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Evaluation of nurse‐reported missed care in a post‐anesthesia care unit: A mixed‐methods study

Abstract

Background

Nurse-reported missed care (NRMC) is considered as any significant delay or omission in provision of nursing care.

Aim

(i) Evaluate the frequency, types, and reasons for NRMC in the Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). (ii) Evaluate associations between nurse demographic and workload factors with NRMC. (iii) Explore nurses' perception of NRMC in the PACU.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the PACU in a tertiary acute care hospital over 3 months. Full-time PACU nurses were conveniently sampled to complete an anonymous survey after their daily shift over different shifts. It contained three sections: (i) nurse demographics; (ii) elements of NRMC; and (iii) reasons for NRMC. Qualitative interviews employed a semi-structured guide to explore perceptions and experiences of NRMC. Descriptive, inferential statistics, and thematic analyses were applied.

Results

Sixty-six survey responses were collected. 48.5% of respondents indicated at least one NRMC activity. Activities more clinically sensitive were less missed. Eight nurses were interviewed. Four main themes were identified: (i) communication with patients; (ii) communication and teamwork with colleagues; (iii) dual role of documentation; and (iv) staffing inadequacy. Language barriers made communication challenging. Staff shortage exacerbates workload but effective teamwork and documentation facilitates nursing care.

Conclusion

Communication and staffing concerns aggravate NRMC. Teamwork and personal contentment were satisfactory. Nurses' turnover intention may worsen staffing.

Clinical Relevance

Timeliness and quality of nursing care is impacted by elements such as manpower, allocation of resources, work processes, and workplace environmental or interpersonal factors such as culture and language fit. Re-evaluation of nursing resources and work processes may assist post-anesthesia care unit nurses in fulfilling their role, decreasing the prevalence of nurse-reported missed care.

Assessment of the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among three different professionals in Bangladesh: Findings from a face-to-face survey

Por: Nasim · A. S. M. · Siddique · A. B. · Devnath · N. · Zeba · Z.
Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh, while also investigating potential contributors within these occupational groups.

Design

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP, associated factors and management procedures among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh through face-to-face interviews.

Setting

The study was conducted in different parts of the Bogura district in Bangladesh.

Participants

A total of 396 participants were included in the final analysis, all the participants were men and adult in age.

Main outcome measurements

Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire based on previous research. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations.

Results

The prevalence of LBP was found to be 42.7% among the participants. Farmers and rickshaw pullers had approximately four-times and three-times higher odds of experiencing LBP compared with office workers. Other significant factors associated with LBP included living in a nuclear family, having a normal body weight, lacking professional training, having a chronic disease, having a family history of LBP and experiencing numbness in the legs or feet. The majority of respondents sought medical attention and took medication for their LBP.

Conclusion

The study underscores occupational differences in LBP prevalence, emphasising the necessity for tailored interventions and occupational health policies. Identifying specific risk factors and management practices in these professions can aid in developing effective prevention strategies and enhancing healthcare services.

Espiritualidad, vocación y sentido. Recursos generales de resistencia para profesionales de enfermería según la figura de San Juan de Dios

Este artículo tiene como objetivo elaborar una reflexión hacia aquellos elementos que actuaron como recursos espirituales en el proceso de formación de San Juan de Dios como enfermero y elaborar una serie de aportaciones actuales para reforzar el sentido de coherencia de las enfermeras post pandemia. Se utilizó la metodología historiográfica aplicada a historia de la enfermería para la reconstrucción de la memoria profesional, tomando como referencia y ejemplo la figura de San Juan de Dios y se recogieron los elementos siguiendo la herramienta de valoración espiritual FICA. Los textos muestran a Juan de Dios con un sentido de coherencia interna que se hizo posible a través de los recursos psico-espirituales de la época. Éstos facilitaron encontrar y desarrollar la vocación propia y la motivación para desarrollarla y alcanzar la autorrealización. La propuesta es contemplar en la profesionalización enfermera un cuidado por paraklesis, que implica presencia personal, actitud dialogal y palabra sapiencial, luminosa y alentadora siguiendo el modelo de San Juan de Dios, y su relación con el modelo de valoración espiritual FICA.

