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eHealth Literacy Mediating Social Support and Technology Acceptance Among Patients With Chronic Illnesses: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To examine the relationships among social support, eHealth literacy and eHealth technology acceptance among patients with chronic illnesses, and investigate whether eHealth literacy plays a mediating role.

Design

A cross-sectional correlational study.

Methods

A total of 202 patients with chronic illnesses were recruited from outpatient clinics and communities in Taiwan. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS and PROCESS macro with 1000 bootstrap samples.

Results

eHealth literacy was the strongest predictor of technology acceptance. Although social support was positively associated with eHealth literacy, it did not directly predict technology acceptance after controlling for eHealth literacy, indicating a full mediation effect.

Conclusions

eHealth literacy is a crucial mechanism through which social support influences health technologies acceptance. Interventions to improve eHealth literacy, particularly those integrated with social support strategies based on different cultural backgrounds, enhance digital engagement among chronic illnesses.

Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care

Healthcare professionals and policy-makers should design literacy-sensitive interventions that leverage social networks and involve significant others to promote meaningful eHealth engagement in disease management.

Impact

eHealth literacy fully mediates the relationship between social support and eHealth technology acceptance, proving that social support alone does not directly increase adoption without improving eHealth literacy. eHealth literacy is the strongest predictor of eHealth technology acceptance, emphasising its central role in bridging the gap between social support and eHealth engagement.

Reporting Method

This study followed the STROBE checklist guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Parents' Lived Experiences of Their Child's Undergoing Emergence Delirium During Anaesthesia Recovery: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore parents' experience when their children underwent emergence delirium during anaesthesia recovery.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study.

Methods and Setting

This descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at a medical center in Taiwan. Purposive sampling was employed, and a semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews. Twelve parents whose children experienced emergence delirium were recruited after data saturation was reached. Data were collected between January and July 2024 and analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.

Findings

Parents underwent an unexpected journey characterised by emotional ups and downs when witnessing their child's emergence delirium. Four major themes were generated, including ‘unexpected chaos’, describing the disorienting situation parents experienced when confronted with their child's unfamiliar behaviours; ‘help beyond reach’, reflecting their inability to provide comfort despite being physically present; ‘a day of suffering’, highlighting the emotional overwhelm during the emergence delirium episode; and ‘appreciation after recovery’, illustrating their relief and gratitude once their child returned to baseline. These themes reveal the intense emotional fluctuations parents experience during this critical phase.

Conclusions

This study highlights the complex emotional fluctuations parents experience when facing their child's emergence delirium. The findings emphasise the need for anticipatory guidance and support strategies to better prepare parents and inform family-centred nursing practices.

Impact

This study addresses a gap regarding the emotional challenges experienced by East Asian parents when their child undergoes emergence delirium. The findings reveal complex parental distress shaped by internal worry and external social pressure in shared recovery spaces. These insights inform culturally sensitive care models, emphasising the importance of private environments and communication strategies that reduce parental stress and improve clinical support.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two parents reviewed and provided feedback on the interview content and results, improving cultural relevance and clarity.

Reporting Method

The study followed COREQ guidelines.

Self-directed arm-crank exercise to improve volitional control of the trunk in patients with subacute spinal cord injury: a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial protocol

Por: Hidalgo Mas · M. d. R. · Kearney · J. · Middleton · V. · Chiu · C.-Y. · Duda · J. L. · Nightingale · T. E. · Martinez-Valdes · E. · Ahmed · Z. · Chiou · S.-Y.
Introduction

A spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts synaptic connections between the corticospinal tract and motor neurons, impairing muscle control below the injury site. Many individuals with an SCI have impaired trunk control, affecting the performance of activities of daily living and quality of life. Work has shown improvements in trunk control after home-based, unsupervised arm-crank exercise training (ACET) in people with chronic motor-incomplete SCI. However, no studies have examined ACET’s impact on trunk control in individuals with subacute SCI. This study aims to investigate ACET’s effects on trunk control in adults with subacute incomplete SCI, and its mechanisms, and its long-term benefits on neuropathic pain, psychological well-being, physical activity levels and health-related quality of life.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial will evaluate self-directed ACET in 60 individuals with subacute SCI (

