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☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Coping profiles and their association with vicarious post‐traumatic growth among nurses during the three waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to examine (a) changes in coping strategies and vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG) across three timepoints of the COVID-19 pandemic among nurses; (b) discrete groups of nurses with unique coping profiles and (c) the association of these coping profiles with VPTG across the timepoints.

Background

Although literature abounds with the negative mental health consequences of the pandemic among healthcare professionals, much less is known about the positive consequences on nurses, the coping strategies that they use, and how these change over time.

Design

This was a cross-sectional web-based survey at three timepoints during the pandemic.

Methods

A sample of 429 nurses completed online the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE) to measure vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG) and coping strategies, respectively. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.

Results

Significantly higher VPTG scores were observed during the third timepoint. Different coping strategies were employed across the three timepoints. Nurses responded to the pandemic either with an active, an avoidant or a passive coping profile. Significantly higher VPTG levels were reported by the nurses of the active profile compared to those of the passive profile, whereas the difference between active and avoidant profiles was not significant.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding the preponderance of the nurses with the active coping profile in achieving high VPTG, the avoidant copers had more gains (VPTG) than the passive copers, suggesting that doing something to cope with the stressor—let it be trying to avoid it—was better than doing nothing.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The identification of distinct coping profiles among nurses and their association with VPTG is of particular use to policymakers and practitioners in developing tailored prevention and intervention efforts to help the nurses effectively manage the demands of the pandemic.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution since the study was exclusively conducted by the authors.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Caregiving in the COVID‐19 pandemic: Family adaptations following an intensive care unit hospitalisation

Abstract

Aim and Objective

To identify how family caregivers adapt to the caregiving role following a relative's COVID-19-related intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisation.

Background

Family caregiving is often associated with poor health amongst caregivers which may limit their capacity to effectively support patients. Though severe COVID-19 infection has necessitated increasing numbers of persons who require caregiver support, little is known about these caregivers, the persons they are caring for, or the strategies used to effectively adjust to the caregiving role.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted, and findings are reported using COREQ.

Methods

A secondary analysis of transcripts from semi-structured interviews conducted with recently discharged ICU patients who had COVID-19 (n = 16) and their family caregivers (n = 16) was completed using thematic analysis. MAXQDA 2020 and Miro were used to organise data and complete coding. Analysis involved a structured process of open and closed coding to identify and confirm themes that elucidated adaptation to family caregiving.

Results

Six themes highlight how family caregivers adapt to the caregiving role following an ICU COVID-19-related hospitalisation including (1) engaging the support of family and friends, (2) increased responsibilities to accommodate caregiving, (3) managing emotions, (4) managing infection control, (5) addressing patient independence and (6) engaging support services. These themes were found to be congruent with the Roy adaptation model.

Conclusions

Family caregiving is a stressful transition following a patient's acute hospitalisation. Effective adaptation requires flexibility and sufficient support, beginning with the care team who can adequately prepare the family for the anticipated challenges of recovery.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Clinical teams may improve post-hospitalisation care outcomes of patients by preparing families to effectively adjust to the caregiver role—particularly in identifying sufficient support resources.

Patient or Public Contribution

Participation of patients/caregivers in this study was limited to the data provided through participant interviews.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Experiences of improvement of everyday life following a rehabilitation programme for people with long‐term cognitive effects of COVID‐19: Qualitative study

Abstract

Aim and Objectives

To explore challenges in everyday life for people with long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 and whether a rehabilitation programme contributed to the remedy thereof.

Background

Healthcare systems around the world need knowledge about acute COVID-19 treatment, long-term effects exerting an impact on peoples' everyday lives, and how to remedy these.

Design

This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach.

Methods

Twelve people with long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Individual semi-structured interviews were made. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Three themes and eight sub-themes emerged with respect to everyday life challenges and experiences of the rehabilitation programme. The themes were (1) Personal insight and knowledge, (2) Changed daily routines at home and (3) Coping with working life.

