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AnteayerInternacionales

Chronic Pain and Pain Management in Older Adults: Protocol and Pilot Results

imageBackground Chronic pain occurs in 30% of older adults. This prevalence rate is expected to increase, given the growth in the older adult population and the associated growth of chronic conditions contributing to pain. No population-based studies have provided detailed, longitudinal information on the experience of chronic pain in older adults; the pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies that older adults use to manage their chronic pain; and the effect of chronic pain on patient-reported outcomes. Objectives This article aims to describe the protocol for a population-based, longitudinal study focused on understanding the experience of chronic pain in older adults. The objectives are to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain; identify the pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain treatments used; evaluate for longitudinal differences in biopsychosocial factors; and examine how pain types and pain trajectories affect important patient-reported outcomes. Also included are the results of a pilot study. Methods A population-based sample of approximately 1,888 older adults will be recruited from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago’s AmeriSpeak Panel to complete surveys at three waves: enrollment (Wave 1), 6 months (Wave 2), and 12 months (Wave 3). To determine the feasibility, a pilot test of the enrollment survey was conducted among 123 older adults. Results In the pilot study, older adults with chronic pain reported a range of pain conditions, with osteoarthritis being the most common. Participants reported an array of pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain strategies. Compared to participants without chronic pain, those with chronic pain reported lower physical and cognitive function and poorer quality of life. Data collection for the primary, longitudinal study is ongoing. Discussion This project will be the first longitudinal population-based study to examine the experience and overall effect of chronic pain in older adults. Pilot study results provide evidence of the feasibility of study methods. Ultimately, this work will inform the development of tailored interventions for older patients targeted to decrease pain and improve function and quality of life.

Content Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Digital Competence of Nurses in Clinical Practice

imageClinical practice nurses need adequate digital competence to use technologies appropriately at work. Questionnaires measuring clinical practice nurses' digital competence lack content validity because attitude is not included as a measure of digital competence. The aim of the current study was to identify items for an item pool of a questionnaire to measure clinical practice nurses' digital competence and to evaluate the content validity. A normative Delphi study was conducted, and the content validity index on item and scale levels was calculated. In each round, 21 to 24 panelists (medical informatics specialists, nurse informatics specialists, digital managers, and researchers) were asked to rate the items on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from “not relevant” to “very relevant.” Within three rounds, the panelists reached high consensus and rated 26 items of the initial 37 items as relevant. The average content validity index of 0.95 (SD, 0.07) demonstrates that the item pool showed high content validity. The final item pool included items to measure knowledge, skills, and attitude. The items included represent the international recommendations of core competences for clinical nursing. Future research should conduct psychometric testing for construct validity and internal consistency of the generated item pool.

Reframing care while enduring the traumatic nature of witnessing disrupted family‐patient‐nurses' relationships during COVID‐19

Abstract

Aim

To describe the lived experiences of nurses caring for patients and families in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil and United States.

Design

A phenomenological philosophical approach following the van Manen analysis method.

Methods

Participants were recruited in Brazil and the United States, including nurses working in health care settings caring for COVID-19 patients. Recruitment used purposive and snowball sampling. Participants completed a demographic survey and semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. A cross-cultural examination occurred among researchers from each country.

Results

The result was described (n = 35) by the themes, representing the essences of each lifeworld (relationship, time, space and body). The nurses' lived experience was one of reframing care while enduring repeated trauma of witnessing disrupted patient-family-nurse relationships. Themes were as follows: (a) Living a silent and lonely experience; (b) Providing connectedness for disrupted patient and family relationships; (c) Feeling the burden of the demands; (d) Being a helping connector; (e) Reshaping spaces amidst evolving interventions and policies; (f) Creating safe spaces, surrounded by turmoil, threat, and distress within an unsafe environment; (g) Reorganizing care and reframing time; (h) Reconciling losses, regrets, victories and lessons.

Conclusion

The nurses' lived experience of caring for patients and families during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the need to respond to repeated traumas and distress posed by interrupted patient-family and nurse-own family relationships, vulnerable bodies, threatened space and dynamic and volatile time.

Impact

Cultural nuances were discovered depending on the practice setting, political discourse and the autonomy of the nurse. Innovative models of care that create structures and processes to support nurses in caring for patients in threatening environments and the commitment to connecting family members have potential to contribute to the ongoing health of the nursing profession.

