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☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Decision‐making in nursing research and practice—Application of the Cognitive Continuum Theory: A meta‐aggregative systematic review

Por: Tricia O'Connor · Jo Gibson · Joanne Lewis · Karen Strickland · Catherine Paterson — Octubre 16th 2023 at 07:55

Abstract

Aim

To explore how the Cognitive Continuum Theory has been used in qualitative nursing research and to what extent it has been integrated in the research process using the Qualitative Network for Theory Use and Methodology (QUANTUM).

Background

Theory, research and nursing are intrinsically linked, as are decision-making and nursing practice. With increasing pressure on nurses to improve patient outcomes, systematic knowledge regarding decision-making is critical and urgent.

Design

A meta-aggregative systematic review.

Methods

Databases

CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and PubMed were searched from inception until May 2022 for peer-reviewed research published in English.

Seven studies were included and assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for qualitative research. A meta-aggregative synthesis was conducted using Joanna Briggs methodology. The QUANTUM typology was used to evaluate the visibility of the Cognitive Continuum Theory in the research process.

Results

The review identified five synthesised findings, namely: 1. the decision-making capacity of the individual nurse, 2. nurses’ level of experience, 3. availability of decision support tools, 4. the availability of resources and 5. access to senior staff and peers. Only two of seven studies rigorously applied the theory. The included studies were mainly descriptive-exploratory in nature.

Conclusion

The transferability of the Cognitive Continuum Theory was demonstrated; however, evolution or critique was absent. A gap in the provision of a patient-centric approach to decision-making was identified. Education, support and research is needed to assist decision-making.

A new Person-Centred Nursing Model of the Cognitive Continuum Theory has been proposed to guide future research in clinical decision-making.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nurses make numerous decisions every day that directly impact patient care, therefore development and testing of new theories, modification and revision of older theories to reflect advances in knowledge and technology in contemporary health care are essential.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Needs, barriers and facilitators for a healthier lifestyle in haemodialysis patients: The GoodRENal project

Abstract

Background

Malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, cognitive dysfunction and poor psychological well-being are often reported in patients on haemodialysis (HD).

Aims

We aimed to explore needs, barriers and facilitators—as perceived by patients, their carers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) for increasing the adherence to the diet, to physical activity and cognition and psychological well-being.

Methods

This is an observational cross-sectional study following the STROBE statement. This study is part of an ERASMUS+ project, GoodRENal—aiming to develop digital tools as an educational approach to patients on HD. For that, the GoodRENal comprises HD centers located in four Belgium, Greece, Spain and Sweden. Exploratory questionnaires were developed regarding the perceived needs, barriers and facilitators regarding the diet, physical activity, cognition and psychological well-being from the perspective of patients, their carers and HCPs.

Results

In total, 38 patients, 34 carers and 38 HCPs were included. Nutrition: For patients and carers, the main needs to adhere to the diet included learning more about nutrients and minerals. For patients, the main barrier was not being able to eat what they like. Physical activity: As needs it was reported information about type of appropriate physical activity, while fatigue was listed as the main barrier. For Cognitive and emotional state, it was perceived as positive for patients and carers perception but not for HCPs. The HCPs identified as needs working as a team, having access to specialised HCP and being able to talk to patients in private.

Conclusions

Patients and their carers listed as needs guidance regarding nutrition and physical activity but were positive with their cognitive and emotional state. The HCPs corroborated these needs and emphasised the importance of teamwork and expert support.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Advance care planning to patients with chronic kidney disease and their families: An intervention development study

Por: Christina Egmose Frandsen · Hans Dieperink · Bettina Trettin · Hanne Agerskov — Septiembre 25th 2023 at 07:39

Abstract

Aim

To develop an advance care planning intervention based on the needs of patients with chronic kidney disease, families and healthcare professionals.

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease and their families request early advance care planning that continues throughout their illness trajectory. Healthcare professionals experience barriers to initiating advance care planning. Involvement of stakeholders in development of health interventions is important, to identify priorities, understand the problem and find solutions.

Method

The development was inspired by the Medical Research Council's framework, and codesign was applied. One future workshop and one design workshop were conducted with the consumers. The process was iterative, and data were analysed using the action research spiral. The Guidance for reporting intervention development studies in healthcare (GUIDED) was used.

Results

Five areas were considered significant to an advance care planning intervention; a biopsychosocial approach, early palliative care, a family-focused approach, early and continuous advance care planning and a consumer-centred approach. Based on these, a conversation process with healthcare professionals was designed to give patients and families the opportunity to share values, preferences and wishes for treatment and their family and everyday life.

Conclusion

Codesign facilitated a collaborative process that allowed the consumers to have a significant impact on the design of an advance care planning intervention. A conversation process concerning everyday life, illness and treatment was designed for patients and families. The intervention included an advance care planning tool to guide the healthcare professionals.

Practice Implications

The intervention has the intention to improve the communication between healthcare professionals, patients and families. The study provides important knowledge about the significance of giving the patients and their families support in sharing their values, preferences and wishes for treatment and everyday life, thus, to improve care and treatment in their illness trajectory.

Impact

What problem did the study address Patients with chronic kidney disease and their families strongly request early initiation of advance care planning that continues throughout the illness trajectory. Healthcare professionals experience barriers to the initiation of the advance care planning and request a more systematic approach. What were the main findings Development of a conversation process about everyday life, illness and treatment for patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and families, including an advance care planning tool to guide the healthcare professionals. Where and on whom will the research have an impact The study contributes an advance care planning intervention to patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease and their families. We believe that the intervention could be included during consultations with healthcare professionals in other stages of chronic kidney disease as well as other chronic disease.

