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Methods for the evaluation of corneal nerve fibres in diabetes mellitus by in vivo confocal microscopy: a scoping review

Por: Sandvik · S. A. · Morisbakk · T. L. · Lundanes · E. · Lid · J. · Lagali · N. · Sundling · V.
Aim

To map, summarise and analyse the methodologies of corneal nerve fibre imaging in studies using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in diabetes and assess the potential for standardising methods and reporting.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using five databases, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus, with search terms related to IVCM, diabetes and corneal nerves. Two researchers independently screened the studies for eligibility. Relevant data were extracted and systematically analysed.

Results

Out of 1533 screened articles, 195 met the inclusion criteria. Spanning from 2000 to 2024, the studies showed high variability in image acquisition, image processing, image analysis and reporting detail. Most studies used laser scanning confocal microscopy, examining the central cornea in both eyes in patients with type 2 diabetes, manually selecting 3–6 images from each eye, and using ACCMetrics and CCMetrics for quantifying corneal nerve fibre length in mm/mm2. Many studies lacked sufficient methodological details for reproducibility.

Conclusion

IVCM studies of corneal nerve fibres in diabetes show substantial methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting, limiting reproducibility. We propose a guideline to support standardisation and improve the reliability of future research.

Development and retrospective validation of an artificial intelligence system for diagnostic assessment of prostate biopsies: study protocol

Por: Mulliqi · N. · Blilie · A. · Ji · X. · Szolnoky · K. · Olsson · H. · Titus · M. · Martinez Gonzalez · G. · Boman · S. E. · Valkonen · M. · Gudlaugsson · E. · Kjosavik · S. R. · Asenjo · J. · Gambacorta · M. · Libretti · P. · Braun · M. · Kordek · R. · Łowicki · R. · Hotakainen · K. · Vä
Introduction

Histopathological evaluation of prostate biopsies using the Gleason scoring system is critical for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment selection. However, grading variability among pathologists can lead to inconsistent assessments, risking inappropriate treatment. Similar challenges complicate the assessment of other prognostic features like cribriform cancer morphology and perineural invasion. Many pathology departments are also facing an increasingly unsustainable workload due to rising prostate cancer incidence and a decreasing pathologist workforce coinciding with increasing requirements for more complex assessments and reporting. Digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for analysing whole slide images show promise in improving the accuracy and efficiency of histopathological assessments. Studies have demonstrated AI’s capability to diagnose and grade prostate cancer comparably to expert pathologists. However, external validations on diverse data sets have been limited and often show reduced performance. Historically, there have been no well-established guidelines for AI study designs and validation methods. Diagnostic assessments of AI systems often lack preregistered protocols and rigorous external cohort sampling, essential for reliable evidence of their safety and accuracy.

Methods and analysis

This study protocol covers the retrospective validation of an AI system for prostate biopsy assessment. The primary objective of the study is to develop a high-performing and robust AI model for diagnosis and Gleason scoring of prostate cancer in core needle biopsies, and at scale evaluate whether it can generalise to fully external data from independent patients, pathology laboratories and digitalisation platforms. The secondary objectives cover AI performance in estimating cancer extent and detecting cribriform prostate cancer and perineural invasion. This protocol outlines the steps for data collection, predefined partitioning of data cohorts for AI model training and validation, model development and predetermined statistical analyses, ensuring systematic development and comprehensive validation of the system. The protocol adheres to Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model of Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis+AI (TRIPOD+AI), Protocol Items for External Cohort Evaluation of a Deep Learning System in Cancer Diagnostics (PIECES), Checklist for AI in Medical Imaging (CLAIM) and other relevant best practices.

Ethics and dissemination

Data collection and usage were approved by the respective ethical review boards of each participating clinical laboratory, and centralised anonymised data handling was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. The study will be conducted in agreement with the Helsinki Declaration. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications (open access).

