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AnteayerInternacionales

Randomized controlled trials in nursing conducted by Latin American research teams: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the cornerstone of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis. RCT identification remains challenging because of limitations in their indexation in major databases and potential language bias. Scientific production in Latin American nursing is steadily increasing, but little is known about its design or main features. We aimed to identify the extent of evidence from RCTs in nursing conducted by Latin American research teams and evaluate their main characteristics, including potential risk of bias.

Design

Scoping review with risk of bias assessment.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review including a comprehensive electronic search in five relevant databases. We completed a descriptive data analysis and a risk of bias assessment of eligible studies using Cochrane's guidance.

Results

We identified 1784 references of which 47 were RCTs published in 40 journals. Twenty (42.6%) RCTs were published in journals in English. Chronic diseases were the most common health conditions studied (29.7%). Fifteen (31.9%) RCTs had a high risk of bias. Thirty (75%) journals were included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) catalog and 5 (16.7%) were journals classified under nursing category. Twenty-one (52.5%) journals explicitly required CONSORT checklist recommendations for RCTs reporting.

Conclusion

Publication of RCTs in nursing by Latin American authors has increased. Most journals where RCTs are published are in English and not specific to nursing. Searches in journals of other disciplines may be necessary to facilitate identification of RCTs in nursing. CONSORT statements need to be actively promoted to facilitate rigorous methodology and reporting of RCTs.

Clinical Relevance Statement

This study highlights the need for an increased research focus on RCTs in nursing in Latin America, and the importance of enhancing the reporting quality of these studies to support evidence-based nursing practice.

Nursing students' and educators' perspectives on sustainability and climate change: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To identify and synthesize research on the awareness, attitudes and action related to sustainability and climate change from the perspective of nursing students and educators globally.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

The review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl. Included studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A deductive content analysis based on Elo and Kyngäs' methodology was employed.

Data Sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, British Education Index, GreenFILE and Scopus were searched up to the 8th November 2022.

Results

Thirty-two studies were included in the review. Two studies included nursing educators in their samples, the rest focused solely on students. Findings suggest that whilst some students were aware of sustainability issues and felt that nurses have a responsibility to mitigate climate change, others showed limited awareness and believed that nurses have more important priorities. A global interest was seen among students for increased curricular content related to sustainability and climate change. Waste management and education of others were suggested actions students can take; however, barriers included lack of confidence and limited power.

Conclusion

There is a need for sustainability education within nursing curricula, accompanied by student support.

Implications for the Profession

The review acts as a starting point to make sustainable healthcare and climate change mitigation integral aspects of nursing.

Impact

Sustainability education within nursing curricula can positively impact on sustainable healthcare and climate change mitigation. More research is needed on the perspectives of nursing educators.

Reporting Method

The review is reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Clinical deterioration as a nurse sensitive indicator in the out‐of‐hospital context: A scoping review

Abstract

Aims

To explore and summarise the literature on the concept of ‘clinical deterioration’ as a nurse-sensitive indicator of quality of care in the out-of-hospital context.

Design

The scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review and the JBI best practice guidelines for scoping reviews.

Methods

Studies focusing on clinical deterioration, errors of omission, nurse sensitive indicators and the quality of nursing and midwifery care for all categories of registered, enrolled, or licensed practice nurses and midwives in the out-of-hospital context were included regardless of methodology. Text and opinion papers were also considered. Study protocols were excluded.

Data Sources

Data bases were searched from inception to June 2022 and included CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, EmCare, Maternity and Infant Care Database, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Informit Health and Society Database, JSTOR, Nursing and Allied Health Database, RURAL, Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Thirty-four studies were included. Workloads, education and training opportunities, access to technology, home visits, clinical assessments and use of screening tools or guidelines impacted the ability to recognise, relay information and respond to clinical deterioration in the out-of-hospital setting.

Conclusions

Little is known about the work of nurses or midwives in out-of-hospital settings and their recognition, reaction to and relay of information about patient deterioration. The complex and subtle nature of non-acute deterioration creates challenges in defining and subsequently evaluating the role and impact of nurses in these settings.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Further research is needed to clarify outcome measures and nurse contribution to the care of the deteriorating patient in the out-of-hospital setting to reduce the rate of avoidable hospitalisation and articulate the contribution of nurses and midwives to patient care.

