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Hoy — Diciembre 16th 2025Tus fuentes RSS

Optimizing vitamin A supplementation: A comparative cost-effectiveness analysis of routine distribution strategies in northern Côte d’Ivoire

by Melissa M. Baker, Lyonel Nerolin Doffou Assalé, David Doledec, Romance Dissieka, Ahmenan Claude Liliane Konan, Agnes Helen Epse Assagou Mobio, Koffi Landry Kouadio, Oka René Kouamé, Ama Emilienne Yao, Hubert Zirimwabagabo

Background

While recent data on vitamin A deficiency (VAD) prevalence is lacking, the 2004 Côte d’Ivoire Nutrition and Mortality Survey reported that 26.7% of children aged 6–59 months were affected by VAD, and approximately 60% were at risk. Since 2016, the government has transitioned from mass campaigns to routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) delivery integrated into health services. However, evidence on the cost-effectiveness of the routine distribution approaches is limited. This study evaluated the cost, coverage, and cost-effectiveness of three routine VAS delivery strategies across two health districts in northern Côte d’Ivoire.

Methods

A mixed-methods study evaluated three routine VAS delivery strategies – routine-fixed, advanced community-based, and catch-up – across two health districts, Ferkessédougou and Niakaramadougou, in northern Côte d’Ivoire. The quantitative cost data were collected via a structured tool covering six cost categories: planning, procurement, training, social mobilization, distribution, and supervision. VAS coverage was assessed through a post-event coverage survey (PECS) via a two-stage cluster sampling methodology. A cost-effectiveness analysis determined the cost per child supplemented, the cost per DALY averted, and a sensitivity analysis tested the robustness of the findings under different cost scenarios.

Results

The total program cost for July-December 2023 was 25.5 million FCFA, with personnel costs comprising over 70% of expenditures. In Ferkessédougou, the routine advanced community-based strategy was the most cost-effective, at 458 FCFA per child in rural areas (versus 596 FCFA for the routine-fixed facility-based approach in the same area). In Niakaramadougou, the December catch-up was more cost-effective in rural areas (606 FCFA per child) than the routine-fixed approach (714 FCFA). Across both districts combined, the routine-fixed strategy averaged roughly 651 FCFA per child supplemented, and the cost per DALY averted ranged from 30,093 FCFA (advanced strategy in Ferkessédougou) to 89,550 FCFA (catch-up Jul 2023 in Niakaramadougou) – all below Côte d’Ivoire’s cost-effectiveness threshold (0.5 x GDP per capita; approximately USD 1,265).

Conclusion

All three strategies were cost-effective, though the advanced community-based strategy achieved the best balance of reach and efficiency. Scaling advanced strategies within health system constraints may enhance sustainability and coverage in low-resource settings.

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Volumetric MRI and FDG-PET hypometabolism biomarkers of frontotemporal dementia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Solomon · T. J. · Antonic-Baker · A. · Romero · L. · Sinclair · B. · OBrien · T. J. · Vivash · L.
Introduction

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) remains challenging to diagnose owing to the marked clinical heterogeneity associated with the disease. This heterogeneity stems from the complex interplay of various clinical phenotypes, genetic mutations and underlying neuropathologies, such as TDP-43 and tau proteinopathies. Currently, there is no single confirmed biomarker that can reliably diagnose disease, specifically disease stage, disease subtype and underlying neuropathology. Recent research has indicated that neuroimaging techniques hold the most promise for the discovery of FTD biomarkers. We propose a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify MRI and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) biomarkers associated with clinical, genetic and pathological subtypes of FTD. We aim to address the following research questions: can regional MRI volumetry and FDG-PET hypometabolism differentiate (1) FTD patients from healthy controls; (2) sporadic cases of FTD from healthy controls; (3) genetic cases of FTD (MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72 mutations); and (4) underlying neuropathology, specifically discriminating between tau- and TDP-43-based FTD?