Effectiveness of an anti-inflammatory diet versus low-fat diet for knee osteoarthritis: the FEAST randomised controlled trial protocol

Por: Law · L. · Heerey · J. L. · Devlin · B. L. · Brukner · P. · Kemp · J. L. · Attanayake · A. · Hulett · M. D. · De Livera · A. · Mosler · A. B. · Morris · H. G. · White · N. P. · Culvenor · A. G.
Introduction

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in knee osteoarthritis pathophysiology and increases risk of comorbidities, yet most interventions do not typically target inflammation. Our study will investigate if an anti-inflammatory dietary programme is superior to a standard care low-fat dietary programme for improving knee pain, function and quality-of-life in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods and analysis

The eFEct of an Anti-inflammatory diet for knee oSTeoarthritis study is a parallel-group, assessor-blinded, superiority randomised controlled trial. Following baseline assessment, 144 participants aged 45–85 years with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis will be randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups (1:1 ratio). Participants randomised to the anti-inflammatory dietary programme will receive six dietary consultations over 12 weeks (two in-person and four phone/videoconference) and additional educational and behaviour change resources. The consultations and resources emphasise nutrient-dense minimally processed anti-inflammatory foods and discourage proinflammatory processed foods. Participants randomised to the standard care low-fat dietary programme will receive three dietary consultations over 12 weeks (two in-person and one phone/videoconference) consisting of healthy eating advice and education based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines, reflecting usual care in Australia. Adherence will be assessed with 3-day food diaries. Outcomes are assessed at 12 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome will be change from baseline to 12 weeks in the mean score on four Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) subscales: knee pain, symptoms, function in daily activities and knee-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes include change in individual KOOS subscale scores, patient-perceived improvement, health-related quality of life, body mass and composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, inflammatory (high-sensitivity C reactive protein, interleukins, tumour necrosis factor-α) and metabolic blood biomarkers (glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, liver function, lipids), lower-limb function and physical activity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethics approval from La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee. Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000440729.

Out‐of‐pocket expenditure among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in a tertiary care hospital of south India: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer is a debilitating complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus. Patients lose their earning potential, face repeated hospitalizations, and are forced to bear heavy treatment costs. This places an enormous financial burden on the patients and their families. This study seeks to ascertain the out-of-pocket expenditure among these patients and correlate it with their risk factor profile. In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 154 patients with diabetic foot ulcers or amputations have been studied with an elaborate patient questionnaire and relevant clinical examinations. The costs incurred and the risk factors of the patients were analyzed for statistical association. The median total annual out-of-pocket expenditure for the management of diabetic foot ulcers among the study participants was found to be ₹29 775 (₹9650–₹81 120) ($378.14 [$122.56–$1030.22]). Out of the total expenditure, 58.49% went towards direct medical costs, 5.64% towards direct non-medical costs, and 35.88% for indirect costs. Medications, ulcer dressing and periodic debridement have accounted for 79.26% of direct medical costs. Transportation (61.37%) and patient's loss of income (89.45%) account for the major costs under the direct non-medical and indirect cost categories, respectively. A high ulcer grade and area, long ulcer duration, and past history of ulcers have higher expenditure. Patients seeking treatment from private establishments and those engaged in professional/skilled occupations have higher expenses. Adequate dressing of foot ulcers and proper footwear are associated with lower treatment expenditure. 68.8% of the participants have faced catastrophic expenditure due to treatment costs of diabetic foot ulcers. Adequate glycaemic control and proper foot care are necessary. Patients must seek medical care at the earliest in case of foot ulceration. Clinicians must provide proper wound care, institute effective antibiotics, and manage the complications. Government and insurance schemes are required to alleviate the patients' financial burden.

Barriers and facilitators to pressure ulcer prevention behaviours by older people living in their own homes and their lay carers: a qualitative study

Por: Roddis · J. · Dyson · J. · Woodhouse · M. · Devrell · A. · Oakley · K. · Cowdell · F.
Objective

To identify barriers and facilitators to pressure ulcer prevention behaviours in community-dwelling older people and their lay carers.

Design

Theoretically informed qualitative interviews with two-phase, deductive then inductive, thematic analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted in one geographical region in the UK, spanning several community National Health Service Trusts.

