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Anteayer Journal of Advanced Nursing

Experiences and needs of adult informal carers of adults at risk of suicide: A systematic review with mixed methods analysis

Abstract

Aim

To systematically review and synthesize primary research on experiences and needs of adult informal caregivers of adults at risk of suicide.

Design

Systematic review with a data-based convergent synthesis.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched in April 2022 and February 2023. English language research focusing on experiences of adult carers of adults was included.

Methods

Articles were screened by title (n = 9077) and abstract (n = 132) with additional articles (n = 6) obtained via citation and hand searching. Thirty-one included studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and study data were systematically extracted prior to thematic synthesis.

Results

Five interconnected themes resulted: transitions; living with fear and uncertainty; changing relationships; interface with healthcare professionals and services; what carers need and want. Caring impacts mental, physical and social wellbeing. Relationships are affected in ways which might not be evident when caring for a minor. Repeated suicidal behaviour is particularly challenging with ongoing hypervigilance contributing to burden, burnout and interpersonal strain. Poor carer support exacerbates negative effects; carers need to feel informed, educated, involved and holistically supported.

Conclusion

Timely support for carers is essential. Interventions should address emotional responses, relational changes and effective care recipient support. Longitudinal research is required to understand effects of ongoing caring where there are multiple suicide attempts.

Implications

Nurses can provide carers with early support and information and longer term psychosocial interventions. If carers are adequately equipped and supported patient safety and wellbeing will be improved.

Impact

Findings of this systematic review include relational changes due to carer hypervigilance reducing autonomy and living with the possibility of suicide. Clinician awareness of the potential for relational shifts will help them prepare and support carers.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among student nurses and midwives: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To synthesize research investigating suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm and suicide ideation in nursing and midwifery students, a group of interest due to high rates of suicide among qualified nurses. Specific areas of interest for this review included prevalence, factors which may contribute to or mitigate risk and suicide prevention interventions.

Design

A systematic review was conducted, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Data Sources

Three electronic databases were searched, and additional articles identified using hand-searching. Studies were included if they examined suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm or suicide ideation in nursing or midwifery students.

Review Methods

Studies were deduplicated and assessed for inclusion. Data from included studies were extracted, quality of studies assessed and data synthesized, informed by study focus, design and assessed quality.

Results

About 46 studies of largely moderate to low quality were identified. A high-quality study demonstrated increased risk of suicide in Swedish female nursing students, and increased risk of self-harm in nursing students of both sexes. Prevalence of suicide ideation did not appear to differ across course year, or between nursing students and students on other programmes. Psychiatric conditions, particularly depression, were associated with suicide ideation. Three studies related to suicide prevention interventions were identified. Integration of wellness initiatives into the curriculum and peer support were preferred interventions among nursing students and teaching staff.

Conclusions

To understand the extent of suicide and self-harm among nursing and midwifery students there is a need for further epidemiological research stratified by programme of study. To develop prevention interventions and initiatives for nursing students, high-quality longitudinal studies should examine characteristics associated with suicide and self-harm.

Impact

Current findings suggest interventions could include support for students experiencing mental health difficulties, foster peer support, and help develop wellness.

No patient or public contribution.

Insights of healthcare professionals regarding waterbirths and water immersion during labour: A mixed studies review

Abstract

Aim

To consolidate healthcare professionals' insights about waterbirths and water immersion during labour.

Design

Mixed studies review.

Data Sources

Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till June 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Pluye and Hong's mixed studies review framework guided this review. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesized using the convergent qualitative synthesis method, and results were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework.

Results

Three main themes were identified from the 22 included studies: (1) believing in waterbirths, (2) opposing forces and (3) plotting the course ahead.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals reported different views about waterbirths and water immersion practices; midwives were most likely to support these practices, followed by nurses and lastly, few physicians supported them. Reasons for opposing waterbirths include insufficient training and support from colleagues as well as concerns about work efficiency, waterbirth safety and litigation issues.