Methods

Literature searches will be performed across three databases: Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Web of Science. Publications that have fewer than five participants, are non-human-based, not written in the English language or contain unpublished data will be excluded. Two independent investigators will screen and subsequently evaluate which publications to include. Should any disagreements arise, a third investigator will settle the discrepancy. After the random-effects meta-analysis has been used to extract and pool the data, I2 analysis will be used to quantify heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be required for this research. On completion, the systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024545302.

Feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial of 'Being a Parent-Enjoying Family Life: a peer-led, group intervention for parents with significant emotional and interpersonal difficulties

Por: Baker · E. · Troup · J. · Smith · P. · Day · C.
Objectives

Group-format, peer-led parenting interventions may be valuable for parents with significant emotional and interpersonal difficulties in improving child behaviour, parenting and parent mental health. This article presents the results of a feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel peer-led group intervention, Being a Parent (BaP)-Enjoying Family Life.

Design

Two-arm, parallel group superiority feasibility RCT, with pre–post intervention (postintervention) and 6-month follow-up (6-month follow-up).

Setting

Community recruitment across four South London boroughs.

Participants

Main inclusion criteria were (1) primary parental caregivers, (2) aged 18–65 years and (3) significant emotional and interpersonal difficulties (score ≥3 on Standardised Assessment of Personality–Abbreviated Scale screening tool) and had a child (a) aged 2–11 years, (b) living with parent participant and (c) with caregiver-reported behavioural difficulties.

Interventions

Intervention arm: BaP-Enjoying Family Life, a 10-session, peer-led, group intervention for parents with significant emotional and interpersonal difficulties. Control arm: BaP-Standard, a nine-session, peer-led group parenting intervention.

Outcomes

Primary feasibility criteria were rates of recruitment, retention, intervention acceptability and fidelity. Initial estimates of intervention effect were measured using the Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory (primary outcome), and the Concerns about my Child scale, Arnold O’Leary Parenting Scale, Parental Reflective Function Questionnaire, Kansas Parent Satisfaction Scale, Brief Parent Self Efficacy Scale, Brief Adjustment Scale-6 and Home Observation Measurement of the Environment (secondary outcomes). Data collection was conducted with the researcher masked to intervention allocation.

Results

Predefined thresholds were met for three of five feasibility indices and partially met for the remaining two. Eligibility criteria were met by 70% (n=77) of 110 interested parents, and 85% (n=66) of those eligible completed baseline data collection and were randomised. Data were collected at postintervention for 91% (n=60) of parents. 75% (n=49) of participants attended at least one session and 50% (n=33) completed 5 or more sessions (intervention completers). The intervention was found to be acceptable by 60.71% of participants in BaP-Enjoying Family Life and 62.50% of participants in BaP-Standard arm, increasing to 93.33% and 88.24%, respectively, among intervention completers. Fidelity was reached for three of five groups in each arm, with missing data and group cancellation contributing to lack of observed fidelity in the remaining two groups. We aimed to obtain estimates of intervention effect and, while underpowered, estimates of effect on the primary outcome (child behaviour) were moderate within each arm (BaP-Enjoying Family Life d=0.73 (95% CI 0.30 to 1.15), BaP-Standard d=0.73 (95% CI 0.34 to 1.12)) from baseline to postintervention. Improvements were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Moderate and large pre–post effects were observed on most secondary outcomes. Effect sizes also indicated no between-arm effect of intervention BaP-Enjoying Family Life and BaP-Standard on most primary and secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that both interventions show promise in supporting parents with significant emotional and interpersonal difficulties with limited differential effects. Further refinements which increase intervention completion, acceptability and fidelity should be conducted prior to progression to a full-scale RCT.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10950727.

Global Health Security Index and COVID-19 pandemic mortality 2020-2021: a comparative study of islands and non-islands across 194 jurisdictions

Por: Boyd · M. · Baker · M. G. · Wilson · N.
Objectives

Past studies show a mixed relationship between the Global Health Security (GHS) Index and COVID-19 pandemic health outcomes. Some recent work that suggested higher GHS Index scores are associated with better mortality outcomes has been criticised on methodological grounds. There remains scope for improved analyses of these relationships, including of island nations and macroeconomic pandemic outcomes. We aimed to determine the relationship between GHS Index scores and COVID-19 pandemic excess mortality 2020–2021 and macroeconomic pandemic outcomes.

