Conectar
by Verner N. Orish, Renosten E. Tetteh, David Adzah, Chinecherem A. Ndiokwelu, Emmanuel A. Allotey, Evans A. Yeboah, Sylvester Y. Lokpo, Kenneth Ablordey, Duneeh R. Vikpebah, Ekene K. Nwaefuna, Precious K. Kwadzokpui, Noble D. Dika, Elom Y. Dzefi, Kokou H. Amegan-Aho, Aninagyei Enoch, Senyo Tagboto
BackgroundToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a successful protozoan parasite infecting up to a third of the human population. It has varied transmission routes including ingestion of food and water contaminated by cat feces containing oocysts of the parasite and ingestion of bradyzoites in poorly cooked meat. Blood transfusion is another possible route of transmission especially among people with medical conditions requiring blood transfusion, such as those with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study aimed at finding out the prevalence of T. gondii infection and the association of blood transfusion among patients with SCD.
MethodThis study was a cross-sectional study involving SCD patients attending the SCD clinic at the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. Questionnaire administration was employed to obtain sociodemographic information, cat ownership, consumption of poorly cooked meat, as well as blood transfusion history. A blood sample was collected and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM were detected using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), while Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used as the gold standard and reference. Seropositivity was defined as either positive for IgG, IgM or both. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23, with frequency distribution done for the sociodemographic variables and the prevalence of RDT and ELISA anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM. Pearson Chi-square analysis was performed to find any significant association between diagnosis of T. gondii infection with sociodemographic variables and blood transfusion. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the odds of seropositivity (ELISA) with sociodemographic variables and blood transfusion.
ResultsA total of 156 SCD patients participated in this study of which 124 (79.5%) and 32(20.5%) were HbSS and HbSC respectively. Among the study participants, 105 (67.3%) had a history of blood transfusion. A total of 60 (38.5%) and 83 (53.2%) patients were positive for RDT and ELISA respectively. No significant association was seen between T. gondii diagnosis and cat ownership (RDT,20[37.7%], p = 0.891; ELISA, 27[50.9%], p = 0.673) and consumption of poorly cooked meat (RDT,37[41.6%],p = 0.370;ELISA,53[59.6%], p = 0.211). However there was a significant association between T. gondii diagnosis and age, with seropositive results predominantly seen among older patients (≥20 years) (RDT, 38[52.1%], p = 0.002; ELISA 49 [67.1%, p = 0.002]. Blood transfusion had a significant association with T.gondii diagnosis (RDT, p = 0.003; ELISA, p = 0.001). A total of 66 (62.9%) of SCD patients who had history of blood transfusion tested positive for ELISA and they had 3 times the odds of testing positive for ELISA (adjusted OR 3.14[95% CI 1.50–6.58]; p = 0.002).
ConclusionThe prevalence of T. gondii infection was higher by ELISA (53.0%) than by rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) (38.5%), and sickle cell disease patients with a transfusion history had higher odds of seropositivity. These findings highlight the need to strengthen transfusion safety protocols and consider screening strategies for T. gondii among high-risk populations such as patients with sickle cell disease. Also, there is the need for longitudinal research to help elucidate the true contribution of blood transfusion transmission of T. gondii since a cross-sectional study, causality could not be established.
To validate the Workplace COVID-19 Knowledge and Stigma Scale (WoCKSS) using item response theory (IRT), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Cross-sectional psychometric validation.
Manufacturing companies registered in Malaysia.
A total of 137 factory workers participated in the exploratory phase and 300 in the confirmatory phase. Inclusion criteria were Malaysian nationality and ability to read Malay.
The knowledge domain was examined using the two-parameter logistic IRT model in two stages: an exploratory IRT analysis in phase 1 to screen items and a confirmatory IRT analysis in phase 2 to evaluate the final item set. The stigma domain was analysed using EFA followed by CFA. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega (). The development process and content and face validity results were previously published.
14 knowledge items were retained after exploratory IRT and formed the final knowledge scale evaluated in confirmatory IRT. For these final items, discrimination parameters ranged from 0.77 to 3.17 and difficulty values from –4.47 to 0.23, with unidimensionality supported (p=0.644). EFA supported a three-factor stigma structure (stereotype, fear, prejudice), and CFA confirmed excellent model fit (2=8.91, df=11, p=0.630; root mean square error of approximation=0.00; Comparative Fit Index=1.00; Tucker-Lewis Index=1.00; standardised root mean square residual=0.021). Composite reliability by McDonald’s omega ranged from 0.691 to 0.893.