Family involvement in dementia special care units in nursing homes: A qualitative care ethical study into family experiences

Abstract

Aim

To explore the moral dimension of family experiences with being involved in the care of their loved one with dementia in the nursing home, using the care ethical framework of Tronto.

Design

This qualitative study used a care ethical approach in which empirical data and care ethical theory were dialectically related and mutually informing.

Methods

Fifteen close family members of nursing home residents with dementia were interviewed between February 2020 and October 2020. Forty-two interviews were conducted, based on a semi-structured open-ended design. A thematic narrative approach combined with the five phases of care as defined by Tronto was used to analyse the empirical data. Subsequently, Tronto's identified ethical qualities were used to identify the moral dimension of these empirical findings.

Results

We found that in the care process (1) family can find it difficult to recognize their loved one's care needs; (2) both family and staff are reluctant to discuss the allocation of responsibilities with each other; (3) family sometimes feels insecure when it comes to connecting with their loved one; (4) family is often reluctant to provide feedback to staff when they are critical about the care that has been given; and (5) family is generally mild in judging staff, due to staff shortages. The care ethical interpretation of these findings showed that the moral qualities of attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness, and solidarity are under pressure to a certain extent.

Conclusion

Family experiences moral distress during the care process, which hinders family involvement in nursing homes for people with dementia.

Impact

Nursing home staff can look for and pilot strategies focused on supporting families to act more in accordance with the moral qualities that are under pressure. This can improve family involvement in practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient/Public Contribution.

Implications for Practice/Policy

Nursing home staff paying more attention to families' emotional struggles related to the decline of their loved one, could help families to be more attentive to noticing true care needs of the resident. Both family and nursing home staff should take more often initiatives to evaluate the division of care responsibilities with each other. Nursing home staff should help family connect with their loved one during their visits if they experience difficulties in doing so. Nursing home staff taking more often initiatives to contact family and ask them how they perceive the care for their loved one, can positively affect the responsiveness of both family and staff. It would be helpful if nursing home management could ensure the presence of sufficient and qualified staff so that the first four phases of the care process are not hindered by the lack of staff.

Antecedents and outcomes of work engagement among nursing staff in long‐term care facilities—A systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To determine antecedents and outcomes of work engagement (WE) among nursing staff in long-term care (LTC) using the Job Demand-Resources model.

Design

A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis in systematic reviews guideline. A study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022336736).

Data Sources

The initial searches were performed in PsycInfo, Medline, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL and Scopus and yielded 3050 unique publications. Updated searches identified another 335 publications. Sixteen studies published from 2010 to 2022 were included.

Review Methods

The screening of titles and abstracts, and subsequently full-text publications, was performed blinded by two author teams using the inclusion/exclusion criteria. When needed, a mutual consensus was obtained through discussion within and across the teams. A descriptive and narrative synthesis without a meta-analysis of the included studies was performed.

Results

The extent of research on WE in LTC facilities is limited and the factors examined are heterogeneous. Of forty-two unique antecedents and outcomes, only three factors were assessed in three or more studies. Antecedents—in particular job resources—are more commonly examined than outcomes.

Conclusion

Existing literature offers scant evidence on antecedents and outcomes of WE among nursing staff in LTC facilities. Social support, learning and development opportunities and person-centred processes are the most examined factors, yet with ambiguous results.

Impact

Antecedents and outcomes of engagement among nursing staff in LTC facilities have not previously been reviewed systematically. Engagement has been correlated with both more efficient and higher-quality service delivery. Our findings suggest opportunities to improve health and care services by enhancing engagement, whilst at the same time better caring for employees. This study lays the groundwork for more detailed research into the contributing factors and potential results of increasing caregivers' engagement.

No patient or public contribution.

Barriers and enablers to screening, management and referral of sleep disorders in patients attending cardiac rehabilitation: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Aims

To examine healthcare professional's knowledge about assessment and management of sleep disorders for cardiac patients and to describe the barriers to screening and management in cardiac rehabilitation settings.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews.

Methods

In March 2022, a total of seven focus groups and two interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals who currently work in cardiac rehabilitation settings. Participants included 17 healthcare professionals who had undertaken cardiac rehabilitation training within the past 5 years. The study adheres to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. An inductive thematic analysis approach was utilized.