Design

Cross-sectional, multivariable regression design (controlling for per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and political corruption), comparing island and non-island jurisdictions.

Setting

194 jurisdictions with 2019 GHS Index scores.

Outcome measures

Age-standardised cumulative excess mortality 2020–2021, GDP per capita growth 2019–2020 and 2020–2021.

Results

The GHS Index predicted better health outcomes in terms of age-standardised excess mortality through 2020–2021 in non-island jurisdictions (β=–0.046, p=0.00068, adj R2=0.48), but not in island jurisdictions (β=0.012, p=0.734). For a starting age-standardised excess mortality of 100 per 100 000, a +10-point rise in overall GHS Index score predicts a 26.7 per 100 000 reduction in age-standardised mortality. We found no robust evidence that a higher GHS Index predicted higher year-on-year GDP per capita growth through 2019–2020 or 2020–2021.

Conclusions

The GHS Index demonstrated clear associations with favourable health outcomes of non-island jurisdictions through the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting its use to guide pandemic preparedness investments. Contrasting findings for islands suggest the need to enhance how the Index measures border biosecurity capacities and capabilities, including the ability to support the exclusion/elimination strategies that successfully protected islands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lessons learned from the promotion of Essential Emergency and Critical Care in Tanzania - a qualitative study

Por: Kaliza · A. C. · Mlunde · L. B. · Schell · C. O. · Khalid · K. · Sawe · H. · Mkumbo · E. · Kigombola · A. · Mwandalima · I. · Sylvanus · E. · Kilindimo · S. · Lugazia · E. R. · Masuma · J. S. · Baker · T.
Objective

To describe the lessons learnt during the promotion of a new approach to the care of critically ill patients in TanzaniaEssential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC).

Design

A descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of structured interviews.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted in Tanzania, involving 11 policymakers, researchers and senior clinicians who participated in the promotion of EECC in the country.

Findings

Five inter-related themes emerged from the promotion of EECC in Tanzania: (1) early and close collaboration with the government and stakeholders; (2) conduct research and use evidence; (3) prioritise advocacy and address misconceptions about EECC; (4) leverage events and embed activities in other health system interventions; and (5) employ a multifaceted implementation strategy. The themes map to the normalisation process theory domains of coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring.

Conclusion

The integration of EECC into Tanzania’s health policy is a result of a multidisciplinary collaboration including government and partners that has used evidence, advocacy and context and included multifaceted implementation strategies. The lessons from Tanzania’s experience provide guidance for adoption in similar settings to improve critical care systems, foster access to care and optimal outcomes for all critically ill patients.

Prevention and Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT): A Study Protocol for a Stepped‐Wedge, Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Background

Delirium, a common, serious and often preventable complication in older hospitalised adults, contributes to significant health and social care costs. Carers are uniquely positioned to identify early signs and support delirium prevention. The Prevention & Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT), a novel model of care designed to educate carers about delirium management and prevention strategies, enables them to actively participate in the care and recovery of their person. Developed through a comprehensive literature review, a co-designed eDelphi and pilot study, PREDICT demonstrated acceptability and feasibility.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness, implementation and cost-benefit of a PREDICT in hospital settings.

Method

A stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial (SW-cRCT), consisting of a cohort study, healthcare service evaluation, and process evaluation. The study will assess carer and staff knowledge of delirium, carer care giving stress, health service outcomes (e.g., incidence, length of stay, readmissions) and cost-benefit.

Discussion

PREDICT is a scalable, person-centred approach that supports both patients and carers, with the potential to embed best-practice delirium management into routine healthcare.

Public and Patient Involvement

This study was developed in consultation with older adults, carers and healthcare staff. Two consumer representatives joined the project steering committee and contributed to shaping the research question, refining the study protocol and selecting outcome measures relevant to families and healthcare staff. Carers were involved in reviewing participant information sheets and the PREDICT website, providing feedback to ensure clarity and accessibility. Results will be shared with participants and the wider community through plain-language summaries and public presentations.

