Sex and gender reporting and differences in trials evaluating patient decision aids: a secondary analysis of systematic review with meta-analysis

Objectives

Patient decision aids (PtDAs) are effective interventions to support patient involvement in health decisions and have the potential to impact favourably on health inequities by reducing gender bias in clinical practice. The aim was to explore sex and gender reporting and differences in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating PtDAs for adults making treatment or screening decisions.

Design

Secondary analysis of the Cochrane review of PtDAs of RCTs that reported sex and/or gender. The original review searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO and EBSCO from journal inception to March 2022. Two team members independently screened citations, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. For this secondary analysis, we only included primary outcomes from the original review. We assessed appropriate use of terminology for sex (biological attribute) and gender (social construct). When terms were used interchangeably, it was considered inaccurate. Findings were synthesised descriptively, and we used meta-analysis when two or more RCTs were conducted with females/women or males/men using similar outcome measures.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Informed values-choice congruence and the quality of the decision-making process (eg, knowledge, accurate risk perceptions, feeling informed, clear values, participation in decision making, undecided) and adverse events (eg, decision regret, emotional distress) by sex and gender.

Results

Of 209 RCTs in the original review, 206 reported sex and/or gender, with 35 (17%) using accurate terminology. Of 206 RCTs, 70 were with females/women only, 27 males/men only, 12 analysed by sex/gender and 97 RCTs did not disaggregate findings by sex or gender. Meta-analysis comparing RCTs for females/women to usual care and RCTs for males/men only compared with usual care showed similar mean differences in knowledge scores (10.84 vs 9.38 out of 100; p=0.44). Males/men had significantly higher self-reported participation in decision making compared with females/women (RR 3.16 vs 0.95; p

Conclusions

In PtDA RCTs, sex and gender terms are used interchangeably and 6% analysed outcomes by sex or gender. Meta-analysis of males/men only given PtDAs showed higher self-reported decision making participation in clinical practice compared to usual care versus females/women only compared with usual care. Researchers must improve reporting sex and gender in PtDA RCTs to assess how it influences health inequities.

Integrating natural gradients and controlled assays to reveal bacterial responses to cadmium in <i>Theobroma cacao</i> L., soils

by Claudia Jaramillo-Mazo, Daniel Bravo, Diego Fernando Villanueva-Mejía, Javier Correa-Alvarez

Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal found in agricultural landscapes worldwide, has been pointed out in cropped soils with Theobroma cacao L., as one of the main contaminants that translocate into plant tissues. Among the factors linked to cadmium translocation into plants, the role of soil bacterial communities in chemical transformation in soils has been poorly investigated. Overall, soil bacterial communities are shaped by diverse environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence crop yield and health. Cadmium alters soil microbial communities and increases the risk to human health through plant uptake. Although the impacts of cadmium on soil bacteria have been studied in other crops, there is limited information on cacao. Thus, this study aimed to assess the responses of soil bacterial communities in cacao farms to cadmium exposure, both natural and spiked. A total of 225 rhizosphere soil samples were collected from 16 plots across five cacao farms in two Colombian departments. The complementary approaches used were: (i) 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to assess the composition of the bacterial community in soils with natural Cd concentrations, and (ii) isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) to measure the temporal metabolic responses of bacteria to Cd in closed systems for 80 hours at 25 °C. The findings suggest that nearly 28% of the bacterial community responds to high cadmium concentrations in soils, both in natural and experimental conditions. Field-based observations revealed that Cd-responsive taxa detected under natural soil conditions included several unculturable bacterial groups, whereas laboratory experiments with Cd spiking predominantly selected for previously characterized cadmium-tolerant bacteria (CdtB). Significant variation in natural Cd-bacterial community composition and Cd-related metabolic activity was observed across the farms. Moreover, Cd-responsive bacterial taxa exhibited increased abundance during Cd spikes. As expected, contrasting patterns were revealed by the activity-response measured by IMC and taxonomic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences.

Barriers and facilitators from the patients’ perspective in the follow-up of carpal tunnel syndrome and subacromial impingement syndrome: A qualitative study

by Eva Artigues-Barberà, Ester García-Martínez, José María Palacín Peruga, Marta Ortega-Bravo

Introduction

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting 11–50% of the population. In Spain, it accounts for up to 50% of the chronic pain consultations conducted in primary care settings. The most common disorders are carpal tunnel and subacromial impingement syndromes, with treatments, including surgical and nonsurgical approaches, notably the use of ultrasound-guided injections to improve symptoms.

Methods

A qualitative, phenomenological, and inductive study was conducted on patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or subacromial impingement syndrome at primary care centers in Lleida to identify patient‑reported domains relevant to the routine follow-up of CTS and SAIS in primary healthcare, and to examine barriers and facilitators of treatments to inform patient‑centered follow-up protocols. Purposive sampling was used, and five focus groups were organised, selecting participants aged >18 years with or without prior surgical treatment. Data were collected between December 2022 and February 2023 using a semi-structured guide. The focus groups were recorded and thematically analysed using Atlas.ti.

Results

Twenty-one patients aged between 44–75 years, predominantly women, participated in the study. The results were organised into six themes and 12 subthemes. The barriers identified were delays in diagnostic testing, overload of healthcare personnel, lack of coordination between care levels, and brevity of consultations. Effective communication, empathy of primary care professionals, and prompt management of treatments, such as injections, were highlighted as facilitators.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the complexity of managing chronic musculoskeletal pain and the need for a multidimensional approach. The identified barriers, along with facilitators, such as effective communication and empathy of professionals, emphasize the relevance of strengthening problem-solving capacity in primary care and fostering better coordination between care levels. These findings suggest that addressing these aspects may support more tailored follow-up and contribute to improving patients’ experiences of care.

