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AnteayerInternacionales

Scoping review of systematic reviews of nursing interventions in a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery

Abstract

Aim(s)

To identify, synthesise and map systematic reviews of the effectiveness of nursing interventions undertaken in a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery.

Design

This scoping review was conducted according to the JBI scoping review framework.

Methods

Review included systematic reviews that evaluated any nurse-initiated interventions that were undertaken in an NICU or SCN setting. Studies that reported one or more positive outcomes related to the nursing interventions were only considered for this review. Each outcome for nursing interventions was rated a ‘certainty (quality) of evidence’ according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations criteria.

Data Sources

Systematic reviews were sourced from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis for reviews published until February 2023.

Results

A total of 428 articles were identified; following screening, 81 reviews underwent full-text screening, and 34 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Multiple nursing interventions reporting positive outcomes were identified and were grouped into seven categories. Respiratory 7/34 (20%) and Nutrition 8/34 (23%) outcomes were the most reported categories. Developmental care was the next most reported category 5/34 (15%) followed by Thermoregulation, 5/34 (15%) Jaundice 4/34 (12%), Pain 4/34 (12%) and Infection 1/34 (3%).

Conclusions

This review has identified nursing interventions that have a direct positive impact on neonatal outcomes. However, further applied research is needed to transfer this empirical knowledge into clinical practice.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Implementing up-to-date evidence on effective nursing interventions has the potential to significantly improving neonatal outcomes.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public involvement in this scoping review.

The relationship between sensory impairment and home care client's received care time—A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sensory impairment and home care client's received care time.

Design

A cross-sectional multi-source study.

Methods

Data from a self-reported staff survey on care time allocation were merged with registry data from the Resident Assessment Instrument registry (n = 1477). The data were collected during 1 week from 17 home care units in Finland in October 2021. The relationship between sensory impairment and clients received care time was examined using linear regression analyses.

Results

The linear regression analyses showed that having vision impairment alone increased care time, while dual sensory impairment resulted in decreased received care time. Hearing impairment alone was not statistically significantly associated with care time.

Conclusion

The holistic care need of home care clients with dual sensory impairment may not be adequate. To ensure equality and the individually tailored care of clients, further attention must be paid to clients with sensory impairments, especially those with dual sensory impairment. Furthermore, the competence of home care workers to encounter and communicate with clients with sensory impairment must be developed to support the holistic care.

Implications for the patient care

The sensory impairments of home care clients must be identified in time and considered in care planning and encountering clients.

Impact

As there is a risk that clients with dual sensory impairment are not able to fully express themselves, it is imperative that further attention is paid to clients with sensory impairments, to better understand and support this vulnerable group. Increased awareness and continuous education are needed to better identify and support home care clients with sensory impairment.

Reporting Method

The study adheres to the STROBE reporting guidelines.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.

A strengths‐based qualitative exploration of critical care nurses' reasons for remaining in critical care

Abstract

Aims

Globally, the nursing shortage is a growing concern. Much of the research on retention of nurses focuses on the experience of those who left positions. In this study, we set out to listen to critical care nurses (CCRNs) who have chosen to remain in their positions to understand the factors retaining them in critical care.

Design

This interpretive descriptive study was guided by the following research question: ‘what factors influence CCRN's decision to continue to work in critical care?’

Methods

Digitally recorded interviews and a focus group were conducted between July 2022 and January 2023 using a semi-structured, strengths-based interview guide with CCRNs from three critical care units at a tertiary hospital in a city in a central Canadian province. Transcribed interviews were analysed using open, axial and selective coding and constant comparative analysis.

Results

Twenty-two CCRNs participated in interviews and three in a focus group. The theme of Respect, demonstrated through the interconnected concepts of Working to Full Scope, Team, Rotations and Compensation was identified. Working to Full Scope was described as providing nursing care aligned with how each nurse envisions what nursing is. Being part of a Team led by strong nurse leaders that provides opportunities and supports the sharing of their perspectives was also found. Respect was also found to be demonstrated through Rotations that recognize that work is one part of these nurses' lives. Compensation that reflects the increased education, knowledge and skills required in critical care was the final concept of Respect.

Conclusion

Organizations should focus their efforts across the identified concepts to demonstrate Respect for CCRNs and retain them.

Implications for Practice

The findings of this study provide ways to support the retention of CCRNs.

Impact

This research will have an impact on nursing leaders by providing tangible ways to retain CCRNs.

