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Spatial clustering of zero dose children aged 12 to 59 months across 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa: A multiscale geographically weighted regression analysis

by Chamberline E. Ozigbu, Zhenlong Li, Bankole Olatosi, James W. Hardin, Nicole L. Hair

While prior studies have identified sociodemographic correlates of zero-dose status within populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), few have applied spatial regression techniques to explore geographic variability in these relationships. We aimed to address this gap using data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in SSA between 2010 and 2020. Our sample comprised children aged 12–59 months in 33 countries and 329 survey regions. Data were aggregated to the first-level administrative unit prior to analysis. First, using ordinary least squares regression, we documented global relationships between theoretically important sociodemographic characteristics and zero-dose prevalence. Next, we identified patterns, i.e., geographic clustering, of zero-dose prevalence. Finally, using multiscale geographically weighted regression, we described spatial variability in relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and zero-dose prevalence. We detected 27 regions with higher than expected concentrations of zero-dose children. All but one of these hot spots were observed in 7 Western and Central African countries; only 1 was located in an Eastern African country. Regions with higher proportions of mothers with no antenatal care visits were consistently found to have higher rates of zero-dose children. In contrast, relationships between zero-dose prevalence and indicators of religious affiliation, delivery site, maternal age, maternal education, and maternal employment were found to vary locally in terms of their strength and/or direction. Study findings underscore spatial disparities in zero-dose prevalence within SSA and, further, highlight the importance of geographically informed strategies to effectively address immunization gaps. Implementing targeted interventions based on regional sociodemographic dynamics is crucial for achieving comprehensive vaccination coverage in SSA.

Exploring Experiences, Perceptions and Preferences for Exercise in Australians Living With a Stoma: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

ABSTRACT

Aim

(1) Explore the role of core abdominal exercise in people living with a stoma in Australia; (2) determine whether the presence of a parastomal hernia influenced participant symptoms and complications, health status, experiences with different types of exercise, recall advice given by healthcare professionals; (3) determine whether there is an appetite for supervised/supported exercise programs.

Design

A cross-sectional, anonymous survey.

Methods

Between August and September 2022. The survey included Likert scales and a single free text response. Logistic regression and Cramer's V were used to explore relationships between variables.

Results

Approximately half (45.5%) of 105 participants reported a parastomal hernia. Those with a parastomal hernia were less likely to recall having received advice (15.20%) or demonstration (9.40%) pertaining to exercise. Less than a quarter of all participants completed strengthening (23.80%) or vigorous (22.90%) exercise. Fear of vigorous exercise, abdominal exercise and heavy lifting were high in both groups. Relationships between healthcare advice, exercise-related fears and avoidance of heavy lifting were observed.

Conclusion

Many Australians living with a stoma are not achieving physical activity recommendations. While exercise behaviours did not differ between people with and without a parastomal hernia, recall of healthcare advice around exercise did. Fear-avoidance relationships were observed.

Impact

Most people living with a stoma do not recall advice about core abdominal exercises. Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of fear-avoidance related to lifting among people living with a stoma. This was the first study in Australia, exploring perspectives and experiences regarding exercise; providing foundations for future research particularly exercise programs.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and the reporting of survey studies (CROSS).

Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.

The BrainWaves study of adolescent wellbeing and mental health: Methods development and pilot data

by Ryan D. Parsons, Sarah Bauermeister, Julian Turner, Natalie Coles, Simon Thompson, Emma Squires, Tracey Riseborough, Joshua Bauermeister, Abbie Simpkin, Naomi French, Shankly Cragg, Hazel Lockhart-Jones, Olly Robertson, Abhaya Adlakha, Ian Thompson, John Gallacher