Conclusion

Participants experienced long-term effects of COVID-19 as cognitive challenges, fatigue and headaches, which affected their everyday lives, that is inability to overcome daily tasks at home and at work, maintaining family roles and relations with relatives. The rehabilitation programme contributed to a vocabulary and insights related to the long-term effects of COVID-19 and the experience of being a different person. The programme contributed to changes in daily routines, organising breaks in everyday life and explaining challenges to family/relatives and the way in which they affected daily routines and their role in the family. In addition, the programme supported several of the participants in finding the right workload and working hours.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

We recommend multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes inspired by cognitive remediation of long-term COVID-19 cognitive effects. Municipalities and organisations could collaborate in the development and completion of such programmes, possibly comprising both virtual and physical elements. This could facilitate access and reduce costs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients contributed to the conduct of the study by participating in the data collection via interviews.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

Data collection and processing of data are approved by the Region of Southern Denmark (journal number: 20/46585).

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Professional quality of life and fear of COVID‐19 among Spanish nurses: A longitudinal repeated cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim and Objectives

To evaluate changes in compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), compassion satisfaction (CS) and fear of COVID-19 among Spanish nurses by comparing two assessment points: before and after the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a great impact in healthcare worker's professional quality of life, especially among nurses. CF, BO and fear of COVID-19 decisively affect the care provided by nurses and put them at risk for mental health problems, so longitudinal studies are essential.

Design

A repeated cross-sectional design was carried out with a time-lapse of 12 months.

Methods

A total of 439 registered nurses in December 2020 and 410 in December 2021 participated in this study through an online survey. Data were collected using the Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Occupational and sociodemographic variables were also analysed. This article adheres to the STROBE guidelines for the reporting of observational studies.

Results

The fear of COVID-19 has not been reduced among nurses. The levels of BO remain stable and continue to be high in half of the professionals. CF has been reduced with a small effect size (d = 0.30), while CS has also decreased (d = 0.30). Positive correlations were found in both assessment points between fear of COVID-19 and BO (r = .44, p ≤ .001; r = .41, p ≤ .001) and also between fear of COVID and CF (r = .57, p ≤ .001; r = .50, p ≤ .001). Negative correlations between fear and CS were also found (r = − .16, p = .001; r = − .22, p ≤ .001).

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Programmes to reduce fear of COVID-19, BO and CF are needed to improve mental health and to prevent psychological distress among nurses, as well as to increase CS and preserve the productivity and quality of nursing care.

Patient or Public Contribution

The nurses collaborated by participating in the present study anonymously and disinterestedly.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Longitudinal study of changes observed in quality of life, psychological state cognition and pulmonary and functional capacity after COVID‐19 infection: A six‐ to seven‐month prospective cohort

Abstract

Aims

To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), symptoms, psychological and cognitive state and pulmonary and physical function of nonhospitalised COVID-19 patients at long-term, and to identify factors to predict a poor HRQoL in this follow-up.

Background

Studies have focused on persistent symptoms of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the medium term. Thus, long-term studies of nonhospitalised patients are urgently required.

Design

A longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

In 102 nonhospitalised COVID-19 patients, we collected symptoms at 3 months (baseline) and at 6–7 months (follow-up) from diagnosis (dyspnoea, fatigue/muscle weakness and chest/joint pain), HRQoL, psychological state, cognitive function, pulmonary and physical function. This study adhered to the STROBE statement.

Results

HRQoL was impaired in almost 60% of the sample and remained impaired 6–7 months. At 3 months, more than 60% had impaired physical function (fatigue/muscle weakness and reduced leg and inspiratory muscle strength). About 40%–56% of the sample showed an altered psychological state (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety/depression), cognitive function impairment and dyspnoea. At 6–7-months, only a slight improvement in dyspnoea and physical and cognitive function was observed, with a very high proportion of the sample (29%–55%) remained impaired. Impaired HRQoL at 6–7 months was predicted with 82.4% accuracy (86.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity) by the presence at 3 months of muscle fatigue/muscle weakness (OR = 5.7 (1.8–18.1)), PTSD (OR = 6.0 (1.7–20.7)) and impaired HRQoL (OR = 11.7 (3.7–36.8)).