Results

Six themes and 20 sub-themes were identified. Non-validated approaches to identify sleep disorders (such as asking questions) were often used in preference to validated instruments. However, participants reported positive attitudes regarding screening tools provided they did not adversely affect the therapeutic relationship with patients and benefit to patients could be demonstrated. Participants indicated minimal training in sleep issues, and limited knowledge of professional guidelines and recommended that more patient educational materials are needed.

Conclusion

Introduction of screening for sleep disorders in cardiac rehabilitation settings requires consideration of resources, the therapeutic relationship with patients and the demonstrated clinical benefit of extra screening. Awareness and familiarity of professional guidelines may improve confidence for nurses in the management of sleep disorders for patients with cardiac illness.

Impacts

The findings from this study address healthcare professionals' concerns regarding introduction of screening for sleep disorders for patients with cardiovascular disease. The results indicate concern for therapeutic relationships and patient management and have implications for nursing in settings such as cardiac rehabilitation and post-cardiac event counselling.

Reporting Method

Adherence to COREQ guidelines was maintained.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution as this study explored health professionals' experiences only.

Long‐term care facilities' response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: An international, cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aims

To (i) assess the adherence of long-term care (LTC) facilities to the COVID-19 prevention and control recommendations, (ii) identify predictors of this adherence and (iii) examine the association between the adherence level and the impact of the pandemic on selected unfavourable conditions.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

Managers (n = 212) and staff (n = 2143) of LTC facilities (n = 223) in 13 countries/regions (Brazil, Egypt, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkey) evaluated the adherence of LTC facilities to COVID-19 prevention and control recommendations and the impact of the pandemic on unfavourable conditions related to staff, residents and residents' families. The characteristics of participants and LTC facilities were also gathered. Data were collected from April to October 2021. The study was reported following the STROBE guidelines.

Results

The adherence was significantly higher among facilities with more pre-pandemic in-service education on infection control and easier access to information early in the pandemic. Residents' feelings of loneliness and feeling down were the most affected conditions by the pandemic. More psychological support to residents was associated with fewer residents' aggressive behaviours, and more psychological support to staff was associated with less work–life imbalance.

Conclusions

Pre-pandemic preparedness significantly shaped LTC facilities' response to the pandemic. Adequate psychological support to residents and staff might help mitigate the negative impacts of infection outbreaks.

Impact

This is the first study to comprehensively examine the adherence of LTC facilities to COVID-19 prevention and control recommendations. The results demonstrated that the adherence level was significantly related to pre-pandemic preparedness and that adequate psychological support to staff and residents was significantly associated with less negative impacts of the pandemic on LTC facilities' staff and residents. The results would help LTC facilities prepare for and respond to future infection outbreaks.

Patient or public contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Advanced practice nursing in Europe—Results from a pan‐European survey of 35 countries

Abstract

Aim

To report the results of a mapping exercise by the European Federation of Nurses on current advanced practice nursing frameworks and developments across Europe.

Design

Online, cross-sectional, questionnaire study.

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed among 35 national nurses' associations across Europe in March 2021. The questionnaire solicited input on 60 items concerning key features of advanced practice nursing, intending to map existing developments and better understand the current state of advanced practice nursing in Europe. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, including counts and percentages, tabulation; open-text responses were handled with thematic synthesis techniques.

Results

The definition, sense-making and operationalization of advanced practice nursing vary across Europe. Important variations were noted in the definition and requirements of advanced practice nursing, resulting in different views on the competencies and scope of practice associated with this role. Importantly, the level of education and training required to qualify and practice as an advanced practice nurse varies across European countries. Furthermore, only 11 countries reported the existence of a national legislation establishing minimum educational requirements.

Conclusion

Significant variation exists in how countries define advanced practice nursing and how it is regulated at academic and practice levels. More research is needed to clarify whether this variation results from designing models of advanced practice nursing that work in different contexts; and what impact a standardized regulatory framework could have to grow the volume of advanced practice nurses across Europe.

Impact

The current paper exposes the lack of clarity on the development and implementation of advanced practice nursing across Europe. We found significant variation in the definition, recognition, regulation and education of advanced practice nurses. Our data are essential to policymakers, professional associations and employers to ensure a coordinated and systematic effort in the consistency and ongoing development of advanced practice nurses across Europe.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution applied; the participants were national nurses' associations.