WoCKSS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing workplace COVID-19 knowledge and stigma in industrial sectors in Malaysia.
This study examines the effect of nurses' holistic nursing competency levels and humanistic behaviour skills on their professional pride levels.
The study was designed as a cross-sectional study.
The sample consisted of 224 nurses working in a city hospital. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale, the Humanistic Behaviour Skill Scale in Nursing Practices and the Pride in Nursing Profession Scale. Independent groups t-test, ANOVA, and regression analyses were applied to analyse the data.
The mean ± standard deviation of the total score of the nurses participating in the study from the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale was 170.48 ± 42.41, the mean ± standard deviation of the total score from the Humanistic Behaviour in Nursing Practice Scale was 121.35 ± 20.81, and the mean ± standard deviation of the total score from the Pride in Nursing Profession Scale was 79.65 ± 22.80. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale and the Humanistic Behaviour in Nursing Practice Scale. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale, the Humanistic Behaviour in Nursing Practice Scale and the Pride in Nursing Profession Scale. In addition, it was determined that nurses' holistic and humanistic behaviour skills explained 12.2% of the change in professional pride. The holistic nursing competencies and professional pride levels of nurses who willingly chose the nursing profession and loved their profession were found to be statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05).
Nurses demonstrated above-average holistic and humanistic competencies, yet their professional pride remained below average. This indicates that professional pride may be shaped not only by individual skills but also by external factors such as working conditions and societal perceptions of the profession.
These findings suggest that to increase professional pride among nurses, not only is the development of individual competencies insufficient, but also the improvement of workplace environments and greater societal appreciation of the profession are necessary. Without addressing systemic and societal challenges, the development of holistic and humanistic nursing competences may have a limited impact on professional satisfaction. On the other hand, nurses' provision of care services in line with holistic and humanistic principles positively affects their professional satisfaction and the quality of patient care, patient satisfaction, safety and general health outcomes.
This study adhered to the STROBE criteria.
by Chi Peng Chan, Babaniji Omosule, Courtney Lightfoot, Ellesha A. Smith, Ffion Curtis, James O. Burton, Paul Gardner, Sarah Jasat, Sherna F. Adenwalla, Jyoti Baharani, Daniel S. March
BackgroundChronic pain affects up to 60% of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet remains under-recognised and under-treated. Pain management in this population is complicated by altered drug pharmacokinetics, polypharmacy, and the potential nephrotoxicity of conventional analgesics. Despite the high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life, evidence-based guidance specific to pain management in CKD remains limited.
ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in reducing chronic pain intensity among people with CKD on dialysis, not on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients, across all stages of CKD.
MethodsThe primary outcome is the effectiveness of interventions in reducing chronic pain intensity as assessed by pain assessment tools. We will conduct a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception to the present date to identify studies for chronic pain management in people living with CKD. Study screening will be conducted independently by two reviewers. One reviewer will extract data from each study, with a second reviewer cross-checking for accuracy and completeness. Data will be extracted on study characteristics, participant demographics, intervention components, pain outcomes, and adverse events. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated independently by two reviewers using the GRADE approach. Where applicable, data will be combined in meta-analyses using random-effects models. Additionally, a network meta-analysis will be performed if enough studies are available.
Expected resultsThis review will synthesise the current evidence for pain management strategies in CKD, by evaluating effectiveness of interventions among people receiving different renal replacement therapy modalities with varying pain and disease phenotypes. Findings will highlight the comparative effectiveness of various interventions while considering their safety profiles specific to the CKD context. The review will identify gaps in the literature and provide recommendations for clinical practice and future research.