Impact

What Problem Did the Study Address?

Factors that impact a nurse's ability to recognise, relay information and respond to clinical deterioration in the out-of-hospital setting are not examined to date.

What Were the Main Findings?

A range of factors were identified that impacted a nurse's ability to recognise, relay information and respond to clinical deterioration in the out-of-hospital setting including workloads, education and training opportunities, access to technology, home visits, clinical assessments, use of screening tools or guidelines, and avoidable hospitalisation.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?

Nurses and nursing management will benefit from understanding the factors that act as barriers and facilitators for effective recognition of, and responding to, a deteriorating patient in the out-of-hospital setting. This in turn will impact patient survival and satisfaction.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines guided this review. The PRISMA-Scr Checklist (Tricco et al., 2018) is included as (supplementary file 1).Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.”

No Patient or Public Contribution

Not required as the Scoping Review used publicly available information.

Nurse practitioners' use of diagnostic imaging: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To explore the nature and extent of peer-reviewed literature related to the use of diagnostic imaging by nurse practitioners (NPs) to inform future practice and research.

Background

Nurse practitioners undertake advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients, including requesting and interpretation of diagnostic imaging. It is unclear what evidence exists related to the quality use of radiological investigations by NPs in recent years.

Design

A scoping review based on the steps suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Methods

A structured review of the databases Medline, CINAHL and Embase was undertaken using the keywords and MESH terms ‘nurse practitioner’, ‘medical imaging’, ‘diagnostic imaging’, ‘scan’ and ‘radiography’. Only English language articles were included, and no date limit was applied. Database review was completed on 30 May 2021.

Results

Eight themes were identified—country and clinical context, requesting diagnostic imaging, performing diagnostic imaging, image-guided interventions, interpreting diagnostic imaging, training education and knowledge, impact on resource usage and comparison with medical practitioners. There were more studies across a greater breadth of clinical specialties and imaging modalities in the United States than in other countries. Nurse practitioner practice is frequently benchmarked against that of medical colleagues. There is a paucity of studies focusing on educational preparation and the lack of relevant university curricula for NPs around diagnostic imaging.

Conclusion

There are significant gaps in the evidence outside of the United States across several of the identified themes. Further studies are needed to explore NP access to and use of diagnostic imaging and to understand the barriers and facilitators to this.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Studies from four countries were included in this review. The evidence suggests that, where studied, nurse practitioners (NPs) can safely and appropriately request and interpret plain x-rays in the emergency and minor injuries setting. Further research is needed to evaluate the educational needs of NPs in relation to diagnostic imaging and their use of advanced imaging techniques, particularly outside of the United States.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

The potential of structured active play for social and personal development in preschoolers during cancer treatment: A qualitative RePlay study

Abstract

Aim

To explore the potential of a structured active play intervention to promote social and personal development in preschoolers during cancer treatment.

Design

A hermeneutic-phenomenological inspired explorative study.

Methods

Participant observations were conducted on 15 consecutively sampled children (aged 1–5 years) from April 2021 to April 2022. Observations were written as narrative scenic descriptions from field notes and were analysed inspired by hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis and using a thematic analysis structure.

Results

Observations were carried out during 67 group or individual structured active play sessions, resulting in 129 scenic descriptions. Observations of the children's emotional, verbal and bodily expressions and social interactions resulted in three main themes: (1) wanting to play, (2) gaining confidence in movement and (3) being part of a group. The findings showed how children, irrespective of age and the severity of their illness, wanted to play and expressed joy of movement. The children's daily physical state fluctuated and influenced their motivation to participate as well as their confidence in their physical abilities. Through structured active play and with support from their parents and healthcare professionals, the children had successful movement experiences and regained confidence in movement, supporting their personal development. Playing together with other children and accompanied by their parents, healthcare professionals supported the children's opportunities to practice social skills, such as turn-taking, waiting and taking charge. Familiarity, recognizability and fun were key motivational components for the children.

Conclusion

Participating in structured active play during treatment has the potential to promote personal and social development in preschoolers with cancer. Parents play a crucial role in supporting the participation of their children.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The healthcare system and healthcare professionals should provide opportunities for preschoolers with cancer and other illnesses to participate in structured active play.