Trial Registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical trial: ACTRN12625000705482 registered on the 3rd of July 2025

Host perceptions of an undergraduate semester abroad: strengthening partnerships in global health education

Por: Vuckovic · M. · Mulinge · J. · Ledet · S. · Baker · M.
Objectives

As global health education becomes more embedded in university curricula, the availability of experiential learning opportunities in this field has expanded as well. These programmes offer students valuable exposure to diverse cultural perspectives and help develop essential competencies in global health. However, concerns have arisen regarding the persistence of colonial-era dynamics, power imbalances and the potential negative impacts on host organisations in low- and middle-income countries. Much of the existing literature on this topic centres on short-term medical student experiences and is focused on the perspectives of the sending organisations. This study aims to fill this gap by examining a semester-long undergraduate global health experiential learning programme through the perspectives of host organisation staff.

Design

This qualitative case study draws on interviews with 18 key informants from host organisations across seven countries. The research design, data collection and analysis were developed using an analytical framework based on recommendations made by previous studies.

Setting

Host organisations across seven countries participated in the study. Interviews were conducted remotely via Zoom. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded in Dedoose software and analysed for emerging patterns and themes.

Participants

Eighteen key informants from host organisations were interviewed, representing seven countries — Tanzania, Ghana, Mexico, India, Bangladesh, Australia and the Philippines — and a range of institutions including research institutes, government agencies and UN bodies.

Results

Participants generally viewed their engagement in experiential learning courses positively. They emphasised the importance of their role in mentoring American and other foreign global health students, building their research skills and cultural competency, and providing valuable insights into power dynamics, local health systems and the wider context in which global health operates. Beyond financial remuneration, participants emphasised multiple non-financial benefits for host organisations. The study identified three key themes in developing strong programmes: partnership, communication and cultural competence. These findings reinforce the value of longer-term programmes and offer actionable recommendations for their continued evolution in global health education.

Interpreting Context in Rural and Remote Aged Care Facilities in Readiness for a New Care Model: A Mixed Method Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Geographical isolation compounds limited access to healthcare services and skilled workforce for the provision of rural aged care. Residents have complex chronic disease management and end-of-life care needs. An undersupply of general medical practitioners due to retirement, attrition or unfilled training places in Australia has impacted recruitment to rural areas. Nurse practitioners have been identified as a potential solution.

Aim

To describe and explore the inner (local and organisational) and outer (wider health system) contexts of healthcare, from the perspective of care staff and residents' families. This, in turn, aims to inform the planned implementation of a nurse practitioner model, in several aged care facilities, operating within rural and remote settings, in Queensland Australia.

Design

A convergent mixed methods design.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected, in 2022–2023, using semistructured interviews with staff focusing on role, knowledge development, workplace culture and care relationships with local community. Resident's family's perspectives were obtained as a secondary analysis of organisational feedback data. Quantitative data were collected from direct care workers using the Alberta Context Tool for Long-Term Care. Data were analysed according to type and integrated.

Results

Relational care for residents and families is highly valued but provision of quality is challenging where time-poor staff are perceived to be doing the best they can. Scarce local healthcare services make it difficult to meet resident healthcare needs. Despite the supportive organisational culture, evolving policy requirements have impacted already difficult staff recruitment in rural settings.

Conclusion

Identifying contextual needs of organisations in readiness for change highlights geographical and sectoral nuances influencing any future implementation. As government policy changes to improve the older adult care sector, rural and remote facilities are forced to increasingly adapt.

Implications for the Profession

Context-specific needs extend far beyond a nurse practitioner providing additional expertise in care provision.

Impact Statements

What problem did the study address? Nurse practitioners have been successfully implemented into residential aged care facilities in metropolitan and major regional centres but translating this role into rural and remote Australia requires being cognisant of the needs, unique challenges and context of this setting.