Development and testing of a patient‐reported experience measure for cancer: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Patient-reported Experience Measure-Cancer (PREM-C), reflecting patients' perceptions of cancer care experiences according to the Institute of Medicine domains.

Design

A three-phase cross-sectional survey was conducted.

Methods

Development, reliability and validity testing of the PREM-C measure was undertaken. Data collection included three phases: firstly (development) between October and November, 2015; secondly (psychometric testing), May 2016–June, 2017, and finally, (revision and psychometric testing) May 2019–March 2020.

Results

The final PREM-C structure, created using the Institute of Medicine domains, was psychometrically sound with five factors identified in the Exploratory Factor Analysis, demonstrating internal reliability ranging from 0.8 to 0.9. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated the hypothesized model fitted well (Root mean square error of approximation = 0.076). External convergent and divergent validity was established with the PREM-C found to be moderately correlated with the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire but weakly correlated with the WHOQoL-BREF.

Conclusion

The development and testing of the PREM-C demonstrated good fit as a clinically relevant measure of ambulatory cancer patients' experiences of care. To make meaningful changes to nursing practice and health services, patient experience measures such as the PREM-C might support staff to identify areas for service improvement.

Impact

Few reliable measures and less validated measures collect patients' perceptions of the quality of their healthcare provision. Rigorous psychometric testing of the newly developed PREM-C demonstrated good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and external convergent and divergent validity. The PREM-C is a potentially relevant measure of cancer patients' experiences of care. It might be used to assess patient-centred care and guide safety and quality improvements in clinical settings. PREM-C use might inform service providers of experiences of care in their institution and inform policy and practice development. This measure is sufficiently generic, allowing potential use in other chronic disease populations.

Patient or Public Contribution

This conduct of this study was supported by the participating patients of the hospital Cancer Outpatients Service.

A cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN‐PAL): A codesign study with patients and healthcare professionals

Abstract

Aims

To codesign a cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN-PAL) based on an existing tool. To help cancer care workers support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles.

Design

Mixed-methods codesign study.

Methods

Phase 1: Focus groups with people affected by cancer (n = 10) or interviews (n = 2) to discuss suitable physical activities and adaptation of the existing tool. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Themes informed the design of the prototype CAN-PAL and user guide. Phase 2: Healthcare professionals considered the potential use of the CAN-PAL prototype and completed an online survey including the system usability scale and free text responses.

Results

Phase 1: Identified suitable physical activities and four themes were identified including: Capability, benefits, barriers and resources which informed the prototype CAN-PAL and user guide. Phase 2: The user survey was completed by 12 healthcare professionals. Median (range) system usability scale was 80 (50–95) (best score 100), scores >68 indicate good or better usability. Themes from the free text comments included strengths, amendments, considerations and limitations. Results were used to finalise CAN-PAL and the user guide.

Conclusion

The codesigned CAN-PAL tool had good usability. Further work is needed to evaluate the impact of CAN-PAL on activity levels and behaviour in people affected by cancer.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

People affected by cancer need support to undertake physical activity. The purpose of CAN-PAL is to assist cancer care workers to support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles.

Patient or Public Contribution

Public partners considered the findings from Phase 1 and 2 and informed the design of the prototype, final CAN-PAL and user guide and coauthored the paper.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines; the study was reported according to the COREQ checklist.

The role experience of advanced practice nurses in oncology: An interpretative phenomenological study

Abstract

Aim(s)

To understand the experiences of advanced practice nurses working in cancer care.

Design

Phenomenological qualitative study.

Methods

Three focus groups were held to collect qualitative data. Participants were recruited through theoretical non-probabilistic sampling of maximum variation, based on 12 profiles. Data saturation was achieved with a final sample of 21 oncology advanced practice nurses who were performing advanced clinical practice roles in the four centers from December 2021 to March 2022. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed following Guba and Lincoln's criteria of trustworthiness. The centers' ethics committee approved the study, and all participants gave written informed consent. Data analysis was undertaken with NVivo 12 software.

Results

Three broad themes emerged from the data analysis: the role performed, facilitators and barriers in the development of the role and nurses' lived experience of the role.