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by The Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales (22/NS/0054). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Findings will be presented at National and International conferences for researchers and clinicians. Finally, results will be disseminated to the SCI community.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17247972

The Impact of International Visiting Scholars Programmes on Nursing PhD Students: An Integrative Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the impact of international visiting scholars programmes on the academic and professional development of nursing PhD students and to inform future doctoral curriculum design.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across six databases (Embase, Medline, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus and Web of Science) in December 2024, with no restrictions on publication year. After removing duplicates, 1300 records were screened by title, abstract and full text. Studies were included if they focused on nursing PhD students participating in international visiting programmes and addressed academic or professional development. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesised using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) advancing academic excellence through enhanced research skills and critical thinking; (2) cultivating cross-cultural learning by fostering cultural sensitivity and adaptability; (3) fostering global networks that promote sustained international collaboration; and (4) shaping doctoral education by encouraging structured and sustainable international experiences. These findings suggest that international visiting scholars programmes contribute meaningfully to the academic, cultural and professional growth of nursing PhD students.

Conclusion

International visiting scholars programmes provide a unique platform for doctoral nursing students to strengthen their academic foundations and expand their global outlook. Integrating such experiences into doctoral curricula can better prepare future nursing leaders for international health challenges.

Impact

This review addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on the doctoral-level outcomes of international visiting scholars programmes in nursing. The findings offer guidance for educators and policymakers to design curricula that integrate global engagement, build institutional support for mobility programmes and promote equitable access to international academic opportunities in nursing education.

Reporting Method

The review adhered to the EQUATOR and PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Scope of practice of primary care nurses: a protocol for an umbrella review of international literature

Por: Lukewich · J. · Mathews · M. · Myles · S. · Dufour · E. · Asghari · S. · Rioux-Dubois · A. · Martin-Misener · R. · Halcomb · E. J. · Chiu · P. · Poitras · M.-E. · Leslie · K. · McGraw · M. · Ryan · D. · Curnew · D. · Meredith · L. · Morin · A. · Swab · M. · Braithwaite · S. · Macdonald · D.
Introduction

Primary care nurses (PCNs) are the second largest workforce in primary care and play a critical role in facilitating access to coordinated care and reducing health disparities. There is renewed interest in team-based primary care as a solution for health workforce challenges. Some team models enable PCNs (ie, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed/registered practical nurses) to leverage one another’s expertise to work to optimal scope; the extent to which this happens depends on multiple context-dependent factors. We will conduct an umbrella review to synthesise and compare international knowledge syntheses focused on scope of practice enactment (ie., roles and activities) of PCNs in primary care.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct the umbrella review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines, and using the Nursing Care Organization Framework as guidance. We will search a wide range of scientific electronic databases and grey literature sources, and consider articles published in English and French by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and designated key partner countries for inclusion, with no publication date limits. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles, and any disagreements will be resolved through discussion or by a third reviewer. We will use the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews to assess the quality and risk of bias in the included systematic and scoping reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

Results will be presented in a PRISMA Scoping Review flow diagram. We will synthesise data from included studies in a detailed literature review table and develop visual aids to communicate the shared and unique roles and activities of PCN scope of practice. We will disseminate the results of the review through peer-reviewed publications and conferences related to this field. Ethics approval is not required.

Grit in the Workplace Experienced by Taiwanese Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Phenomenological Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore how adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) experience and express grit in the workplace.

Design

Qualitative study using Husserl's descriptive phenomenology.