Conclusion

A high proportion of nonhospitalised patients with COVID-19 experience an impaired HRQoL, cognitive and psychological function at long-term. HRQoL, PTSD and dyspnoea at 3 months can identify the majority of patients with COVID-19 who will have impaired quality of life at long-term.

Relevance to clinical practice

Treatments aimed at improving psychological state and reducing the fatigue/muscle weakness of post-COVID-19 patients could be necessary to prevent the patients’ HRQoL from being impaired at 6–7 months after their reported recovery.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Paediatric nurses' burnout, quality of life and perceived patient adverse events during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Testing an integrated model using structural equation modelling

Por: Haitham Khatatbeh · Tariq Al‐Dwaikat · Jehad Rababah · András Oláh · Annamária Pakai — Enero 9th 2024 at 06:46

Abstract

Purpose

A model was hypothesised by integrating two theoretical models: the compassion satisfaction-compassion fatigue and empowerment models. This study aimed to assess the extent to which this integrated model can explain the relationships between paediatric nurses' burnout quality of life, perceived patient safety and work-related variables during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Nurses' burnout is negatively associated with quality of life (QOL) and positively with patient safety. Several theoretical models were introduced to explain burnout determinants and outcomes such as Golembiewski, Munzenrider and Stevenson model, Leiter and Maslach's process model, and Lee and Ashforth's model. However, few models described burnout in relation to QOL or patient safety.

Methods

A sample of 225 paediatric nurses responded to questionnaires about burnout, QOL, adverse events and work-related variables. Compassion satisfaction - compassion fatigue and empowerment models were integrated into a single model and tested using structural equation modelling analysis. This study was prepared and is reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Results

The final model explained 65% of the variance of burnout and 37% of the variance of QOL. The work-related variables (co-workers' support, job satisfaction, satisfaction with the monthly salary, participation in continuous education and exposure to violence) are predicting paediatric nurses' burnout and quality of life.

Conclusion

The Compassion satisfaction - compassion fatigue -Empowerment integrated model allows for assessing the different paths in the relationship between work-related variables and burnout.

Relevance to clinical practice

These results might be essential for nursing managers to develop strategies that improve nurses' work environment and minimise their burnout during COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies should focus on enhancing co-workers' support, job satisfaction and participation in continuous education. Furthermore, paediatric nurses should be protected from any violence.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Prevalence of adverse events in pronated intubated adult COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review with meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

To present the pooled estimated prevalence of adverse events in pronated intubated adult COVID-19 patients.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

This study used the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, Livivo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases as data sources.

Methods

The studies were meta-analysed using JAMOVI 1.6.15 software. A random-effects model was used to identify the global prevalence of adverse events, confidence intervals and the heterogeneity data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results

Of the 7904 studies identified, 169 were included for full reading, and 10 were included in the review. The most prevalent adverse events were pressure injuries (59%), haemodynamic instability (23%), death (17%) and device loss or traction (9%).

Conclusion

The most prevalent adverse events in mechanically ventilated pronated patients with COVID-19 are pressure injuries, presence of haemodynamic instability, death and device loss or traction.

Implications for the patient care

The evidence identified in this review can help improve the quality and safety of patient care by helping to design care protocols to avoid the development of adverse events that can cause permanent sequelae in these patients.

Impact

This systematic review addressed the adverse events related to prone position in intubated adult COVID-19 patients. We identified that the most prevalent adverse events in these patients were pressure injuries, haemodynamic instability, device loss or traction and death. The results of this review may influence the clinical practice of nurses who work in intensive care units and, consequently, the nursing care provided not only to COVID-19 patients but for all intubated patients due to other reasons in intensive care units.

Reporting method

This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA reporting guideline.

Patient or public contribution

As this is a systematic review, we analysed data from primary studies conducted by many researchers. Thus, there was no patient or public contribution in this review.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Family members' experiences of COVID‐19 visiting restrictions in the intensive care unit—A qualitative study

Por: Tomas Forsberg · Maria Isaksson · Caroline Schelin · Patrik Lyngå · Anna Schandl — Enero 9th 2024 at 06:46

Abstract

Objective

To describe how family members of critically ill patients experienced the COVID-19 visiting restrictions in Sweden.