What were the main findings? In an organisational culture of support, the importance of staff providing relational care and having connection with older adult residents and families was a central driver. It was challenging for staff to meet complex care requirements in the absence of local healthcare options and support. Time pressures, from inadequate staffing and changing structural aged care sector, force the prioritising of care requirements.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Older adults, policy makers and aged care providers will benefit from understanding the context of rural and remote settings, particularly in identifying potential solutions when there are gaps in primary and secondary healthcare.

Reporting Method

The GRAMMS checklist was followed in reporting of this study.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two lived experience consumers were involved as research team members. One was involved during the development and submission of the funding application and another during project activities including data collection and analysis and the development of publications.

Exposure to Violence for Nurses Across Ethnic Groups: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the social context of violence for hospital-based and community nurses from different ethnic groups, the types of violence experienced or witnessed both in and outside the workplace, and its impact on mental and physical health.

Design

Cross-sectional, qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with 12 hospital-based and community nurses recruited from London, England, between May and August 2021. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The sample comprised seven hospital nurses and five community nurses. Four themes were identified: (i) the social context in which nurses from different ethnic groups are exposed to community violence; (ii) types of workplace violence experienced or witnessed by hospital-based and community nurses from different ethnic groups; (iii) perceptions of the factors contributing to workplace violence; (iv) impacts of violence on mental and physical health outcomes. Using the social ecological framework and sociological theory of stress, these findings informed a conceptual stress process model of violence exposure for nurses.

Conclusion

Nurses from different ethnic groups are exposed to violence both in and outside the workplace which negatively affects their mental and physical health. Effective violence prevention requires a multi-factorial approach that addresses the social and institutional factors contributing to violence, shifting the focus from individual measures to systemic organisational changes.

Impact

The NHS workforce is currently more diverse than ever, and healthcare leaders must improve access to mental health and well-being resources for staff affected by workplace violence, particularly for those who hold multiple social identities at the intersection of ethnicity, gender and age. Prioritising this support is essential not only to safeguard against negative health outcomes but also to improve the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Seeing Isnt measuring: ICU staffs ability to estimate patient height and weight -- A cross-sectional study from Pakistans largest cardiac centre

Por: Ahmad · B. · Islam · F. · Ansari · M. I. · Taimoor · L. · Arif · M. S. · ur Rehman Memon · A. · Umair · M. · Abubaker · J.
Objective

In critical care, intensive care unit (ICU) staff and physicians often estimate patients' height and weight visually, impacting calculations for cardiac function, ventilation, medication, nutrition and renal function. However, accurate assessment is challenging in critically ill patients. This study evaluates the accuracy of visual estimations by ICU staff.

Design

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting

National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan.

Participants

We included a convenient sample of adult (≥18 years) cardiac patients admitted to the critical care unit in this study. Patients who refused to give consent, trauma/surgery of lower limbs or patients with below-knee or above-knee amputation were excluded to avoid bias.

Outcome measure

A convenient sample of cardiac ICU patients was included. Measured weight (kg) and height (cm) were compared with visual estimations by senior ICU nurse, senior non-ICU nurse, ICU consultants, fellows and residents. Correlation and agreement were analysed using Bland–Altman plots and 95% agreement limits.

Results

A total of 356 patients were evaluated, of whom 204 (57.3%) were male, with a mean age of 55.2 ± 14.3 years. The median SOFA score was 3 [2–5], and 101 patients (28.4%) were on mechanical ventilation. The mean difference between measured and estimated weight by senior non-ICU nurse was 4.7±9.2 [–13.38–22.83] kg, senior ICU nurse was 7.8±9.9 [–11.56–27.12] kg, ICU consultants was 3.0±6.6 [–9.89–15.79] kg, ICU fellow was 3.0±7.1 [–10.88–16.92] kg and ICU resident was 8.0±9.6 [–10.83–26.79] kg. Similarly, the mean difference between measured and estimated height by senior non-ICU nurse was 2.0±7.3 [-12.36–16.34] cm, senior ICU nurse was 2.4±7.5 [–12.19–17.00] cm, ICU consultants was 1.5±5.6 [–9.51–12.48] cm, ICU fellow was 1.1±5.5 [–9.68–11.95] cm and ICU resident was 2.3±8.5 [–14.40–19.01] cm.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that healthcare professionals tend to overestimate both weight and height. The accuracy of these estimations varied among professional groups, underscoring the potential clinical consequences of such errors. This emphasises the need for objective measurements in clinical decision-making.