Participants

Community-dwelling older patients at risk of pressure ulcer development (n=10) and their lay carers (n=10).

Results

Six themes and subthemes were identified: (1) knowledge and beliefs about consequences (nature, source, timing and taboo); (2) social and professional role and influences (who does what, conflicting advice and disagreements); (3) motivation and priorities (competing self-care needs and carer physical ability); (4) memory; (5) emotion (carer exhaustion and isolation, carergiver role conflict and patient feelings) and (6) environment (human resource shortage and equipment).

Conclusions

There is minimal research in pressure ulcer prevention in community-dwelling older people. This study has robustly applied the theoretical domains framework to understanding barriers and facilitators to pressure ulcer prevention behaviours. Our findings will support co-design of strategies to promote preventative behaviours and are likely to be transferable to comparable healthcare systems nationally and internationally.

Violence against physicians working in public tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh: a facility-based cross-sectional study

Por: Hasan · M. J. · Sarkar · T. Y. · Ahmed · M. · Banik · A. · Islam · S. · Zaman · M. S. · Mahmud · F. · Paul · A. · Sakib · M. N. · Dev · A. · Hossain · M. J. · Fardous · J. · Nishat · N. H. · Rahman · M.
Background

Violence against physicians in the workplace is a prevalent global issue, and Bangladesh is no exception. Such violence significantly disrupts healthcare delivery and the attainment of universal health coverage. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prevalence, nature and associated risk factors of workplace violence (WPV) against physicians in Bangladesh.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a public tertiary care hospital involving 441 physicians with a minimum tenure of 6 months. Data were gathered through a structured self-reported questionnaire, and statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS V.25.

Results

Out of the surveyed physicians, 67.3% (n=297) reported experiencing violence, categorised as 84.5% psychological, 13.5% physical and 2% sexual in nature. Predominant forms of psychological violence included bullying (48.8%) and threats (40.1%). The mean age of exposed physicians was 32.5±4.3 (SD) years. Those working in the emergency unit (45.8%), surgery and allied departments (54.2%), engaging in rotating shift work (70%), morning shifts (59.6%) and postgraduate trainees (68%) were frequently subjected to violence. Factors significantly associated with WPV included placement in surgery and allied departments (p

Conclusion

A higher proportion of physicians at the early to mid-level stages of their careers, especially those in rotating shifts and surgery-related departments, reported incidence of WPV. Urgent intervention from policy-makers and healthcare entities is imperative to implement preventive measures. Strengthening security measures, establishing antiviolence policies and providing comprehensive training programmes are crucial steps towards ensuring a safer work environment for healthcare professionals.

The ILC Maine statement: Time for the fundamental care [r]evolution

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to present the third position statement from the International Learning Collaborative (ILC). The ILC is the foremost global organization dedicated to transforming fundamental care. Internationally, fundamental care is reported to be poorly delivered, delayed or missed, negatively impacting patients, their families/carers and healthcare staff and systems. Overcoming this global challenge requires profound transformation in how our healthcare systems value, deliver and evaluate fundamental care. This transformation will take both evolutionary and revolutionary guises. In this position statement, we argue how this [r]evolutionary transformation for fundamental care can and must be created within clinical practice.

Design

Position paper.

Methods

This position statement stems from the ILC's annual conference and Leadership Program held in Portland, Maine, USA, in June 2023. The statement draws on the discussions between participants and the authors' subsequent reflections and synthesis of these discussions and ideas. The conference and Leadership Program involved participants (n = 209) from 13 countries working primarily within clinical practice.

Results

The statement focuses on what must occur to transform how fundamental care is valued, prioritized and delivered within clinical practice settings globally. To ensure demonstrable change, the statement comprises four action-oriented strategies that must be systematically owned by healthcare staff and leaders and embedded in our healthcare organizations and systems: Address non-nursing tasks: reclaim and protect time to provide high-value fundamental care. Accentuate the positive: change from deficit-based to affirmative language when describing fundamental care. Access evidence and assess impact: demonstrate transformation in fundamental care by generating relevant indicators and impact measures and rigorously synthesizing existing research. Advocate for interprofessional collaboration: support high-quality, transdisciplinary fundamental care delivery via strong nursing leadership.