Methods

Between March 2022 and June 2023, semi-structured interviews were administered to 18 ACHD recruited from two medical centre outpatient departments. The collected data underwent analysis utilising Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method, coupled with Lincoln and Guba's framework, to ensure credibility and trustworthiness.

Results

The analysis revealed five prominent themes derived from the data: (a) career choices amid constraints; (b) adjustments to one's work environment for reasons of fatigue; (c) crises in the workplace arising from exceeding one's physical limits; (d) supportive networks for better health and job stability; (e) resilience at work for balance and fulfilment in life.

Conclusion

Grit significantly influences life satisfaction and job performance among adults with congenital heart disease, highlighting its profound impact on their experiences. Patients exhibit perseverance in job pursuits, adapt work methods to manage physical fatigue, confront challenges during work crises, value family and societal support and aim for self-satisfaction. These findings highlight the impact of grit and mental health on ACHD's lives and work, providing insights for better psychological support and interventions.

Implications for the Profession

This study clarifies the need for healthcare professionals to incorporate workplace grit training and assessment into ACHD care.

Impact

Recognising grit as a key factor in ACHD patients' lives informs holistic care, workplace inclusivity and policies that enhance their long-term well-being.

Reporting Method

This study was performed in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Clinical and economic impact of cost-intensive vs non-cost-intensive antihypertensive therapies: a retrospective study using real-world data from Japan

Por: Yoshihara · H. · Maeda · N. · Tonoike · T. · Ohno · H. · Nishiuchi · S. · Igarashi · A.
Background

Hypertension is a major health challenge imposing substantial economic and health burdens worldwide. This study compared treatment outcomes and costs between cost-intensive and non-cost-intensive pharmacotherapies, defined by prescribing intervals and the type of drugs, using electronic health record (EHR) data from multiple healthcare facilities, focusing on the type of antihypertensive drug and prescribing patterns.

Design

A retrospective cohort study. A mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the association between cardiovascular events and healthcare resource use.

Setting

EHRs from 34 primary care facilities in Japan.

Participants

Patients prescribed either angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) alone or calcium channel blockers (CCBs) alone were included.

Results

During 6629 person-years of follow-up, 71 events were observed. Model diagnostics confirmed the proportional hazards assumption and substantial inter-clinic heterogeneity. The type of drug (ARBs or CCBs) had no statistically significant impact on the incidence of cardiovascular events (HR 0.999, 95% CI 0.603 to 1.655). Similarly, shorter prescribing intervals (less than 36 days) were not significantly associated with the outcome (HR 1.724, 95% CI 0.906 to 3.279). The mean annual medical cost per patient for the cost-intensive (ARB with short prescribing intervals) and non-cost-intensive (CCB with long prescribing intervals) groups was Japanese yen (JPY) 137 023 and JPY 85 911, respectively. Sensitivity analysis using different time windows yielded similar results, confirming the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

No apparent reduction in cardiovascular events associated with the use of ARBs or shorter prescribing intervals was observed despite the elevated cost caused by intensive pharmacotherapy and frequent clinic visits.

Enhancing dyadic outcomes of stroke survivors and caregivers: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Lin · Y.-N. · Hsu · S.-P. · Kang · J.-H. · Liou · T.-H. · Han · D.-S. · Ni · P. · Chiu · V. · Rodakowski · J. · Chang · F.-H.
Introduction

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Stroke survivors and their caregivers often face profound social isolation and various participation restrictions, resulting in frustration and adverse health outcomes. Dyad-focused interventions, which address both survivor and caregiver needs, are essential during the transition process. However, few interventions equally prioritise the outcomes of both survivors and caregivers. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed dyad-focused strategy training intervention in enhancing participation among stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Methods and analysis

This study employs a single-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial with allocation concealment and assessor blinding. We aim to enrol 138 stroke survivor-caregiver dyads, randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental intervention group or the control group. Both groups will receive their usual rehabilitation plus 45–60 min sessions of the intervention twice weekly for a total of 12 sessions. Outcome measures, including the Participation Measure-3 Domains, 4 Dimensions, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Data will be analysed using multiple linear regression and mixed-effects regression models. Qualitative indepth interviews with participants, caregivers and therapists will be conducted post intervention, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Taipei Medical University (approval number: N202203083), National Taiwan University Hospital (approval number: 202207096RINA) and Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital (approval number: 11 M-107). Findings will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05571150; Preresults.