Reporting Method

Reporting of this work was guided by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Task redistribution from general practitioners to nurses in acute infection care: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim

To examine the impact of implementing nurse-led consultations compared to physician-led consultations on the frequency of follow-up contacts within 14 days following an acute infectious consultation.

Design

Monocentric, prospective cohort study.

Methods

The study was conducted in a multidisciplinary, capitation-based general practice in Belgium. Through analysis of patient files, the number of follow-up contacts within 14 days after an infection consultation was investigated to determine any difference between physician-led or nurse-led consultations. Secondary outcomes included pharmacological interventions and the prescribing behaviour of medical leave certificates.

Results

A total of 352 consultations were analysed, of which 174 conducted by physicians and 178 by nurses. No significant difference was found in the number of follow-up contacts. However, the probability of a pharmacological intervention by a physician was revealed to be significantly higher. The presence or absence of such pharmacological intervention did not significantly influence the number of follow-up contacts.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that nurses can be safely and efficiently utilized in acute infection care within a general practice setting. Although these results are promising, more extensive research is needed which incorporates the experiences of patients and healthcare providers. Furthermore, it is advisable to consider the experience and education of the nurses and incorporate them into the analyses.

Impact

This study addressed the high workload on general practitioners by researching a task shift in the acute infectious, primary health care. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this task shift, which may have an impact on primary health care professionals (whose workload may be reorganized), as well as on patients for whom primary care may become more accessible.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study includes direct patient data from people who presented themselves with acute infectious complaints in a primary healthcare practice.

A theoretical framework for Acute Care Nurse Stress Appraisal: Application of the transactional model of stress and coping

Abstract

Aim

To develop a framework for understanding the stress appraisal process among acute care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A secondary analysis of open-ended responses from a cross-sectional survey of 3030 frontline, acute care nurses in New Jersey and the effect of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping guided the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse 1607 open-ended responses.

Results

Nine themes emerged during the secondary appraisal of stress. Five themes contributed to distress and burnout including (1) high patient acuity with scarce resources, (2) constantly changing policies with inconsistent messaging, (3) insufficient PPE, (4) unprepared pandemic planning and (5) feeling undervalued. Four themes led to eustress and contributed to post-traumatic growth including (1) team nursing to ensure sufficient resource allocation, (2) open channels of communication, (3) sense- of-duty and (4) personal strength from new possibilities.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic was a traumatic event for patients and the nursing workforce. Internal and external demands placed on acute care nurses increased burnout, however, a subset of nurses with adequate support experienced personal growth.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Beyond mental health interventions for acute care nurses, organizational interventions such as reevaluation of emergency action plans to optimize resource allocation, and work environment strategies such as improved communication and decision-making transparency are necessary.

Impact

To better understand how frontline acute care nurses experienced stress during COVID-19, a data-informed framework was developed that included a primary and secondary appraisal of stress. Themes contributing to distress and burnout were identified, and themes leading to eustress and post-traumatic growth were also identified. These findings can assist nurse leaders in optimizing strategies to reduce burnout and promote post-traumatic growth in the post-COVID years.

Reporting Method

No patient or public contribution.

COVID‐19 and collective trauma: Implementing a trauma‐informed model of care for post‐COVID patients

Abstract

Aim

To describe the implementation of a trauma-informed model of care in the Post COVID Respiratory Clinic of a large tertiary referral centre in NSW.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data Sources

Evidence gathered from a literature search (2008–2022) was used to develop a framework for management of patients presenting to this Post COVID Respiratory Clinic. This paper outlines the personal reflections of the clinic staff as they developed and implemented this framework. Ethical approval was obtained to report the data collected from patient reviews.

Discussion

The literature highlights the high prevalence of trauma in patients following COVID-19 infection, as well as the larger population both during and after the pandemic. This experience of trauma was observed in patients seen within the clinic, indicating a need for specialized care. In response, a trauma-informed model of care was implemented.

Conclusion

Reconceptualizing COVID-19 as a ‘collective trauma’ can help healthcare workers understand the needs of post-COVID patients and enable them to respond empathetically. A trauma-informed model is complementary to this cohort as it specifically addresses vulnerable populations, many of whom have been further marginalized by the pandemic.

Implications for Nursing and Patient Care

Frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are well positioned to implement trauma-informed care due to their high-level of patient contact. Adequate allocation of resources and investment in staff is essential to ensure such care can be provided.

