Conectar
The development of simple tools to identify individuals at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) would enable rapid implementation of preventive measures. This study was designed to construct predictive models and scoring systems for CHD using monocyte count and its ratio to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MHR).
Population-based prospective cohort study.
The Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB).
This prospective study included 44 013 CHD-free participants of the SSACB. The Songjiang subcohort served as the training set, in which three predictive models and corresponding scoring systems were developed with monocyte count or MHR using stepwise Cox regression. The models and algorithms were tested internally using 10-fold cross-validation and externally in the Jiading subcohort. Discriminations were assessed based on area under the curve (AUC) values, while calibrations were evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.
During a mean follow-up period of 4.8 years, 883 CHD events occurred, with an incidence of 415.7/100 000. Monocyte count and MHR were significantly associated with the risk of CHD. The constructed model incorporating monocyte count (Model 2) achieved AUC values of 0.746 (0.726, 0.766) for 4-year CHD prediction in the training set, 0.746 (0.690, 0.796) in the cross-validation, and 0.717 (0.674, 0.761) in the external validation, comparable to the models including HDL-C (model 1) or MHR (model 3). Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual probabilities. Similar results were observed for the corresponding scoring algorithms.
The monocyte-based model is a simple, low-cost and well-calibrated risk-stratification tool for CHD. However, the declined discrimination in external validation indicates limited generalisability. Prospective multicentre validation and recalibration are therefore warranted before clinical adoption.
Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at seven-fold to ten-fold increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) when compared with those who experience a normoglycaemic pregnancy, and the cumulative incidence increases with the time of follow-up post birth. This protocol outlines the development and validation of a risk prediction model assessing the 5-year and 10-year risk of T2DM in women with a prior GDM diagnosis.
Data from all birth mothers and registered births in Victoria and South Australia, retrospectively linked to national diabetes data and pathology laboratory data from 2008 to 2021, will be used for model development and validation of GDM to T2DM conversion. Candidate predictors will be selected considering existing literature, clinical significance and statistical association, including age, body mass index, parity, ethnicity, history of recurrent GDM, family history of T2DM and antenatal and postnatal glucose levels. Traditional statistical methods and machine learning algorithms will explore the best-performing and easily applicable prediction models. We will consider bootstrapping or K-fold cross-validation for internal model validation. If computationally difficult due to the expected large sample size, we will consider developing the model using 80% of available data and evaluating using a 20% random subset. We will consider external or temporal validation of the prediction model based on the availability of data. The prediction model’s performance will be assessed by using discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration (calibration slope, calibration intercept, calibration-in-the-large and observed-to-expected ratio), model overall fit (Brier score and Cox-Snell R2) and net benefit (decision curve analysis). To examine algorithm equity, the model’s predictive performance across ethnic groups and parity will be analysed. Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis-Artificial Intelligence (TRIPOD+AI) statements will be followed.
Ethics approvals have been received from Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (2021–179); Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee (RES-22-0000-048A); the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (EO2022/5/1369); the Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee of South Australia (SA) (04-23-1056); in addition to a Site-Specific Assessment to cover the involvement of the Preventative Health SA (formerly Wellbeing SA) (2023/SSA00065). Project findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences and provided to relevant stakeholders to enable the translation of research findings into population health programmes and health policy.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring long-term therapy, where adherence critically impacts outcomes. Non-adherence remains a significant barrier to disease control, particularly in China, where healthcare disparities persist.
This scoping review aimed to systematically map the existing evidence on the frequency, barriers and facilitators of treatment adherence among Chinese patients with SLE and to identify gaps to guide future research and interventions.
We included studies that assessed adherence to pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological SLE treatments among Chinese adults (≥18 years). Eligible designs included observational, interventional, qualitative and mixed-method studies published in English or Chinese.
10 electronic databases (eg, CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS) were searched from inception to 27 March 2024, using MeSH terms and relevant keywords. Additional studies were retrieved through manual reference screening.
Data were extracted using a standardised form informed by the WHO multidimensional adherence framework. Key variables included study design, adherence measurement tools, frequency and categorised barriers/facilitators. Data were charted independently by two reviewers.