Global Prevalence, Incidence, and Factors Influencing Falls in Older Adults With Dementia: Implications for Nursing and Healthy Aging

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Dementia notably increases fall risk in older adults, leading to major injuries and considerable concerns from health-care professionals. However, comprehensive evidence regarding the prevalence, incidence rate, and moderating factors of falls in institutional settings is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, incidence rates, and moderating factors of falls among older adults with dementia in nursing homes and dementia-specialized care units.

Design

A meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from database inception to April 30, 2024. Older adults with dementia in nursing homes or dementia-specialized care units were included. The pooled prevalence was analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model with random effects using R software. Incidence rates were reported per person-year using comprehensive meta-analysis software. Study quality was assessed using Hoy's criteria. Variations in the pooled prevalence of falls were explored through moderator analyses.

Results

This meta-analysis included 21 studies involving 35,449 participants. The pooled prevalence of falls was 45.6%, with subtypes showing 39.2%, 35.2%, and 29.0% among Alzheimer's dementia, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia subtypes, respectively. Falls were more prevalent in dementia-specialized care units (53.0%) than in nursing homes (42.6%). The overall incidence rate was 3.61 per person-year, higher in dementia-specialized care units (5.80) than in nursing homes (3.17). Subgroup analyses revealed higher fall prevalence in women (70.0%) than in men (30.6%). Meta-regression indicated that comorbidities, including delirium, visual impairment, and arthritis, increased fall risk.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis revealed a high incidence of falls in nearly half of older adults with dementia, particularly among those in dementia specialized care units.

Clinical Relevance

Healthcare professionals should prioritize regular fall risk assessments, tailored interventions, and environmental safety modifications, particularly in dementia-specialized care units, to reduce fall-related injuries and improve patient outcomes.

Development of Paediatric‐Friendly Care Assessment Scale in Emergency Department: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To validate the psychometric properties of the Paediatric-Friendly Care Assessment Scale in the Emergency Department (PFCAS-ED) among clinical nurses.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 463 emergency nurses participated in the study between May and September 2023. The participants were randomly divided into two groups to assess the psychometric properties of the PFCAS-ED, including its reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis on data from the first group revealed six components of the PFCAS-ED: paediatric/adolescent timely care and resources, child protection mechanisms and safety, paediatric emergency care competency training and practice, paediatric emergency consultation information and space, paediatric crisis management and response, and a harmless environment and actions for toddlers. These factors explained 69.408% of the total variance and exhibited strong internal consistency. This six-factor structure and its 28 items were further validated using confirmatory factor analysis on data from the second group, yielding satisfactory fit indices and convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, the scale exhibited excellent 2-week test–retest reliability and criterion-related validity.

Conclusion

The PFCAS-ED had excellent psychometric properties when used with clinical nurses and was proven to be a reliable instrument for evaluating emergency nurses' perceptions of the importance of providing paediatric-friendly care to children and their families.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This standardised scale enables nurses to assess their perceptions of the importance of paediatric-friendly care and design targeted interventions on the basis of available resources. Additionally, hospital administrators can use the PFCAS-ED to identify priorities, strengths, and areas requiring improvement in paediatric emergency care, thereby informing the development of effective strategies and comprehensive policies.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Nurses Must Improve Delirium Care: A Call to Action

Journal of Clinical Nursing, Volume 34, Issue 6, Page 1979-1981, June 2025.