SignificanceThis review seeks to deliver a thorough evaluation of pain management strategies for people living with CKD. This systematic review is supported by the UK Kidney Association (UKKA), and findings will inform the upcoming UKKA guideline on symptoms management in people with CKD, alongside the other symptoms including itch, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. This review will aid clinicians in making well-informed decisions regarding pain management strategies, ensuring a balance between effectiveness and the specific risks associated with CKD.
by Fahad Saleem, Fazal ur Rehman Khilji, Sajjad Haider, Qaiser Iqbal, Baharudin Ibrahim, Fatiha Hana Shabaruddin, Mohammad Bashaar
Terrorism-related disasters (TRDs) continue to exert profound and recurring pressures on healthcare systems, particularly in vulnerable regions like Pakistan. Although pharmacists are increasingly recognized as an essential component of disaster management, there is a clear gap in the literature regarding their preparedness, experience, and specific roles in responding to TRDs particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the preparedness, experiences, and response strategies of pharmacists managing TRDs at the Trauma Centre of Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan. A qualitative design was adopted, guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with pharmacists (n = 10) providing services at the Trauma Centre. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, validated by participants, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) pharmacists’ experiences with terrorism-related incidents and existing response mechanisms; (2) professional and personal responses to emergencies, reflecting both commitment and psychological burden; (3) preparedness challenges, including lack of disaster management training, limited awareness of policies and protocols, and inadequate understanding of triage and coordination; (4) barriers such as security risks, pharmacy curriculum deficiencies, insufficient experiential learning, and minimal involvement in planning and management activities; and (5) recommendations for strengthening capacity, including revising curricula, implementing structured training programs, conducting regular disaster drills, and expanding pharmacists’ roles in preparedness and response. Findings revealed a pronounced lack of formal training in disaster management, limited awareness of protocols and triage systems, and minimal involvement of pharmacists in planning and coordination activities. Despite strong professional commitment and frontline engagement, pharmacists’ contribution remain constrained by educational, structural, and policy-level shortcomings. The study highlights the urgent need for integrating disaster management into pharmacy curricula, implementing structured training programs and regular disaster drills, and expanding pharmacists’ roles within institutional and national disaster preparedness frameworks.Low-value care provides little or no benefit to patients, or its risk of harm outweighs the potential benefits. Non-nursing tasks refer to tasks performed by nurses below their scope of practice. With increasing pressure on the global nursing workforce, it is necessary to identify these concepts to deliver fundamental care.
To assess the prevalence, influencing factors and associations of low-value nursing care, and to identify non-nursing tasks and potential solutions in surgical hospital care settings.
The study followed a cross-sectional study design using a self-developed questionnaire.
A questionnaire on low-value care and non-nursing tasks was distributed to surgical wards in four hospitals in The Netherlands.
A total of 302 nurses responded to the survey. Five most prevalent low-value care practices were identified, including routine preoperative fasting (84.8%), taking over blood glucose monitoring (59.3%) and leaving in place any type of venous catheter (42.1%). These practices were mainly performed due to habitual practice, in accordance with an established protocol, or upon physicians' request. Most reported non-nursing tasks were administrative duties and cleaning patient rooms and equipment. Provided solutions included clearly defining responsibilities and taking personal responsibility.
Low-value care, provided by surgical nurses, is common in daily practice. This requires targeted de-implementation of each low-value care practice, based on influencing factors. Additionally, 85.8% of nurses perform non-nursing tasks daily or several times a day, underlining the need to re-organise nursing tasks.
De-implementing low-value care and reducing non-nursing tasks is necessary to ease pressure on the global nursing workforce and to improve fundamental care.
Low-value nursing care and non-nursing tasks persist when nurses lack leadership responsibility.
STROBE checklist.
No patient contribution.
Accurate arterial pressure monitoring is critical in cardiac surgery to guide haemodynamic management and vasopressor therapy. Radial arterial pressure monitoring may systematically underestimate central aortic pressure compared with femoral monitoring, potentially leading to inappropriate vasopressor escalation and associated complications. Recent evidence demonstrates that excessive norepinephrine exposure is associated with acute kidney injury and increased mortality in cardiac surgery patients.
To determine whether femoral arterial pressure monitoring reduces norepinephrine use compared with radial monitoring in cardiac surgery patients.
