Conectar
To develop theories about how Nursing Associate (NA) roles are implemented and working within NHS practice: What works, for whom, in what contexts and how?
Rapid realist synthesis of: (1) empirical and grey literature; (2) realist interviews with stakeholders. Sources were analysed using a realist approach that explored the data for novel or causal insights to generate initial programme theories.
Empirical and grey sources (n = 15) and transcripts from stakeholder interviews (n = 11) were synthesised which identified three theory areas relating to NA implementation: (1) Scope of NA role: Communication and expectations; (2) Variations to the NA model of working; and (3) Career progression: Entry point, stepping stone and career in itself.
The NA holds the potential to improve nursing workforce stability by encouraging locally based, non-registered healthcare staff to transition to an NA. However, the lack of collective understanding of the NA scope of practice can cause staff friction. It is unknown whether this friction will reduce over time or if staff divisions will lead to further deterioration of the workforce.
Ongoing clear communication regarding NA scope of practice needs to be provided to aid understanding of their supplementary role and its potential contribution to nursing teams.
This work represents a first step to support both researchers and nursing workforce leaders in furthering knowledge of the impact of integrating NAs in diverse healthcare contexts and to unearth the mechanisms underpinning the success or failure of this new role.
Realist and meta-narrative evidence syntheses: Evolving standards.
Planning of the research design and interpretation of the results was completed with nurse clinicians with experience in the NA role.
To synthesize existing qualitative research on the life experiences and needs of patients with malignant fungating wounds, and to provide a theoretical foundation for developing patient-centred wound care plans.
A systematic review of qualitative studies.
A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP was conducted to identify relevant studies from database inception to August 2024.
This review adhered to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines.
A total of 12 qualitative studies were included. Five major themes were identified: physiological limitations, psychological alterations, social challenges, disease management needs, and support and care needs.
Patients with malignant fungating wounds face multidimensional challenges that profoundly compromise their quality of life. Comprehensive care for patients with malignant fungating wounds should be delivered through multidisciplinary collaboration, encompassing symptom management, psychological support, health education, and financial assistance.
This study synthesizes qualitative evidence on the complex experiences and needs of patients with malignant fungating wounds, highlighting the profound physical, psychological, and social challenges they encounter. The findings provide valuable insights to support oncology and wound care professionals in designing personalized, patient-centred care strategies.
PROSPERO CRD42024578946
Determine the positive psychological experience of patients with chronic heart failure through a systematic literature review and to provide a reliable basis for their psychological care.
Qualitative meta-synthesis.
A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to extract and analyse qualitative research from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Chinese Database, including China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine Disc and VIP database from the inception of the database to 24 March 2024.
Two researchers screened, extracted and cross-checked data. Disputes resolved via discussion or 3rd researcher. Irrelevant titles/abstracts were excluded; full-texts were reviewed for final inclusion.
A total of 17 qualitative studies yielded 58 results, categorised into 10 groups and synthesised into three themes: positive attitudes and emotional responses, positive changes after the disease diagnosis and supportive factors for positive psychology.
Heart failure patients can experience positive psychology post-illness. Care providers should prioritise psychological assessment and support factors to meet needs, foster rehabilitation and improved quality of life.
CHF patients crucially contributed to this qualitative meta-synthesis by sharing insights into their positive psychological experiences, resilience and coping strategies.
The transition from the intensive care unit to the general ward is complex. Understanding patients' and families' experiences during this period is essential for optimising nursing care.
Explore the experiences of patients and families during the transition from the intensive care unit to the general ward.
A qualitative meta-synthesis integrated and interpreted studies on intensive care unit patients' and families' experiences during transitions to general wards, involving systematic searches, appraisal, and integration analysis.
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched using subject and free-text strategies, covering inception to July 2024.