Strength training among professional UCI road cyclists: Practices, challenges, and rationales

by Vidar Vikestad, Idar Kristian Lyngstad, Terje Dalen

In our study, we aimed to investigate professional road cyclists’ practices in strength training, as well as their challenges with and rationales for strength training. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we collected data using a quantitative questionnaire and analysed semi-structured interviews using content analysis. After identifying professional road cyclists on FirstCycling.com’s cycling statistics database, we contacted 624 cyclists by direct messaging on social media platforms, primarily Instagram. Of them, 147 professional road cyclists—88 male and 59 female—responded to the questionnaire, which we complemented with 10 semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights into their strength training. Results revealed a common practice of engaging in two strength training sessions per week during the off- and pre-season, which dropped to one maintenance session during the race season. More female than male cyclists reported engaging in strength training during both the pre-season (96.6% vs. 85.3%) and race season (66.1% vs. 36.4%). The most significant challenges to maintaining consistent strength training were travelling, fatigue, and racing, while the primary rationales for strength training were to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and improve bone health. Moreover, the cyclists’ choices in strength training seemed to be largely influenced by guidance from coaches. Altogether, our findings highlight the complexities inherent in strength training among professional cyclists and emphasise the need for expert guidance to maintain consistent practices in strength training, especially during the race season.

Non-randomised prospective clinical trial to improve follow-up adherence, survivorship knowledge and late effects documentation at a childhood cancer clinic in Western Kenya: a study protocol

Por: Lemmen · J. · Mageto · S. · Vik · T. · Olbara · G. · Kaspers · G. · Njuguna · F.
Introduction

International survivorship guideline consortia have developed strategies to prevent, detect and manage late effects of childhood cancer survivors. However, recommendations do not adequately reflect the everyday reality of paediatric oncology care in low- and middle-income countries. In this study protocol, a survivorship intervention programme, comprising an educational component and a follow-up component, is described. The Educational Programme aims to improve follow-up adherence of childhood cancer survivors through increasing survivorship knowledge of caregivers. The Follow-up Programme aims to map late effects by implementing a follow-up form at the outpatient clinic to be used by trained healthcare providers.

Methods and analysis

This non-randomised prospective clinical trial will be performed at a referral hospital in Western Kenya. 100 caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer, who will complete treatment within 2 months, will be enrolled and followed for 24 months after completion of treatment. A caregiver control group receiving usual care will be recruited, and sequentially, caregivers will be included in an intervention group to attend an educational group session where they receive educational materials (video, booklet and Survivorship Card). Primary study outcome will be survivors’ follow-up adherence. Survivors will be considered lost to follow-up after they miss a scheduled appointment and do not revisit the clinic for more than 6 months. Mixed models regression analyses will be performed to determine intervention effects on follow-up adherence and on caregiver survivorship knowledge uptake. Additionally, healthcare providers will be trained on follow-up care, whereafter a form will be introduced at the outpatient clinic to document late effects in paediatric survivors attending the clinic for the period of a year. Secondary outcomes will be late effects prevalence as documented in the follow-up form and caregiver and healthcare provider survivorship knowledge uptake. Implementation measures (reach, potential effectiveness, adoption, satisfaction and maintenance) will be evaluated for both programmes.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Research and Ethics Committee has approved the study protocol. Findings will also be shared with governmental and non-governmental organisations that support children with cancer in Kenya to inform their target audiences and guide their policy development.

Lessons learnt from this study could inform healthcare providers and policy makers on how to shape survivorship programmes in the Kenyan context and possibly implement similar programmes in other centres in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Trial registration number

NCT06680687.

Using a modified Delphi approach to develop and validate a digital self-management support checklist in bariatric surgery aftercare

Por: Oien · J.-M. T. · Andersen · J. R. · Natvik · E.
Introduction

Current clinical practice in bariatric surgery follow-up care is highly heterogeneous, and patients have reported needing more and extended personalised support. Especially, they want more support on how to self-manage and cope with the changes and challenges of living with the chronic aspects of obesity and a changing body following surgery. The overall aim of this study protocol is to develop and validate a digital self-management support checklist in bariatric surgery aftercare.

Methods

We propose a protocol for a modified, electronic Delphi study design using qualitative and quantitative methods to develop and validate the content of the checklist. The study is divided into two phases: (1) generation of candidate checklist attributes and (2) validation of candidate checklist attributes. In Phase 1, two qualitative studies involving individual interviews with patients and focus groups with healthcare professionals will be conducted to derive context-specific knowledge. This knowledge will be combined with best-practice evidence and stakeholder input to generate candidate checklist attributes, that is, principles, items and features. In Phase 2, a two-round electronic Delphi survey with an expert panel will be conducted to assess the relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness of candidate checklist attributes and to determine the final checklist attributes based on content validity results from the Delphi process. Reflexive thematic analysis will be used on qualitative data and descriptive statistics on quantitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Region West (2023/676367). The Data Protection Officer at Førde Hospital Trust and collaborating hospital trusts have approved the project (4386–4386). The results will be presented at scientific conferences, published and open-accessed in international peer-reviewed journals.