Conclusion

The ILC Maine Statement calls for ongoing action – [r]evolution – from healthcare leaders and staff within clinical practice to prioritize fundamental care throughout healthcare systems globally.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

We outline four action-oriented strategies that can be embedded within clinical practice to substantially transform how fundamental care is delivered. Specific actions to support these strategies are outlined, providing healthcare leaders and staff a road map to continue the transformation of fundamental care within our healthcare systems.

Impact

Fundamental care affects everyone across their life course, regardless of care context, clinical condition, age and/or the presence of disability. This position statement represents a call to action to healthcare leaders and staff working specifically in clinical practice, urging them to take up the leadership challenge of transforming how fundamental care is delivered and experience globally.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, service users and caregivers were involved in the ILC annual conference, thus contributing to the discussions that shaped this position statement.

What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

The strategies and actions outlined in this position statement are relevant to all clinical settings globally, providing practical strategies and actions that can be employed to enhance fundamental care for all patients and their families/carers. By outlining the importance of both evolutionary and revolutionary change, we identify ways in which healthcare systems globally can begin making the necessary steps towards radical fundamental care transformation, regardless of where they are in the change journey.

Multicomponent (bio)markers for obesity risk prediction: a scoping review protocol

Por: Vahid · F. · Dessenne · C. · Tur · J. A. · Bouzas · C. · Devaux · Y. · Malisoux · L. · Monserrat-Mesquida · M. · Sureda · A. · Desai · M. S. · Turner · J. D. · Lamy · E. · Perez-Jimenez · M. · Ravn-Haren · G. · Andersen · R. · Forberger · S. · Nagrani · R. · Ouzzahra · Y. · Fontefrancesc
Introduction

Despite international efforts, the number of individuals struggling with obesity is still increasing. An important aspect of obesity prevention relates to identifying individuals at risk at early stage, allowing for timely risk stratification and initiation of countermeasures. However, obesity is complex and multifactorial by nature, and one isolated (bio)marker is unlikely to enable an optimal risk stratification and prognosis for the individual; rather, a combined set is required. Such a multicomponent interpretation would integrate biomarkers from various domains, such as classical markers (eg, anthropometrics, blood lipids), multiomics (eg, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics), lifestyle and behavioural attributes (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep patterns), psychological traits (mental health status such as depression) and additional host factors (eg, gut microbiota diversity), also by means of advanced interpretation tools such as machine learning. In this paper, we will present a protocol that will be employed for a scoping review that attempts to summarise and map the state-of-the-art in the area of multicomponent (bio)markers related to obesity, focusing on the usability and effectiveness of such biomarkers.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase databases will be searched using predefined key terms to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English until January 2024. Once downloaded into EndNote for deduplication, CADIMA will be employed to review and select abstracts and full-text articles in a two-step procedure, by two independent reviewers. Data extraction will then be carried out by several independent reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies guidelines will be followed. Combinations employing at least two biomarkers from different domains will be mapped and discussed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required; data will rely on published articles. Findings will be published open access in an international peer-reviewed journal. This review will allow guiding future directions for research and public health strategies on obesity prevention, paving the way towards multicomponent interventions.

Good School Toolkit-Secondary Schools to prevent violence against students: protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial

Por: Devries · K. · Tanton · C. · Knight · L. · Nakuti · J. · Nanyunja · B. · Laruni · Y. · Amollo · M. · Apota · J. · Opobo · T. · Pearlman · J. · Allen · E. · Bonell · C. · Naker · D.
Introduction

No whole-school interventions which seek to reduce physical, sexual and emotional violence from peers, intimate partners and teachers have been trialled with adolescents. Here, we report a protocol for a pilot trial of the Good School Toolkit-Secondary Schools intervention, to be tested in Ugandan secondary schools. Our main objectives are to (1) refine the intervention, (2) to understand feasibility of delivery of the intervention and (3) to explore design parameters for a subsequent phase III trial.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, with two arms and parallel assignment. Eight schools will be randomly selected from a stratified list of all eligible schools in Kampala and Wakiso Districts. We will conduct a baseline survey and endline survey 18 months after the baseline, with 960 adolescents and 200 teachers. Qualitative data and mixed methods process data collection will be conducted throughout the intervention. Proportion of staff and students reporting acceptability, understanding and implementing with fidelity will be tabulated at endline for intervention schools. Proportions of schools consenting to participation, randomisation and proportions of schools and individual participants completing the baseline and endline surveys will be described in a Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials diagram.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethical requirements of our project are complex. Full approvals have been received from the Mildmay Ethics Committee (0407-2019), the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (SS 6020) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (16212). Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals, and shared with public bodies, policy makers, study participants and the general public in Uganda.