Conclusion

Advanced practice nurses are aware that they do not perform their role to its full potential, and they describe different facilitators and barriers. Despite the difficulties, they present a positive attitude as well as a capacity for leadership, which has allowed them to consolidate the advanced practice nursing role in unfavourable environments.

Implications for the Profession

These results will enable institutions to establish strategies at different levels in the implementation and development of advanced practice nursing roles.

Reporting Method

Reporting complied with COREQ criteria for qualitative research.

Patient or Public Contributions

No patient or public contribution.

Changes in parental anxiety and intention to demand antibiotics: A longitudinal study among parents during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aims

Assessing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on parental anxiety and preferences for antibiotic treatment can help inform antibiotic stewardship strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to examine COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in parental anxiety levels, their intentions to demand antibiotics and frequencies of practising preventative behaviours.

Design

This longitudinal quantitative study compared two groups of parents, those from Victoria and Western Australia, who experienced high and low COVID-19 risk, respectively.

Methods

Participants were recruited through an online panel to complete three waves of surveys between October 2020 and August 2021. Anxiety scores and frequency of preventative behaviours were analysed using mixed-effects tobit regression, considering time, state, and their interaction as fixed effects predictors. Intention to demand antibiotics was modelled using multinomial logistic regression, with time, state, and their interaction as the predictors.

Results

The final longitudinal sample comprised 50 participants from Victoria and 51 from Western Australia. Parental anxiety did not significantly change over time for either state. Intention to demand antibiotics was also stable over time within each state; however, participants from Victoria exhibited stronger intentions to demand antibiotics compared to those from Western Australia. Frequencies of parental preventative behaviours declined from Wave 1 to Wave 2 before increasing again in Wave 3, but only for Western Australia.

Conclusion

This longitudinal study among Australian parents found stable parental anxiety and intention to demand antibiotics within each state. However, the intention to demand antibiotics and preventative behaviours varied between states as per the COVID-19 risk. Thus, viral pandemics may not affect judicious antibiotic use, though the intention to demand antibiotics may increase in states with high COVID-19 risk.

Impact

Though parental anxiety may not impact antibiotic stewardship during viral respiratory illness outbreaks, tailored messaging to maintain appropriate antibiotic use may be necessary, especially when the disease risk is high.

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

Abstract

Aim

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

Design

An exploratory qualitative design.

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Relevance to Clinical Practice

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

Patient or Public Contribution

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

Reporting Method

The reporting of this study adhered to the COREQ checklist.

The meaning of preparedness for informal caregivers of older adults: A concept analysis

Abstract

Aim

To examine the concept of preparedness over time in research with informal caregivers of older adults.

Design

Concept analysis.

Methods

Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to guide this theoretical paper due to the dynamic nature of preparedness, which is influenced by both context and time. Using Rodgers' inductive approach, concept elements were derived from a content analysis of included studies. In the final step, to generate hypotheses and implications regarding the concept, the conceptual structure of preparedness of informal caregivers of older adults was connected to a theoretical problem in the nursing discipline using the Caregiving Stress Process Framework.

Data Sources

Four databases (EBSCO CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid PsycINFO and Scopus) were searched in November 2022 and updated in September 2023. No date limits were set for searching, as the intent was to analyse possible variations of the concept over time.

Results

The attributes of preparedness include self-confidence, having knowledge, skills and abilities to perform daily tasks, handling emotions and developed over time. These attributes can be compared with the stressors outlined in the Caregiving Stress Process Framework (i.e., the moment the caregiver identifies some ‘stressor’; something that prevents them from feeling confident in their preparedness).

Conclusion

The concept of preparedness of informal caregivers of older adults is defined as caregiver's self-confidence about their current competence related to the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform daily tasks, and to handle emotions over time. To link the concept to a theoretical perspective, we propose adaptations to a well-known theory, the Caregiving Stress Process Framework. Future research on caregiving preparedness needs to avoid circular definitions and work with the attributes of preparedness to support caregivers.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This paper contributes to the development of interventions that focus on the health and preparedness of informal caregivers of older adults. Clarifying the concept of preparedness helps nurses to support caregivers since it is then known which aspects are included in the preparedness of caregivers (e.g., daily tasks and handling emotions). A more fulsome understanding of preparedness supports us to see beyond stressors of caregiving.