Reporting Method

To strengthen the reporting of the development of the advance care planning intervention, we used the Guidance for reporting intervention development studies in healthcare (GUIDED).

Patient or Public Contribution

The development of the intervention in this study was a collaborative process between patients, families, healthcare professionals and representatives from the Danish Kidney Association, the department's user council and the research team.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The paradoxical position of nurses regarding euthanasia and its legalisation: A descriptive quantitative study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To learn about the attitudes of nurses working in the Andalusian Public Health System regarding euthanasia and its legalisation.

Background

Euthanasia often finds itself in the crosshairs of ethical and political debate on an international scale. Currently, the Spanish Organic Law 3/2021 of 24 March, 2021, recognises euthanasia as a fundamental right in Spain. It is of particular interest to know about the views, attitudes and stances that Andalusian nurses have of euthanasia as they are key players within the framework of euthanasia and administration of life-ending drugs. They play a central role in guiding patients through the euthanasia application process.

Design

Observational descriptive study.

Methods

A study of Andalusian Public Health System nurses was carried out using non-probability convenience sampling. 518 nurses with an average age of 44.75 years answered in a questionnaire that was distributed on an online platform. Socio-demographic and occupational variables were assessed, together with the Death Anxiety Scale and the Euthanasia Attitude Scale. A bivariate analysis and a multivariate linear regression model were performed. The STROBE checklist was used.

Results

The mean score obtained on the Euthanasia Attitude Scale was 75.95 (SD = 16.53). The mean score obtained on the Death Anxiety Scale was 7.56 (SD = 3.05). The variables age and work experience were negatively correlated with the total scores of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale and the categories ‘Ethical considerations’, ‘Practical considerations’ and ‘Treasuring life’. On the other hand, there was a significant positive correlation between age and work experience and ‘Spiritual beliefs’ category.

Conclusions

The current situation shows a worrying paradox. There is a stark difference between positive professional attitudes towards euthanasia and the desire to participate in its application.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is vital that educational and healthcare institutions make the necessary efforts to ensure that nurses develop sound moral judgement, displaying the moral conscience and ethical commitment required of this established profession.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Emotional, mental health and physical symptom experience of patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 up to 3 months post‐hospitalization: A longitudinal study

Por: Mary Fran Tracy · Sandy Hagstrom · Michelle Mathiason · Sarah Wente · Ruth Lindquist — Septiembre 12th 2023 at 11:56

Abstract

Aims and objectives

To explore emotional, mental health and physical symptoms up to 3 months after discharge for adults hospitalized with COVID-19.

Background

10%–30% of adults with COVID-19 experience physical and psychological symptoms 3 months or more following infection. Knowing symptoms can help direct early intervention.

Design

A longitudinal descriptive design to study COVID-related symptoms 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months after hospitalization.

Methods

Sixty-six patients were recruited from a hospital system in Midwestern US (October 2020–May 2021). Participants self-reported demographics, hospital and post discharge symptoms, PROMIS measures (depression, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive function, satisfaction social roles, sleep disturbance) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Hospital length of stay, comorbidities, lowest oxygen saturation, respiratory support and resources used were collected. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics described the sample and identified correlations between variables. The STROBE checklist was used.

Results

Data from 1 (T1) and 3 months (T2) post discharge were analysed (N = 52). A majority were female, white and married; 96% experienced ≥1 COVID-related symptoms at T1; 85% at T2. Fatigue was most prevalent, followed by shortness of breath, muscle weakness and foggy thinking. More physical symptoms during hospitalization correlated positively with number of symptoms at T1 and T2; a majority stated these impacted their normal routine ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot’. T1 depression highly correlated with all T2 PROMIS and IES-R scores and number of physical symptoms. More symptoms at T1 were associated with worse fatigue, lower cognitive function and lower satisfaction with social roles at T2.

Conclusion

This study adds to the growing knowledge of mental, physical and emotional symptoms and relationships between these early after hospitalization with COVID-19.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings can help identify holistic nursing interventions to improve health and mitigate symptoms for people with long COVID.

Patient or public contribution

Patients contributed via study participation.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Changes in the diagnosis of depression among nursing professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Aims

To identify changes in mental health status among nursing professionals in a Brazilian municipality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

An observational and longitudinal study.

Methods

Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the presence of depressive symptoms was evaluated among 690 nursing professionals in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, at two moments: June/July 2020 and June/July 2021.

Results

13.0% incidence of depressive symptoms was identified; as well as 12.2% remission; 24.1% persistence and 50.7% absence. Among the factors associated with the worst prognoses we can mention female gender, greater workload, feeling of overload, illness of family members or friends due to COVID-19 and use of psychotropic drugs

Conclusions

There was significant mobility in the diagnosis of depression among the professionals studied during the period analysed, with incidence of new cases of significant depression and greater than the number of remissions. In addition to sociodemographic aspects, traumatic experiences and exposure to continuous overload were associated with persistence and incidence of new cases.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase in depressive symptoms among nursing professionals; however, understanding the long-term effects of this scenario is still a challenge.

Impact

What problem did the study address? This study investigates changes in the mental health status of nursing professionals working at different care levels, taking the prevalence of screening for depression as a proxy, during a period of a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What were the main findings? Between both data collection moments, 2020 e 2021, there was a significant percentage of professionals with persistent depression, in addition to a significant proportion of incident cases that slightly exceeded the number of remissions and the factors associated with the worst prognoses were sociodemographic aspects such as gender and emotional stressors like illness of family members or close friends due to COVID-19, in addition to those related to the organisation and support provided by the services, such as workload and feeling of overload.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study will impact the nursing professionals and in role of the health services in order to establishing actions that contribute to minimising the deleterious effects of the pandemic on the mental health of their Nursing teams.

Reporting method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.

Patient or public contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

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