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☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Development of actionable quality indicators and an implementation toolkit for perioperative opioid stewardship in colorectal cancer in the UK Yorkshire and Humber region: a modified RAND consensus study

Por: Alderson · S. · Thomas · C. · Rossington · H. · Connearn · E. · Howell · S. — Septiembre 30th 2025 at 09:49
Objectives

There are global concerns about the rise in opioid prescribing. Patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) are at high risk of adverse outcomes from opioid-related complications, including delayed discharge and adjuvant chemotherapy, long-term opioid use and reduced cancer-free survival. We aimed to develop a set of actionable quality indicators for opioid stewardship for patients undergoing CRC surgery, and an implementation toolkit to support professional behaviour change to improve appropriateness of perioperative opioid prescribing.

Design

A five-round modified RAND consensus process was conducted in 2021–2024.

Setting

14 secondary care trusts across the UK Yorkshire and Humber region.

Participants

Consultant anaesthetists and national perioperative opioid stewardship experts (expert panel) and patient and public panel.

Interventions

Potential indicators were identified from a literature review, guideline search and expert panel. All potential indicators were rated on relevance and actionability (online survey, expert panel) and importance to patient care (online meeting, patient panel). A hybrid consensus meeting involving a patient representative and the expert panel discussed and rerated the indicators. An online expert survey identified potential barriers to implementation. An actionable toolkit was developed using implementation strategies and supporting resources developed where appropriate.

Results

73 potential indicators were identified. All indicators remained in the process through the online survey and patient panel. After the final meeting, four indicators remained: (1) hospital trust presence of an opioid stewardship protocol; (2) inpatient functional post-operative pain assessments; (3) patient education and discharge leaflet; and (4) senior clinician review of ‘strong’ opioids on discharge (British National Formulary definition). The number of barriers identified ranged from 8 to 22 per indicator. 49 different implementation strategies were identified for the toolkit (range 32–45 per indicator).

Conclusions

We identified four actionable quality indicators and developed an implementation toolkit that represents consensus in defining quality of care in opioid stewardship for CRC surgery.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Better Living with Non-memory-led Dementia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a web-based caregiver educational programme (BELIDE trial)

Por: Suarez-Gonzalez · A. · Brotherhood · E. · John · A. · Hayes · O. · Rossi-Harries · S. · Zimmermann · N. · Mansfield · V. · Brand · A. · Hoare · Z. · Fitzsimmons · D. · Cullen · K. · Crutch · S. · Stott · J. — Septiembre 5th 2025 at 13:49
Introduction

Carers of people with non-memory-led dementias such as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) face unique challenges. Yet, little evidence-based support and guidance are available for this population. To address this gap in services, we have developed a novel, web-based educational programme: the Better Living with Non-memory-led Dementia programme (BELIDE). BELIDE was co-designed with people with lived experience of non-memory-led dementia and a previous pilot study confirmed its feasibility as an online intervention. This protocol outlines the randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of BELIDE.

Methods and analysis

This is a parallel-group, single-blind, RCT of 238 unpaid caregivers of people diagnosed with PCA, PPA or bvFTD recruited internationally among members of the UK-based organisation Rare Dementia Support. The intervention (BELIDE programme) consists of six structured online educational modules tailored to each phenotype, a virtual onboarding session, real-life practice tasks and up to two follow-up facilitation sessions. The group receiving the intervention will be given access to the programme, while the control group will receive treatment as usual and be placed on a wait-list to receive access to the programme once they complete their participation in the trial. The allocation ratio will be 1:1 stratified by dementia diagnosis and gender. The primary outcome is reduction in caregiver depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes include stress, anxiety, self-efficacy, quality of life and caregiver-patient relationship quality. Data will be collected online via Qualtrics surveys at baseline, 8 weeks and 6 months post-randomisation. A mixed-method process evaluation with a subgroup of intervention participants will explore barriers and facilitators for engagement. A health economics evaluation will also be conducted to assess cost-effectiveness. If effective, this programme could improve access to caregiver support for non-memory-led dementias by providing scalable, tailored education.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by University College London Research Ethics Committee (8545/007). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conferences, stakeholder events and open-access resources.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered prospectively on the Clinical Trials registry, first posted on 5 February 2024 under registration number NCT06241287.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

New generation of paediatricians in the health care system: are paediatric residents ready to manage children without supervision? A survey using respiratory infections as a model

Por: Del Bene · M. · Diana · A. · Corsello · A. · Cecere · F. · Indolfi · C. · Mozzillo · E. · Nunziata · F. · Pascarella · F. · Rossi · F. · Sibilio · M. · Ummarino · M. · Guarino · A. — Julio 25th 2025 at 10:04
Objectives

To measure the perceived autonomy level in managing lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among paediatric residents and to compare perceived autonomy with the assessments by tutors who directly supervise and evaluate residents

Design/setting

A survey on managing LRTIs was distributed among all Italian paediatric residents and tutors via Google Forms between January 1 and 31, 2024.

Participants, residents and tutors were classified according to their training year and clinical setting: primary care paediatrics (PCP), emergency department (ED) and hospital ward (HW).

Outcome

Perceived autonomy of paediatric residents in managing LRTI in different settings; overall perceived autonomy and interest in employment.

Results

A total of 391 questionnaires were returned, with 273 completed by residents and 118 by tutors. Among residents, 3% in their first year felt fully capable of managing LRTIs without supervision in both ED and HW settings. This percentage remained below 25% until the third year and increased to 72% in ED and 83% in HW by the fifth year. In PCP settings, autonomy ranged from 15% in the first year to 96% in the final year. No differences were found between residents’ self-evaluations and tutors’ assessments. Confidence in skills showed no regional differences across Italy.