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to adverse physical and mental health outcomes for many. Trauma-informed care is a way to promote reengagement with the healthcare system in this group. Post COVID patients globally may benefit from this approach, as it aims to build trust and independence.

Patient or Public Contribution

Feedback was sought from a patient representative to ensure this paper adequately reflected the experience of the post-COVID patient.

The experiences of gender and sexually diverse parents using support and services for their young children: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To address: What are the experiences of 2SLGBTQQIA+ parents using parenting supports and services to meet their children's early childhood development needs (<5 years of age)?

Design

Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative review methodology.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from 2000 to October 14, 2022 for empirical studies or reviews addressing the research question. The title and abstract of 12,158 articles were screened for inclusion in the review by two independent researchers; 175 of these articles underwent full-text review. Studies selected were critically appraised using a Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. Relevant key findings were extracted from each study and entered into N-VIVO-12. Thematic content analysis was employed and PRISMA guidelines were adhered to.

Results

A total of 18 articles (15 qualitative and three multi-method studies) met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the review. Seven themes were revealed from analysis of the studies: (1) 2SLGBTQQIA+ Status kept a secret; (2) Forced to come out; (3) Heteronormative messaging; (4) Feeling excluded; (5) Stigmatised; (6) Parents act as educators; and (7) Positive experiences.

Conclusion

This integrative review provides nurses with insight into the experiences of 2SLGBTQQIA+ parents using health care services for their young child.

Implications for the Profession

This article highlights what changes nurses need to make to their practice to ensure appropriate, inclusive care for clients of diverse sexual and gender identities and their families.

Impact

Health care providers, especially nurses, have an opportunity to improve the experiences of these families and positively impact their health and well-being. Additionally, there is a need for research with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ parent community and the use of rigorous methodological techniques, including clearly linking participants' gender and sexual identities with study findings, to improve our understanding of 2SLGBTQQIA+ parent experiences.

Patient or Public Contribution

Although there was no direct patient contribution to the work since it was an integrative review of the literature, indirectly patient contributions are incorporated from the original research results of studies incorporated into this review.

Patients' experiences of shared decision‐making in nursing care: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To explore patients' experiences of shared decision-making, in nursing care during their stay in a healthcare institution.

Design

This study employed a qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Twenty participants were interviewed from two rehabilitation centres, a nephrology ward of a hospital, and a rehabilitation ward of a long-term care facility. A constant comparative method was used for the inductive analysis.

Results

The main theme was ‘feeling seen and understood’, in the context of person-centred care, which served as the unifying thread across five themes. The five themes included the importance of a positive nurse–patient relationship as a foundation for shared decision-making. Next, patients experienced collaboration, and this was influenced by verbal and non-verbal communication. Another theme was that patients often felt overwhelmed during their stay, affecting shared decision-making. The fourth theme was that many decisions were not made through the shared decision-making process but were still perceived as satisfactory. The final theme highlighted patients' perspectives on their role in decision-making and influencing factors.

Conclusion

Patients describe how feeling seen and understood is a prerequisite for shared decision-making as a part of person-centred care. For nurses, this implies that they should focus on aspects such as building a good relationship and acknowledgement of patients' feelings and circumstances, next to empowering patients to feel knowledgeable and valued. This way patient's motivation to participate in shared decision-making will be enhanced.

Reporting Method

Following the EQUATOR guidelines, reporting was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved in the study through interviews during the research process and member checks during analysis.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Before initiating shared decision-making processes, prioritise making the patient feel seen and understood. Be mindful that patients often feel overwhelmed during their stay. Use a person-centred approach to make patients feel knowledgeable—this empowers them for shared decision-making.

Impact

Research on patients' experiences of shared decision-making in nursing care is limited, yet crucial for understanding patients' needs in shared decision-making. This study highlights patients' perceptions that shared decision-making is best facilitated within the nurse–patient relationship by nurses who primarily focus on ensuring that patients feel acknowledged and understood.

“You don't want to know just about my lungs, you…want to know more about me”. Patients and their caregivers' evaluation of a nurse‐led COPD supportive care service

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate a nurse-led model of supportive care in a COPD outpatient service from patient and caregiver perspectives.

Design

Case study methodology.

Methods

Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 7) conducted between April 2020 and September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis with an inductive approach. COREQ guidelines informed reporting of this study.