This is a prospective, randomised, controlled, single-blind, superiority trial conducted at two French university hospitals (CHU Besancon and CHU Dijon). Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass will be randomised 1:1 to receive either femoral or radial arterial pressure monitoring. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients treated with norepinephrine from anaesthetic induction to postoperative day 7. Secondary endpoints include acute kidney injury according to KDIGO criteria, cardiac complications, vasoactive-inotropic scores, duration of vasopressor therapy, vascular complications, and 7-day and 30-day mortality. Sample size calculation indicates 340 patients (170 per group) are needed to detect a 15% absolute reduction in norepinephrine use with 90% power and α=0.05, and an anticipated loss to follow-up rate of 5%.
The study has been approved by the French Ethics Committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes Nord-Ouest II, no. 2024/897) and will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.
Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator of maternal nutrition to be monitored during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence-based tool that can be used to monitor it across all geographic locations and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories. The WHO is undertaking a project to develop GWG charts by pre-pregnancy BMI category, and to identify GWG ranges associated with the lowest risks of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This protocol describes all the steps that will be used to accomplish the development of these GWG charts.
This project will involve the analysis of individual participant data (researcher-collected or administrative). To identify eligible datasets with GWG data, a literature review will be conducted and a global call for data will be launched by the WHO. Eligible individual datasets obtained from multiple sources will be harmonised into a pooled database. The database will undergo steps of cleaning, data quality assessment and application of individual-level inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of maternal weight and GWG will be assessed to verify the possibility of combining datasets from multiple sources and regions into a single database. Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape will be applied for the construction of the centile curves. Diagnostic measures, internal and external validation procedures will also be performed.
This project will include an analysis of existing study de-identified data. To be included in the pooled database, each included study should have received ethics approvals from relevant committees. Manuscripts will be submitted to open-access journals and a WHO document will be published, including the GWG charts and cut-offs for application in antenatal care.
Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of falls prevention interventions for high-risk older adults who have experienced a severe fall. However, uptake and adherence rates remain low. The purpose of this study is to assess the capabilities, opportunities and motivations of older adults following a fall with subsequent presentation to the emergency department and direct discharge home in relation to falls prevention measures.
This study, conducted as part of the ‘Sentinel fall presenting to the emergency department’ project at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg in Germany, involved a participatory research team (PRT). It was a qualitative study based on focus group interviews undertaken between June and October 2022, analysed in accordance with qualitative content analysis following Kuckartz. The Theoretical Domains Framework forms the basis of the deductive category system. PRT members collaborated as co-researchers in conducting and analysing the focus groups.
12 focus groups were conducted (N=52). The participants were older adults (≥60 years) who had received outpatient care in an emergency department following a fall (N=41) and their relatives (N=11).
Interviewees indicated that both knowledge of available support options and the ability to self-evaluate are important following a fall. Additionally, health circumstances, such as limitations resulting from fall-related consequences, influence the adoption of falls prevention measures. Social influences, as well as environmental context and resources, were also discussed, reflecting participants’ preferences for intervention design, such as having a central point of contact and specific courses on fall training. Moreover, the fall event itself may strengthen the perceived need for preventive measures, whereas a fear of falling can lead to reduced or modified activity levels.
To improve the engagement of older adults in falls prevention interventions following a fall, the establishment of a central point of contact could be considered. Individual tailored interventions, including psychological support as well as specific fall training, are needed.
DRKS00025949.
To determine the prevalence of internet addiction and examine its association with psychological factors specifically depression, anxiety and loneliness among Malaysian public university students.
Cross-sectional study.
All public universities in Malaysia, 20 universities.
The study included 7278 students from 20 public universities in Malaysia.
Statistical analyses were performed usingSTATA V.17 software. Descriptive statistics summarised participants’ demographic characteristics, prevalence of internet addiction and psychological distress (depression, anxiety and loneliness). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess bivariate relationships between internet addiction and psychological variables, while multiple logistic regression identified independent factors associated with internet addiction after adjusting for significant confounders.