Impact

What problem did the study address? Cancer treatment affects the development of preschoolers’ gross motor-, personal and social skills—essential skills in childhood development. This study aimed to explore the potential for social and personal development through structured active play. What were the main findings? This study found that preschoolers want to play, and participating in structured active play can support their personal and social development through regained confidence in movement and becoming part of a group. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research impacts healthcare professionals working with preschoolers in the healthcare system. Creating opportunities for preschoolers to participate in structured active play throughout treatment can promote personal and social development.

Reporting Method

The study adheres to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and is reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Participants in this study were preschoolers with cancer and their parents. No public or patient involvement in the design of this study.

Trial and Protocol Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered on December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.

‘Hearing silences’: Exploring culturally safe transitional care: A qualitative study among Turkish‐speaking migrant frail older adults

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the experiences and transitional care needs of Turkish frail older adults living in the UK and determine how this information can be utilized to improve the provision of culturally sensitive care during the transitional period.

Design

Qualitative descriptive research with semi-structured individual interviews.

Methods

“The ‘Silences’ Framework guided the research design, from conceptualizing the research question to structuring the report of final outputs. For this study, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen older adults living with frailty and five family caregivers between January and May of 2023 in the United Kingdom.

Results

Major themes that were identified included: (i) information and communication, (ii) care and support, (iii) the role of culture and (iv) trust and satisfaction. Further analysis, through discussion and immersion in the data, revealed that care transition periods were presented alongside three phases of transitional care: pre-transition (during hospitalization), early-transition (the period between discharge and the 7th day after discharge) and late transition (the period between the 8th day and 12th month after discharge).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the communication and informational needs of frail older individuals change during the transition period. While Turkish older adults and family caregivers expressed satisfaction with healthcare services in the UK, many struggled due to a lack of knowledge on how to access them.

Impact

The support of family caregivers is a crucial component in facilitating transitional care for frail older patients, as they help in accessing healthcare services and using technological devices or platforms. It should be noted that family caregivers often hold the same level of authority as their elderly Turkish counterparts.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Contributing to self‐care of a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative study of the experiences of family caregivers

Abstract

Aim

To explore family caregivers' experiences of contributing to self-care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

A qualitative description study.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to face, by telephone or video calls in a purposive sample of 17 family caregivers of patients with COPD recruited in Italy, and analysed through content analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) checklist was used for study reporting.

Results

Ten subcategories were derived from 106 codes grouped into three main categories: family caregiver contributions to maintaining disease stable and ensuring a normal life for patients; family caregiver contributions to disease monitoring; and family caregiver contributions to coping with disease exacerbations. Family caregivers provided practical and emotional support, and their contribution was essential to improve treatment adherence, to enable the patient to continue living a normal life, and to have access to the healthcare services. Family caregivers were constantly vigilant and monitored patients daily to detect worsening conditions, and they managed exacerbations especially when patients were unable to do it due to their critical conditions.

Conclusion

This study broadens knowledge of family caregivers' contributions to patients' self-care in COPD, describing the different ways family members provide daily care to patients and the many responsibilities they take on.

Impact

Family caregivers perform a variety of behaviours when supporting patients with COPD in self-care, especially when patients are more dependent and the disease more severe. Nurses should acknowledge the various contributions provided by family caregivers and develop educational interventions aiming to support them in patient care and improve patient outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

Researchers shared the draft study report with participants for validation and feedback. This helped to strengthen the study design and results.

Professionalism in pre‐licensure nursing education: Core values, didactic coursework and clinical training

Abstract

Aim

To discuss professionalism for pre-licensure nursing students and identify recommendations for inclusion in core values, didactic coursework and clinical training.

Background

Professionalism is part of the nursing identity that encompasses integrity and honesty. This concept has been difficult to translate into formal education in nursing programs and clinical practice.

Design

A discursive paper.

Data Sources

A search of national literature without date restrictions in PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar and frameworks for nursing education. We explored principles of professionalism in nursing education and practice.

Discussion

Evidence-based literature supports the integration of core values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, honesty and social justice into didactic curricula, and clinical training. Principles of professionalism can be incorporated intentionally in nursing education to maintain patient safety and trust.