21 studies met inclusion criteria. Adherence was most often measured via self-report, especially Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 and Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology. Non-adherence ranged from 33.3% to 75.0%, reflecting measurement and population heterogeneity. Barriers were commonly patient-related, treatment-related and system-related, including fear of side effects, complex regimens, poor communication and financial burden. Facilitators included structured education, psychological support, simplified regimens and family support.
Treatment adherence among Chinese SLE patients is suboptimal and influenced by multidimensional factors. Culturally tailored, multilevel interventions—addressing education, communication and system-level barriers—are urgently needed. Adoption of standardised adherence measures and use of the WHO framework can improve cross-study comparability and guide targeted interventions.
OSF: osf.io/x5uzc; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GQWA7.
by Yi Chi, Xueqin Yang, Donglin Deng, Peimao Li, Yingbiao Zhang
This study aimed to explore the relationship between circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms, specifically MTNR1A rs2119882 and CLOCK rs1801260, and the risk of acne in an occupational population. MTNR1A encodes a melatonin receptor involved in circadian rhythm regulation, while CLOCK is a core transcription factor in the molecular circadian clock. Both genes are essential in maintaining hormonal balance, sleep-wake cycles, and inflammatory responses—factors closely associated with acne pathogenesis. A case-control study was conducted among 90 participants, comprising acne-affected workers (AAG), acne-free workers (AFG), and healthy control group (HCG). Peripheral blood samples were collected, and DNA was extracted for genotyping of MTNR1A rs2119882 and CLOCK rs1801260 polymorphisms. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational data were obtained via structured interviews. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between gene polymorphisms and acne risk, adjusting for relevant covariates. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings. In the overall population, no significant association was found between MTNR1A rs2119882 polymorphisms and acne risk. However, CLOCK rs1801260 polymorphisms showed a strong association with acne susceptibility. Under the dominant model, participants carrying the AG/GG genotypes exhibited a significantly higher risk of developing acne compared to those with the AA genotype (unadjusted odds ratios (OR) = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.27–11.31; adjusted OR = 5.08, 95% CI: 1.41–18.33). In the additive model, the risk of acne increased with additional G alleles (unadjusted OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.22–7.13; adjusted OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.25–9.81). Subgroup analysis among night shift workers revealed a significant association between MTNR1A rs2119882 and acne risk, such that carriers of the CC genotype exhibited increased susceptibility (adjusted OR = 3.97, p = 0.049). Moreover, individuals with AG/GG genotypes at CLOCK rs1801260 showed an even higher risk (OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 1.22–20.14). This study suggests that circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms, particularly CLOCK rs1801260, are associated with acne risk, especially in individuals working rotating night shifts.This study aims to examine the chain-mediating effects of affective reactions and burnout on the relationship between workplace violence and work performance among nurses while distinguishing between physical and psychological violence.
A longitudinal study was conducted between October 2020 and October 2022. The study took place in four tertiary hospitals of Shandong Province, China. A total of 1086 nurses were recruited.
Workplace psychological violence, workplace physical violence, work performance, affective reactions (including anxiety and depressive symptoms) and burnout were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Data were analysed using multiple linear regressions and structural equation modelling on SPSS and AMOS.
The STROBE checklist was used for this study.
Workplace psychological violence, but not physical violence, was associated with nurses' work performance. Burnout mediates the relationship between workplace psychological violence and work performance. Affective reactions and burnout play serial intermediary roles in the relationship between workplace psychological violence and work performance.
Interventions aimed at reducing anxiety, depressive symptoms, and burnout among nurses who have experienced psychological violence may enhance their work performance.
Hospital administrators should prioritise the development of strategies to prevent psychological violence (e.g., anti-bullying training and counselling support) and enhance nurse performance through burnout screening and targeted interventions.
This study was conducted in Shandong Province, China, and relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to social desirability bias.
No patient or public contribution.
This study aimed to (1) assess Lumos data quality, a New South Wales (NSW) statewide linked health data asset; and (2) determine sociodemographic variation in health service utilisation of general practice, emergency department and admitted services.
A retrospective cohort study using Lumos, a linked health data asset.
A representative statewide sample population of NSW, Australia.