Results

Eight categories were identified from the data evaluating of the model of care relating to the most helpful aspects of COPD supportive care and suggested improvements to the model of care. The categories were: guidance with managing symptoms; participating in advance care planning; home visiting; expert advice; continuity and trust; caring; caregiver support and improvements to the model of care.

Conclusion

In a nurse-led model of COPD supportive care, what patients and caregivers valued most was expert advice and guidance with symptom management, flexible home visiting, participation in advance care planning, caring and continuity within an ongoing trusted therapeutic relationship. Understanding what patients and caregivers value most is essential in designing and delivering models of care that meet the needs of patients living with chronic, life-limiting illness.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Nurses can lead effective models of supportive care that offer valuable support to patients living with COPD and their caregivers.

People living with Alzheimer's disease: Understanding the emerging phenomenon of retrograde plunge with the story theory—An inquiry method

Abstract

Aim

This study aims to (1) introduce the emergent concept of the retrograde plunge experienced by people living with Alzheimer's disease and (2) illustrate how nurses can accompany those experiencing this phenomenon, as well as their family and formal carers, using the seven-phase inquiry process proposed by Smith and Liehr.

Design

Discursive paper.

Methods

After describing the phenomenon and the Story Theory, the 7-phase Inquiry Process presents the fictional story of Mrs. Lurie, a nursing home resident.

Results

Story theory allows nurses to accompany Mrs. Lurie. The emergent concept of retrograde plunge is explained. Different tools such as genograms, story paths and eco-maps are presented. This discussion demonstrates how some perspectives can contribute to a better description of the retrograde plunge phenomenon. The narrative care approach can help give voices to people experiencing retrograde phenomena. The adoption of a perspective that considers embodied language could help to better understand the needs of a person.

Conclusion

There is a lack of consistency and uniformity regarding the understanding of the retrograde phenomenon. This impacts the quality of care for people and the scientific knowledge, research and education of healthcare professionals. This issue should be addressed in future studies.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This article shows how story theory helps nurses accompany those facing a retrograde plunge phenomenon, helps them tell their own stories and finds a way to resolve the situation.

Impact

This article paves the way for further developments that must now be realized by the international community of experts involved in the care of people with Alzheimer's disease, from practical, academic and research perspectives.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public was involved in the design or drafting of the discursive paper.

What Problem did the Study Address?

The retrograde plunge is a phenomenon in which people living with Alzheimer's disease return to their past lives and re-experience with certain events. The retrograde plunge is a well-known concept that is poorly described in scientific literature and is sometimes misunderstood by families and professional caregivers. This discursive article explains the retrograde plunge phenomenon experienced by people living with Alzheimer's disease.

What were the Main Findings?

This article demonstrates how story theory helps nurses and families support people with retrograde plunges. This highlights the lack of consistency and uniformity in this phenomenon, which has implications for the quality of care, education and research. Story theory and the seven-phase inquiry process proposed by Smith and Liehr (in Middle-range theory for nursing, Springer Publishing Company, 2023) help to better understand and explain the retrograde plunge phenomenon.

Where and on Whom will the Research have an Impact?

This article advances nurses' knowledge in the different fields of practice, teaching and research. This article proposes links among the retrograde plunge phenomenon, embodied language and narrative care approach; this could offer further ways to develop nursing knowledge. This study has the potential to advance the knowledge of practice and education and offers new opportunities for research.

Trial and Protocol Registration

There was no trial or protocol registration as this article is a discussion.

Midwives' stress and burnout during the Omicron wave in Italy: An observational survey

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate midwives' level of stress and burnout during the COVID-19 Omicron phase in Italy. Secondary aims were to explore the impact of the pandemic on midwives' personal dimensions and professional activities and potential supporting strategies.

Design

A mixed-methods study was undertaken from July to December 2022.

Methods

Data were collected using a national online observational survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to evaluate stress, burnout and the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional dimensions. A deductive qualitative approach was used to analyse open-ended responses, that were merged with quantitative data following a convergent mixed-methods approach.

Results

A total of 1944 midwives participated in the survey. The stress summary score mean was 10.34, and 562 midwives (28.91%) experienced burnout. The intention to reduce working hours was reported by 202 midwives (10.39%), with 60.40% (n = 122) of them experiencing burnout. The intention to leave clinical practice within the following 2 years was reported by 239 (12.29%), with 68.20% (n = 163) of them experiencing burnout. All the personal dimensions and professional activities considered were defined by more than half of midwives as being impacted ‘Moderately’ or ‘To a great extent’ by pandemic. Stress and burnout frequencies increased when the midwives' perception of the pandemic effects was higher. Potential supporting strategies described by midwives as the most important in increasing their ability to cope with the pandemic were ‘Women's awareness of the midwives' role’ (n = 1072; 55.14%) and ‘Family and friends' emotional support’ (n = 746; 38.38%).