Conclusion

The principles of professionalism, related to core values of the nursing profession, are abundantly described in the literature. However, these principles represent core values that have not been formally conceptualized. With the changing landscape of healthcare, there is a need for deliberate, measurable integration of professionalism into pre-licensure education.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this discursive paper.

Psychometric properties of parental stress scales used in paediatric health care settings: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To identify scales that assess parental stress in the paediatric clinical population and to analyse their psychometric properties.

Methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus) and metasearch engines (Google Scholar and Open Grey) were searched with no time period limitations. Methodological quality was assessed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach modified by COSMIN. Finally, recommendations were made for the instruments with the highest quality of evidence.

Results

A total of 38 studies reporting on 11 different instruments for assessing parental stress in the paediatric clinical setting were included. Six instruments were ‘A’ rated (recommended) in the final phase in line with COSMIN guidelines. The Paediatric Inventory for Parents was the instrument that evaluated the highest number of psychometric properties and obtained the highest methodological quality, global assessment, and quality of evidence for the different psychometric properties.

Conclusions

This systematic review provides an overview of the measurement properties of the parental stress instruments used in the paediatric clinical setting. The Paediatric Inventory for Parents stands out as being one of the most robust instruments for measuring stress in parents with a hospitalised or sick child. Evidence needs to be generated for all the parental stress scales used in the clinical setting.

Impact

Given that the psychometric properties of the existing parental stress scales used in paediatric health care settings have not been systematically assessed, the present review utilised comprehensive methods according to COSMIN.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Reporting method

PRISMA statement and COSMIN reporting guidelines for studies on measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures.

Acute care nurse managers' definitions of and barriers to well‐being: A thematic analysis of open‐ended survey questions

Abstract

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, acute care nurse managers functioned in a critical role by helping to advance the mission and goals of their organization while navigating a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This resulted in high levels of ongoing job-related stress which is linked to negative physical, psychological, and job-related outcomes. Little is known about the perceptions regarding their own professional well-being during this time.

Aim

The aim of this study was to qualitatively describe acute care nurse managers' perceptions of and barriers to their professional well-being.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive approach, nurse managers from a hospital system in the southwestern United States responded to two short-answer, survey-based questions in 2022: (1) “Describe the definition of nurse-manager well-being in your own words” and (2) “What do you feel is your biggest barrier to professional well-being?” Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze participant responses (N = 80).

Results

Professional well-being is a complex concept influenced by the nurse manager's ability to navigate work–life balance; care for their own physical, emotional, and spiritual selves; give and receive support from stakeholders; and manage feelings of thriving vs. struggling in the role. Barriers most cited as influencing well-being included having too little time to get things done coupled with increasing workloads, feeling stuck in the middle among stakeholders, and coping with ongoing staffing challenges.

Linking Evidence to Action

The definition of and barriers to well-being are influenced by the specific needs and experiences of the nurse manager. While not all barriers can be immediately removed, the identification of individual and organization-specific barriers needs to be taken seriously, reviewed by those who can promote change, and evidence-based solutions for improvement piloted or implemented when feasible.

Firearms and post‐separation abuse: Providing context behind the data on firearms and intimate partner violence

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study is to provide insight from maternal survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) describing their experiences with their ex-partners' firearm ownership, access, storage and behaviours in the context of co-parenting and separation.

Design

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by the IPV and Coparenting Model.

Methods

The analytic sample consists of self-identified maternal survivors (n = 14) who completed semi-structured qualitative interviews between January and May 2023 describing experiences of post-separation abuse. Participants were recruited through social media and domestic violence advocacy and legal aid organizations. In the interview guide, participants were asked one item about firearm exposure: Have you or your children had any experiences with guns and your ex-partner that made you or your children feel scared? Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interview transcripts were managed and coded in ATLAS.ti using a codebook. Codes were applied using descriptive content analysis, discrepancies reconciled and themes related to firearm exposure in the context of post-separation abuse identified.

Results

Six themes emerged related to firearm experiences and post-separation abuse: (1) gun ownership (2) gun access; (3) unsafe storage; (4) direct and symbolic threats; (5) involving the children; (6) survivors' protective actions.