Background

In Sweden, the response to COVID-19 was less invasive than in many other countries. However, some visiting restrictions were introduced for intensive care units, with local variations. Although there is a growing body of literature regarding healthcare professionals' and family caregivers' perspectives on visiting restriction policies, there may be inter-country differences, which remain to be elucidated.

Design

This study has a qualitative descriptive design. Focus group interviews with 14 family members of patients treated for severe COVID-19 infection were conducted. The interviews took place via digital meetings during the months after the patients' hospital discharge. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the interview transcripts. Reporting of the study followed the COREQ checklist.

Results

Two categories—dealing with uncertainty and being involved at a distance—described family members' experiences of coping with visiting restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions were found to reduce family members' ability to cope with the situation. Communication via telephone or video calls to maintain contact was appreciated but could not replace the importance of personal contact.

Conclusions

Family members perceived that the visiting restriction routines in place during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced their ability to cope with the situation and to achieve realistic expectations of the patients' needs when they returned home.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study suggests that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the visiting restrictions were experienced negatively by family members and specific family-centred care guidelines need to be developed for use during crises, including the possibility of regular family visits to the ICU.

Patient and Public Contribution

None in the conceptualisation or design of the study.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The long‐term impact of COVID‐19 on nursing: An e‐panel discussion from the International Network for Child and Family Centred Care

Abstract

Aim

To explore the International Network for Child and Family Centred Care (INCFCC) members' experiences and views on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the nursing workforce.

Background

On the 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. While some countries adopted a herd immunity approach, others imposed stricter measures to reduce the transmission of the virus. Hospitals in some countries faced an avalanche of extremely sick admissions, whereas others experienced an early surge in cases or were able to control the spread.

Design

Discursive paper.

Methods

A web-based survey was e-mailed to 63 INCFCC members from 28 March to 30 April 2022, as an invitation to share their experience concerning the long-term impact of COVID-19 on their role as a nurse educator, clinician or researcher.

Results

Sixteen members responded, and the responses were grouped under the themes stress and anxiety, safe staffing and pay, doing things differently, impact on research, impact on teaching and learning, impact on clinical practice, nursing made visible and lessons for the future.

Conclusion

The INCFCC members provided their views and highlighted the impact on their role in nursing education, administration, research and/or practice. This discussion of international perspectives on the similarities and differences imposed by COVID-19 found that the impact was wide-ranging and prolonged. The overarching theme revealed the resilience of the participating members in the face of COVID-19.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study highlights the importance of all areas of nursing, be it in academia or in clinical practice, to work together to learn from the present and to plan for the future. Future work should focus on supporting organizational and personal resiliency and effective interventions to support the nursing workforce both during a disaster and in the recovery phase. Nursing workforce resilience in the face of COVID-19.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Persistent symptoms among post‐COVID‐19 survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Por: Erna Rochmawati · Ayuk Cucuk Iskandar · Farhah Kamilah — Enero 9th 2024 at 06:46

Abstract

Background

Single studies support the presence of several post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, there is no evidence for the synthesis of symptoms.

Objective

We attempt to provide an overview of the persistent symptoms that post-COVID-19 patients encounter, as well as the duration of these symptoms to help them plan their rehabilitation.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Participants

A total of 16 studies involving 8756 patients post-COVID-19 were included.

Methods

The CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from 2019 to August 2021. Observational studies that reported data on post-COVID-19 symptoms were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal for Observational Studies. We included medium- to high-quality studies. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analytical pooled prevalence of each post-COVID-19 symptom, and I 2 statistics for heterogeneity.

Results

From the 2481 studies identified, 16 met the inclusion criteria. The sample included 7623 hospitalised and 1133 non-hospitalised patients. We found the most prevalent symptoms were fatigue and dyspnea with a pooled prevalence ranging from 42% (27%–58%). Other post-COVID-19 symptoms included sleep disturbance 28% (14%–45%), cough 25% (10%–44%), anosmia/ageusia 24% (7%–47%), fever 21% (4%–47%), myalgia 17% (2%–41%), chest pain 11% (5%–20%), and headache 9% (2%–20%). In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety/depression was also prevalent 27% (8%–53%).