Mixed-methods study protocol to develop and pilot a Competency Assessment Tool to support therapists in the care of patients with blunt CHest trauma (CATCh study)

Por: Battle · C. · Barnett · J. · Driscoll · T. · Hutchings · H. A. · ONeill · C. · Toghill · H. · Whelan · R. · Baker · E.
Introduction

Competency assessment tools are well-recognised as a method to achieve a standardised level of practice for a group of healthcare professionals with similar characteristics. The aim of this study is to develop and pilot a new competency assessment tool to support therapists caring for patients with blunt chest trauma from prehospital care through to long-term follow-up following hospital discharge.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-methods study will be undertaken, with three distinct phases: (1) an integrative narrative review to examine the literature regarding therapist competencies; (2) focus groups with patients, therapists and key stakeholders to explore opinions regarding important aspects of care (phases I and II will inform the content of the tool), followed by final tool development by an international expert panel; and (3) a multicentre pilot study using questionnaires and elicitation interviews, in which final tool acceptability to therapists will be tested. The total sample size will be between 40 and 50 participants for the focus groups. For the final tool development work, a panel of 10 international experts will be identified, with a subgroup of 3–5 experts who will be recruited to confirm content validity. We will pilot the tool at five health boards in Wales, aiming for 10 therapists from each. Elicitation interviews will be undertaken with a smaller sample size of between 15 and 20 therapists. A mixed qualitative and quantitative data analysis approach will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

Proportionate ethics approval has been granted (South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee, reference number: 24/YH/0231). We will publish the work in an open-access peer-reviewed journal to ensure equitable access and present at relevant conferences. Webinars will be used to achieve a wide audience. The results will be shared with the research participants via an infographic which will be designed and developed with the public research partners.

Trial registration number

Integrative review is registered at the Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CEXNR

Impact of a community-based asynchronous review clinic on appointment attendance delays across an eye hospital network in London, UK: an interrupted time series analysis

Por: Ndwandwe · S. · Fu · D. J. · Adesanya · J. · Bazo-Alvarez · J. C. · Ramsay · A. I. G. · Fulop · N. J. · Magnusson · J. · Napier · S. · Cammack · J. · Baker · H. · Kumpunen · S. · Alarcon Garavito · G. A. · Elphinstone · H. · Mills · G. · Scully · P. · Symons · A. · Webster · P. · Wilson
Objective

To assess the impact of opening a large community-based asynchronous review ophthalmic clinic on attendance delays among patients with stable chronic eye disease attending a London teaching eye hospital network.

Design

Interrupted time-series analysis of routine electronic health records of appointment attendances.

Setting

A large eye hospital network with facilities across London, UK, between June 2018 and April 2023.

Participants

We analysed 69 257 attendances from 39 357 patients, with glaucoma and medical retina accounting for 62% (n=42 982) and 38% (n=26 275) of visits, respectively. Patients over 65 made up 54% (n=37 824) of attendances, while 53% (n=37 014) were from the more deprived half of the population, and 51% (n=35 048) were males.

Intervention

An asynchronous review clinic opened in a shopping centre in London, in autumn 2021, following the COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020.

Main outcome measures

Average attendance delays (days), calculated as the difference between follow-up attendance date and the latest clinically appropriate date determined at the preceding attendance.

Results

Pre-COVID-19, attendance delays for chronic eye disease monitoring were increasing by 0.9 days per week (95% CI, 0.8 to 0.9) on average, worsening to 2.0 days per week (95% CI, 2.0 to 2.0) after the first COVID-19 national lockdown, mid-March 2020. Opening the asynchronous review clinic increased appointment capacity, with delays decreasing on average by 8.1 days per week (95% CI, 8.1 to 8.2) shortly after opening. The rate of decrease slowed to 0.3 days per week (95% CI, 0.3 to 0.3) after 5 months. We found no significant differences in average attendance delays by age, gender or level of deprivation.