Conclusion

This manuscript provides context on how abusive ex-partners' firearm ownership, access and threats cause terror and pervasive fear for mothers and children following separation. Analysis of qualitative data provides important insights into opportunities to address firearm injury prevention.

Impact

Findings add to the contextual understanding of how survivors of IPV experience non-fatal firearm abuse. Existing quantitative data may not capture the full extent of fear caused by perpetrators' gun ownership access and symbolic threats. Data from this study can help inform firearm injury prevention efforts.

Patient or Public Contribution

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the individuals who helped in cognitive testing of the interview guide prior to conducting interviews with participants, including (3) survivors of post-separation abuse. The authors would also like to acknowledge domestic violence advocates and those individuals who helped with recruitment and connected us with participants. Importantly, with deep gratitude, the authors would like to thank the participants who generously shared their time and stories with us.

Nurses' perceived barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nurse prescribing: Delphi study and focus group

Abstract

Aim

To obtain consensus on barriers and facilitators to nurse prescribing following its recent introduction in Spain.

Design

A three round online Delphi survey and focus group.

Methods

An exploratory method was used with three consecutive rounds of questionnaires based on anonymity and feedback, and a focus group. The study was carried out with primary care, specialized care, socio-health care and manager nurses.

Results

On the basis of the Delphi study that was conducted, a list of 15 barriers and 18 facilitators of nurse prescribing was obtained. However, no general consensus was found with respect to the prioritization of these barriers/facilitators. The analysis of the results of the focus group confirmed the information obtained from the Delphi study. The main barriers highlighted were dependence on the figure of the physician, insufficient training in pharmacology, a lack of institutional support and the limited list of products that could be prescribed. The key facilitators were academic knowledge and ongoing training and education, independence in the functions and responsibilities of the nursing profession, adaptation to new roles and autonomy in the case of chronic care processes.

Conclusion

Nurses were generally positive about the introduction of nurse prescribing. The commitment of nurses to training and their accreditation as prescribers (internal forces) and health policy and nursing management (external forces) play a fundamental role in supporting the basis of nurse prescribing and ensuring that it is developed with the identified support resources, such as staff training and the provision of the materials necessary for its proper implementation, all with the aim of guaranteeing quality healthcare.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Strong models of nurse prescribing are being considered globally to address population needs. The results can help the future implementation of non-medical independent prescribing and provide guidance to the government and society on the interventions that can be used to consolidate it.

Impact

What problem did the study address? By 2027, the world's population will receive more than 4.5 trillion doses of medicine each year. However, the WHO estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030. Inadequacies with traditional physician-led care systems mean that new approaches are imperative to maintain patient access to prescription medicines, with NP being a key element in this regard. In Catalonia (Spain), the accreditation process for nurses as prescribers was implemented in 2021. It is therefore of vital importance to question and consult the nurses themselves, the main promoters of the process, to find out their perceptions and thus be able to take them into consideration in the implementation process. What were the main findings? A total of 15 barriers and 17 facilitators were identified. The main perceived barriers are dependence on the figure of the physician, insufficient training in pharmacology during undergraduate studies and a lack of institutional support. The main perceived facilitators are academic knowledge and ongoing education and training, independence in nursing functions and responsibilities, and adaptation to new roles and tasks. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? These results can contribute to improving NP implementation in Spain and serve as a reference for other countries, especially where NP education and training have only recently been instigated or are in the planning process.

Reporting Method

Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations. SRQR.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Optimization of solid oral dosage form administration to patients with swallowing difficulties: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To appraise and synthesize research investigating optimizing the administration of solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) to adults with swallowing difficulties.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted on Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Public Medline interface), Elsevier SciVerse Scopus and Scientific Electronic Library Online (updated February 2023). Restriction regarding the publication date was not considered for the inclusion of records. Studies addressing risks, general aspects, recommendations about patient postural adjustments, swallowing techniques, swallowing aids and aspects of concealment of SODFs were included.