People residing within NSW with an electronic health record at a Lumos participating general practice between January 2010 and June 2023.
Data quality indicators of Lumos including completeness, representativeness against NSW population data, consistency and timeliness. Furthermore, variation in general practice visits, emergency department presentations and hospital admission rates stratified by age, sex, rurality and Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD)—a measure of socioeconomic status used in Australia, where lower values represent greater relative disadvantage across a range of metrics such as education and income.
At the time of analysis, Lumos included records from 5.2 million unique patients, representing half (49.7%) of the NSW resident population. Limiting data to 2022, the Lumos population distribution broadly aligned with the 2021 Census except for IRSD quintile four and five which were under-represented (15.0% vs 20.4% (standardised difference –0.14)), and over-represented (29.7% vs 19.9% (standardised difference 0.23)), respectively. Age and greater relative disadvantage were associated with higher rates of general practice visits and hospital admissions. Greater relative disadvantage was also associated with higher rates of emergency department presentations.
Lumos’s ability to overcome historical limitations of separately managed health data in Australia and its demonstrated data quality present an opportunity to enhance health system policy and planning in NSW. The variation in service utilisation across primary and tertiary care by population and geography apparent in Lumos reinforces the need for tailored service planning.
To describe diagnostic and management characteristics of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) among participants in the ‘Searching for a Technology-Driven Acute Rheumatic Fever Test’ study, in order to answer clinical questions and determine epidemiological and practice differences in different settings.
Multisite, prospective cohort study.
One hospital in northern Australia and two hospitals in New Zealand, 2018–2021.
143 episodes of definite, probable or possible ARF among 141 participants (median age 10 years, range 5–23; 98% Indigenous).
Participant characteristics, clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data were explored using descriptive data. Associations with length of stay were determined using multivariable regression analysis.
ARF presentations were heterogeneous with the most common ARF ‘phenotype’ in 19% of cases being carditis with joint manifestations (polyarthritis, monarthritis or polyarthralgia), fever and PR prolongation. The total proportion of children with carditis was 61%. Australian compared with New Zealand participants more commonly had ARF recurrence (22% vs 0%), underlying RHD (48% vs 0%), possible/probable ARF (23% vs 9%) and were underweight (64% vs 16%). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) provided an incremental diagnostic yield of 21% compared with C reactive protein. No instances of RHD were diagnosed among participants in New Zealand. Positive throat Group A Streptococcus culture was more common in New Zealand than in Australian participants (69% vs 3%). Children often required prolonged hospitalisation, with median hospital length-of-stay being 7 days (range 2–66). Significant predictors for length of stay in a multivariable regression model were valve disease (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.56, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.98, p
This study provides new knowledge on ARF characteristics and management and highlights international variation in diagnostic and management practice. Differing approaches need to be aligned. Meanwhile, locally specific information can help guide patient expectations after ARF diagnosis.
High-quality clinical practice guidelines and hospital standards on falls prevention and management now exist, yet their implementation into clinical practice is variable. Insights from consumers could help to guide the development of a process to improve the implementation of falls prevention and management, particularly in rehabilitation hospitals where fall rates are high.
A qualitative descriptive study will incorporate semistructured interviews and focus groups to explore the perspectives of hospital consumers on how hospital falls prevention evidence can best be implemented into rehabilitation practice. Thematic analysis of the data will be conducted in NVivo using a six-phase thematic coding process guided by Braun and Clarke. Evaluation and synthesis of the data will also follow the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Consideration of the results from the interviews and focus groups will provide insights into the views of people with lived experience of hospitalisation and falls. Thematic analysis will be supported by direct quotes for each key theme and will highlight how the themes relate to the study aims and the rehabilitation context.
The study was approved by La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee (HEC24526). The study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and findings will be presented at conferences, workshops and online events.
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often suffer from sleep disturbance, which exhibits heterogeneity. Whether it could be grouped into different clusters remains unknown, posing challenges to the development of personalised interventions to address sleep disturbance.
To examine clusters of sleep disturbance and associated factors in people with SLE.
Cross-sectional design.