Relationship Between Health Literacy, Health Protective Behaviour, Quality of Life and Social Health in Older Adults Living in the Community

ABSTRACT

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between health literacy, health protective behaviour, quality of life and social health in older adults living in the community.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Method

This observational study was carried out by interviewing 600 older adult people living in a province in the South Marmara region of Turkey using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The dependent variable of the study was social health perception, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used in the analyses. Reporting of the study followed the STROBE checklist.

Results

The social health of the participants is at a medium level. As a result of linear regression analysis, the social health score was found in those who have high school education or higher, those who live with their children and those who live alone to be significantly lower in those with poor general health perception. As age increases, health literacy increases, and quality of life decreases, the social health score decreases (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this context, steps should be taken to increase social harmony and social support for the older adult; the perceived environment should be improved, and environments that facilitate the lives of the older adult should be created.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Determining the level of social health of the older adult and identifying the related factors is important in terms of improving the quality of services to be provided for the older adult. In this context, it is important for health professionals to take initiatives to improve the lifestyle, health literacy and quality of life of the older adult.

Development of FastFrail--a rapid frailty screening tool for medical calls: a development study based on cross-sectional data from an urgent care centre in Norway

Por: Sebjornsen · I. · Bakken · M. S. · Ranhoff · A. H. · Baste · V. · Vedvik · M. N. · Advocaat Wigand · N. · Gulla · C. O.
Objective

To develop a rapid screening tool for the identification of frailty in medical calls and other out-of-hospital acute care services.

Design

Development study based on cross-sectional data. A set of potential items were developed based on existing frailty tools and other relevant literature by a panel with geriatric and primary care expertise. The items and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) were administered on a convenience sample of older urgent care patients. Further development of the tool was based on statistical analyses of this data material and final discussions in the panel.

Setting

Urgent care centre in Norway, data collected between January and August 2022.

Participants

All patients ≥70 years were eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients triaged to the highest urgency level and patients not able to answer questions with no next of kin present.

Primary outcome

Potential items associated with frailty by CFS, measured by explained variance (adjusted R2 values from linear regression analyses).

Results

Nine potential items were developed and administered on 200 patients (59% female), of whom 48% were 70–79 years, 38% were 80–89 years and 14% were ≥90 years. The median CFS score was 4 (living with very mild frailty). Receiving help weekly, being homebound and using a walking aid were identified as strong indicators of frailty (adjusted R2 values 59%, 48% and 43%, respectively). Together these three factors could explain 74% of the variation in CFS scores.

Conclusions

Receiving help weekly, being homebound and using a walking aid are strong indicators of frailty among urgent care patients. We developed a frailty screening tool for medical calls—FastFrail—consisting of three simple, binary questions (yes/no) on these aspects. We hypothesise that FastFrail can supplement traditional symptom-based triage and enable more accurate assessment of older adults calling for acute medical help. We intend to test the tool in clinical practice.

Interplay of health-related quality of life and comorbidities in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in primary care settings in Austria: a countrywide cross-sectional study

Por: Sourij · H. · Azhar · K. · Aziz · F. · Kojzar · H. · Sourij · C. · Fasching · P. · Clodi · M. · Ludvik · B. · Mader · J. K. · Resl · M. · Rega-Kaun · G. · Ress · C. · Stechemesser · L. · Stingl · H. · Tripolt · N. J. · Wascher · T. · Kaser · S.
Objectives

This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its relationship with clinical factors and comorbidities in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated in primary care settings.

Design

Cross-sectional study design: This study assessed the HRQoL using a 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) tool in eight domains. The HRQoL scores ranged from 0% to 100% for each domain, with higher scores indicating better HRQoL. Linear regression was used to assess the association of HRQoL domain scores with clinical covariates and comorbidities.

Setting

A countrywide study was conducted on individuals with established T2DM (N=635) attending primary healthcare services for various conditions across nine federal states of Austria from 2021 to 2023.

Participants

A total of 635 individuals, aged above 50 years and diagnosed with T2DM, were recruited by the attending physician to evaluate their HRQoL in relation to T2DM and its associated comorbidities.