The study found that 38.6% of the students showed signs of internet addiction, along with a high level of psychological distress; 24.8% had depressive symptoms, 32.4% experienced anxiety and 35.5% reported loneliness. Moderate positive correlations were observed between internet addiction and depression, anxiety and loneliness (p
The findings indicate significant associations between internet addiction and psychological factors such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. A comprehensive, multifaceted approach is essential to address psychological distress among university students and reduce the risk of internet addiction.
by Nurin Yasmin Mohd Khairudin, Awla Mohd Azraai, Rosfaiizah Siran, Nasibah Azme
Genistein is an isoflavone phytoestrogen that is considered a nutraceutical compound found in soybean. The mimicking of estrogen effects includes the ability to bind to the intracellular and cell membrane receptors of estrogen and exert biological functions like antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antiproliferative properties. With more studies focusing on the therapeutic effect of genistein, both in vitro and in vivo, it is evident that genistein acts through multiple pathways including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative. As the effects of stroke are affecting more people and causing devastating repercussions, this warrants genistein to be utilized as a therapeutic drug. Therefore, further studies are due on the effects of genistein on humans so that clinical trials can be carried out for long-term benefits. This review encompasses various studies regarding the potential neuroprotective effects of genistein on cerebral stroke, examining both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Four database searches: Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PUBMED and Science Direct were searched from 1st January 1999 until 31st October 2025. The initial datasets identified through the database search yielded a total of 549 publications and 341 publications were finalized after removing duplicates. In the initial screening, a total of 293 studies were excluded due to their irrelevance to the main objective of this study. After assessing the suitability of the studies and following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 31 articles were found to be suitable and systematically reviewed. Findings demonstrated the major mechanistic pathways involved in the therapeutic action of genistein are anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative. Each of these mechanisms is governed by specific pathways, which will be thoroughly discussed, indicating that genistein can be effective as a therapeutic drug in ischemic stroke.by Wenshu Li, Jeffrey A. Leibowitz, Shuoguo Wang, Louisa Walker, Chang Xu, Kuei-Ting Chen, Alexa B. Schrock, Jason Hughes, Nimesh Patel, Julia A. Elvin, Lauren L. Ritterhouse, Ethan Sokol, Garrett Frampton, Lucas Dennis, Bahar Yilmazel, Brennan Decker
Homologous recombination repair (HRR) is a cellular pathway for high-fidelity double strand DNA break repair that uses the sister chromatid as a guide to ensure chromosomal integrity and cell viability. Deficiency in the HRR pathway (HRD) can sensitize tumors to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) and platinum-based chemotherapy, offering an avenue to identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapies. HRD signature (HRDsig) is a pan-solid-tumor biomarker on the FoundationOne®CDx (F1CDx®) assay that employs a DNA scar-based approach to calculate a score based on copy number features (e.g., segment size, oscillation patterns, and breakpoints per chromosome arm) and does not rely on HRR gene alterations, enabling detection of genomic and epigenetic mechanisms of HRD. After finalizing the HRDsig algorithm, analytical validation was conducted in a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory on 278 solid tumor and normal tissue specimens. HRDsig results were compared with an independent HRD biomarker, defined by the presence of a reversion mutation restoring HRR gene function. In this evaluation, 100 HRD-positive and 126 HRD-negative samples showed a positive percent agreement of 90.00% and a negative percent agreement of 94.44%. The limit of detection (LoD) was estimated at 23.04% tumor purity, with the limit of blank (LoB) confirmed as zero in 60 normal tissue replicates. Reproducibility testing on 11 positive and 11 negative samples across multiple labs, reagent lots, and sequencers yielded agreement in 99.49% of positive and 99.73% of negative replicates. HRDsig status remained consistent in the presence of interfering substances, demonstrating 100% concordance in spiked samples. These validation results underscore the high analytical concordance, low false-positive rate, and overall robustness of HRDsig for reliable assessment of homologous recombination deficiency.by Moayad Subahi, Fahda Alshaikh, Eyad Dahlawi, Feras Zafar, Tamim Alsulimany, Nawaf Alnefaie, Abdulrahman Almalki
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition that reduces physical function and quality of life. Physical activity is foundational to KOA management; however, patient engagement and perceptions of treatment remain underexplored, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study evaluated physical activity (PA) levels among individuals with KOA and explored their perceptions, awareness, and experiences with management strategies, especially physical therapy. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) from 60 adults with physician-diagnosed KOA (mean age 55.5 ± 6.4 years; 50% female) recruited from clinics and community programs in Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews with 24 purposively selected participants further explored experiences and perceptions. Descriptive statistics summarized quantitative data, and thematic analysis guided qualitative interpretation. Ninety percent of participants recorded low PA levels (≤600 MET-min/week), with only 10% achieving moderate or high activity levels. Qualitative themes revealed multiple barriers including emotional distress, logistical difficulties, and misconceptions about KOA as well as facilitators such as family support and patient education. Integration of findings highlighted how contextual and psychosocial factors influence PA engagement. Adults with KOA in this study reported markedly low levels of PA, shaped by cultural, psychological, and environmental factors. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing these barriers through patient-centred education and improved access to physical therapy.To evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendation improvement matrix (RIM) methodology for improving the quality of recommendations resulting from sentinel event analysis, where we hypothesise that the use of the RIM methodology leads to better quality recommendations.