Impact

The available evidence suggests the need to provide waterbirth training for healthcare professionals, equip healthcare facilities with necessary waterbirth-related infrastructure and develop appropriate waterbirth policies/guidelines. Healthcare professionals could also consider providing antenatal waterbirth education to women and obtain women's feedback to improve current policies/guidelines. Future research should explore the views of different types of healthcare professionals from more diverse cultures.

Reporting Method

The PRISMA guidelines.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Systematic review.

The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol (SPIPP) Checklist 2.0: Content validation

Abstract

Background

Pressure injury prevention is complex, and rates continue to rise. Checklists reduce human error, improve adherence and standardization with complex processes, focus attention on evidence-based practices derived from clinical practice guidelines and are arranged in a systematic manner to manage the entirety of a patient's risk for preventable outcomes. The original Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol was created to provide a checklist of pressure injury prevention measures but needed revision and validation.

Purpose

This article describes the revision and content validity testing of the Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol Checklist 2.0 that took place in 2022.

Methods

Using the International 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline as a foundation, items were identified/revised, and expert review of the items was obtained. The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol 2.0 underwent three rounds of revision by experts from the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. A panel of eight national experts completed the content validity survey. Individual item content validity index and total scale content validity index were used to summarize the content validity survey scores.

Results

The individual item content validity index scores ranged from 0.5 to 1.0. One item (using a mirror to look at heels) was rated as 0.5, three items were 0.75, 20 items were 0.875 and 23 items were 1.0. The item scoring 0.5 was deleted. Those items scoring 0.75 were revised using the content experts' recommendations. The total scale content validity index was 0.93.

Conclusion

The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol 2.0 provides a standardized checklist of evidence-based items that operationalize a rigorous clinical practice guideline for the prevention of pressure injuries. Early intervention using a standardized approach and evidence-based checklist that can be integrated into the workflow of the direct-care nurse and provider provides the best opportunity for successful and sustainable pressure injury prevention.

Implementation leadership of the Resident Assessment Instrument in healthcare services for older people: An interview study of specialists

Abstract

Aim

The aim was to explore implementation leadership of the Resident Assessment Instrument in healthcare services for older people from the perspective of specialists.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Thematic interviews with 21 specialists were conducted between April 2022 and June 2022 in eight health and social, one educational and one research organization in Finland. The data were analysed with deductive–inductive content analysis using the Resident Assessment Instrument implementation leadership framework developed for this study.

Results

In implementation leadership of Resident Assessment Instrument, the need for leaders' support and capabilities to ensure that the conditions and supporting structures for implementation are present was emphasized. Regular and continuous basic and advanced training for professionals and leaders' competencies were identified as crucial factors for a successful implementation process of Resident Assessment Instrument. Leading the active implementation of this instrument requires leaders' strong support and regular communication. The importance of frontline leaders and mentors was also stressed in practical implementation, while the responsibility of upper-level leaders, especially in the use of benchmarking, was underlined for the evaluation and further improvement of organizational operations. In sustaining the implementation, it was emphasized that using the Resident Assessment Instrument is a continuous process that does not end with the implementation itself.

Conclusion

Implementation leadership of Resident Assessment Instrument has the potential to increase the success of the implementation process. The Resident Assessment Instrument Implementation Leadership Framework can be a useful tool for describing processes, content and leaders' roles in implementation leadership of the instrument in healthcare services for older people.

Impact

This study provides a comprehensive view of implementation leadership of the Resident Assessment Instrument implementation process in healthcare services for older people. Overall, the results indicate the significance of leadership in successful implementation.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What Does This Article Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

Successful implementation leadership of Resident Assessment Instrument requires continuous monitoring, supporting and evaluating the implementation process. Organizations that use the Resident Assessment Instrument should strengthen their leaders' knowledge and competencies in implementation leadership to enable the full realization of the instrument's benefits. Leaders and professionals in healthcare services for older people need regular, continuous and correctly targeted basic and advanced training on the Resident Assessment Instrument.