Conclusions

Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent post-COVID-19 symptoms and experienced up to 12 months.

Relevance to clinical practice

Multiple persistent symptoms are still experienced until 12 months of post-Covid 19. This meta-analysis should provide some awareness to nurses to highlights the unmet healthcare needs of post-COVID-19 patients. Long-term monitoring for the evaluation and treatment of symptoms and conditions and rehabilitation programs should be conducted.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Predictors of professional burnout and fulfilment in a longitudinal analysis on nurses and healthcare workers in the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aims and objectives

(1) To investigate the vulnerability of nurses to experiencing professional burnout and low fulfilment across 5 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) To identify modifiable variables in hospital leadership and individual vulnerabilities that may mitigate these effects.

Background

Nurses were at increased risk for burnout and low fulfilment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital leadership factors such as organisational structure and open communication and consideration of employee opinions are known to have positive impacts on work attitudes. Personal risk factors for burnout include symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

Healthcare workers (n = 406 at baseline, n = 234 longitudinal), including doctors (n = 102), nurses (n = 94), technicians (n = 90) and non-clinical administrative staff (n = 120), completed 5 online questionnaires, once per month, for 5 months. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on professional fulfilment and burnout, perceptions of healthcare leadership, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants were recruited from various healthcare settings in the southeastern United States. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.

Results

Both at baseline and across the 5 months, nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic reported increased burnout and decreased fulfilment relative to doctors. For all participants, burnout remained largely steady and fulfilment decreased slightly. The strongest predictors of both burnout and fulfilment were organisational structure and depressive symptoms. Leadership consideration and anxiety symptoms had smaller, yet significant, relationships to burnout and fulfilment in longitudinal analyses.

Conclusions

Burnout and reduced fulfilment remain a problem for healthcare workers, especially nurses. Leadership styles and employee symptoms of depression and anxiety are appropriate targets for intervention.

Relevance to clinical practice

Leadership wishing to reduce burnout and increase fulfilment among employees should increase levels of organisational support and consideration and expand supports to employees seeking treatment for depression and anxiety.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

The important factors nurses consider when choosing shift patterns: A cross‐sectional study

Por: Talia Emmanuel · Peter Griffiths · Carlos Lamas‐Fernandez · Ourega‐Zoé Ejebu · Chiara Dall'Ora — Diciembre 28th 2023 at 06:28

Abstract

Aim

To gain a deeper understanding of what is important to nurses when thinking about shift patterns and the organisation of working time.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of nursing staff working across the UK and Ireland collected quantitative and qualitative responses.

Methods

We recruited from two National Health Service Trusts and through an open call via trade union membership, online/print nursing profession magazines and social media. Worked versus preferred shift length/pattern, satisfaction and choice over shift patterns and nurses' views on aspects related to work and life (when working short, long, rotating shifts) were analysed with comparisons of proportions of agreement and crosstabulation. Qualitative responses on important factors related to shift preferences were analysed with inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Eight hundred and seventy-three survey responses were collected. When nurses worked long shifts and rotating shifts, lower proportions reported being satisfied with their shifts and working their preferred shift length and pattern. Limited advantages were realised when comparing different shift types; however, respondents more frequently associated ‘low travel costs’ and ‘better ability to do paid overtime’ with long shifts and ‘healthy diet/exercise’ with short shifts; aspects related to rotating shifts often had the lowest proportions of agreement. In the qualitative analysis, three themes were developed: ‘When I want to work’, ‘Impacts to my life outside work’ and ‘Improving my work environment’. Reasons for nurses' shift preferences were frequently related to nurses' priorities outside of work, highlighting the importance of organising schedules that support a good work-life balance.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

General scheduling practices like adhering to existing shift work guidelines, using consistent and predictable shift patterns and facilitating flexibility over working time were identified by nurses as enablers for their preferences and priorities. These practices warrant meaningful consideration when establishing safe and efficient nurse rosters.