A before-and-after analysis of the quality of the formulated recommendations after sentinel event analysis.
The study was carried out during the 2023 Saudi Patient Safety Centre International Patient Safety Conference.
36 conference participants, including nurses, medical doctors, pharmacists, dentists, general practitioners and quality officers.
RIM methodology training during a structured 3-hour workshop.
The primary outcome was the proportion of recommendations that using the 2 test, passed the RIM filter criteria before and after training. Secondary outcomes included changes in recommendation categorisation within the matrix and participant ratings of feasibility and usability on a five-point Likert scale using a t-test for comparison.
Prior to training, 49 recommendations were generated, of which 63.3% met the filter criteria. Post-training, the proportion of recommendations passing the filter increased significantly to 83% (p=0.00543). Adjustments to recommendations primarily improved alignment with the filter criteria, though limited improvements were observed in matrix categorisation. Participants rated the methodology’s feasibility and usability highly, with average scores of 4.39/5 and 4.43/5, respectively. However, 46% expressed a need for additional training, particularly on the matrix application.
The RIM methodology significantly improves the quality of recommendations following sentinel event analyses. To enhance its impact, further training focusing on matrix application is necessary. Incorporating the methodology into healthcare education and professional development could strengthen patient safety practices.
Nursing as a profession remains underrepresented in research leadership, funding success and scholarly authorship globally, which limits its influence on policy and practice. Within this broader context, racially minoritised nursing academics, including Black academics, face additional inequities that further hinder their visibility and progression. Evidence from the United States, Canada and Australia highlights persistent barriers to research careers and leadership opportunities for Black nurses. In the United Kingdom, these disparities are particularly evident: Black nursing academics face barriers to conducting research while in the wider National Health Service workforce, Black nurses are twice less likely than their White counterparts to be promoted. Together, these patterns constrain career progression and hinder the development of culturally competent healthcare education and practice.
To explore the barriers to conducting research among Black nursing academics working in UK universities that are not traditionally research intensive, and to co-create pragmatic, theory-informed recommendations for enabling supportive and equitable research environments.
A qualitative multi-study design underpinned by Intersectionality Theory and The Silences Framework.
Two work packages are proposed. Work Package 1 will use semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences and barriers of conducting research among up to 15 Black nursing academics based at UK universities that are not research-intensive. Work Package 2 will adopt a modified Delphi methodology, engaging key collaborators in two rounds of online codesign workshops. Findings from Work Package 1 will inform structured discussions in which collaborators will develop theory-informed, pragmatic recommendations to strengthen research capacity and engagement among Black nursing academics.
This study will address the persistent underrepresentation of Black nursing academics in research. While grounded in the UK, the anticipated outputs will have wider applicability, informing policy, shaping institutional strategies and guiding future research priorities across diverse academic and healthcare systems worldwide.
Cognitive impairments, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, are considered a significant public health challenge as they affect mental functions like memory, attention, language and decision-making. With the growing number of older individuals, the prevalence of these diseases is also increasing and is projected to reach 152 million worldwide by 2050. These disorders result in difficulties with judgement, communication and daily activities, leading to more hospitalisations and risks such as disorientation in the environment and a higher likelihood of falls. Current hospital safety assessment tools mainly focus on physical aspects and overlook other crucial factors. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the concept of safety challenges for patients with cognitive impairment and to develop and psychometrically validate a multidimensional instrument for use in hospital settings.
A sequential exploratory study with mixed methods will be conducted. In the first qualitative phase, based on a content analysis approach, the aim is to explain and clarify safety issues in patients with cognitive impairment. Participants will be purposively selected until saturation is reached in educational-therapeutic centres affiliated with the University of Medical Sciences, and unstructured in-depth interviews will be conducted. The data will be analysed simultaneously using MAXQDA V.20 software. Additionally, a literature review on safety issues in patients with cognitive impairment will be conducted to supplement aspects that may not have emerged in the interviews.