Results

The mean SF-36 scores for physical functioning (69±28), role-physical (62±42), mental health (72±20), role-emotional (73±41), social functioning (79±25), bodily pain (67±28) and vitality (55±22) were satisfactory, except for general health (41±10). Age and body mass were inversely associated with physical, mental and social HRQoL (p

Conclusions

Our analysis showed that advanced age, obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases and multimorbidity were associated with poor HRQoL of individuals with T2DM at the primary care level. These findings highlight the need for strengthening holistic management in primary care to address the diverse physical, social and emotional needs of individuals with T2DM.

Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Patients 80 Years‐Old and Older: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Aims

To identify and report results from studies of anxiety and depression, as measured by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in patients ≥ 80 years admitted to hospital settings, and to inform nurses, researchers and educators in nursing about these findings.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, Epistemonikos, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection of studies published until October 2023.

Methods

A search strategy was developed with a university librarian. Four independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were systematically extracted, descriptively analysed, and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists were used to assess studies.

Results

Out of 7076 identified studies, three met the eligibility criteria. Data from 420 participants aged ≥ 80 years were analysed, revealing anxiety prevalence rates between 6% and 18% and mean scores below 4. Depression prevalence rates ranged from 7% to 17%, with a mean score below 4. Most patients with depression were not previously recognised as being depressed.

Conclusions

Few publications reported on anxiety and/or depression in hospitalised patients aged ≥ 80 years using HADS. A gap in the knowledge base has been identified.

Implications

Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that can lead to adverse events and strongly affect aging. Increased understanding of the role that these conditions have on hospitalised patients ≥ 80 years is important for nurses when in contact with this patient group.

Impact

There is a need for more studies to generate evidence regarding anxiety and depression in an increasingly common and challenging hospital population by building upon evidence that is based on validated instruments such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Reporting Method

The PRISMA guideline was followed, and the review registered in PROSPERO (Registration number CRD 42022380943).

Patient Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Trial Registration

CRD 42022380943

The Experiences of Healthcare Services and Ageing Among Older Turkish Immigrants: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Aims

The aim of this study is to explore patterns of the lived experiences of first-generation Turkish immigrants (≥ 60 years) living and ageing in Norway regarding their experiences with healthcare services and ageing.

Design

This study used a qualitative study.

Methods

The sample consisted of 17 individuals aged 60 and above who were of Turkish origin, and immigrated to and living in Norway. All participants resided in the same city in the middle part of Norway. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted between February and June 2023. All transcripts were examined using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Two main themes and five subthemes were identified. The first theme was ‘Utilization of the healthcare service to their best’, with the subthemes: (a) ‘Communication through a translator: Expressing health problems’ and (b) ‘From physician to physician: Seeking a second opinion in health’. The second theme was ‘Being born in Türkiye: Aging in Norway’, with the subthemes: (a) ‘Between two worlds: Efforts to establish balance’, (b) ‘Family ties and care preferences: Understanding the care preferences’ and (c) ‘Two cultures, one life: Lifestyles’.

Conclusion

This study reveals the experiences Turkish immigrants have with the healthcare service and ageing while living in Norway and balancing between two cultures. These findings offer a valuable perspective for healthcare providers and social workers and offer insight relevant to developing a cross-cultural healthcare service programme.

Impact

This study could provide a fundamental step towards understanding older Turkish immigrants and how healthcare services fit their needs. The results revealed Turkish individuals' experiences with ageing and healthcare services, including the use of translator services and general care preferences. The development of more inclusive support programmes for ageing immigrant populations may have far-reaching impacts on individuals' ability to live healthy and meaningful lives.

Reliability and validity of the original and brief German version of the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS): Longitudinal study findings

by Franziska Lehnig, Katja Linde, Viktoria Schmidt, Michaela Nagl, Julia Martini, Holger Stepan, Anette Kersting

Background

Maternal-foetal attachment (MFA) seems essential for adapting to motherhood and the healthy development of the child, with direct implications for clinical practice. It is often assessed using the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), which covers two dimensions: quality and intensity of attachment. However, studies including the MAAS presented missing or inadequate psychometric properties. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of both the original and the recently introduced brief German version of the MAAS.