Results

Fifty-three records published between 2002 and 2021 were included. The main administration risks were aspiration, asphyxia and solid oral dosage form-induced oral/oesophageal mucosal lesions. The most frequent general aspect reported was administering one oral dosage form at a time. The sitting position was the most patient postural adjustment mentioned. The most frequently reported solid oral dosage form swallowing technique was the lean-forward method for capsules. Solid oral dosage form swallowing aids cited: tongue and throat lubricant and solid oral dosage form coating device, swallowing cup and swallowing straw.

Conclusion

The literature data on administering SODFs for adults with swallowing difficulties were appraised and synthesized. Some aspects, for example, not administering SODFs simultaneously, can make swallowing safer. Postural adjustments and solid oral dosage form swallowing aids are important to avoid administration risks. Swallowing SODFs can be easier if learned by techniques. Liquid and food are helpful as vehicles, and several of these have been listed.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

By optimizing the contributing factors of administering oral pharmacotherapy, the nurse can use appropriate practices to improve patient safety. Additionally, knowing and establishing the administration aspects are reasonable steps for standardizing care for patients with swallowing oral dosage form difficulties.

Impact

This study addressed administering SODFs to adult patients with swallowing difficulties. The administration of SODFs to adult patients with swallowing difficulties can be optimized if only one oral dosage form at a time is administrated and if patient postural adjustments, swallowing techniques and swallowing aids are used. This investigation will impact the care of patients with swallowing difficulties.

Reporting Method

The authors declare they adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and report following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Continuing education for advanced practice nurses: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify the nature and extent of scientific research addressing continuing education for advanced practice nurses.

Design

A scoping review.

Review Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews.

Data Sources

Electronic search was conducted on 17 September 2023 via CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and the Joanna Briggs Institute's Evidence-Based Practice Database for research articles published between 2012 and 2023.

Results

Nineteen papers were included in this review. Scientific research on continuing education for advanced practice nursing roles (i.e. nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist) has primarily been conducted in the United States and mostly addresses online-delivered continuing education interventions for clinical care competency. Most of the interventions targeted nurse practitioners.

Conclusion

Continuing education has a pivotal role in supporting advanced practice nursing competency development. In addition to clinical care, future continuing education research should focus on other advanced practice nursing competencies, such as education, leadership, supporting organizational strategies, research and evidence implementation.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Continuing education programmes for advanced practice nurses should be rigorously developed, implemented and evaluated to support the quality and effectiveness of patient care.

Impact

Continuing education for advanced practice nursing roles is an understudied phenomenon. This review highlights future research priorities and may inform the development of continuing education programmes.

Reporting Method

PRISMA-ScR.

Parents' and nurses' perceptions and behaviours of family‐centred care during periods of busyness

Abstract

Purpose

Busyness as a construct within modern healthcare is complex and multidimensional. To date, few studies have sought to explore how busyness influences family-centred care. This study explored the influence of busyness on the delivery of family-centred care for nurses and parents.

Design and Method

Ethnography was selected as the research design. The study site was a metropolitan tertiary hospital inpatient paediatric unit in Sydney, Australia. Semi-structured interview and non-participant observation techniques were used for data collection. Ten paediatric nurses and 10 parents were interviewed and 40 h of non-participant observations were undertaken. The COREQ was used to report the study.

Results

The findings are presented as three key themes: (i) ‘Supporting family-centred care’ in which participants detail beliefs about the nurse-parent relationships and how despite busyness nurses sought out moments to engage with parents; (ii) ‘Being present at the bedside’ identified the challenges in optimising safety and how parents adapted their way of being and interacting on the unit; and (iii) ‘The emotional cost of busyness’ and how this influenced nurse-parent interactions, care delivery and family-centred care.

Conclusions

The ethnography has given shape to social understandings of busyness, the complexities of paediatric nursing and family-centred care. The culture of care changed in moments of busyness and transformed parent and nursing roles, expectations and collaborative care that at time generated internal emotional conflict and tension.

Practice implications

Given the increasing work demands across health systems, new agile ways of working need to ensure maintenance of a family-centred approach. Strategies need to be developed during periods of busyness to better support collaborative connections and the well-being of paediatric nurses and parents. At an organisational level, fostering a positive workplace culture that shares a vision for family-centred care and collaboration is essential.