Frailty and social isolation before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among older adults: A path analysis

Abstract

Aim

To explore the prevalence of social isolation among Japanese community-dwelling older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as determine how family and friend connections before and during the pandemic affected frail older adults during the pandemic.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 852 community-dwelling older adults in Hokkaido and Tokyo, Japan were surveyed conducted between April and November 2021 using convenience sampling. The Lubben social network scale-6, frailty screening index, and geriatric depression scale were used to assess social isolation, frailty and depression, respectively. A path analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of social isolation on frailty.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 76.8 ± 6.6 years. Overall, 46% and 59% of participants were socially isolated before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Frailty was found in 19% of participants during the pandemic. Friends and family connectedness before the pandemic had no direct relationship with frailty; only friend connectedness affected frailty indirectly via depression. Family connectedness during the pandemic had a significant, negative and direct relationship with frailty.

Conclusion

The findings show that connectedness with family and friends is critical for older people's physical and mental health.

Impact

Nurses in the community should consider these findings to reduce mental health problems and physical decline among older adults. It is important to identify older adults who are socially isolated from their families or friends and provide resources to help them build relationships within their communities.

Patient or Public Contribution

Community centre staff and community volunteers assisted in data collection. The public was not involved in data analysis, interpretation or manuscript preparation.

Effectiveness of non‐surgical interventions to improve health and well‐being in women living with Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser syndrome: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this paper is to present the evidence on the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions to improve health and well-being in women living with Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

Design

Systematic review guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews checklist.

Data Sources

The search was conducted between June and September 2022 across the following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane. Trial registries (clinicaltrials. gov, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register-CCTR), Google scholar, dissertations, conference proceedings and reference lists of included studies were also searched. Corresponding authors, formal and informal MRKH groups were contacted to obtain any significant studies or reviews.

Review Methods

Eligible were only English-language empirical studies of any time period. The review followed narrative synthesis.

Results

Twenty-three studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria which included 1540 MRKH syndrome affected women. Four studies were on psychological interventions (n = 85) and 19 studies (vaginal dilation therapy n = 897, coital dilation n = 57) focused on non-surgical vaginal dilation as a measure to vaginal agenesis in MRKH syndrome.

Conclusions

Clearly, vaginal dilation is a viable initial treatment option for women with MRKH syndrome. There is limited evidence that ‘coital dilation’ is an effective method of dilation for vaginal agenesis. The literature, however, supports the need for psychological intervention to improve health and well-being.

Impact

Women with MRKH syndrome who require dilation can receive guidance and support from their healthcare providers, particularly sexual and reproductive health nurses, clinical nurse specialists and gynaecologists. From the point of diagnosis, clinical psychologists should be involved. As much as feasible, family and partner support can be encouraged.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Phenomenography: A useful methodology for midwifery research

Abstract

Aims

To outline the theoretical, philosophical, and major assumptions associated with phenomenography and then address the application of a phenomenographical approach within the context of midwifery research.

Background

Phenemonography is a little-known qualitative research approach amongst the main design traditions of phenomenology, grounded theory, case study, and ethnography more typically used within midwifery research. Phenomenography aims to describe the qualitatively different ways that people perceive, conceptualize, or experience a phenomenon. Phenemonography has a distinctly different approach from other qualitative methods as it places emphasis on the ‘collective’ meaning over individual experience.

Methodology

Phenomenography, as an approach, rests within the interpretivist paradigm recognizing that there are multiple interpretations of reality. Phenomenography emphasizes the various ways that people experience the same phenomenon, including both the similarities and differences. The second-order perspective embraced by phenomenography suggests that the researcher directs themselves towards people's understanding of the world; essentially the world is described as it is understood rather than as it is. It is the reporting about how these different realities appear at a collective level that is the output of phenomenographic research.

Findings

A framework for conducting phenomenographic research is illustrated by outlining the steps within the methodological approach required to undertake a research study using phenemonography.

Conclusion

Phenomenography is a qualitative research approach that can usefully be applied in many midwifery contexts where a collective understanding of a phenomena is required. Using a phenomenographic approach can provide the midwifery profession with knowledge about variations in how women and midwives think, and how aspects of different phenomena are experienced in within a midwifery setting.

Clinicians' experiences of caring for people brought in by police to the emergency department: A qualitative interpretive study

Abstract

Aim

To explore nurses' and doctors' experiences of providing care to people brought in by police (BIBP) to the emergency department (ED).