Trial registration number

PACTR202009826515511.

Prevalence of depression, stress and suicide tendency among individuals with long COVID and determinants: a protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on mental health, especially among individuals with long COVID. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of depression, stress and suicide tendencies among individuals with long COVID, as well as to explore the factors that contribute to these conditions.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive review of literature will be conducted in various databases of including PubMed, including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The studies to be included in this review will be published in the English language, and the time frame of included studies will be from the date of inception of COVID-19 until 30 December 2023. Two independent reviewers will identify studies for inclusion based on a screening questionnaire, and the JBI standardised critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data will be used to assess the methodological quality. The strength of the body of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. To analyse the data, a robust Bayesian approach will be applied using the STATA software package (V.14; STATA) and JASP software. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide valuable insights into the prevalence of depression, stress and suicide tendencies among individuals with long COVID, as well as the factors that contribute to these conditions.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no research ethics board approval required. The dissemination plan is to publish results in a peer-reviewed academic journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022346858.

Forecasting disease trajectories in critical illness: comparison of probabilistic dynamic systems to static models to predict patient status in the intensive care unit

Por: Duggal · A. · Scheraga · R. · Sacha · G. L. · Wang · X. · Huang · S. · Krishnan · S. · Siuba · M. T. · Torbic · H. · Dugar · S. · Mucha · S. · Veith · J. · Mireles-Cabodevila · E. · Bauer · S. R. · Kethireddy · S. · Vachharajani · V. · Dalton · J. E.
Objective

Conventional prediction models fail to integrate the constantly evolving nature of critical illness. Alternative modelling approaches to study dynamic changes in critical illness progression are needed. We compare static risk prediction models to dynamic probabilistic models in early critical illness.

Design

We developed models to simulate disease trajectories of critically ill COVID-19 patients across different disease states. Eighty per cent of cases were randomly assigned to a training and 20% of the cases were used as a validation cohort. Conventional risk prediction models were developed to analyse different disease states for critically ill patients for the first 7 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Daily disease state transitions were modelled using a series of multivariable, multinomial logistic regression models. A probabilistic dynamic systems modelling approach was used to predict disease trajectory over the first 7 days of an ICU admission. Forecast accuracy was assessed and simulated patient clinical trajectories were developed through our algorithm.

Setting and participants

We retrospectively studied patients admitted to a Cleveland Clinic Healthcare System in Ohio, for the treatment of COVID-19 from March 2020 to December 2022.

Results

5241 patients were included in the analysis. For ICU days 2–7, the static (conventional) modelling approach, the accuracy of the models steadily decreased as a function of time, with area under the curve (AUC) for each health state below 0.8. But the dynamic forecasting approach improved its ability to predict as a function of time. AUC for the dynamic forecasting approach were all above 0.90 for ICU days 4–7 for all states.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that modelling critical care outcomes as a dynamic system improved the forecasting accuracy of the disease state. Our model accurately identified different disease conditions and trajectories, with a

Missed opportunities in hospital quality measurement during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective investigation of US hospitals CMS Star Ratings and 30-day mortality during the early pandemic

Por: Pollock · B. D. · Devkaran · S. · Dowdy · S. C.
Objectives

In the USA and UK, pandemic-era outcome data have been excluded from hospital rankings and pay-for-performance programmes. We assessed the relationship between US hospitals’ pre-pandemic Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Star ratings and early pandemic 30-day mortality among both patients with COVID and non-COVID to understand whether pre-existing structures, processes and outcomes related to quality enabled greater pandemic resiliency.

Design and data source

A retrospective, claim-based data study using the 100% Inpatient Standard Analytic File and Medicare Beneficiary Summary File including all US Medicare Fee-for-Service inpatient encounters from 1 April 2020 to 30 November 2020 linked with the CMS Hospital Star Ratings using six-digit CMS provider IDs.