Clinical predictors of flare and drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis: preliminary results from the prospective BIO-FLARE experimental medicine study

Por: Rayner · F. · Hiu · S. · Melville · A. · Bigirumurame · T. · Anderson · A. · Dyke · B. · Kerrigan · S. · McGucken · A. · Prichard · J. · Shahrokhabadi · M. S. · Hilkens · C. M. U. · Buckley · C. D. · McInnes · I. B. · Ng · W.-F. · Goodyear · C. · Teare · D. · Filer · A. · Siebert · S. · Ra
Objectives

Huge advances in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment mean an increasing number of patients now achieve disease remission. However, long-term treatments can carry side effects and associated financial costs. In addition, some patients still experience painful and debilitating disease flares, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. High rates of flare and a lack of effective prediction tools can limit attempts at treatment withdrawal. The BIOlogical Factors that Limit sustAined Remission in rhEumatoid arthritis (BIO-FLARE) experimental medicine study was designed to study flare and remission immunobiology. Here, we present the clinical outcomes and predictors of drug-free remission and flare, and develop a prediction model to estimate flare risk.

Design, setting and participants

BIO-FLARE was a multicentre, prospective, single-arm, open-label experimental medicine study conducted across seven National Health Service Trusts in the UK. Participants had established RA in clinical remission (disease activity score in 28 joints with C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP)

Interventions

The intervention was disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug cessation, followed by observation for 24 weeks or until flare, with clinical and immune monitoring.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was the proportion of participants experiencing a confirmed flare, defined as DAS28-CRP≥3.2 or DAS28-CRP≥2.4 twice within 2 weeks, and time to flare. Exploratory predictive modelling was also performed using multivariable Cox regression to understand risk factors for flare.

Results

121 participants were recruited between September 2018 and December 2020. Flare rate by week 24 was 52.3% (95% CI 43.0 to 61.7), with a median (IQR) time to flare of 63 (41–96) days. Female sex, baseline methotrexate use, anti-citrullinated peptide antibody level and rheumatoid factor level were associated with flare. An exploratory prediction model incorporating these variables allowed estimation of flare risk, with acceptable classification (C index 0.709) and good calibration performance.

Conclusion

The rate of flare was approximately 50%. Several baseline clinical parameters were associated with flare. The BIO-FLARE study design provides a robust experimental medicine model for studying flare and remission immunobiology.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN registry 16371380

Evaluate the Differential Effectiveness of the Case Management and Primary Nursing Models in the Implementation of Discharge Planning

ABSTRACT

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the case management model and the primary nursing care model by focusing on hospital stay length, readmission, follow-up resource utilisation and survival.

Background

To improve patient continuity of care, a discharge planning team has been established at the hospital to implement the service concept of long-term medical care. The team works with a multidisciplinary medical team to provide case management, which ensures high-quality patient care.

Design

Retrospective case–control study.

Methods

This study collected data from the medical record information system database and the Ministry of Health and Welfare's care service management information system to explore medical and follow-up care utilisation of patients discharged between 2017 and 2018. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines, with the checklist used to ensure transparent and complete reporting of the methodology and results.

Patient or Public Contribution

To ensure comparability between the case management model group and the primary nursing model group, propensity score matching was used. After matching, 660 individuals from the case management model group and 2876 individuals from the primary nursing model group were selected for further analysis. In this study, patients were primarily involved in the research as participants, providing data through their medical records for analysis. However, no direct involvement from the public or patients was used in the planning or design stages of the research.

Results

The study found that factors such as activities of daily living (ADL) score ≤ 60 points, catheterisation, poor chronic disease control and inadequate primary caregiver capacity can lead to longer hospitalisations. Males and patients with catheters have a higher risk of readmission within 30 days, and men, those aged ≥ 75 years, those with ADL score ≤ 60, catheterisation, pressure sores or unclean wounds, financial problems, insufficient primary caregiver capacity and those readmitted within 14 days after discharge had significantly increased mortality after discharge. Although the case management model group had higher hospitalisation days, they had lower readmission rates and higher survival rates than the primary nursing model group.