Patient or Public Contribution

This survey was developed and tested with a diverse group of stakeholders, including nursing staff, patients, union leads and ward managers.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies (STROBE) checklist for cross-sectional studies was used to guide reporting.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Patients' and Nurses' experiences of caring in nursing: An integrative literature review across clinical practices

Abstract

Aim

To summarise, interpret and synthesize research findings on patients' and nurses' experiences of caring in nursing across clinical practices.

Background

Caring is a universal element of nursing; however, economic restrictions often negatively impact health services, and time shortages and limited numbers of staff may characterize care encounters. It is unclear how these contextual conditions affect patients' and nurses' experiences of caring.

Design and Methods

This integrative literature review covers papers published between 2000 and 2022. Four databases—PubMed, PsycINFO (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via Ovid) and CINAHL (via EBSCO)—were systematically searched for eligible papers in May 2022. The included studies were critically appraised. Content analysis was performed to interpret and synthesize the findings. In accordance with the EQUATOR guidelines, the PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S checklists were used. An Integrative review methodology guided the process.

Findings

In total, 33 studies were included in the review. Three themes captured the experiences of caring in nursing: (1) the complexity of the nursing care context, (2) the professionalism of the nurse, and (3) the trusting patient–nurse relationship.

Conclusion

The experience of caring in nursing depended on nurses' competence and discretion in the personal encounter framed by the nursing context. The caring relationship was based on reciprocity, but it remains asymmetrical, as the nurse had the power and responsibility to empower the patient. Barriers, such as increased demands for efficiency and resource scarcity, may hinder the experience of caring in nursing.

Implications for the profession and patient care

By promoting an ongoing discussion of caring in nursing, nurse management can systematically support nurses in reflecting on their practice in diverse and complex clinical contexts.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution was made due to the study design.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Oral health and oral care in patients in a surgical context: A quantitative study comparing patients' and nurses' assessments

Abstract

Aims

To investigate fundamental care delivery regarding oral care in a surgical context, and to compare patients' self-reported oral health with registered nurse assessments.

Design

A descriptive and comparative study, with a consecutive selection.

Methods

A patient oral health rating tool, including questions about performed oral care, was distributed to patients (n = 50), at four surgical wards in Sweden. The response rate was 72%. Oral health status was assessed by a registered nurse using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG), and a comparison between patient and registered nurse assessment was performed by calculating Cohen's kappa coefficient and percentage agreement.

Results

Patients (38%) reported severe oral symptoms, mostly dry lips and not an adequate amount of saliva, and 80% were not offered help with oral care. ROAG assessments revealed that 74% had problems with oral health. Almost half of the patients (48%) needed assistance with oral care but only 10% received help. Registered nurses assessed the patient's oral health as worse than the patient's self-assessment did.

Conclusion

There are deficiencies in fundamental care delivery regarding oral care in a surgical care context. Oral health assessments need to be performed by registered nurses. Routines for systematic oral assessments and for oral care need to be implemented by nurse managers to ensure that patients' fundamental care needs are fulfilled.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Oral health assessments need to be performed regularly by registered nurses since it is insufficient that patients self-assess their oral health. Nurse managers need to provide and implement routines for nurse assessments and oral care in surgical care contexts.

Impact

There are deficiencies in patients' oral health and oral care, and registered nurses need to perform oral health assessments. Nurse managers need to implement routines for registered nurse assessments and oral care.

Patient Contribution

Patients admitted to a surgical ward were included in the study after being screened for inclusion criteria. After participants signed informed consent, they filled in a questionnaire about oral health and oral care, and a registered nurse performed an oral health assessment.

Reporting Method

This study was carried out according to the STROBE checklist.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

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

Por: Nichola Gale · Una Jones · Tracy Rees · Alexandra Hicks · Janet Davies · Samantha Holliday · Jane Hopkinson — Diciembre 8th 2023 at 05:55

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.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

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

Por: Hege Solberg · Siri Andreassen Devik · Hege Therese Bell · Rose Mari Olsen — Diciembre 4th 2023 at 06:56

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.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

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

Por: Bhavna Sharma · Vijayanandh Mani · Rubi Zined · Poonam Joshi · Saumya P. Srivastava · Sheenu Alhawat · Shivam Pandey — Noviembre 30th 2023 at 06:55

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.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Virtual reality used to distract children and young people with long‐term conditions from pain or pruritus: A scoping review using PAGER

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To map out the primary research studies relating to how virtual reality (VR) has been used to distract children and young people with long-term conditions from pain or pruritus.