Conclusion

The asynchronous review clinic significantly reduced attendance delays across the hospital network, addressing pre-existing backlog for stable chronic eye diseases. The reduction appeared to be maintained after the initial backlog had been cleared.

Enabling student nurses to meet the sexual health needs of young people: the perspective of a specialist community public health nurse

Por: Baker · R.

Commentary on: Russell JL, Chen HC, Jensen FB, Nichols ND. Nursing students' perceived attitudes toward addressing sexual health in their future profession: A longitudinal quantitative study. Nurse Educ Today. 2023 Nov;130:105953. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105953. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Implications for practice and research

  • Nursing students have positive attitudes towards addressing sexual health in future practice and this should co-inside with educational opportunities to enable the development of competence and confidence.

  • Further research is required to establish the learning gaps between educational opportunities available to nursing students and that of sexual health-related competence within nursing practice.

  • Context

    Sexual health can be defined as one’s physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.1 Nurses often support and adopt a holistic approach to patient care, yet in practice, overlook a person’s sexual health.2 Both nationally and globally, disparities in sexual health are prevalent, even more so...

    Factors Influencing Medication Administration Outcomes Among New Graduate Nurses Using Bar Code–Assisted Medication Administration

    imageParamount to patient safety is the ability for nurses to make clinical decisions free from human error. Yet, the dynamic clinical environment in which nurses work is characterized by uncertainty, urgency, and high consequence, necessitating that nurses make quick and critical decisions. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of human and environmental factors on the decision to administer among new graduate nurses in response to alert generation during bar code–assisted medication administration. The design for this study was a descriptive, longitudinal, observational cohort design using EHR audit log and administrative data. The study was set at a large, urban medical center in the United States and included 132 new graduate nurses who worked on adult, inpatient units. Research variables included human and environmental factors. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential analyses. This study found that participants continued with administration of a medication in 90.75% of alert encounters. When considering the response to an alert, residency cohort, alert category, and previous exposure variables were associated with the decision to proceed with administration. It is important to continue to study factors that influence nurses' decision-making, particularly during the process of medication administration, to improve patient safety and outcomes.

    Describing Medication Administration and Alert Patterns Experienced by New Graduate Nurses During the First Year of Practice

    imageThe aim of this study was to describe medication administration and alert patterns among a cohort of new graduate nurses over the first year of practice. Medical errors related to clinical decision-making, including medication administration errors, may occur more frequently among new graduate nurses. To better understand nursing workflow and documentation workload in today's clinical environment, it is important to understand patterns of medication administration and alert generation during barcode-assisted medication administration. Study objectives were addressed through a descriptive, longitudinal, observational cohort design using secondary data analysis. Set in a large, urban medical center in the United States, the study sample included 132 new graduate nurses who worked on adult, inpatient units and administered medication using barcode-assisted medication administration. Data were collected through electronic health record and administration sources. New graduate nurses in the sample experienced a total of 587 879 alert and medication administration encounters, administering 772 unique medications to 17 388 unique patients. Nurses experienced an average medication workload of 28.09 medications per shift, 3.98% of which were associated with alerts, over their first year of practice. In addition to high volume of medication administration, new graduate nurses administer many different types of medications and are exposed to numerous alerts while using barcode-assisted medication administration.

    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.

    Assessing mental health during pregnancy: an exploratory qualitative study of midwives’ perceptions

    : Mental health disorders are estimated to affect between 10% and 20% of women who access maternity services and can be defined as a public health issue due to the potential consequences for women, children and families. Detecting problems early in pregnancy can significantly improve outcomes for women and their families. However, mental health problems are not being consistently identified in routine midwifery practice and little is known from current literature about midwives’ practice in relation to current national guidelines or the impact models of care have on assessing maternal mental health.
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