Conclusions

Early consultation with the case manager for discharge planning can help patients to continue to receive care and utilise relevant resources after returning home.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Identifying and addressing patient-specific factors can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing hospitalizations and readmissions, and lowering mortality rates. The case management model is more effective than the primary nursing care model in reducing readmission rates and increasing survival rates. Early consultation with case managers for discharge planning is crucial to ensuring patient care continuity and resource utilization.

Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy of Nursing Delirium Screening Scale Versus Confusion Assessment Method for Postoperative Delirium: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aims

To synthesise the evidence on and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Nu-DESC and CAM in detecting postoperative delirium among hospitalised patients.

Design

Systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis.

Data Sources

The PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched from their inception to February 10, 2023.

Results

In total, 10 (n = 1950) and seven (n = 830) reports were included for the Nu-DESC and CAM, respectively. For Nu-DESC and CAM, the pooled sensitivities were 0.69 and 0.65, respectively, while the summary specificities were 0.99 for Nu-DESC and 0.92 for CAM. The pooled specificity differed significantly between the two tools (p < 0.001), despite comparable pooled sensitivities. The duration of stay in the intensive care unit significantly moderated the summary specificity of Nu-DESC (B = −0.0003, p = 0.009). Regarding CAM, the percentage of female participants showed a positive correlation with its pooled sensitivity (B = 0.005, p = 0.02). Furthermore, studies where clinical specialists served as assessors demonstrated a higher summary sensitivity than those assessed by nurses (0.87 vs. 0.25, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The sensitivities of the Nu-DESC and CAM for detecting postoperative delirium did not achieve optimal levels. Therefore, developing more accurate tools to detect postoperative delirium by integrating features from related risk factors or incorporating technology-based algorithms to enhance the screening capability is warranted.

Reporting Method

The study has adhered to PRISMA-DTA guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Trial Registration

The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023398961)

Effect of inhaled aromatherapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to compare the effect of inhaled aromatherapy using various essential oils on the sleep quality of critically ill patients.

Background

Inhalation of essential oils significantly promotes the physiological and psychological health of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, research identifying and ranking the effects of different essential oils on the sleep quality of critically ill patients is lacking.

Design

This study followed the PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-Analyses of Health Care Interventions (PRISMA-NMA) guidelines.

Methods

A comprehensive search of five databases (Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was conducted from their inception to March 15, 2023 (with an additional eligible study included dated August 14, 2023). Google Scholar was used as a supplementary method. Frequentist NMA was used to determine the effects of various essential oils. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA).

Results

A total of 11 trials involving 690 critically ill patients were included in the analysis. The NMA of inhaled aromatherapy revealed that the combination of lavender, Matricaria recutita, and neroli essential oils (ratio 6:2:0.5) resulted in the most significant improvement in sleep quality compared to usual care, followed by Rosa damascene, peppermint, Citrus aurantium, pure sunflower oil and lavender oil alone. The overall CoE for the results was rated as low.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that a combination of lavender, Matricaria recutita and neroli essential oils significantly positively affected sleep quality among critically ill patients. Despite the low quality of evidence, inhaled aromatherapy is non-invasive and easy to use.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Inhaled aromatherapy can effectively improve sleep quality among critically ill patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution applies to this work.

Study Registration

The study protocol was registered to the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (protocol number CRD42023433194).

Family involvement in mental healthcare practice: Perspectives of mental health nurses, patients, and caregivers

Abstract

Introduction

Family engagement in care has been advocated to promote recovery for patients with mental health conditions. Attitudes of mental health nurses toward the importance of families influence the way they partner with families in mental healthcare. However, little is known about how mental health nurses engage with families and quality of family-centered care (FCC) perceived by patients and caregivers. The study aimed to examine the mediating effect of family nursing practice on the association between mental health nurses' attitudes toward integrating families into care and quality of FCC perceived by patients with schizophrenia and caregivers.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted.