From November 2023 to January 2024, people diagnosed with SLE were recruited by a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected via an online platform Wenjuanxing. Sleep disturbance was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Other information, such as disease activity, pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety was also collected using validated instruments. Latent profile analysis was performed to reveal the distinct clusters of sleep disturbance. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with the clusters.
A total of 538 participants were included, with a response rate of 85.1% (538/632). Only those with sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5) were included in the final analyses. Participant mean age was 32.9 (SD = 8.4) years and 402 (92.6%) were females. All had sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5) and their mean PSQI was 8.8 (SD = 2.9). Three distinct clusters were identified: mild sleep disturbance with poor sleep quality, adequate sleep duration and good daytime functioning (50.7%), mild sleep disturbance with poor sleep quality, adequate sleep duration and poor daytime functioning (30.9%) and moderate sleep disturbance with poor sleep quality, inadequate sleep duration and impaired daytime functioning (18.4%). There are both overlaps and unique aspects in terms of factors associated with each cluster of sleep disturbance, including age, body mass index, cardiovascular system damage, musculoskeletal system damage, depression and anxiety.
Sleep disturbance in patients with SLE showed three distinct clusters, with each cluster having slightly different predisposing factors.
In clinical practice, nurses are recommended to prioritise assessment and interventions for those at-risk subgroups. They could also use the above information to develop and provide personalised interventions to address the unique needs of each cluster of sleep disturbance.
Checklist for reporting of survey studies.
No patient or public contribution.
To rigorously examine the association between catheterisation duration and urinary tract infections among geriatric patients with hip fractures.
Retrospective cohort study.
We analysed data from 872 patients aged 60 years and older, treated at a tertiary care hospital between January 2022 and May 2023. To address missing data, we employed multiple imputations using chained equations (50 iterations). A comprehensive set of statistical methods, including multivariate logistic regression, generalised additive models, and smooth curve fitting techniques, was applied to investigate variable relationships. Additionally, we used a two-piecewise binary logistic regression model to further elucidate nonlinear associations.
The cohort included 296 males and 576 females, with an overall urinary tract infection prevalence of 25.3%. Multivariate smooth spline analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between catheterisation duration and urinary tract infection. This finding suggested that the risk of urinary tract infection increased by 2.8% for every 10-h increase with an indwelling duration < 106 h. However, the risk no longer significantly increased with an indwelling duration of ≥ 106 h. Sensitivity and interaction analyses confirmed the robustness of these results.
This study identified an inverse L-shaped relationship between catheterisation duration and urinary tract infection. Given the potential for confounding, further investigations are necessary to validate these findings and explore their implications for clinical practice.
Nurses should prioritise early catheter removal protocols to mitigate infection risk, coupled with enhanced surveillance within the first 106 h after insertion.
Adhered to STROBE guidelines for observational studies.
No public Contribution. Patients contributed through data collected from the Hospital Information System, which was used for analysis.
To observe the association between passive leg raising (PLR) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right internal jugular vein (IJV) in obese patients undergoing elective surgery.
Prospective observational study with randomised position sequence.
Single-centre, tertiary care hospital in Shanghai, China.
Forty obese patients (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m²) scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA) physical status II–III and age ≥18 years. Exclusion criteria included history of neck surgery, severe cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, severe infection or sepsis and significant coagulopathy.
Patients underwent ultrasound measurements of the right IJV in two positions: supine (S0) and passive leg raise at 40° (PLR40). Each position was maintained for at least 1 min prior to measurement.
The primary outcome was to observe whether the CSA of the right IJV differed between the S0 position and passive leg elevation. In post hoc analyses, we examined factors affecting the relative CSA change (CSA), including neck circumference, BMI, age, sex, ASA physical status and heart rate as predictors.
The CSA of the right IJV was significantly larger in the PLR40 position (2.05 cm²) compared to the S0 position (1.67 cm², p=0.003). Linear regression analysis showed a slight positive correlation between neck circumference and the percentage change in CSA (correlation coefficient: 0.066, p
The CSA of the right IJV was significantly larger in the PLR40 position in obese patients undergoing surgery.
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400080513.