Conclusion

Our findings suggested strategies to support a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency, with potential transferability to similar contexts when human resources are lacking. It is recommended that maternity services provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout.

Impact

Studies conducted during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave showed an increased level of stress, anxiety, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced by healthcare professionals; moreover, midwives experienced drastic changes in care pathways and policies with struggles identified when providing high-quality woman-centred care following pandemic restrictions. Although it is recommended, there is lack of knowledge about long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 for midwives. Our study highlights that during the Omicron wave midwives experienced a high level of stress and burnout with an impact on individual dimensions and professional activities. Their stress and burnout were influenced by several factors, including restrictions in place, lack of organizational acknowledgement, work overload and need for extra childcare cover. Maternity services should provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Recommendations on how to facilitate this are suggested.

Reporting Method

During the writing process, we referred to ‘The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies Epidemiology Statement’, the guidelines for reporting observational studies from the Equator network.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?

Work overload conditions negatively impacted on the quality of maternity services. Improving organizational aspects, reducing working hours, promoting family and friends' emotional support and improving women's awareness of midwife's role were the main strategies reported by midwives. These suggestions for ensuring a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency could potentially be applied to similar situations where human resources are lacking.

‘There is no justice in nursing school’: A qualitative analysis of nursing students' experiences of discrimination shared on Reddit

Abstract

Aim

To explore nursing students' experiences of stigma and discrimination within nursing programmes as shared on Reddit, and how other Reddit users offer support and guidance.

Design

Qualitative interpretive description.

Methods

Through a critical social theory lens, this study draws on students' posts from three nursing subreddits: r/studentnurse, r/nursingstudent and r/nursing. Data were collected from March 2013 to March 2023. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to generate broad themes of nursing students' experiences of stigma and discrimination, and how other Reddit users offered support and guidance.

Results

A total of 43 posts with 1412 associated comments were included in this analysis, which generated three predominant themes of nursing students' experiences. Nursing students faced stigma and discrimination across contexts, including from peers, nurses and other healthcare providers working in clinical practicum sites, and patients. Nursing students' posts described navigating the impacts and consequences of such experiences, including on well-being, and programme and career success. In contexts where students were often alone in their experiences of stigma and discrimination within their programmes and with few identified supports, Reddit users sought support and community through Reddit. While many comments offered validation and support, challenges of this social media platform included conflicting advice and unhelpful, judgmental messages.

Conclusions

Despite widely articulated social justice commitments in the profession, nursing students continue to experience stigma and discrimination across contexts within their nursing programmes.

Implications for Profession

Nurses and nurse educators have a responsibility to acknowledge and make visible such experiences, and take direct action to prevent and remediate stigma and discrimination within nursing education.

Impact

This research contributes to the growing empirical evidence that nursing students' experience stigma and discrimination within nursing programmes and the healthcare system.

Reporting Method

Adherence to COREQ guidelines was maintained.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Taking Action Against Clinician Burnout Through Reducing the Documentation Burden With an Operating Room Supply Scanning Approach

imageDocumenting surgical supply items in the operating room can be a burdensome task for circulating nurses because of manual input within the electronic medical record. This can lead to documentation fatigue and contribute to nursing burnout. The aim of this quality improvement project was to design and implement a supply item scanning process and evaluate the effect on intraoperative documentation completion time, room turnover time, picklist documentation accuracy, nurse satisfaction, and burnout. The sample included nine acute care hospitals throughout the United States, with 189 total circulating nurses and 31 718 procedures occurring during the study timeframe of 8 months. Results indicated that nurses were able to complete documentation on average 37.33 minutes sooner, and the operating room turnover time decreased by 1.88 minutes. Although nurses reported that their perceived picklist documentation accuracy did not improve, and the presence of new scanning technology did not influence their hospital employment decision, subjective feedback was mostly positive, with most responses citing the helpfulness of scanning for documentation. This study shows that an interdisciplinary team can effectively work to optimize documentation efficiency and performance improvement using a scanning intervention. Lessons learned through this process can translate into optimizations elsewhere in the electronic medical record.