Methods

A convenience sample of 143 dyads of patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers and 109 mental health nurses were recruited from inpatient wards at two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Demographic and clinical questionnaires, Families' Importance in Nursing Care-Nurses' Attitudes scale, Family Nursing Practice Scale, and Measure of Process of Care for Adults were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, paired-sample t-tests, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Mediation analyses were performed using Hayes' PROCESS macro in SPSS (Model 4) with bootstrapping.

Results

Mental health nurses exhibited supportive attitudes toward integrating families into care (Mean = 98.96) and greater perceptions of family nursing practice (Mean = 2.44). The concordances between patients and caregivers on perceived quality of family-centered care were significant (ICC = 0.63–0.77). Attitudes of mental health nurses toward integrating families into care had both the total and direct effects on all domains of quality of FCC perceived by patients and caregivers, respectively. The indirect effects of mental health nurses' attitudes toward integrating families into care on aspects of quality of FCC through family nursing practice were significant for patients (95% bias-corrected bootstrap CI of 0.015–0.053) and caregivers (95% bias-corrected bootstrap CI of 0.004–0.041). The magnitude of the indirect effects was medium to large for patients (ES = 0.209–0.257) and caregivers (ES = 0.148–0.221).

Conclusion

Family nursing practice partially mediated the association between mental health nurses' attitudes toward integrating families into care and aspects of quality of FCC from perspectives of patients and caregivers.

Clinical Relevance

Interventions tailoring mental health nurses' practice skills and reciprocity with families have the potential to enhance supportive attitudes of mental health nurses toward working with families and further improve perceived quality of FCC in patient-caregiver dyads in mental healthcare practice.

What are the roles of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self‐management in an eHealth care context? A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims

To examine the relationship among eHealth literacy, empowerment and self-management and the mediating effects of empowerment in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients in the eHealthcare context.

Background

Self-management is an essential aspect of healthcare in delaying disease progression for DKD. In the eHealthcare era, health services providing self-management are transforming. The ability and confidence of patients to use eHealth services is a critical issue that impacts the effectiveness of self-management, but little is known about the role of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self-management.

Design

A cross-sectional study guided by the STROBE.

Methods

Overall, 127 Taiwanese patients were enrolled using convenience sampling. Data collection used structured questionnaires and chart reviews. Multiple regression was used to infer self-management predictors, and SPSS PROCESS macro and bootstrapping verified the mediating effects.

Results

Empowerment and eHealth literacy both showed significant positive correlations with self-management. Empowerment was the main predictor of self-management and had a complete mediating effect between eHealth literacy and self-management.

Conclusion

Increasing patients' eHealth literacy can improve empowerment and prevent health inequality issues. Healthcare providers should consider improving patients' eHealth literacy to enhance their self-management.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Healthcare service systems need to create user-friendly eHealthcare environments, and healthcare professionals can provide multifaceted instructions that fit patients' eHealth literacy levels to enhance their motivation and confidence in disease care, thus cultivating positive self-management behaviours.

Impact

The popularity of eHealthcare services aimed at promoting self-management behaviours is increasing. However, the level of eHealth literacy is an essential factor that affects the effectiveness of self-management in the healthcare environment. In addition, empowerment is a major critical influence factor of self-management and a completely mediating variable between self-management and eHealth literacy. Consequently, healthcare providers should consider promoting patients' eHealth literacy to empower people using eHealthcare services for implementing self-management.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in cross-sectional studies (STROBE) checklist was used to ensure comprehensive reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were diagnosed with DKD in the study hospital. Physicians and case managers transferred patients to research assistants who screened them for the inclusion criteria and invited them to participate in this study if they met the requirements. After participants signed informed consent, the research nurse encouraged participants to respond to the research questionnaire face to face.

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