Inclusion criteria included qualitative studies in English and Chinese that fit the study topic. Two researchers independently reviewed 42 full-text articles, of which 26 met the criteria. Quality appraisal used the JBI qualitative research assessment tool, and data were synthesised by the pooled integration method.
Three key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) emotional duality of hope and anxiety before transfer, (2) heightened vulnerability and disorientation during ICU-to-ward transition, and (3) unmet needs. These themes were further divided into nine subcategories.
Transitions from intensive care units to general wards present patients and families with mixed emotions and challenges in adaptation. Continuity of care, family engagement, and tailored health education are vital to supporting patient recovery and family well-being.
Assessing patient and family anxiety during ICU transitions and using evidence-based interventions to manage emotions can improve recovery and reduce complications. The healthcare team should prioritise early intensive care unit rehabilitation to prevent functional decline, particularly in lower-intensity ward care. Identify patient and family needs when designing transition interventions. Use personalised, targeted health education tailored to different patient and family characteristics to enhance effectiveness across varied healthcare settings.
This is a meta- synthesis without direct patient involvement.
To systematically review and synthesise qualitative research on nurses' experiences of speaking up in various contexts and to identify factors facilitating or impeding such a behaviour.
This review was conducted as a qualitative metasynthesis, utilising the qualitative meta-ethnography approach.
A total of 6250 articles were screened. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full texts. A total of 15 studies were included in this review. Researchers conducted a quality appraisal using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. An a priori protocol was created and registered on the Open Science Framework.
Literature searches were conducted in five international bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) and five Korean databases (RISS, KISS, DBpia, KCI and NDSL).
Three main themes were identified from the 15 studies used in the metasynthesis: (1) decisional complexity of speaking up, (2) motivators for speaking up and (3) barriers to speaking up. Nurses experienced challenges in speaking up. They were, and continue to be, concerned about negative responses. Hierarchy structure and poor work environment were identified as barriers to speaking up; professional responsibility and a supportive atmosphere were identified as facilitators for speaking up.
This review synthesised nurses' experiences of speaking up and influencing factors. Speaking up is crucial for nurses to improve patient safety, as frontline nurses are ideally positioned to observe early indicators of unsafe conditions in healthcare delivery.
Identified motivators and barriers of nurses' speaking-up behaviour offer considerations and opportunities for healthcare leaders and managers. This could lead to improvement in patient safety through the establishment of a safety culture that facilitates nurses' speaking-up behaviour.
The review adhered to the ENTREQ guideline.
No patient or public contribution has been made in this review.
To combine, synthesise, and interpret qualitative evidence from studies exploring the causes, immediate responses, and preventive measures of needle stick injuries from the perspective of healthcare workers.
In this qualitative evidence synthesis, the qualitative data from the included studies were synthesised to identify overarching themes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis flowchart, Joanna Briggs Institute tool, and Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research checklist were used in the meta-synthesis process.
The MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, ProQuest, ClinicalKey and Scopus databases were searched between December 14 and December 31, 2024 for studies published between January 2000 and December 2024.
Nine primary research studies were included and the following themes were identified: unpredicted patient movement, casual attitude, recapping, excessive workload, scarcity of article or safety equipment, inadequate training or experience, vigilance, ongoing training, nurturing workplace culture, emotional response, re-living the injury and fear of reprimand.
Needle stick injuries result from a complex interplay of individual, administrative, engineering, and environmental factors, but there are potential solutions to address these issues.
Policymakers in healthcare settings would benefit greatly from an understanding of the causes, immediate responses, and preventive aspects of needle stick injuries. These findings can direct the creation of focused interventions and safety procedures by identifying important risk variables and useful coping mechanisms.
The causes, immediate responses, and preventive measures of needle stick injuries were explored. Findings can help develop protocols to lower needle stick injury rates and increase worker safety.
ENTREQ guidelines.
This research is a systematic review of published peer-reviewed studies.
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024620673.