Design

A qualitative interpretive study using in-depth individual interviews.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses and doctors who worked in various EDs in one Australian state and were involved in the care of people BIBP. Interviews were undertaken between May and October 2022 and focused on the structures (i.e., what), processes (i.e., how) and outcomes of care for people BIBP. Data were analysed using deductive and then inductive content analysis.

Results

Nine nurses and eight doctors were interviewed. Structures described by participants included human structures (staff) and organizational structures (areas for assessment, involuntary assessment orders, investigations, chemical/physical restraints). For processes, participants described practices including risk/mental health assessments, legal considerations, and increased/decreased levels of care compared to other presentations. Communication processes were largely between police and health care staff. Service outcomes pertained to discharge location (custody, community, hospital admission) and length of stay.

Conclusion

The current care delivery for people BIBP to the ED is unique and complex, often occurring in high traffic, resource-intensive areas. There is a need to strengthen structures and processes, to improve service outcomes.

Implications for the Profession

Understanding the care requirements for people brought into ED by police enables the delivery of targeted care alongside appropriate resource allocation.

Impact

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the health care requirements for people BIBP to EDs. Interventions delivered in the ED to support health care delivery for people BIBP and foster clinician and police relationships are required to optimize patient and health service outcomes.

Reporting Method

This study adheres to the COREQ checklist (Table S1) of the EQUATOR guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study focused on ED staff experiences.

A dimensional analysis of nursing unit culture

Abstract

Aim(s)

Organizational culture has been studied for over four decades among nurses, across countries and contexts. However, wide variation exists in how the concept has been defined and at what level of the organization it is measured. The aim of this study was to use a dimensional analysis to conduct a conceptual synthesis of unit culture from a nursing perspective.

Design

Dimensional analysis, rooted in grounded theory methodology, was used to describe unit culture from a nursing perspective.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in April 2022. Inclusion criteria were (1) peer review publications, (2) used the term ‘unit culture’ or ‘ward culture’, (3) references nurses' role in unit culture, (4) published in the last 20 years and (5) written in English. One hundred fifteen articles met inclusion criteria, but dimensional saturation was researched after coding 24 articles.

Results

Findings were synthesized into four core dimensions and 10 subdimensions. Dimensions of unit culture included customs (practice norms, communication and prioritization), shared beliefs (assumptions, values and attitudes), hierarchy (social and informational) and atmosphere (emotional climate and collaboration). Conditions that shape unit culture include individual nurse characteristics, working conditions, unit policies/procedures and leadership. Unit culture impacts nurse work experiences and decision-making processes, which can affect outcomes including nurse wellbeing, practice behaviours and adherence to unit policies.

Conclusions

Identifying the dimensions of unit culture helps to bring clarity to a concept that is not well defined in existing literature.

Impact

This model of unit culture can be used to guide development of new instruments to measure unit culture or guide researchers in utilizing existing measures. Developing measures specific to unit culture are warranted to strengthen researchers' ability to assess how changing conditions of a unit (e.g. leadership, workload) changes unit culture and its related outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Evaluation of a COVID‐19 fundamental nursing care guideline versus usual care: The COVID‐NURSE cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the impact of usual care plus a fundamental nursing care guideline compared to usual care only for patients in hospital with COVID-19 on patient experience, care quality, functional ability, treatment outcomes, nurses' moral distress, patient health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness.

Design

Parallel two-arm, cluster-level randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Between 18th January and 20th December 2021, we recruited (i) adults aged 18 years and over with COVID-19, excluding those invasively ventilated, admitted for at least three days or nights in UK Hospital Trusts; (ii) nurses caring for them. We randomly assigned hospitals to use a fundamental nursing care guideline and usual care or usual care only. Our patient-reported co-primary outcomes were the Relational Aspects of Care Questionnaire and four scales from the Quality from the Patient Perspective Questionnaire. We undertook intention-to-treat analyses.