Conclusion

Most residents did not feel ready to manage winter respiratory infections in children without supervision, especially in the ED compared with the HW; however, self-confidence was higher in the PCP setting. Tutors shared similar perceptions. The location did not affect the response pattern. These findings caution against employing residents to work autonomously, particularly in emergency settings.

☐ ☆ ✇ Evidence-Based Nursing

Behaviours as biomarkers? Disentangling causality between vitamin D, sedentary behaviours and mortality is necessary for preventing recurrence and cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors

Por: Giorgi Rossi · P. · Bonvicini · L. — Junio 19th 2025 at 10:25

Commentary on: Yu Y, Cheng S, Huang H, et al. Joint association of sedentary behaviour and vitamin D status with mortality among cancer survivors. BMC Med 2023;21:411.

Implications for practice and research

  • Results support National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations7 in defining vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L as insufficient and highlight sitting time over 6 hours/day as a possible determinant of mortality in cancer survivors.

  • Biological mediators linking sedentary behaviours, vitamin D and health outcomes should be investigated to understand the underlying causal link.

  • Context

    Many observational studies showed that sedentary behaviours1 and low serum levels of vitamin D2 are independent risk factors for mortality in cancer survivors. Nevertheless, data from trials on vitamin D supplementation3 and interventions promoting physical activity4 did not obtain the effect on mortality in cancer survivors that...

    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Self-blaming as a barrier to lung cancer screening and smoking cessation programs in Italy. A qualitative study

    by Luca Ghirotto, Eugenio Paci, Claudia Bricci, Silvia Marini, Valentina Bessi, Matías Eduardo Díaz Crescitelli, Ermanno Rondini, Francesco Pistelli, Giuseppe Gorini, Sandra Bosi, Paolo Giorgi Rossi, the Working Group

    Background

    Lung cancer screening (LCS) combined with smoking cessation programs is a critical strategy for reducing lung cancer mortality. Understanding the perspectives of cigarette users and former ones on these interventions is essential for enhancing their acceptability and effectiveness. This study aimed to explore, in Italy, the perceptions and experiences of individuals eligible for LCS within the context of a smoking cessation program.

    Methods and findings

    This multicenter qualitative study was conducted in two Italian regions as part of a larger project the Italian League against Cancer promoted. Using purposive sampling, we included (a) cigarette users and former ones who participated in an Italian trial, ITALUNG study, and (b) cigarette users who had been offered individual or group smoking cessation interventions and were theoretically eligible for screening in the following years (aged 50–70, ≥15 pack-years). Data were collected through open-ended semi-structured interviews and focus group meetings and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The data analysis yielded six themes covering participants’ views on the interactions between the two types of interventions (screening and smoking cessation program). Across their data, we generated the following themes: (i) depreciation and fatalism toward the risk of smoking, (ii) self-blaming and ethicality, (iii) ambivalent impact of the screening on smoking, (iv) LCS-related information and concerns, (v) teachable and motivating moments, and (vi) non-stigmatizing communication and testimony by professionals.

    Conclusions

    Our study underscores the importance of avoiding stigma and respecting the dignity of cigarette users in implementing LCS and smoking cessation programs. Clear communication and supportive interactions with healthcare providers are crucial for enhancing the acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions. Future research should focus on quantifying these findings and exploring additional factors influencing the acceptability and effectiveness of combined LCS and smoking cessation programs.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ Cultura de los cuidados

    Cuidado de Enfermería a mujeres gestantes en una Institución de Salud Indígena de Colombia

    Objetivo: Comprender la experiencia del personal de enfermería en el cuidado a mujeres gestantes en una Institución Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Indígena de Colombia. Método: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, basado en el referencial metodológico Historia oral temática híbrida de Meihy y Holanda, 2017. Los colaboradores fueron 2 enfermeras (os) y 6 auxiliares de enfermería pertenecientes a una institución de salud indígena que, por medio de una entrevista, narraron su vivencia frente al tema en estudio. El análisis de contenido se realizó siguiendo las tres fases propuestas por Laurence Bardin; preanálisis, exploración del material y, tratamiento de los resultados, inferencia e interpretación. Resultados: Emergieron 3 categorías; Salud materna institucional con enfoque en la cultura, Papel del personal de enfermería en el cuidado a la gestante indígena y Barreras percibidas para la atención institucional de la mujer indígena. Conclusión: La Institución busca ofrecer una atención diferencial al considerar las prácticas culturales de las mujeres, sin embargo, se evidencia la necesidad de cambios estructurales, con foco en la sensibilización y preparo del personal de salud, a fin de brindar un cuidado intercultural.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

    Being a nurse between research and clinic: What challenges and opportunities for a PhD‐prepared nurse? Overview from an Italian paediatric hospital

    Abstract

    Aim

    To report a reflection on the role, challenges and opportunities for nurses with advanced education in research outside the academic field.

    Design

    A discursive paper.

    Data Sources

    We reported the case of an Italian paediatric research hospital where PhD-prepared nurses started to apply their knowledge and competencies in different fields, both in clinical and organizational settings. From this experience, an overview of the possible barriers and challenges that PhD-prepared nurses may face up within the hospital setting.

    Discussion

    The application of PhD-prepared nurses in hospital settings could be an opportunity to advance high standards of quality of care in managerial and clinical areas and to create networks between highly specialized professional figures and different clinical-care realities.

    Conclusion

    More research is needed to explore how to apply the advanced competencies of PhD-prepared nurses within healthcare organizations to provide high-quality and safe care and services.

    This paper can provide insights for a reflection on applying and developing PhD-prepared nurses' skills and competencies within the hospital setting in clinical, research and managerial areas. This can enhance the effective application of highly competent nursing professional figures.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No Patient or Public Contribution, due to study design.

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