To synthesise primary qualitative studies reporting experiences of post-hospital recovery for critical care survivors, their family and the healthcare professionals supporting them with a particular focus on physical impairment.
The review was conducted through a meta-ethnography using the seven stages of Noblit and Hare.
Qualitative studies or mixed-method studies which included qualitative research were included if they were based on the phenomenon of interest. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and confidence in the findings with the GRADE CERQual framework.
Five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and PEDro) were searched from inception to February 2022 and updated in November 2024. Grey literature for primary qualitative studies was also searched.
A total of 26,249 studies were initially screened, and 38 eligible studies were analysed. Four themes were distilled describing the experiences of critical care survivors, their family members and staff involved in their care: ‘I survived, but I didn't thrive’, ‘Healthcare was there to save my life, but not for my long-term recovery’, ‘I am a burden on my family, and they feel the weight of carrying me’ and ‘My body still doesn't work like it used to’.
This meta-ethnography is unique in bringing together the experiences of patients recovering from critical illness, their families, and the staff who support them after hospital discharge. Ongoing diverse physical impairments prevented patients from thriving, significantly impacting family members. All groups clearly identified unmet rehabilitation needs following critical illness.
To identify strategies and mechanisms of interventions between caregivers and people with dementia that contribute to reducing refusals of care and determine how they work, in which contexts, why and for whom.
Realist synthesis.
There were three stages: (1) initial programme theory development and prioritisation through assessing video-recorded personal care interactions and interview transcripts; scoping the literature and team discussions, (2) literature search, review and synthesis and (3) realist interviews with stakeholders and refinement of evidence-based programme theories.
Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL Ultimate, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science; date range: 2000–2024.
A total of 71 sources were included in the synthesis, and interviews with 15 stakeholders. Eight programme theories were generated, evidenced and refined, each incorporating multiple caregiver strategies. The overarching mechanism which made people with dementia more likely to accept assistance with personal care was trusting the caregiver and feeling safe. Seven mechanisms fed into this: a sense of control, positive connection, care feeling manageable, working together, engaging with the care activity (or something non-care related), comfort and needs being known and addressed.
Refusals of care from people with dementia can be reduced by multiple caregiver strategies related to communication, approach, the type of care offered and the care interaction process. Mechanisms reflect relational aspects: the quality of the caregiver/person partnership and making the person with dementia feel safe.
Our findings provide programme theories and practical care strategies which could be helpful for those, such as nurses, working to improve personal care practices for people with dementia.
Public representatives advised the study throughout, providing advice on initial programme theories, evidence-based programme theories and synthesised stakeholder evidence.
This synthesis uses the publication standards for realist synthesis (RAMESES 1).
PROSPERO: 2024 CRD42024496072
The effect of prehabilitation on reducing the level of postoperative stress and facilitating recovery has been proven to be controversial in previous studies involving patients with cancer. This review contributes to the improvement of an intervention programme by qualitatively integrating the prehabilitation experiences of patients with cancer.
This review aimed to integrate the individual experiences of patients with cancer who had received prehabilitation interventions to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementation, which can be used to understand patients' adherence behaviours.
This was a qualitative evidence synthesis review.
Articles were systematically searched from inception to February 18, 2025, using four English databases and three Chinese databases. Keywords and Medical Subject Headings were used to identify potential studies written in both Chinese and English. This study was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute qualitative systematic review methodology.
Twenty-five articles were included in this review. Guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), eight synthesised findings were extracted, focusing on the representation of factors influencing the adherence of patients with cancer to prehabilitation, including the domains of knowledge (two facilitators), reinforcement (two facilitators), beliefs about consequences (two facilitators), beliefs about capabilities (two barriers), environmental context and resources (two barriers, one intervention preference factor), social influence (one facilitator, one intervention preference factor), emotion (one barrier, one facilitator) and behavioural regulation (one facilitators, two intervention preference factors).