The burden of gynaecological diseases is increasing globally, affecting women’s health, quality of life and fertility. Improving the quality of gynaecological care will enhance patient recovery and improve outcomes of gynaecological diseases. However, comprehensive evaluation tools and nationwide data on the quality of gynaecological care are lacking. This study aims to develop a framework for evaluating gynaecological care quality in China, analysing disparities and proposing improvement strategies.
This nationwide study employs a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design across three phases: (1) questionnaire development through a literature review, indepth interviews, expert consultation and pilot testing; (2) collection of cross-sectional survey data from gynaecology departments, healthcare providers and patients in public healthcare facilities across 31 provinces in mainland China; and (3) integration and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative results. The study collects data on organisational structure, care processes and outcomes. Analysis of quantitative data will include risk adjustment of key quality indicators, comprehensive evaluation of care quality and exploration of influencing factors using linear regression. Qualitative data will undergo thematic and content analyses. Joint displays will be used to integrate the mixed-method results.
The study was approved by the Peking Union Medical College Hospital Ethics Committee (I-24ZM0003). All participants provided informed consent. Data were anonymised and participants retained the right to withdraw without penalty. A risk-benefit assessment was conducted, and no vulnerable groups were included without justification. These findings will be disseminated to healthcare policymakers through academic publications, scientific conference presentations and reports. The results are expected to provide methodological guidance for the quality evaluation of gynaecological care and inform policy development in China.
Chronic wounds pose an increasing burden on the healthcare system and data on wound outcomes and are needed to evaluate and address disparities and reform healthcare policies. In Singapore, data on chronic wounds are fragmented and to address this, we established a Chronic Wounds Registry (CWR) to collect harmonised data on chronic wounds and their outcomes over 6 months. This is a multi-centre prospective cohort study from Nov 2019 to Nov 2021. Patients with chronic wounds were enrolled at multi-speciality acute care hospitals and data were prospectively collected on baseline characteristics, including subject demographics, clinical data, wound images, interventions/treatment, cost burden and patient reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients were followed up for 6 months and wound outcomes recorded at Month 1, Month 3 and Month 6 time points. Despite the onset of COVID pandemic, a total of 812 patients were recruited in our study. Mean age was 63.5 ± 11.6 years with 66% men and 59% of Chinese ethnicity. Twenty percent of all the wounds were recurrent and patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU) (32%) had the highest recurrence. At 6 months, 225 (46%) of the neuro-ischemic ulcers (NIU), 152 (60%) of the VLUs and 29 (46%) of the pressure injuries (PI) had healed. Major (5%) amputations were highest in patients with NIUs. All-cause mortality was highest (30%) and HRQOL was lowest for patients with PIs (−0.18). Development of a national wound registry is both feasible and essential to consolidate key data elements on chronic wounds. The CWR in its current state captured the local epidemiology, patient journey in acute care hospitals, which will benefit in healthcare policymaking and harmonise care across different levels of healthcare system. The next phase of the CWR aims to track patients in all settings and collect data on the entire patient journey following an episode of wounding.
To explore the association of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) with in-hospital mortality and costs in older inpatients and to compare these associations between cancer and non-cancer patients to inform clinical practice.
Retrospective observational study.
A hospital-based study was conducted in Southwest China between January 2018 and December 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and anthropometric data of inpatients aged 65 and over, along with hospitalisation deaths and costs, were collected through the Hospital Information System of a general hospital and its affiliates. GNRI was calculated at admission to assess nutritional risk. Marginal structural models and stratified analyses estimated hospitalisation outcomes for older inpatients with and without various types of cancer across different nutritional risk grades.
Among 37,267 participants, in-hospital mortality and costs increased with higher nutritional risk. Older inpatients with major nutritional risk had significantly higher mortality and costs than those with no nutritional risk. Older cancer inpatients with major nutritional risk had the highest mortality and costs, significantly exceeding those of non-cancer inpatients. For each cancer type, increased nutritional risk was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and costs. Respiratory cancer inpatients with major nutritional risk had the highest mortality, while digestive cancer inpatients had the highest costs.
Higher GNRI-assessed nutritional risk was associated with increased in-hospital mortality and costs in older inpatients, with stronger associations observed in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients. Integrating GNRI into routine nursing practice could have significant clinical and economic benefits by promoting early nutritional screening in patient care and targeted interventions to reduce mortality and healthcare costs in high-risk populations.