The Use of mHealth in Promoting Therapeutic Adherence: A Scoping Review

imageNonadherence to therapy negatively impacts mortality and quality of life and results in suboptimal efficacy of treatment regimens, threats to patient safety, and increased healthcare costs for disease management. Mobile health solutions can offer users instruments that can promote therapeutic adherence. The objective of this review is to investigate the impact mobile health systems have on therapeutic adherence. Specifically, we want to map the main systems used, the functions implemented, and the different methods of adherence detection used. For this purpose, a scoping review was conducted. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCO (including APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, ERIC), including English-language studies published in the last 10 years (2012–2022). The main mobile health systems used are as follows: applications, automated messaging, interactive voice response, and mobile video games. The main features implemented to support medication management were as follows: reminders, self-monitoring instruments, educational support, and caregiver involvement. In conclusion, the use of interactive mobile health instruments intended for use by the patient and/or caregiver can improve objectively and subjectively detected therapeutic adherence. The use of these systems in the therapeutic pathway of users, with a special focus on people with comorbidities and in polypharmacy treatment, represents a challenge to improve caregiver health.

Ambulatory Care Coordination Data Gathering and Use

imageCare coordination is a crucial component of healthcare systems. However, little is known about data needs and uses in ambulatory care coordination practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify information gathered and used to support care coordination in ambulatory settings. Survey respondents (33) provided their demographics and practice patterns, including use of electronic health records, as well as data gathered and used. Most of the respondents were nurses, and they described varying practice settings and patterns. Although most described at least partial use of electronic health records, two respondents described paper documentation systems. More than 25% of respondents gathered and used most of the 72 data elements, with collection and use often occurring in multiple locations and contexts. This early study demonstrates significant heterogeneity in ambulatory care coordination data usage. Additional research is necessary to identify common data elements to support knowledge development in the context of a learning health system.

Exploring the Documentation of Delirium in Patients After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Patient Record Study

imageDelirium is a common disorder for patients after cardiac surgery. Its manifestation and care can be examined through EHRs. The aim of this retrospective, comparative, and descriptive patient record study was to describe the documentation of delirium symptoms in the EHRs of patients who have undergone cardiac surgery and to explore how the documentation evolved between two periods (2005-2009 and 2015-2020). Randomly selected care episodes were annotated with a template, including delirium symptoms, treatment methods, and adverse events. The patients were then manually classified into two groups: nondelirious (n = 257) and possibly delirious (n = 172). The data were analyzed quantitatively and descriptively. According to the data, the documentation of symptoms such as disorientation, memory problems, motoric behavior, and disorganized thinking improved between periods. Yet, the key symptoms of delirium, inattention, and awareness were seldom documented. The professionals did not systematically document the possibility of delirium. Particularly, the way nurses recorded structural information did not facilitate an overall understanding of a patient's condition with respect to delirium. Information about delirium or proposed care was seldom documented in the discharge summaries. Advanced machine learning techniques can augment instruments that facilitate early detection, care planning, and transferring information to follow-up care.

Evidence‐based approach to mitigate cumulative stress in pediatric nurses through the development of respite rooms

Abstract

Background

The cumulative stress toll on nurses increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. An evidence-based practice (EBP) project was conducted to understand what is known about the impacts of cumulative stress within nursing and if there are ways to mitigate stress during a nurse's shift.

Aim/Implementation

A project team from three clinical units completed an extensive literature review and identified the need to promote detachment while supporting parasympathetic recovery. Based on this review, leaders from three pediatric clinical units (neonatal intensive care unit, cardiovascular intensive care unit, and acute pulmonary floor) implemented respite rooms.

Outcomes

Follow-up outcomes showed a statistically significant stress reduction. For all shifts combined, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed that perceived stress scores from an 11-point Likert scale (0 = no stress and 10 = maximum perceived stress) were significantly lower in the post-respite room (Md = 3, n = 68) compared to in the pre-respite room (Md = 6, n = 68), Z = −7.059, p < .001, with a large effect size, r = .605. Nurses and other staff frequently utilized respite rooms during shifts.

Implications for Practice

Clinical inquiry and evidence-based practice processes can mitigate cumulative stress and support staff wellbeing. Respite rooms within the hospital can promote a healthy work environment among nurses and promote a self-care culture change. Evidence-based strategies to mitigate cumulative stress using respite rooms are a best practice to promote nurse wellbeing and mitigate cumulative stress.

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