Research Capability and Influencing Factors Among Clinical Nurses: A Multicentre Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To evaluate the research capability of clinical nurses in China and identify the determinants associated with their capability.

Background

As nursing evolves into an increasingly independent discipline, the research capability of clinical nurses has become critical for the development of the profession, advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient care quality.

Methods

A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling from September 2023 to February 2024, among clinical nurses in tertiary hospitals across three provinces in China. The Nursing Research Capability Self-Assessment Scale was used to assess the research capability of the nurses. Chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used to examine factors associated with research capability. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology was followed.

Results

A total of 1074 clinical nurses participated. The mean research capability score was 89.11 ± 27.69, reflecting a moderate level of research capability. However, two dimensions of research questions and literature review received lower scores. Multiple linear regression analysis identified that education level, professional title, administrative position and nursing job title (all p < 0.05) were independent predictors of research capability.

Conclusions

Clinical nurses exhibit moderate research capability, with notable deficiencies in formulating research questions and conducting literature reviews. Key factors influencing research capability include education, professional title, administrative position, and job title. Targeted training and development programmes should address these factors to enhance nurses' research competence and advance nursing science.

Effectiveness and cost utility of a nurse-led Heart Failure Follow-Up Program: a quasi-experimental multicentre study protocol in three Spanish public hospitals

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate a structured nurse-led follow-up programme coordinated by an advanced practice nurse (APN) as an alternative to conventional postdischarge care for patients with heart failure (HF). The main objective is to assess the clinical effectiveness and economic efficiency of the programme using quality-adjusted life years and healthcare costs related to resource use as outcome measures.

Methods and analysis

A quasiexperimental multicentre study will be conducted including an intervention group and a comparison group of patients discharged with HF from three public hospitals in the province of Málaga, Spain. The intervention group will be followed by an APN using a structured follow-up model, while the comparison group will receive standard care. Sociodemographic, clinical, quality of life, self-care, therapeutic adherence and healthcare resource utilisation data will be collected. The economic evaluation will be conducted from the perspective of the public healthcare system through a cost-utility analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the corresponding Research Ethics Committee. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to inclusion. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.

Postgraduate digital health training programmes for primary care physicians: a scoping review protocol

Introduction

The digital transformation of healthcare has created an urgent need for primary care physicians (PCPs) to acquire competencies in digital health. However, the structure and scope of postgraduate training programmes remain poorly defined and unevenly implemented worldwide, and no scoping review has yet synthesised the evidence. This review aims to map existing postgraduate digital health training programmes for PCPs, including their content, structure and delivery approaches.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A systematic search will be conducted across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Web of Science) and relevant grey literature, covering publications from January 2019 to June 2025. Studies describing postgraduate digital health training programmes for PCPs will be eligible for inclusion. Data will be extracted and synthesised descriptively and thematically using an inductive approach.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study is based on a review of publicly available literature, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations and will inform future curriculum development and policy in digital health education for PCPs. The results may also inform national curriculum reforms and accreditation standards, supporting more consistent and competency-based digital health education globally.

PROSPERO registration details

This scoping review protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework.

Cumplimentación de los cinco momentos de la higiene de manos en personal sanitario de un Hospital General Universitario de la Región de Murcia

Objetivo principal: El presente artículo tiene como objetivo determinar el grado de cumplimiento de los cinco momentos para la higiene de manos de la OMS del personal sanitario de diferentes servicios/unidades de un Hospital General Universitario de la Región de Murcia. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal. De forma aleatoria y durante un periodo continuado se procedió a registrar el grado de cumplimentación de los cinco momentos de la higiene de manos. Se recogieron variables asociadas al momento de realización de la higiene de manos: profesional que la realiza, área/servicio asistencial, uso de guantes y consumo de solución hidroalcohólica. Resultados principales: Participaron 137 profesionales (41 de medicina, 66 de Enfermería y 30 auxiliares de Enfermería). El cumplimiento global de las indicaciones de los cinco momentos ha sido del 42,02%. Este resultado varía en función de las variables uso de guantes, profesional que realiza la higiene de manos y área o servicio donde la realiza. Los profesionales de Enfermería son los que alcanzan un mayor porcentaje de cumplimiento. Conclusión principal: El grado de cumplimien-to de los cinco momentos para la higiene de manos de la OMS en el Hospital General Universitario estudiado está muy por debajo del valor ideal. Es necesario implementar medidas de intervención educativa que mejoren el cumplimiento de la técnica para aumentar la calidad asistencial y la seguridad del paciente.

Atención extrahospitalaria en trauma grave: punto de encuentro de equipos intervinientes en fase control de escenario, daños y rescate con paciente y escenario complejo

En los accidentes, cuando hay una disrupción súbita en la relación estable entre el individuo y su medio, las fuerzas violentas que intervienen originan un trauma grave, definido como lesión orgánica por alteración del entorno del individuo. La coordinación y toma de decisiones en el tándem Rescate-Asistencia in situ condiciona toda la intervención y esfuerzo de la asistencia. El resultado depende del buen funcionamiento y coordinación del grupo en toda la cadena asistencial [Fragmento de texto].