Results

We randomized 15 clusters and recruited 581 patient and 418 nurse participants. Primary outcome data were available for 570–572 (98.1%–98.5%) patient participants in 14 clusters. We found no evidence of between-group differences on any patient, nurse or economic outcomes. We found between-group differences over time, in favour of the intervention, for three of our five co-primary outcomes, and a significant interaction on one primary patient outcome for ethnicity (white British vs. other) and allocated group in favour of the intervention for the ‘other’ ethnicity subgroup.

Conclusion

We did not detect an overall difference in patient experience for a fundamental nursing care guideline compared to usual care. We have indications the guideline may have aided sustaining good practice over time and had a more positive impact on non-white British patients' experience of care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

We cannot recommend the wholescale implementation of our guideline into routine nursing practice. Further intervention development, feasibility, pilot and evaluation studies are required.

Impact

Fundamental nursing care drives patient experience but is severely impacted in pandemics. Our guideline was not superior to usual care, albeit it may sustain good practice and have a positive impact on non-white British patients' experience of care.

Reporting Method

CONSORT and CONSERVE.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients with experience of hospitalization with COVID-19 were involved in guideline development and writing, trial management and interpretation of findings.

Between delivering chronic care and answering patients' burdens: Understanding HIV specialist nurses' experiences in the age of treatment

Abstract

Aim(s)

To understand the experiences of HIV nurses in the context of ambivalence between biomedical treatment advancements and the continuing burden for people living with HIV and negative representations of HIV.

Design

An interpretative phenomenological study was conducted using in-depth interviews.

Methods

Twenty-one interviews with nurses were conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. A thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Six themes related to the nurses' experiences emerged. Despite effective treatment for most people with HIV, nurses identify patient populations that require additional care. Nurses are flexible in making extra appointments to accommodate complex issues in these patients. Nurses develop a unique relationship with their patients based on trust and empathy, linked to patient's experiences with stigma and discrimination for people with HIV. Nurses perceive their tasks as becoming increasingly complex. There is explicit awareness about the changes in HIV care from acute to chronic care and how this affects nurses' tasks. Nurses continue to differentiate HIV from other chronic conditions.

Conclusion

Biomedical advancements change the organization of HIV care while public health concerns remain and patient population has particular needs due to negative social representations of HIV. Nurses navigate these issues in their everyday care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

A potential re-evaluation of the role of nurses in providing chronic HIV care.

Impact

Our study addresses the roles of HIV nurses as care is shifting towards chronic care models. The unique relationship between nurses and patients is key in understanding the importance of nurses in the care trajectory. These findings impact the institutional role of nurses in HIV treatment centres and the institutional organization of HIV care.

Report Method

The COREQ guideline was used.

Patient or Public Contribution

Amsterdam UMC (AMC) staff, the national organization of HIV Nurses and patient organizations contributed to the study design.

Informal caregivers' experiences of transitioning during end‐of‐life care—A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Dying well at home usually requires the help and assistance of an informal caregiver. This role is usually unpaid, wide-ranging and oftentimes demanding. From diagnosis to death of a loved one, informal caregivers can experience one and frequently numerous transitions, however, little is known about this process. The purpose of this scoping review is to chart, explore and understand caregivers' experiences of transitioning when providing end-of-life care. A preliminary search of the literature indicated a paucity of research highlighting a notable absence of caregiver's perspectives and acknowledgements of the support they need to ensure successful transitions during this time. Consequently, this review has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the literature.

Methods

Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework, further enhanced by Levac et al. (2010) and Peters et al. (2020) was used to conduct this scoping review. The Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided reporting. A systematic search of the databases PUBMED, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science and a selection of grey literature was undertaken from the year 1990 to date by two researchers. Titles and abstracts of the literature identified were screened and finally, a narrative synthesis of 11 articles was undertaken to answer the following research question: What is known from the literature about informal caregivers' transitions when caring for a dying person in the home?

Conclusions

Current knowledge on this topic is limited; however, from this review, two main themes were identified: ‘Challenges arising during transitioning’ with subthemes of burden of care and fading away. The second theme ‘Coping strategies’ comprised subthemes of meaning-making, seeking normality and hope. This evidence may support the development of transitional care interventions in the future and improve patient and caregiver outcome measures and experiences to inform a larger research study exploring this phenomenon.