In the second phase, an instrument based on the inductive–deductive method will be developed. The items will be created based on the participants’ experiences and the literature review. Face, content and construct validity, as well as reliability, will be assessed. Data synthesis will involve a linkage strategy, where the qualitative data will be linked to the quantitative data immediately after the completion of the qualitative phase, once the protocols are developed.
This study is part of a postdoctoral project approved by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Research Ethics Board (IR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1403.006). Findings will be disseminated at the local, national and international levels.
To co-identify adaptations with key stakeholders needed to optimise elements of a video-based intervention (i.e., PREEMIE PROGRESS [PP]), which trains parents in evidence-based family management skills to care for their very preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Descriptive qualitative study oriented with a pragmatic philosophy, informed by the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and the framework for reporting adaptations and modifications-expanded (FRAME).
Semistructured interviews to identify potential adaptations with key stakeholders: family management researchers (n = 5), clinicians (n = 9), technology experts (n = 5) and parents of preterm infants (n = 17). Weekly design team meetings to select and implement high-priority adaptations necessary for the next research phase. Monthly NICU parent partnership meetings to review adaptations and make recommendations for potential adaptations with conflicting data.
Stakeholders (N = 36) suggested 98 potential adaptations: 32 (33.0%) were completed, 8 (8.2%) were abandoned, 5 (5.2%) have work that is ongoing and 52 (53.6%) were tabled for future research phases. Content adaptations (70, 71.4%) were the most frequently suggested adaptation type. Potential adaptations mostly addressed RE-AIM dimensions of effectiveness (43, 43.9%), and implementation (46, 46.9%) and were directed at the parent (i.e., intervention recipient) level (79, 81.4%).
Use of the RE-AIM framework ensured we systematically identified needed adaptations with key stakeholders across a range of dimensions that would improve PP for parents now and in future phases of this research.
Co-identifying potential adaptations with key stakeholders, paired with FRAME documentation, can help nurses prioritise adaptations most appropriate for each phase of implementation.
Our paper highlights for nurse clinicians and researchers how FRAME documentation of potential adaptations can support stakeholder engagement and a systematic approach to incorporating adaptations throughout all phases of the research process, thereby shortening the evidence to practice gap.
COREQ guidelines for qualitative reporting.
The research team was supported by members of the NICU's Parent Partnership Council (PPC), whose mission is to promote family-centred care improvement projects and research within the NICU. This committee is comprised of nursing, physician, allied health leadership and parents of infants previously hospitalised in the NICU. The NICU PPC met monthly to review conflicting data on potential adaptations and provide recommendations on adaptation decisions.
Intermittent physiological monitoring and early warning scores (EWS) are limited in their ability to detect deteriorating patients in a timely manner. Wearable physiological sensors allow continuous remote monitoring and may be more timely and accurate in the identification of those at risk, compared with manual collection. This study aims to determine if wearable physiological sensors can be used for the early detection of postoperative deterioration, while being acceptable to patients and healthcare staff.
This is a prospective observational cohort study that will recruit adults undergoing major surgery in Benin, India, Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda and the UK. Participants will wear wearable physiological chest and limb sensors before, during and after surgery for up to 10 days or until discharge. In this ‘shadow-mode’ study, continuous physiological observations collected using the devices will not be made available to clinical teams. No changes in participant care will result. Standard of care clinical data will be collected contemporaneously. Continuous sensor data will be used to design algorithms to predict deterioration and specific complications in this population. Usability and feasibility testing, through focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, will be undertaken with healthcare professionals and people undergoing surgery.
Our stakeholder panel are directly involved in all aspects of this study, which will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the International Conference on Harmonisation Tripartite Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) in addition to the principles of the ethics committee(s)/Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) who have reviewed and approved this study. Artificial intelligence (AI) prediction models will be reported in accordance with the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis+Artificial Intelligence (TRIPOD+AI) and Developmental and Exploratory Clinical Investigations of DEcision support systems driven by Artificial Intelligence (DECIDE-AI) reporting guidelines frameworks.
FreshRSS 