Outcome measure

The outcome was risk-adjusted 30-day mortality. We used multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, Elixhauser mortality index, US Census Region, month, hospital-specific January 2020 CMS Star rating (1–5 stars), COVID diagnosis (U07.1) and COVID diagnosisxCMS Star Rating interaction.

Results

We included 4 473 390 Medicare encounters from 2533 hospitals, with 92 896 (28.2%) mortalities among COVID-19 encounters and 387 029 (9.3%) mortalities among non-COVID encounters. There was significantly greater odds of mortality as CMS Star Ratings decreased, with 18% (95% CI 15% to 22%; p

Conclusion

Our results support a need to further understand how quality outcomes were maintained during the pandemic. Valuable insights can be gained by including the reporting of risk-adjusted pandemic era hospital quality outcomes for high and low performing hospitals.

High-resolution genomic analysis to investigate the impact of the invasive brushtail possum (<i>Trichosurus vulpecula</i>) and other wildlife on microbial water quality assessments

by Marie Moinet, Lynn Rogers, Patrick Biggs, Jonathan Marshall, Richard Muirhead, Megan Devane, Rebecca Stott, Adrian Cookson

Escherichia coli are routine indicators of fecal contamination in water quality assessments. Contrary to livestock and human activities, brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), common invasive marsupials in Aotearoa/New Zealand, have not been thoroughly studied as a source of fecal contamination in freshwater. To investigate their potential role, Escherichia spp. isolates (n = 420) were recovered from possum gut contents and feces and were compared to those from water, soil, sediment, and periphyton samples, and from birds and other introduced mammals collected within the Mākirikiri Reserve, Dannevirke. Isolates were characterized using E. coli-specific real-time PCR targeting the uidA gene, Sanger sequencing of a partial gnd PCR product to generate a gnd sequence type (gST), and for 101 isolates, whole genome sequencing. Escherichia populations from 106 animal and environmental sample enrichments were analyzed using gnd metabarcoding. The alpha diversity of Escherichia gSTs was significantly lower in possums and animals compared with aquatic environmental samples, and some gSTs were shared between sample types, e.g., gST535 (in 85% of samples) and gST258 (71%). Forty percent of isolates gnd-typed and 75% of reads obtained by metabarcoding had gSTs shared between possums, other animals, and the environment. Core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed limited variation between several animal and environmental isolates (Escherichia clones are shared between possums, other wildlife, water, and the wider environment. These findings support the potential role of possums as contributors to fecal contamination in Aotearoa/New Zealand freshwater. Our study deepens the current knowledge of Escherichia populations in under-sampled wildlife. It presents a successful application of high-resolution genomic methods for fecal source tracking, thereby broadening the analytical toolbox available to water quality managers. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates and profiling of Escherichia populations provided useful information on the source(s) of fecal contamination and suggest that comprehensive invasive species management strategies may assist in restoring not only ecosystem health but also water health where microbial water quality is compromised.

Dislodgement resistance and structural changes of tricalcium silicate-based cements after exposure to different chelating agents

by Özgür İlke Ulusoy, Nidambur Vasudev Ballal, Rajkumar Narkedamalli, Nuran Ulusoy, Krishna Prasad Shetty, Alexander Maniangat Luke

This study aimed to evaluate the dislodgement resistance and structural changes of different mineral trioxide aggregate cements (MTA) like Pro-Root MTA, Ortho MTA, and Retro MTA after exposure to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), NaOCl-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (Dual Rinse HEDP), and NaOCl-Maleic acid (MA). The root canal spaces of 150 dentine slices were obturated using tricalcium silicate cements and divided into 3 groups (n = 50): Group1: ProRoot MTA, Group2: Retro MTA, and Group3: Ortho MTA. The samples in each group were further subdivided into four experimental (n = 10) and one control groups (n = 10): 2.5% NaOCl-17% EDTA, Dual Rinse HEDP, 2.5% NaOCl-7% Maleic acid, 2.5% NaOCl, distilled water (control). The dislodgement resistance and structural changes of cements were measured. Use of DR HEDP resulted in higher dislodgement resistance compared to17% EDTA and 7% MA in the samples obturated with Ortho MTA and Pro-Root MTA (p