Patient or Public Contribution

Parents of sick children admitted to an acute paediatric inpatient ward were invited to be a participant in a single interview. Parents were aware of the study through ward advertisement and informal discussions with the researchers or senior clinical staff. Engagement with parents was important as healthcare delivery in paediatrics is focused on the delivery of family-centred care. To minimise the risk of child distress and separation anxiety, children were present during the parent interview. Whist children and young people voices were not silenced during the interview process, for this study the parent's voice remained the focus. While important, due to limited resources, parents were not involved in the design analysis or interpretation of the data or in the preparation of this manuscript.

Data sharing

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Sleep deprivation and medication administration errors in registered nurses—A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To explore whether sleep deprivation contributes to medication errors in registered nurses (RNs).

Background

Sleep deprivation is a potential issue for RNs, particularly those who work shifts. Sleep deprivation has been found to have a negative impact on numerous cognitive processes. Nurses administer several medications to patients a day, potentially while sleep deprived—anecdotal reports suggest that this could result in an increased risk of error occurring.

Design

A scoping review was conducted using the Prisma-ScR extension framework to explore what is known about the effect of RNs' sleep deprivation on medication administration errors.

Methods

A search of databases generated 171 results. When inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 18 empirical studies were analysed. Studies included retrospective analysis of errors, surveys of perceptions of causes and observational studies.

Results

Data indicated that RNs consider fatigue, which may be caused by sleep deprivation, to be a contributing factor to medication errors. The search only identified three observer studies, which provided conflicting results as to whether lack of sleep contributes to the error rate. Of the numerous tools used to measure sleep, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was the most frequently used.

Conclusion

Although RNs anecdotally consider a lack of sleep potentially contributes to medication errors, there is insufficient research to provide robust evidence to confirm this assumption.

No Patient or Public Contributions

Patient or public contributions were not required for this scoping review.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Sleep deprivation is a potential issue for nurses, especially those who work shifts. Poor sleep impacts cognitive processes that potentially could increase errors. Nurses should be aware of the impact sleep may have on patient safety.

Factors related to motivation, organisational climate and work engagement within the practice environment of nurse practitioners in the Netherlands

Abstract

Aim

To explore motivation, organisational climate, work engagement and related factors within the practice environment of nurse practitioners.

Background

Motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement are important to motivate nurse practitioners and prevent early exit. However, little is known about related factors.

Design

A cross-sectional design using a digital survey with multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Data were collected from 1 November 2019 to 30 March 2020.

Methods

The survey contained demographic and job-related data, instruments on motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement. Three open-ended questions were added to invite respondents to tell about their next career step, (dis)satisfaction with salary and additional comments. Quantitative data were not normally distributed (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test). Kruskal Wallis tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Answers on the open-ended questions were coded and categorised in themes. The STROBE checklist was followed.

Results

In total 586 questionnaires were completed. The majority of the respondents were female (85%), and their mean age was 47 years (range 26–66 years). Aged 45 or over, more work experience, working in nursing homes, experiencing more autonomy, collaboration with other nurse practitioners, a firmly anchored position, satisfaction with salary and developmental opportunities contributed positively to the practice environment. Answers on the open-ended questions supported the quantitative results.

Conclusions

Work motivation, organisational climate and work engagement are positively related to a large variety of personal and work-related factors. Therefore, policymakers and professional organisations should be aware of the impact of these influencing factors to enhance an inspiring work environment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Awareness of factors that influence nurse practitioners' practice environment can be used as a tool to screen and improve the present work environment.

Syrian refugees' experiences while receiving mental health services and psychiatric nursing care: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

This study examined the experiences of Syrian refugees in a community centre in Turkiye as they access mental health services and receive psychiatric nursing care.

Design

A qualitative design was adopted in the study.

Methods

Data were collected from southern Turkiye between November and December 2021. The researchers conducted three semi-structured focus group interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was followed to analyse the qualitative data. A total of 19 Syrian refugees participated in the focus group interviews.

Results

Three key themes related to immigrants' experiences of receiving mental health services and nursing care were identified: barriers to receiving mental health services, coping with negative experiences in Turkiye and satisfaction with mental health services. The participants identified the barriers they experienced while receiving health services as those pertaining to language, discrimination and stigmatization. They also mentioned the methods of coping with these negative experiences in Turkiye. Despite their negative experiences, they expressed satisfaction with the mental health services they received, especially psychiatric nursing care.