Our findings indicate that the adherence to prehabilitation among patients with cancer is shaped by a dynamic interplay of determinants. Structured assessments, self-monitoring, tailored interventions and tele-prehabilitation can improve patients' self-efficacy, perceived benefits and access to resources, which in turn can facilitate their completion of prehabilitation.
This study deepens our understanding of behaviours related to adherence to prehabilitation among patients with cancer and provides valuable guidance for the formulation and optimisation of subsequent prehabilitation intervention programmes.
ENTREQ.
No patient or public contributions.
PROSPERO CRD: 42024553972
Many systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) have reported the potential advantages and risks of ICU diary psychotherapy in patients and relatives, but the results remain uncertain and their quality has not yet been adequately assessed. We summarise existing SRs/MAs and assess their quality and level of evidence.
This overview of SRs was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for overviews of reviews statement.
We conducted a detailed and comprehensive search of eight Chinese and English electronic databases from inception until March 2025. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were used to assess methodological quality, reporting quality and evidence quality for inclusion in SRs/MAs, respectively.
Fifteen published SRs/MAs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The results of the AMSTAR 2 assessment showed that the methodological quality of the included studies was critically low. In the PRISMA 2020 assessment, the response rate of “Yes” for items 7, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 27 was less than 50%. The GRADE assessment showed that no results were high-quality evidence, 2 results were moderate-quality evidence, 26 results were low-quality evidence and 45 results were very low-quality evidence.
ICU diaries can improve patients' psychological outcomes and quality of life, and whether there are advantages for their relatives needs to be further explored. However, the methodological quality of the studies was low and the risk of migration was high, reducing its reliability. Therefore, these conclusions should be treated with caution. High-quality studies with large sample sizes are needed to provide stronger and more scientific evidence.
Our paper presents an overview of systematic reviews, and therefore, such specific details may not be relevant to our study.
PROSPERO: CRD42023448359
Patients with limited proficiency in the primary language who do not receive a healthcare interpreter have poorer health outcomes. Clinician preference is an important factor in determining whether a healthcare interpreter will be used; yet little is known about their experiences and preferences for working with healthcare interpreters.
To review and synthesise the evidence examining nurses' experiences of working with healthcare interpreters when caring for patients with limited proficiency in the primary language.
This review follows the reporting items contained within the ENTREQ statement. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken from inception to August 2024 in the databases CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Included studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative studies. Thematic synthesis was undertaken on studies meeting the inclusion criteria, including studies undertaken in acute settings. Articles were limited to English-language papers and peer-reviewed.
Eighteen studies representing the experiences of 416 nurses from eight countries were included in the review. Four themes were identified: (1) working with Interpreters, (2) tensions and challenges, (3) making connections, and (4) workarounds.
Nurses' experiences of working with healthcare interpreters were overwhelmingly positive; however, concerns about interpretation accuracy, unreliable technology, additional time required when working with a healthcare interpreter, and being sidelined were evident. Nurses commonly resorted to using bilingual nurse colleagues and family members when healthcare interpreters were unavailable.
This review highlights the need for nurses to be allocated additional time in their patient loads when caring for patients with limited proficiency in the primary language. Healthcare policy that accommodates the use of bilingual healthcare professionals as well as the need for nurses to receive formal training on working collaboratively with healthcare interpreters is needed.
Not applicable due to systematic review.
To synthesise evidence on critical care nurses supporting bereaved families in intensive care units (ICUs).
Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnography approach.
We followed Noblit and Hare's 7-phase procedure, using reciprocal translation for data analysis and line-of-argument synthesis. We included studies on registered nurses in adult ICUs with experience supporting bereaved families, using qualitative or mixed-methods studies in English and published in peer-reviewed sources.
Five databases were searched without date restrictions, concluding in January 2024.