Background

Pharmacologic treatment of chronic pain and pruritus may have side effects; hence, non-invasive non-pharmacological treatments are being sought.

Design

The scoping review followed the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute, PAGER framework and PRISMA-ScR checklist. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Registration on 14 February 2022 https//doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/K2R93.

Methods

Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched. Data were extracted from primary research studies published between 2000 and 2022 involving children and adolescent populations (<21 years) with a long-term condition that had an element of enduring pruritus and/or pain.

Results

Of 464 abstracts screened, 35 full-text papers were assessed with 5 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Three main themes emerged from the included studies: (1) Improvements in pain and daily functioning; (2) positive perceptions of VR and (3) accessibility and feasibility of VR. No papers were found on the effect of VR on alleviating pruritus.

Conclusion

VR is feasible, acceptable, and safe for children and adolescents with chronic pain in a range of long-term conditions and offers promise as an adjunctive treatment for improving chronic pain and quality of life. No studies were identified that targeted pruritis or measured pruritis outcomes; thus, the effects of VR for pruritis are unknown. There is a need for rigorously designed, randomised controlled trials to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of VR interventions for chronic pain and pruritis in children and adolescents. The use of the PAGER (Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for Practice and Research Recommendations) framework for scoping reviews helped to structure analysis and findings and identify research gaps.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

VR interventions offer promise in improving chronic pain related to long-term conditions.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Clinical deterioration as a nurse sensitive indicator in the out‐of‐hospital context: A scoping review

Abstract

Aims

To explore and summarise the literature on the concept of ‘clinical deterioration’ as a nurse-sensitive indicator of quality of care in the out-of-hospital context.

Design

The scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review and the JBI best practice guidelines for scoping reviews.

Methods

Studies focusing on clinical deterioration, errors of omission, nurse sensitive indicators and the quality of nursing and midwifery care for all categories of registered, enrolled, or licensed practice nurses and midwives in the out-of-hospital context were included regardless of methodology. Text and opinion papers were also considered. Study protocols were excluded.

Data Sources

Data bases were searched from inception to June 2022 and included CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, EmCare, Maternity and Infant Care Database, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Informit Health and Society Database, JSTOR, Nursing and Allied Health Database, RURAL, Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Thirty-four studies were included. Workloads, education and training opportunities, access to technology, home visits, clinical assessments and use of screening tools or guidelines impacted the ability to recognise, relay information and respond to clinical deterioration in the out-of-hospital setting.

Conclusions

Little is known about the work of nurses or midwives in out-of-hospital settings and their recognition, reaction to and relay of information about patient deterioration. The complex and subtle nature of non-acute deterioration creates challenges in defining and subsequently evaluating the role and impact of nurses in these settings.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Further research is needed to clarify outcome measures and nurse contribution to the care of the deteriorating patient in the out-of-hospital setting to reduce the rate of avoidable hospitalisation and articulate the contribution of nurses and midwives to patient care.

Impact

What Problem Did the Study Address?

Factors that impact a nurse's ability to recognise, relay information and respond to clinical deterioration in the out-of-hospital setting are not examined to date.

What Were the Main Findings?

A range of factors were identified that impacted a nurse's ability to recognise, relay information and respond to clinical deterioration in the out-of-hospital setting including workloads, education and training opportunities, access to technology, home visits, clinical assessments, use of screening tools or guidelines, and avoidable hospitalisation.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?

Nurses and nursing management will benefit from understanding the factors that act as barriers and facilitators for effective recognition of, and responding to, a deteriorating patient in the out-of-hospital setting. This in turn will impact patient survival and satisfaction.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines guided this review. The PRISMA-Scr Checklist (Tricco et al., 2018) is included as (supplementary file 1).Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.”

No Patient or Public Contribution

Not required as the Scoping Review used publicly available information.

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