MISSION ABC: transforming respiratory care through one-stop multidisciplinary clinics - an observational study

Por: Heiden · E. · Longstaff · J. · Chauhan · M. J. A. · DeVos · R. · Lanning · E. · Neville · D. · Jones · T. L. · Begum · S. · Amos · M. · Mottershaw · M. · Micklam · J. · Holdsworth · B. · Rupani · H. · Brown · T. · Chauhan · A. J. · Mission ABC Collaborators · Baghammar · Bannell · Domin
Objectives

The Modern Innovative Solutions to Improve Outcomes in Asthma, Breathlessness and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (MABC) service aimed to enhance disease management for chronic respiratory conditions through specialist multidisciplinary clinics, predominantly in the community. This study assesses the outcomes of these clinics.

Design

This study used a prospective, longitudinal, participatory action research approach.

Setting

The study was conducted in primary care practices across Hampshire, UK.

Participants

Adults aged 16 years and above with poorly controlled asthma or COPD, as well as those with undifferentiated breathlessness not under specialist care, were included.

Interventions

Participants received care through the multidisciplinary, specialist-led MABC clinics.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes included disease activity, quality of life and healthcare utilisation. Secondary outcomes encompassed clinic attendance, diagnostic changes, patient activation, participant and healthcare professional experiences and cost-effectiveness.

Results

A total of 441 participants from 11 general practitioner practices were recruited. Ninety-six per cent of participants would recommend MABC clinics. MABC assessments led to diagnosis changes for 64 (17%) participants with asthma and COPD and treatment adjustments for 252 participants (57%). Exacerbations decreased significantly from 236 to 30 after attending the clinics (p

Conclusions

Specialist-supported multidisciplinary teams in MABC clinics improved diagnosis accuracy and adherence to guidelines. High patient satisfaction, disease control improvements and reduced exacerbations resulted in decreased unscheduled healthcare use and cost savings.

Trial registration number

NCT03096509.

Factors affecting antenatal screening for HIV in Nepal: results from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys 2016 and 2022

Por: Sabin · L. · Saville · N. · Dixit Devkota · M. · Haghparast-Bidgoli · H.
Objectives

Antenatal screening for HIV remains low in Nepal. Identifying factors associated with the uptake of antenatal screening is essential to increase uptake and prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). This study investigated the effects of individual-level and district-level characteristics on the utilisation of antenatal screening for HIV in Nepal and how these effects changed between 2016 and 2022.

Design

We used publicly available cross-sectional data from 2016 to 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys.

Setting

Stratified, multistage, random sampling was used to collect nationally representative data.

Participants

1978 and 2007 women aged 15–49 years who gave birth in the 2 years preceding the surveys.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We used multilevel models to estimate associations between antenatal screening and potential factors influencing it in 2016 and 2022. We used districts as a random effect and looked at the intraclass correlation coefficients to disentangle the geographical effects. To distinguish barriers to HIV screening from barriers to accessing antenatal care (ANC) services, we performed similar analyses with whether the woman attended at least one ANC visit as the dependent variable.

Results

Factors associated with antenatal screening have not changed significantly between 2016 and 2022. Higher uptake of HIV screening was found among women with higher education, the pregnancy being desired later and women who had four or more ANC visits. Being from a poorer family and having low knowledge of MTCT and the medicines to prevent transmission were associated with lower uptake. From the supply side, no factors had a significant effect on antenatal screening. Factors associated with antenatal screening and those associated with any ANC were different. Our results also showed a partial importance of geographical factors on screening uptake.

Conclusions

Our results supported that antenatal screening could be improved by enhancing access to information and improving the availability of free screening.

Childhood and adolescent factors shaping vulnerability to underage entry into sex work: a quantitative hierarchical analysis of female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya

Por: Shah · P. · Kabuti · R. · Beksinska · A. · Nyariki · E. · Babu · H. · Kungu · M. · Jama · Z. · Ngurukiri · P. · The Maisha Fiti Study Champions · Kaul · R. · Kyegombe · N. · Medley · G. F. · Devries · K. · Seeley · J. · Weiss · H. A. · Beattie · T. S. · Kimani · J. · Gwala · Oside · Kamen
Objective

To explore factors associated with early age at entry into sex work, among a cohort of female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Background

Younger age at sex work initiation increases the risk of HIV acquisition, condom non-use, violence victimisation and alcohol and/or substance use problems. This study aimed to understand factors in childhood and adolescence that shape the vulnerability to underage sex work initiation.