The final sample included 24 studies published between 1995 and 2023. The metaphor “Candlelight guides the way through winter's chill” symbolised the crucial role of critical care nurses in supporting bereaved families in ICUs. The synthesis encapsulated two themes: (1) challenges in providing bereavement support, with subthemes of emotional intricacies in bereavement support, and ICU setting limitations; and (2) optimising families' bereavement experiences, with subthemes support systems and emotional commitment, professional nursing behaviours and care practices, and curating personalised and meaningful farewell experiences.
Bereavement support in ICUs poses significant challenges, highlighting the need for greater support for critical care nurses. Nonetheless, these nurses draw on support systems and emotional dedication to overcome obstacles, striving to optimise families' bereavement experiences.
Our findings highlight the importance of structured training programmes (peer support and emotional management) and systemic improvements (optimised workflows and adequate staffing) to enhance quality bereavement care.
This study interprets critical care nurses' experiences supporting bereaved families in intensive care, highlighting the emotional demands. The findings offer insights into improving end-of-life and bereavement care practices and policies, benefiting nurses and families.
This review followed the ENTREQ guidelines for reporting meta-ethnography.
There was no patient or public contribution, as the data were drawn from previously published studies.
CRD42024506847 [PROSPERO]
To describe and synthesise qualitative studies exploring sexual and gender minority migrants' experiences of health service access and utilisation.
Systematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
Systematic searches in four databases and citation screening were conducted in 2023 and 2024. English-language empirical qualitative studies published in scientific journals within 10 years were included. Of 1109 screened, 21 reports were included.
Included reports were appraised using CASP and JBI checklists. Extracted results were analysed with inductive content analysis in a collaborative process.
All reports had acceptable quality, including 365 participants from 72 countries. A range of external and internal barriers to accessing health services were reported, including financial constraints and fears. Although migrants expressed an appreciation of health services, they also experienced non-affirming behaviours and discrimination related to their intersecting identities. Several essential components in health services necessary to cater to the needs of migrants were addressed, including the personality and manner of health professionals as well as adherence to confidentiality.
Barriers to health services, intersectional discrimination and non-affirming behaviours when interacting with health services are pressing issues that need further attention.
Ensuring safety through affirming support is key to achieving high-quality and accessible health services for sexual and gender minority migrants. Nurses and other health professionals need to carefully consider intersectional layers related to sensitivity and safety when supporting sexual and gender minority migrants. Open, friendly, validating, respectful and encouraging communication is essential in clinical settings.
This review addressed experiences of health services amongst a marginalised population. The findings highlight the importance of affirming care and are relevant for health professionals, stakeholders and decision-makers.
ENTREQ.
Two persons with lived experience were involved in the meta-synthesis.
To consolidate and appraise available evidence on the experiences and perceptions of male nurses and male midwives facing discrimination.
Qualitative systematic review. This review was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).
The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was used to appraise included articles, and extracted data were meta-summarised and meta-synthesised using Sandelowski and Barroso's two-step approach.
PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, ProQuest (Dissertations and Theses Global) and ClinicalTrials.gov were sourced from the inception to December 2022.
A total of 21 studies were included, involving 283 male nurses and 11 male midwives. Four themes were identified during the meta-synthesis: (1) It's a ‘women's world’, (2) discrimination within and beyond the workplace, (3) stereotypes and labels and (4) the silver lining.
This review offered male nurses' and male midwives' perspectives on discrimination faced in nursing. There is a need to ensure gender equality in the nursing profession by reinforcing the importance and value of employing men in this profession.
Future research should focus on examining the experiences of male nursing students and other healthcare stakeholders to understand discrimination faced by men in nursing from varied geographical and cultural backgrounds. The findings may provide helpful insights for planning supportive interventions, institutional adjustments, legislative changes, educational initiatives and research that benefit male nurses and male midwives.
This qualitative systematic review consolidated and meta-synthesised the available evidence on male nurses' and male midwives' experiences of discrimination. These findings contribute to the understanding of male nurses and male midwives as a gender minority and the need for greater gender equality.