Patient or Public Contribution

N/A as this is a Scoping Review.

What this paper contributes to the wider global community

An understanding of the experiences of transitioning when caring for a loved one dying at home could help mitigate challenges informal caregivers face when providing end-of-life care in the home. While informal caregivers are crucial to support people who want to die at home, the role is often invisible and family carers need support and recognition to reduce the burden of care and challenges they experience as they transition in their role.

Low‐value home‐based nursing care: A national survey study

Abstract

Aims

To explore potential areas of low-value home-based nursing care practices, their prevalence and related influencing factors of nurses and nursing assistants working in home-based nursing care.

Design

A quantitative, cross-sectional design.

Methods

An online survey with questions containing scaled frequencies on five-point Likert scales and open questions on possible related influencing factors of low-value nursing care. The data collection took place from February to April 2022. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to summarize and analyse the results.

Results

A nationwide sample of 776 certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and nurse practitioners responded to the survey. The top five most delivered low-value care practices reported were: (1) ‘washing the client with water and soap by default’, (2) ‘application of zinc cream, powders or pastes when treating intertrigo’, (3) ‘washing the client from head to toe daily’, (4) ‘re-use of a urinary catheter bag after removal/disconnection’ and (5) ‘bladder irrigation to prevent clogging of urinary tract catheter’. The top five related influencing factors reported were: (1) ‘a (general) practitioner advices/prescribes it’, (2) ‘written in the client's care plan’, (3) ‘client asks for it’, (4) ‘wanting to offer the client something’ and (5) ‘it is always done like this in the team’. Higher educational levels and an age above 40 years were associated with a lower provision of low-value care.

Conclusion

According to registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, a number of low-value nursing practices occurred frequently in home-based nursing care and they experienced multiple factors that influence the provision of low-value care such as (lack of) clinical autonomy and handling clients' requests, preferences and demands. The results can be used to serve as a starting point for a multifaceted de-implementation strategy.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nursing care is increasingly shifting towards the home environment. Not all nursing care that is provided is effective or efficient and this type of care can therefore be considered of low-value. Reducing low-value care and increasing appropriate care will free up time, improve quality of care, work satisfaction, patient safety and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.

Developing a model of neonatal nurse‐controlled analgesia: A Delphi study

Abstract

Aim

To develop a nurse-led model of analgesia to manage post-operative pain in the surgical neonate.

Design

A four-round e-Delphi study was conducted from March to December 2022.

Methods

An e-Delphi method was used seeking a consensus of 70% or greater. Fifty-one experts were invited to join the panel. Members consisted of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals who work in areas associated with neonatal care. In round 1, 49 statements relative to neonatal pain assessment and management were distributed to the panel. Panel members were asked to rate their level of agreeance on a Likert scale from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Ratings equal to or greater than 4 represented agreement, 3 indicated uncertainty and 2 or less disagreement with the proposed statement. An opportunity for free-text responses after each statement was provided. This iterative process continued for three rounds. In the fourth and final round, the completed model of neonatal nurse-controlled analgesia was presented along with a further opportunity to provide feedback on the final version.

Results

Four rounds of statements and voting were required to reach consensus on a model of neonatal nurse-controlled analgesia. The model consists of criteria for use, over-arching guidelines and three separate pathways based on an individual baby's pain assessment scores, need for pain relieving interventions and time-lapsed post-surgical procedure.

Conclusion

A comprehensive model of neonatal nurse-controlled analgesia, applicable to the Australasian context, was developed in collaboration with a group of neonatal experts.

Impact

This study provides a multi-modal family-integrated model to manage neonatal post-operative pain. By providing nurses with increased autonomy to assess and manage acute pain, this model has the potential to not only provide a more responsive and individualized approach to alleviate discomfort, but highlights the integral role of parent partnerships in the neonatal intensive care.

Reporting Method

This study was reported in line with the Conducting and REporting of DElphi studies (CREDE) guidance on Delphi studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was utilized for this study.