Design

Building on previous qualitative research with this cohort, analysis of behavioural–biological cross-sectional data using hierarchical logistic regression.

Participants and measures

FSWs aged 18–45 years were randomly selected from seven Sex Workers Outreach Programme clinics in Nairobi, and between June and December 2019, completed a baseline behavioural–biological survey. Measurement tools included WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test and questionnaires on sociodemographic information, sexual risk behaviours and gender-based violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were conducted using hierarchical modelling.

Results

Of the 1003 FSWs who participated in the baseline survey (response rate 96%), 176 (17.5%) initiated sex work while underage (

Conclusions

Lower education level and childhood homelessness, combined with sexual violence and sexual risk behaviours in childhood, create pathways to underage initiation into sex work. Interventions designed for girls and young women at these pivotal points in their lives could help prevent underage sex work initiation and their associated health, social and economic consequences.

A novel, multidomain, primary care nurse-led and mHealth-assisted intervention for dementia risk reduction in middle-aged adults (HAPPI MIND): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Por: Cross · A. J. · Geethadevi · G. M. · Magin · P. · Baker · A. L. · Bonevski · B. · Godbee · K. · Ward · S. A. · Mahal · A. · Versace · V. · Bell · J. S. · Mc Namara · K. · O'Reilly · S. L. · Thomas · D. · Manias · E. · Anstey · K. J. · Varnfield · M. · Jayasena · R. · Elliott · R. A. · Lee
Introduction

Middle-aged multidomain risk reduction interventions targeting modifiable risk factors for dementia may delay or prevent a third of dementia cases in later life. We describe the protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT), HAPPI MIND (Holistic Approach in Primary care for PreventIng Memory Impairment aNd Dementia). HAPPI MIND will evaluate the efficacy of a multidomain, nurse-led, mHealth supported intervention for assessing dementia risk and reducing associated risk factors in middle-aged adults in the Australian primary care setting.

Methods and analysis

General practice clinics (n≥26) across Victoria and New South Wales, Australia, will be recruited and randomised. Practice nurses will be trained to implement the HAPPI MIND intervention or a brief intervention. Patients of participating practices aged 45–65 years with ≥2 potential dementia risk factors will be identified and recruited (approximately 15 patients/clinic). Brief intervention participants receive a personalised report outlining their risk factors for dementia based on Australian National University Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI) scores, education booklet and referral to their general practitioner as appropriate. HAPPI MIND participants receive the brief intervention as well as six individualised dementia risk reduction sessions with a nurse trained in motivational interviewing and principles of behaviour change, a personalised risk reduction action plan and access to the purpose-built HAPPI MIND smartphone app for risk factor self-management. Follow-up data collection will occur at 12, 24 and 36 months. Primary outcome is ANU-ADRI score change at 12 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes include change in cognition, quality of life and individual risk factors of dementia.

Ethics and dissemination

Project approved by Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (ID: 28273). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at healthcare conferences. If effective in reducing dementia risk, the HAPPI MIND intervention could be integrated into primary care, scaled up nationally and sustained over time.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621001168842.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder-related hospital and programme admissions in youth

Por: Devoe · D. J. · Holland · K. M. G.

Commentary on: Hartman-Munick SM, Lin JA, Milliren CE, et al. Association of the COVID-19 pandemic with adolescent and young adult eating disorder care volume. JAMA Pediatr. 2022 Dec 1;176(12):1225-1232. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4346.

Implications for practice and research

  • The current research demonstrates the need to increase staffing and programme capacity for those working with patients with eating disorders (EDs) to ensure adequate care.

  • Future research into how the relationship between ED-related hospitalisations and individual external factors, such as social isolation are needed.

  • Context

    Research has shown that the pandemic greatly impacted worldwide mental health1 and disproportionality impacted those with EDs.2 Those with EDs such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge ED have seen an increase in hospital admissions and programmes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.2 3 However, there is a lack of nationwide research investigating the increase...

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