Integrating GNRI assessment into routine patient care can effectively identify patients at high risk for in-hospital mortality and costs, allowing for timely nutritional support to enhance patient outcomes. GNRI, as a simple and globally applicable tool, can be integrated into diverse healthcare settings, providing an effective method for nutritional risk screening in older patients. When applying GNRI in clinical nursing and medical practice, special consideration should be given to the presence and type of cancer, as cancer patients with severe nutritional risk may benefit the most from targeted interventions.
What problem did the study address? This study investigated the association between GNRI-assessed nutritional risk and in-hospital mortality and costs in older inpatients. It further examined whether these associations differ between cancer and non-cancer patients and among different cancer types to improve clinical application.
What were the main findings? The study found that higher nutritional risk assessed by GNRI was associated with increased in-hospital mortality and costs in older inpatients. These associations were stronger in older cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients, with respiratory cancers showing the highest mortality and digestive cancers incurring the highest costs. These findings emphasise the important role of nutritional screening using GNRI in patient care with varying clinical profiles and informing nursing and medical strategies globally, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The findings are relevant to older inpatients in hospital settings worldwide, particularly those with cancer, as well as to nurses and healthcare professionals. GNRI provides a practical and easily implementable tool for them to assess nutritional risks upon admission and guide timely nutritional support strategies based on clinical profiles including cancer presence and type in older inpatients. Incorporating GNRI into routine nursing care, nurses and healthcare professionals will be better equipped to address nutritional risks, ultimately improving patient care and optimising clinical and economic outcomes for older patients.
We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, specifically following the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) guidelines for reporting this observational study.
No public contribution was required in the design or conduct of this research. Patients contributed through data collected from the Hospital Information System, which was used for analysis.
To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led care (NLC) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on disease activity, physical function, fatigue, satisfaction, pain, and quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, which may not respond to insufficient rheumatology care capacity and workforce shortage. NLC is a care delivery model that can help address this shortage and improve disease management.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nine databases were independently searched by two reviewers for eligible studies. Randomised controlled studies evaluating the effects of NLC on disease activity, physical function, fatigue, satisfaction, and other outcomes were included. The cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias.
A total of nine studies involving 1447 participants were included. The pooled results indicated that no significant difference in disease activity was found at 0.5 years of follow-up (SMD: −0.33, 95% CI [−0.70, 0.04]), and a significant difference was seen in favour of NLC at 1 year (SMD: −0.35, 95% CI [−0.48, −0.10]), and 2 years (SMD: −0.29, 95% CI [−0.48, −0.10]). Moreover, no significant difference was found in fatigue and satisfaction at 0.5 years of follow-up, whereas differences in favour of NLC were seen at 1 year. In addition, no significant difference was found in physical function, pain, and quality of life.
This review indicated that NLC was not inferior to other types of care, and even had a better positive impact on disease activity, fatigue, and satisfaction for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Our study demonstrates that NLC is an effective approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and recommends medical practitioners be well-versed in its importance.
Patients or public members were not directly involved in this study.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CRD42022355963
To explore the effectiveness of dyadic intervention on the psychological distress of cancer patients and their partners.
Cancer patients and their partners demonstrated high levels of psychological distress. However, the effects of dyadic intervention on psychological distress were unclear.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement.
A systematic search on couple-based dyadic intervention for cancer patients and their partners was carried out across eight databases. Our review adhered to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool as its foundational framework, and data extraction and analysis followed standardised checklists for quantitative research studies.
No statistically significant effects were reported on patients' anxiety, depressive symptoms, or cancer-related distress. However, subgroup analysis revealed that interventions lasting 6 or 12 weeks had positive effects on patients' cancer-related distress. Significant reductions in cancer-related distress scores were only observed when interventions included communication and support (CS) and skill building (SB) components, however. Additionally, patients experienced higher distress levels with less than six interventions or session durations shorter than 6 h. For partners, couple-based dyadic interventions significantly reduced their anxiety and depressive symptom levels.