Materials and methods

Data from 184 pregnant women from a longitudinal study were used. Women (≥ 18 years old) were recruited between the 18th and 22nd weeks of gestation while waiting for routine prenatal diagnostic appointments. Participants answered the MAAS, together with other questionnaires measuring maternal mental health, self-esteem, and social support. For both versions of the MAAS (19 items vs. 13 items), item characteristics, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were calculated and compared. Moreover, associations between the brief German MAAS and theoretically related constructs were analysed using correlation coefficients.

Results

In this study, item analyses revealed better psychometric properties for the brief German MAAS than for the original MAAS, with a significant reduction in items with inadequate discriminatory power. The internal consistency (α ≥ .69) and test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ .62) were acceptable to good for both MAAS versions. With regard to structural validity, factor analysis of the German MAAS presented acceptable to good global model fit indices for the model with correlated factors (GFI > .90; RMSEA ≤ .08; SRMR Conclusions

According to the present results, the brief German version of the MAAS represents a reliable and valid measurement instrument of MFA for use in clinical practice. Further studies examining possible cut-off values are needed to identify pregnant women with significant attachment difficulties who may benefit from additional support.

The Effect of Perceptions of Evidence‐Based Practice on Endotracheal Cuff Pressure Management in Critical Care Nurses: A Correlational Cross‐Sectional Multicentre Study

ABSTRACT

Aims

This correlational cross-sectional multicentre study aims to achieve two objectives. Firstly, to assess nurses' knowledge and practice of endotracheal cuff pressure management. Secondly, to examine the relationship between endotracheal cuff pressure management knowledge and evidence-based practice leadership and work environment.

Design

A correlational cross-sectional multicentre study design.

Methods

This study was conducted among 144 intensive care nurses in Turkey. Data collection included descriptive characteristics and cuff pressure management of nurses, the Evidence-Based Practice Leadership Scale and Evidence-Based Practice Work Environment Scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Pearson correlation and receiver operating characteristics analysis were conducted. A STROBE checklist was the reporting guide for this study.

Results

The success status of nurses in terms of knowledge related to cuff pressure was found significantly different according to the type of intensive care unit working in and the status of receiving training on evidence-based practice. A positive, strong relationship was found between nurses' mean scores on the Evidence-Based Practice Leadership Scale and the Work Environment Scale. There was a very weak positive correlation between the mean scores of the Evidence-Based Practice Leadership Scale and the cuff pressure management.

Conclusion

Adherence by nurses to current evidence-based practice for cuff pressure monitoring is essential for safe patient care and improved quality of care. It is recommended to provide both a supportive working environment and training programmes for intensive care nurses to perform cuff pressure management in line with evidence-based practice.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Providing educational programs, an appropriate clinical environment, support from health managers and access to appropriate tools are important considerations in increasing the knowledge and skills of intensive care nurses to effectively monitor and manage cuff pressure.

Reporting Method

Our study complies with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist: cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Aligning peripheral intravenous catheter quality with nursing culture—A mixed method study

Abstract

Aim

To explore barriers and facilitators that influence adherence to evidence-based guidelines for peripheral intravenous catheter care in different hospital wards.

Design

Sequential explanatory mixedmethod study design, with qualitative data used to elaborate on quantitative findings.

Method

Data were collected between March 2021 and March 2022 using the previously validated Peripheral Intravenous Catheter mini questionnaire (PIVC-miniQ) on each ward in a tertiary hospital in Norway. Survey completion was followed by individual interviews with nurses from selected wards. The Pillar Integration Process was used to integrate and analyse the quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results

The PIVC-miniQ screening assessed 566 peripheral intravenous catheters in 448 patients in 41 wards, and we found variation between wards in the quality of care. Based on the quantitative variation, we interviewed 24 nurses on wards with either excellent or not as good quality. The integration of the quantitative and qualitative findings in the study enabled an understanding of factors that influence nurses' adherence to the care of peripheral venous catheters. One main theme and four subthemes emerged. The main finding was that ward culture affects education practice, and this was evident from four subthemes: (1) Deviation from best practice, (2) Gaps in education and clinical training, (3) Quality variation between wards and (4) The importance of supportive leadership.