PRISMA.
No patient or public contribution.
Stroke represents the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease and the first cause of disability in adults. Only 25% of stroke survivors fully recover, 75% survive with some form of disability, and half of them lose self-sufficiency, negatively impacting their quality of life. This study aims to understand the experiences of stroke survivors and caregivers of training needs and support during the transitional care phase from hospital to home; it also investigates the experience of health care professionals (HCPs) of providing support and training to the dyad during this phase.
Meta-synthesis was conducted following a critical-interpretative approach. The SPIDER method was used for sample selection, and the PRISMA research question was adopted for article selection. The search for studies on CINAHL, Pubmed, Scopus, ERIC, PsycInfo and OVID was conducted until August 2024.
Of the 1123 articles found, 32 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. Text analysis revealed two main thematic areas: (1) the training need is a new awareness in the transition of care from hospital to home and (2) moulding oneself to new life. The first theme had six subthemes: need for information and training, uncertainty, involvement, evaluation of training needs, individual discharge planning and physical-psychological problems. The second theme included three subthemes: different role perception, support after discharge and adaptation to change.
Knowing the training and support needs in the stroke survivor caregiver dyad guides HCPs to structure tailored discharge plans. Multi-method and multidisciplinary training and support interventions such as health coaching, weekend passes and early supported discharge are satisfactory outcomes for the triad involved in the transition of care, as continuous feedback on the needs of the new reality at home fortifies the relationship between the dyad and HCPs. A transitional care pathway based on the dynamic needs of the triad can improve the quality of care in the community.
To identify and synthesise the qualitative evidence that is available regarding reducing the turnover of hospital nurses from their own perspectives.
A qualitative systematic review using the meta-aggregation design.
Qualitative studies either in English or in Chinese, dating from 2018 to 2023, were obtained from eight databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and the China Biomedical Database.
Studies were screened using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. The study was reported according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines.
Sixteen papers were included that explored nurses' perspectives on enhancing their retention or reducing staff turnover. We developed three synthesised findings and 12 categories from 64 identified findings, including (1) individual adjustment strategy: professional pride, self-growth and psychological adjustment; (2) social support strategy: constructive workplace relationships, balancing work life and recognition of nursing and (3) organisational change strategy: embracing management and leadership, promote nursing professionalisation, workload management and support, flexible work patterns and opportunities, supporting personal career development and competitive salary.
This review provides an in-depth and meaningful understanding of nurses' own perceptions and suggestions for enhancing nursing turnover, which will call for a wide range of measures targeting the individual, social and organisational levels.
This study contributes important knowledge to help improve hospital nurse's turnover, which can provide evidence to support nurse managers, other stakeholders and policymakers in correspondingly developing effective measures to address nurse turnover.
There was no direct contribution from patient or caregiver to this study because the data of this study originated from published papers.
To synthesise evidence from qualitative studies on community-dwelling older adults' experiences of social interactions in group interaction programmes.
A systematic review and meta-synthesis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines.
Two independent researchers screened the titles and abstracts of all retrieved studies based on eligibility criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted based on the comprehensive Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were extracted through an adapted Data Extraction Tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Instrument. Findings were synthesised through the JBI meta-aggregation approach.
A literature search for peer-reviewed studies was conducted across seven databases from inception to September 2023.
Our review included the experiences of 395 community-dwelling older adults across 25 studies, yielding the overarching theme of ‘Navigating relationships and facilitating growth in a supportive community’. Five themes were identified: feeling safe in a familiar environment, bringing people together, establishing meaningful relationships, improving personal well-being and facing socialising challenges.
Our findings provided not just theoretical insights but also practical implications. They can serve as a solid foundation for formulating or enhancing similar programmes, directly addressing the pervasive issues of loneliness and social isolation among the ageing population worldwide.