Couple-based dyadic interventions, with either 6- or 12-week durations, or encompassing both CS and SB components, demonstrated significantly positive effectiveness on patients' psychological distress. Couple-based dyadic interventions also exhibited a propensity for alleviating psychological distress in both cancer patients and their partners, with a more pronounced impact observed among partners.
This meta-analysis highlights the effectiveness of dyadic interventions in reducing psychological distress in cancer patients and their partners. Healthcare professionals should incorporate these interventions into their care practices.
Direct contributions from patients or the public were not included in this review.
PROSPERO number: CRD42023418978; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=418978
To synthesise up-to-date research evidence for non-pharmacological interventions to improve various sleep outcomes (e.g., sleep quality, duration) in postsurgical cardiac patients.
Sleep disturbances are common amongst postsurgical cardiac patients, yet the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in improving various sleep outcomes has not been comprehensively reviewed.
A systematic review and meta-analysis guided by the PRISMA protocol.
CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant research in May 2023. Included studies used a randomised controlled trial design that applied a non-pharmacological intervention for postsurgical cardiac patients and reported sleep as an outcome. For the meta-analysis, mean effect sizes were separately calculated for studies with regular and reverse-scored scales.
Of 37 studies included, the most common cardiac surgery was coronary artery bypass graft. Most interventions were performed within the first postoperative week and assessed sleep quality outcomes using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The interventions are categorised into five types. Human resource-based strategies emerged as the most effective. The meta-analysis of 27 eligible studies showed a mean effect size of 0.76 for studies with regular scoring scales and − 1.04 for those with reverse-scored scales, indicating medium to large effect sizes.
Our findings provide strong evidence that non-pharmacological interventions, particularly human resource-based strategies, significantly improve sleep quality in postsurgical cardiac patients. The medium to large effect sizes underscore the clinical significance of these findings.
Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating non-pharmacological interventions, especially human resource-based strategies, in care plans for postsurgical cardiac patients to improve sleep outcomes and promote recovery. These interventions should be tailored to individual physical and cultural differences for maximum effectiveness. Future research should evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions on various sleep outcomes, using both objective and subjective measures to provide a comprehensive assessment of their efficacy.
This study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.
Patient and public contributions were not required for this review.
Pressure injuries (PIs) impose a significant burden on patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the healthcare system. Assessing the risk of developing PIs is crucial for prevention. However, it is unclear whether all subscales of the Waterlow scale can be used to assess PIs risk in ICU.
To assess whether all subscales of the Waterlow scale can predict PIs risk in ICU.
Multicentre prospective study.
A total of 18,503 patients from ICUs in 40 tertiary-level hospitals in Gansu province of China were enrolled from April 2021 to August 2023. The incidence and characteristics of PIs were recorded. Univariate Cox regression analyses were performed for each subscale as a predictor of PIs development, followed by multivariate Cox regression with covariates for each subscale separately.
Out of 17,720 patients included, the incidence of PIs was 1.1%. Multivariate analysis revealed skin type (HR: 1.468, 95% CI: 1.229, 1.758), sex (HR: 0.655, 95% CI: 0.472, 0.908), advanced age (HR: 1.263, 95% CI: 1.106, 1.442), continence (HR: 1.245, 95% CI: 1.052, 1.473), tissue malnutrition (HR: 1.070, 95% CI: 1.007, 1.136) and neurological deficit (HR: 1.153, 95% CI: 1.062, 1.251) were independently predictive of PIs development for all participants. Skin type (HR: 2.326, 95% CI: 1.153, 3.010) (HR: 2.217, 95% CI: 1.804, 2.573) independently predicted PIs occurrence for high-risk and very high-risk group, respectively, while sex (HR: 0.634, 95% CI: 0.431, 0.931) and age (HR: 1.269, 95% CI: 1.083, 1.487) predicted PIs development for very high-risk group.
This study found that not all subscales of the Waterlow scale are associated with the PIs development in patients in ICU, highlighting the importance of the skin type subscale in predicting PI risk across all patient groups.
Nurses need to focus on patient's skin and related (moisture, pain and pressure) conditions and take measures to promote skin health and avoid the occurrence of PI.
None.
FreshRSS 