A pre–post interventional study to reduce time spent on clinical documentation by nurses and midwives

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a co-designed intervention to reduce time spent on clinical documentation and increase time for direct patient care.

Design

A pre- and post-test interventional study with multi-method evaluation, reported according to the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomised Evaluations Designs guidelines.

Methods

An intervention to decrease the burden of documentation was co-designed and implemented. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected via time and motion studies and the Burden of Documentation for Nurses and Midwives (BurDoNsaM) survey. Documentation audits were conducted to assess intervention fidelity.

Results

Twenty-six shifts were observed (13 pre-intervention, 13 post-intervention). Although the coronavirus pandemic contributed to decreases in staffing levels by 38% (from 118 to 73 staff), the number of task episodes completed increased post-intervention, across all shift patterns. Documentation took less time to complete post-intervention when assessing time per episode. A mean increase of 201 episodes was observed on morning shifts, 78 on evening shifts and 309 on night shifts. There were small increases for time spent on direct patient care compared to pre-intervention but there was less time per episode. Results from the BurDoNsaM survey indicated that participants felt documentation took less time post-intervention. Documentation audits found completion improved as staff gained familiarity, but deteriorated when staffing levels were reduced.

Conclusion

The intervention was able to reduce time spent completing documentation, increasing the time available for direct patient care.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Completing clinical documentation is part of the daily work of nurses and midwives. Clinical documentation needs to accurately capture key information in a concise and streamlined manner to avoid unnecessary burdens and release time for direct patient care.

Impact

This study tested a co-designed intervention to address the burden of clinical documentation for nurses and midwives, The intervention reduced time spent on clinical documentation and increased time for direct patient care, This study could be replicated to reduce the burden of clinical documentation in other settings and benefit clinicians and patients by releasing more time for direct patient care.

Reporting Method

The study is reported using the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomised Evaluations Designs (TREND) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

The research project and intervention evaluated in this study were co-designed through a clinician-researcher collaboration. A research team that consisted of clinically based nurses and midwives and nurse scientists was formed to address the burden of clinical documentation. As the end-users of clinical documentation, the clinically based nurse and midwife co-investigators were involved in the design, conduct, interpretation of the data, and preparation of the manuscript.

Emergency department staff experiences of the Bröset Violence Checklist

Abstract

Aim

Work-related violence is a significant problem in healthcare settings and emergency departments are one of the highest at-risk locations. There have been significant challenges in identifying successful risk-mitigation strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of work-related violence in this setting. This research explores the perspectives of clinical staff who routinely use violence risk assessment to provide recommendations for improvements.

Design

This qualitative research used interviews of staff who routinely use of the Bröset Violence Checklist in an emergency department. The study was conducted in April 2022.

Method

Interview transcripts were subjected to Thematic Analysis to explore participants' clinical experiences and judgements about the utility of the Bröset Violence Checklist.

Results

Eleven staff participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants described themes about the benefits of routine violence risk assessment and the influence of the subjective opinion of the scorer with respect to the emergency department patient cohort. Four categories of violence risk factors were identified: historical, clinical, behavioural and situational. Situational risks were considered important for tailoring the tool for context-specificity. Limitations of the BVC were identified, with recommendations for context-specific indicators.

Conclusion

Routine violence risk assessment using the Bröset Violence Checklist was deemed useful for emergency departments, however, it has limitations.

Impact

This study's findings offer potential solutions to reduce violence affecting front-line workers and practical processes that organizations can apply to increase staff safety.

Implications

The findings produced recommendations for future research and development to enhance utility of the Bröset Violence Checklist.

Reporting Method

EQUATOR guidelines were adhered to and COREQ was used.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was involved in this study.

Women's experiences of online antenatal education: An integrative literature review

Abstract

Aim

To identify what is currently known about how women experience online antenatal education.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Review Methods

This integrative review applied the five-stage methodological framework outlined by Whittemore and Knafl (2005), supporting rigour in problem identification, selection and critical appraisal of quality literature, data analysis and synthesis of findings.