Impact

This study addresses informal caregivers of older adults' preparedness to provide care. We synthesized existing definitions that have been used in research with this population to propose a robust conceptualization of the concept of preparedness, which contributes to better understanding of how preparedness can be supported.

Reporting Method

We were unable to locate a reporting method related to this kind of work (concept analysis).

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable as no new data generated.

Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) in an outpatient oncology surgery setting to securely email, collect, and manage survey data

Abstract

Background

Nursing interventions in the post-operative time period including psychological and emotional support, adverse event education, and instructions for follow-up care contribute patient satisfaction, safety, and quality of life. However, the time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital continues to shorten around the world to reduce health care spending and improve patient outcomes. Nurses conducting research during the important post-operative recovery period need to utilize unique techniques and emerging technologies to contact, recruit and collect data outside of the hospital setting including the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform.

Aims

This paper describes the feasibility and acceptability, facilitators and barriers of the software application, REDCap, to complete a repeated-measures, descriptive correlational study in patients undergoing outpatient breast cancer surgeries.

Methods & Materials

The recruitment, data collection and storage were completed utilizing the secure REDCap Platform. The Institutional Research Board (IRB)-approved study was a repeated-measures, descriptive, correlational study with data collection at three time points. The data points aligned with important transitions and routine visits to improve data collection feasibility and increase relevance to clinical practice.

Results

The sample consisted of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing breast conserving surgery between August 15 and October 15, 2020. There were 123 potential participants, of which 76 started the surveys and 75 participated (61%) responded and participated in the study on Post-operative Day 1. Fifty-nine participants (78%) completed the surveys on post-operative Day 14.

Discussion

As the frequency of outpatient treatment increases, nurses conducting post-operative research will need to collect the data outside of the hospital setting.

Conclusion

Email provides a method of studying new phenomena by recruiting participants, providing information about the study, and collecting results in a non-traditional setting. REDCap provides a method to facilitate nursing research through a securely encrypted integrated process.

Parental presence, participation, and engagement in paediatric hospital care: A conceptual delineation

Abstract

Aim

To delineate between the concepts of parental presence, participation, and engagement in paediatric hospital care.

Design

The concepts' uses in the literature were analysed to determine attributes, influences, and relationships.

Methods

Delineations of each concept are established and conceptual definitions are proposed following Morses' methods.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (PubMed); CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCOhost); Embase, Scopus (Elsevier); Google Scholar. Search dates October 2021, February 2023.

Results

Multinational publications dated 1991–2023 revealed these concepts represent a range of parental behaviours, beliefs, and actions, which are not always perceptible to nurses, but which are important in family-integrated care delivery. Parental presence is the state of a parent being physically and/or emotionally with their child. Parental participation reflects parents' performing caregiving activities with or without nurses. Parental engagement is a parents' state of emotional involvement in their child's health and the ways they act on their child's behalf.

Conclusion

These concepts' manifestations are important to parental role attainment but may be inadequately understood and considered by healthcare providers.

Implications

Nurses have influence over parents' parental presence, participation, and engagement in their child's care but need support from healthcare institutions to ensure equitable family-integrated care delivery.

Impact

Problem: Lack of clear definition among these concepts results in incomplete and at times inequitable family-integrated care delivery. Findings: Parental presence is an antecedent to parental participation, and parental presence and participation are elements of parental engagement. The concepts interact to influence one another. Impact: Hospitalized children, their families, nurses, and researchers will benefit through a better understanding of the concepts' attributes, interactions, and implications for enhanced family-integrated care delivery.

Perceived barriers and facilitators to preventing hospital‐acquired pressure injury in paediatrics: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Aim

This qualitative study aimed to identify nurses' and allied health professionals' perceptions and experiences of providing hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) prevention in a paediatric tertiary hospital in Australia, as well as understand the perceived barriers and facilitators to preventing HAPI.

Design

A qualitative, exploratory study of hospital professionals was undertaken using semi-structured interviews between February 2022 and January 2023.

Methods

Two frameworks, the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), were used to give both theoretical and pragmatic guidance. Participants included 19 nursing and allied health professionals and data analysis was informed by the framework approach.