Conclusions

This study determined that Syrian refugees face barriers in accessing and receiving mental health services. They stated that mental health professionals in Turkiye approach them with empathy, particularly those in psychiatric nursing. Healthcare professionals may be trained in culturally sensitive care to increase awareness.

Impact

Studies have frequently examined the experiences of nurses providing care to refugees, but few have focused on evaluating nursing care from the perspective of refugees. Syrian refugees have reported various obstacles in accessing and receiving mental healthcare services. Health professionals, especially psychiatric nurses in mental health psychosocial support centres, must facilitate the processes to eliminate these obstacles.

Reporting Method

The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Understanding strategies that foster nurses to act as clinical leaders in hospitals: A realist review

Abstract

Aim

To identify strategies that develop clinical nursing leadership competencies among staff nurses, and to explain the contextual elements and mechanisms that underpin the development of clinical nursing leadership competencies.

Design

Realist review according to the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses—Evolving Standards (RAMESES).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, PsycInfo and ProQuest were searched from January 2000 until October 2022.

Review Methods

Three iterative phases: (1) development of initial programme theory, (2) structured searches for relevant published and grey literature and (3) data synthesis and interpretation by researchers and theory triangulation, and discussions within the research group.

Results

Multiple context–mechanism–outcome configurations were extracted from 10 reports that explain how, under what circumstances and why strategies can facilitate (or discourage) staff nurses to act as clinical leaders. Reports were both quantitative and qualitative in design, originating from English-speaking countries only.

Conclusions

A logic model was developed and suggests four contexts and five mechanisms underlying the development of clinical nursing leadership. Growth in clinical nursing leadership was mainly experienced through experiential learning, which was enhanced by a supportive relationship with a coach or mentor, the use of reflective practices and modelling from other leaders. Furthermore, a supportive work environment triggers ownership, confidence and motivation, and thereby growth in clinical nursing leadership competencies.

Impact

Fostering competencies for clinical leadership among staff nurses requires multifaceted strategies. Strategies are successful if, and only if, they combine learning by doing, by knowing and by observing, and establish a responsive work environment. Hospital policy should ensure that staff nurses have access to reciprocal relationships with role models or a coach. In order to grow as clinical nurse leader, ownership and self-reflection on own leadership behaviour need to be facilitated.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Prospero ID CRD42021292290.

A hybrid systematic narrative review of instruments measuring home‐based care nurses' competency

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify and synthesize the contents and the psychometric properties of the existing instruments measuring home-based care (HBC) nurses' competencies.

Design

A hybrid systematic narrative review was performed.

Review Methods

The eligible studies were reviewed to identify the competencies measured by the instruments for HBC nurses. The psychometric properties of instruments in development and psychometric testing design studies were also examined. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and COSMIN checklist accordingly.

Data Sources

Relevant studies were searched on CINAHL, MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, PsychINFO and Scopus from 2000 to 2022. The search was limited to full-text items in the English language.

Results

A total of 23 studies reporting 24 instruments were included. 12 instruments were adopted or modified by the studies while the other 12 were developed and psychometrically tested by the studies. None of the instruments encompassed all of the 10 home-based nursing care competencies identified in an earlier study. The two most frequently measured competencies were the management of health conditions, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while the two least measured competencies were quality and safety, and technological literacy. The content and structural validity of most instruments were inadequate since the adopted instruments were not initially designed or tested among HBC nurses.

Conclusion

This review provides a consolidation of existing instruments that were used to assess HBC nurses' competencies. The instruments were generally not comprehensive, and the content and structural validity were limited. Nonetheless, the domains, items and approaches to instrument development could be adopted to develop and test a comprehensive competency instrument for home-based nursing care practice in the future.

Impact

This review consolidated instruments used to measure home-based care nurses' competency. The instruments were often designed for ward-based care nurses hence a comprehensive and validated home-based nursing care competency instrument is needed. Nurses, researchers and nursing leaders could consider the competency instruments identified in this review to measure nurses' competencies, while a home-based nursing care competency scale is being developed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was required in this review.

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