Conclusion

This mixed method study is the first study to explore reasons for variability in peripheral intravenous catheter quality across hospital wards. We found that ward culture was central to catheter quality, with evidence of deviations from best practice correlating with observed catheter complications. Ward culture also impacted nursing education, with the main responsibility for learning peripheral intravenous catheter management left to students' clinical training placements. Addressing this educational gap and fostering supportive leadership, including champions, will likely improve peripheral intravenous catheter care and patient safety.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses learn good peripheral intravenous catheter care in wards with supportive leaders and champions. This implies that the quality of nursing practice and patient outcomes are situational. Nurses need a strengthened emphasis on peripheral catheter quality in the undergraduate curriculum, and nurse leaders must emphasize the quality of catheter care in their wards.

Impact

The study findings impact nurse leaders who must commit to quality and safety outcomes by appointing and supporting local ward champions for promoting peripheral intravenous catheter care. This also impacts nursing education providers, as the emphasis on catheter care must be strengthened in the undergraduate nursing curriculum and continually reinforced in the hospital environment, particularly when guidelines are updated.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to the Good Reporting of A Mixed Method Study (GRAMM).

Patient or Public Contribution

A patient representative has been involved in planning this study.

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.

Nursing standards, language and age as variables associated with clinical competence for nurses in long‐term care facilities: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim

To identify and examine the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence among registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (PNs) working in long-term care facilities (LTCF) for older adults.

Design and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. The competence test, ‘the Ms. Olsen test’, was used for data collection. A convenience sample of 337 nursing staff working in LTCFs for older adults was selected between December 2020 and January 2021. A quantitative, non-experimental approach with multiple linear regression analysis examined the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence and the outcome variables.

Results

The main findings of the linear regression analysis show that the nursing staff's increasing age, use of Swedish as a working language and use of the Finnish nursing practice standards had statistically significant relationships with clinical competence among the participating nursing staff.

Conclusion

This is the first knowledge test that has been developed to test nursing staff's clinical competence in elderly care. In this study in Finland, the highest clinical competence was among the nursing staff who were Swedish-speaking RNs working in institutional care homes caring for patients according to national practice standards.

Implications

These results may be useful to nursing staff and managers working in elderly care to understand the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence in elderly care in Finland and in bilingual settings. The study highlights the importance of using national nursing standards in elderly nursing care. Knowing the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence can provide guidance for the further education of nursing staff in these settings.

Impact

Caring according to national practice standards and caring for severely ill patients are associated with clinical competence.

Reporting Method

The authors adhered to the EQUATOR network guidelines Appendix S1 STROBE to report observational cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

Registered and PNs completed a questionnaire for the data collection.

Thinking strategies used by registered nurses during drug administration in nursing homes—An observational study

Abstract

Aim

To explore registered nurses' thinking strategies during the drug administration process in nursing homes.

Design

An exploratory qualitative design.

Methods

Eight registered nurses, one male and seven female, in five nursing home wards in Mid-Norway were observed during 15 drug dispensing rounds (175 drug dispensing episodes). Think Aloud sessions with follow-up individual interviews were conducted. The Think Aloud data were analysed using deductive qualitative content analysis based on Marsha Fonteyn's description of 17 thinking strategies. Interview data were used to clarify missing information and validate the content of Think Aloud data.

Results

The registered nurses used all 17 thinking strategies described by Fonteyn, including several variants of each strategy. The three most frequent were ‘providing explanations’, ‘setting priorities’ and ‘drawing conclusions’. In addition, we found two novel thinking strategies that did not fit into Fonteyn's template, which were labelled ‘controlling’ and ‘interacting’. Among all strategies, ‘controlling’ was by far the most used, serving as a means for the registered nurses to stay on track and navigate through various interruptions, while also minimising errors during drug dispensing.

Conclusion

The study highlights the diverse thinking strategies employed by registered nurses in nursing homes during medication administration. The findings emphasise the multifaceted nature of medication administration and underscore the importance of skilled personnel in ensuring medication safety. Recognising the significance of these findings is crucial for maintaining patient well-being and upholding medication safety standards in healthcare settings.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Understanding the thinking strategies employed by registered nurses can inform training programmes and enhance the clinical judgements of health care professionals involved in medication administration, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced medication errors in practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved in this study as recipients of drugs which the nurses distributed during the observations. The patients were involved as a third party and consent to the observations was either given by the patients themselves or relatives in cases where the patient was not competent to consent. No personal information was collected about the patients.

Reporting Method

The reporting of this study adhered to the COREQ checklist.

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