Results

Analysis revealed nine core themes regarding professionals' beliefs about the barriers and facilitators to HAPI prevention practices across seven TDF domains. Themes included HAPI prevention skills and education, family-centred care, automated feedback and prompts, allocation and access to equipment, everybody's responsibility, prioritizing patients and clinical demands, organizational expectations and support, integrating theory and reality in practice and emotional influence.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators that impact paediatric HAPI prevention and can help identify and implement strategies to enhance evidence-based prevention care and prevent HAPI in paediatric settings.

Impact

Overcoming barriers through evidence-based interventions is essential to reduce HAPI cases, improve patient outcomes, and cut healthcare costs. The findings have practical implications, informing policy and practice for improved preventive measures, education, and staffing in paediatric care, ultimately benefiting patient well-being and reducing HAPIs.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. The focus of the study is on healthcare professionals and their perspectives and experiences in preventing HAPIs in paediatric patients. Therefore, the involvement of patients or the public was not deemed necessary for achieving the specific research objectives.

Attitude of Indian nurses towards importance of families in nursing care: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims and Objective

To evaluate the attitudes of Indian nurses towards the importance of family involvement in nursing care and the association between nurse attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics.

Background

Involving the family in the care process is crucial for delivering family- and patient-centred care and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Nevertheless, published literature revealed that the nurses may lack clarity regarding the role of family members in the patient's care, which in turn hinders families' participation in care.

Design

Cross-sectional descriptive study. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.

Methods

A total of 203 Nurses participated in a prospective cross-sectional study between May 2022 and August 2022. They were recruited through convenience sampling from two tertiary care centres in India. A two-part questionnaire was used to gather the data; the first section contained questions for gathering sociodemographic information, and the second part contained the standardized FINC-NA scale.

Results

The mean age of the nurses was (28.08 ± 4.722) years, and their median professional experience was 2.5 (1–5.5) years. Nurses' attitude regarding family's importance in patient care was found to be significantly associated (p ≤ .05) with education level, marital status, religion and hometown region.

Conclusion

In several items Indian nurses have positive attitudes towards family involvement in care but some of the lower scoring items can present opportunities for focused improvement. Continuing development programmes about family-centered care can constitute important strategies to improve the positive attitudes of nurses towards families in practice.

Patient and public contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Compassion in health professionals: Development and validation of the Capacity for Compassion Scale

Abstract

Background

Health professionals witness pain and suffering when they care for sick people and their families. Compassion is a necessary quality in their work as it combines the will to help, alleviate suffering and promote the well-being of both the people they are attending and the professionals themselves. The aim of the study was to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Capacity for Compassion Scale (CCS).

Design

A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale (reliability, temporal stability, content validity, criterion validity and construct validity).

Methods

The study was carried out in two phases: pilot study and final validation. The data were collected between April and May 2022. The sample was selected by convenience sampling and was made up of a total of 264 participants, 59 in the pilot phase and 205 in the final validation.

Results

The Capacity for Compassion Scale has been shown to have good psychometric properties in relation to reliability, temporal stability, and content, criterion, and construct validity. Factor analysis showed that there were four subdimensions of the scale: motivation/commitment, presence, shared humanity and self-compassion. The results also indicate that compassionate ability is significantly correlated with age and work experience.

Conclusions

The Capacity for Compassion Scale shows adequate psychometric properties. This instrument measures the compassion capacity of health professionals, which is a valuable discovery for new lines of research in this field.

Impact

Through this scale, low levels of capacity for compassion can be detected that negatively influence the quality of care provided by health professionals. The Capacity for Compassion Scale can therefore contribute to the identification of needs and promote training around compassion for health professionals.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What Problem did the Study Address?

Compassion in health professionals has positive effects on improving the quality of care, the satisfaction of professionals and the work environment. There are compassion cultivation programmes whose validity has been proven for the development of the dimensions of compassion. There is no specific instrument that measures capacity for compassion in healthcare professionals.

What were the Main Findings?

A scale is designed to measure capacity for compassion in health professionals. This is the only such scale available up until now. The scale measures four dimensions of compassion: motivation/commitment, presence, shared humanity and self-compassion.

Where and on Whom will the Research Have an Impact?

The development of specific programmes that can increase the compassion of health professionals with all the benefits that this can bring to health care is encouraged. It will be possible to analyse the effects of training programmes on the cultivation of compassion.

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