This review improves our understanding of the social, emotional and personal benefits for older adults upon engaging in group interaction programmes. The insights into the elements of successful group interaction programmes for older adults, include providing a safe and familiar setting and bringing people together for socialisation. Future interventions should incorporate these elements to promote social interactions and community engagement more effectively to mitigate loneliness among older adults. Finally, the diverse range of programmes explored in this review demonstrates that future programmes can be flexibly formulated to suit different interests.
The authors have nothing to report.
The review protocol has been registered on PROSPERO.
To integrate experiences and perceptions about stroke survivors during the transition from hospital-to-home care.
Seven databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Web of Science, EBSCO and MEDLINE, were searched comprehensively from inception to March 2024, including qualitative studies published in English.
A qualitative systematic review.
The search followed the Preferred Reporting Items report for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA 2020). The included research quality was assessed according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Meta-aggregation was used to develop analytical themes. Confidence in the Evidence from the Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) framework was applied to the findings.
Fifteen qualitative studies were included, from which 54 findings were extracted. Similar findings were summarised into eight categories, resulting in four synthesised findings: Joy and sadness intertwined, Destruction of sense of self and life, External support and internal motivation, and Emotional longings and practical needs.
Stroke can lead to devastating changes in survivors' sense of self and physically. Through external support from family members and healthcare professionals, as well as internal motivation to cope positively, stroke survivors positively accept and adapt to life. Meanwhile they still have high expectations for personal independence and reintegration into society.
The review findings can guide health professionals, survivors and families in optimising care during the hospital-to-home transition.
PROSPERO [CRD42024522555].
ENTREQ.
No Patient or Public Contribution.
To systematically review and integrate qualitative-research results pertaining to psychological distress in patients with breast cancer and to clarify its causes and drivers.
Patients with breast cancer experience psychological distress in the stages of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, which seriously affects their quality of life. Through comprehensive qualitative research, the study comprehensively describes the experiences of patients with breast cancer to guide medical personnel in taking better care of them.
A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies.
Qualitative studies were included if they were related to the psychological-distress experiences of patients with breast cancer. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesised using the Thomas and Harden method of thematic and content analysis.
Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL [via EBSCO], and PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical, and Weipu) were searched from inception until February 2024.
Thirteen studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Four analytical themes were identified: diagnostic and therapeutic, individual, environmental, and interpersonal factors.
Psychological distress is a subjective feeling influenced by interactions among individual, therapeutic, environmental, and interpersonal factors, and it is commonly encountered among patients with breast cancer. Therefore, to optimise the management of psychological distress, the characteristics and external environment of patients with breast cancer should be carefully considered when delivering routine nursing care.
Patients experience psychological distress at different stages of breast cancer; however, the causes of psychological distress at different stages differ. Medical staff should implement targeted psychological-distress intervention measures based on factors relevant to different stages.
The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement.
The protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023417364).
During the transfer of intensive care unit (ICU) patients to general wards, patients often experience transfer anxiety due to changes in the healthcare environment, staff and unfamiliarity with the new ward. However, the experiences of ICU patients during this transition period have received less attention.
A systematic review and synthesis of the experiences of patients transitioning from the ICU to the ward.
Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.
We searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science databases for qualitative research on the transition-to-ward experience of patients in ICUs for the year 2023 February.
The quality of the literature was evaluated according to the qualitative research quality assessment criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute, as outlined by the Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare. The data were then extracted from the studies, analysed and synthesised using a thematic synthesis approach.
A total of 12 papers were included and the 32 findings were distilled and consolidated into three themes: emotional reactions; imperfections in the transition process; differences between wards and ICUs; and eight sub-themes: optimism; pessimism; emotionlessness; inadequate information; inadequate communication; physical condition; differences in care; differences in environment.
The transfer from an ICU to a general ward is a major change of environment for the patient and can trigger upset and anxiety. Planning for turn-out, meeting patients' information needs and easing patients' emotions are critical in this process.
FreshRSS 