Data Sources

A literature search was conducted in May/June 2022, utilizing databases including OVID Embase, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP database, Nursing and Allied Health database, Wiley Online Library, Google scholar search engine and related reference lists. The search was limited to English language and primary research articles published in the last 10-year period (2012–2022).

Results

12 articles met inclusion criteria. Three primary themes were identified: Comprehensibility: Looking back – understanding women's needs and preferences; Manageability: In the moment – flexibility versus social connection; and Meaningfulness & sustainability: Looking forward – the future of digital maternity education.

Conclusion

Findings identified a marked digital divide for women accessing online antenatal education, placing vulnerable women at risk of continuing inequity. E-health literacy frameworks need to be implemented to create genuine accessibility, comprehensibility and cultural responsiveness to best meet the needs of users.

Implications for the Profession and/or Health Care Consumer

As digital health is an emerging field, there is strong evidence that online antenatal education requires further evaluation to better meet the needs of pregnant women and their support people. Enhancing digital health literacy for health professionals will also promote a greater understanding for how to uphold and support the socio-technical dimensions of online service delivery.

Patient or Public Contribution

There were no patient or public contributions as part of this integrative review of the literature.

Nurses’ experiences of moral distress and how it affects daily work in surgical care—a qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To describe nurses’ and specialist nurses’ experiences of moral distress and how it affects daily work in surgical care.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study design was used.

Methods

A qualitative study with 12 interviews with nurses and specialist nurses working in surgical care. All interviews were conducted during October and November 2022 in two hospitals in southeastern Sweden. Data were analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Three categories and seven subcategories generated from the data analysis. The three categories generated from the analysis were Experiences that lead to moral distress, Perceived consequences of moral distress and Strategies in case of moral distress. The results show that a lack of personnel in combination with people with complex surgical needs is the main source of moral distress. Both high demands on nurses as individuals and the teamwork are factors that generate moral distress and can have severe consequences for the safety of patients, individual nurses and future care.

Conclusions

The results show that moral distress is a problem for today's nurses and specialist nurses in surgical care. Action is necessary to prevent nurses from leaving surgical care. Prioritizing tasks is perceived as challenging for the profession, and moral distress can pose a patient safety risk.

Impact

Surgical care departments should design support structures for nurses, give nurses an authentic voice to express ethical concerns and allow them to practice surgical nursing in a way that does not violate their core professional values. Healthcare organizations should take this seriously and work strategically to make the nursing profession more attractive.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.

The perspectives of internationally qualified nurses regarding their specialty skill transition to Australia: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aim

To identify barriers and facilitators of speciality skill transfer for internationally qualified nurses in Australia from the nurses' perspective.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed through social media, snowballing and nursing professional organization. Data analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Data Sources

Online survey data from participants matching the inclusion criteria were collected from July to September 2022.

Results

Survey results reveal facilitators (competence, scope of practice, linguistic sufficiency, understanding of decision-making) and barriers (lack of opportunity, transition pathways, confidence in overseas education, financial instability) for internationally qualified nurses' speciality skill utilization in Australia.

Conclusion

Identifying and addressing barriers and facilitators, along with developing tailored transition pathways, are crucial for maximizing speciality skill utilization among internationally qualified nurses. These findings have implications for policymakers, healthcare organizations and nurses. They highlight the need to address barriers, facilitate smooth transitions and implement proactive measures for internationally qualified nurses to effectively utilize their specialty skills.

Impact

The study addresses maximizing skill usage for internationally qualified nurses, identifies barriers and facilitators for specialty skill transfer in Australia and will impact policymakers, healthcare organizations and nurses by guiding strategies for safe nursing service delivery and optimizing patient care.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

A total of 71 internationally qualified nurses contributed their experiences and opinions.

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

Lack of opportunity and the lack of transition pathways inhibit the use of specialty nursing skills by internationally qualified nurses. This study's findings contradict the result of other studies that suggest language is a significant obstacle to the utilization of specialty skills of internationally qualified nurses.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The protocol is registered on OSF. The data for this study are available for sharing with the reviewers upon request. However, it is worth noting that ethical approval has not been obtained specifically for web sharing, and therefore, the data has not been posted in any repositories or public platforms.

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