated with a negative mood.

Background

Nursing homes have faced unprecedented pressures to provide appropriately skills to meet the demands of the coronavirus outbreak.

Design

A cross-sectional survey design using the STROBE checklist.

Methods

Professionals working in nursing homes (n = 165) completed an online survey measuring sociodemographic and professional characteristics, burnout, resilience, experiential avoidance, satisfaction with life and depression. Data were collected online from April to July 2021, the time in which Spain was experiencing its fifth wave of COVID-19. Two multiple linear regression models were performed to identify salient variables associated with depressive mood and satisfaction.

Results

Resilience, personal accomplishment and satisfaction had a significant and negative relationship with depression and emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and experiential avoidance had a positive relationship with depression. However, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and experiential avoidance had a negative and significant relationship with satisfaction and personal accomplishment, and resilience had a positive and significant relationship with satisfaction. In addition, it was found that accepting thoughts and emotions when they occur is beneficial for developing positive outcomes such as satisfaction.

Conclusions

Experiential avoidance was an important predictor of the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic can have on nursing home workers.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Interventions focusing on resources that represent personal strengths, such as acceptance, resilience and personal accomplishment, should be developed.

No Patient or Public Contribution

The complex and unpredictable circumstances of COVID's strict confinement in the nursing home prohibited access to the centres for external personnel and family members. Contact with the professionals involved could not be made in person but exclusively through online systems. However, professionals related to the work environment have subsequently valued this research positively as it analyses ‘How they felt during this complicated process’.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Needs, barriers and facilitators for a healthier lifestyle in haemodialysis patients: The GoodRENal project

Abstract

Background

Malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, cognitive dysfunction and poor psychological well-being are often reported in patients on haemodialysis (HD).

Aims

We aimed to explore needs, barriers and facilitators—as perceived by patients, their carers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) for increasing the adherence to the diet, to physical activity and cognition and psychological well-being.

Methods

This is an observational cross-sectional study following the STROBE statement. This study is part of an ERASMUS+ project, GoodRENal—aiming to develop digital tools as an educational approach to patients on HD. For that, the GoodRENal comprises HD centers located in four Belgium, Greece, Spain and Sweden. Exploratory questionnaires were developed regarding the perceived needs, barriers and facilitators regarding the diet, physical activity, cognition and psychological well-being from the perspective of patients, their carers and HCPs.

Results

In total, 38 patients, 34 carers and 38 HCPs were included. Nutrition: For patients and carers, the main needs to adhere to the diet included learning more about nutrients and minerals. For patients, the main barrier was not being able to eat what they like. Physical activity: As needs it was reported information about type of appropriate physical activity, while fatigue was listed as the main barrier. For Cognitive and emotional state, it was perceived as positive for patients and carers perception but not for HCPs. The HCPs identified as needs working as a team, having access to specialised HCP and being able to talk to patients in private.

Conclusions

Patients and their carers listed as needs guidance regarding nutrition and physical activity but were positive with their cognitive and emotional state. The HCPs corroborated these needs and emphasised the importance of teamwork and expert support.

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