Adolescent mental health and wellbeing are of growing concern globally with increased incidence of mental health disorders in young people. BrainWaves provides a framework for relevant and diverse research programmes into adolescent mental health and wellbeing that can translate into practice and policy. The research programme is a partnership with schools centred on establishing a large (n > 50,000) cohort and trials platform. Reported here is the BrainWaves cohort pilot study. This was designed as proof-of-concept for our recruitment and data capture pipelines, and for cost-modelling. A network of research schools was recruited and a computer-driven questionnaire administered. The eligible population was 16 + year olds who were attending the research schools. Of 41 research schools, 36 (88%) participated over one three-week and one four-week data collection period. From an eligible population of 33,531 young people, 16,010 (48%) attended the study lesson and created an account. Of the 16,010 (100%) who created an account, 15,444 (96%) consented to participate, 9,321 (60%) consented to linkage of research data with educational records, and 6,069 (39%) consented to linkage of research with school/college attendance data. Participants were aged 16–19 years, 59% female, and 76% White. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were found in females than males. Higher levels of media-based social networking were found in females, whereas higher levels of media-based gaming were found in males. Females were more likely to report insufficient sleep whilst males were more likely to report high levels of exercise. This study confirmed an ability to recruit at pace and scale. Whilst the response-rate does not indicate a representative sample, the demographics describe an inclusive and diverse sample. Data collected confirmed findings from previous studies indicating that the electronic data collection methods did not materially bias the findings. Initial cost-modelling suggests these data were collected for around £20 per participant.

Leadership in the health professions in the Philippines: a scoping review protocol

Por: Gabrieles · M. · Lipana · A. G. R. · Dicolen · E.
Introduction

Research indicates that leadership in the health professions can facilitate improvement of quality and efficiency of healthcare services. In the Philippines, leadership in the health professions plays a critical role in driving improvements in healthcare delivery and health professions education. Thus, the landscape of leadership in the health professions merits continuous exploration and deeper understanding. This scoping review aims to explore the landscape of leadership in the health professions in the Philippines. The scoping review will include published and unpublished research papers of any kind, such as primary research studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, letters, guidelines, websites, blogs and grey literature that report about leadership in the health professions in the Philippines. Exclusions are leadership studies on the health professions that discuss the professions outside the scope and context of the practice.

Methods and analysis

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological framework for scoping review will be used in this review. A three-step search strategy will be used consisting of an initial search, full search and screening of reference lists. The databases that will be included are Cinahl Ultimate, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, JBI Evidence-based Practice Database, PubMed/Medline, ERIC, local journals and grey literature to determine pertinent sources about the topic. Sources searched will be screened by two independent reviewers and data will be extracted using a data extraction table. Disagreements will be resolved by a discussion through a third reviewer. The results of the search and the study inclusion process will be reported in full in the final scoping review and presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping review flow diagram. Search strategy using the included databases started in August to September 2025, data extraction will start by October 2025, data analysis will start by November 2025 and the review is expected to be completed by December 2025.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not involve human participants and has been reviewed and classified for exempted review by the University of the Philippines Manila Research Ethics Board, which is a committee whose task is to make sure that research participants are protected from harm. The findings of the scoping review will be disseminated through conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal.

Validity and Reliability of the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and Self‐Care Self‐Efficacy Scale in Patients Living With Cancer

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale in patients with cancer.

Design

A multisite cross-sectional validation study was conducted.

Methods

Between November 2022 and July 2023, a convenience sample of 318 patients with cancer were enrolled in five Italian inpatient and outpatient facilities. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the three scales of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha for unidimensional scales and McDonald's Omega for multidimensional scales. Construct validity was assessed with the global health status by Pearson's correlation. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments reporting guidelines were followed for the reporting process.

Results

Three hundred fourteen patients were included (median age: 55.5 years; male: 53.82%). Confirmatory factor analysis showed supportive fit indices for the three Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scales (CFI: 0.977–1.000; SRMR: 0.004–0.78) and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale (CFI: 1.000; SRMR: 0.014). All scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency (0.89–0.99) and test–retest reliability (0.85–0.95). Construct validity was confirmed through correlations between Self-Care Self-Efficacy, each Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scale, and global health status.

Conclusion

The Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and Self-Care Self-Efficacy scales demonstrated excellent psychometric qualities and construct validity when administered to patients with cancer. Future research should explore self-care behaviours across different diseases and cultural contexts.

Implications For the Profession

These tools can help develop targeted educational programs, improving patient outcomes.

Impact

Currently, there is a lack of knowledge regarding self-care behaviours in patients with cancer. These tools enable healthcare professionals to identify patient needs, design personalised interventions, and monitor their effectiveness over time.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Perspectives of healthcare practitioners on environmental sustainability in healthcare: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To explore the perspectives of Kazakhstani healthcare professionals on environmental sustainability in healthcare.

Design

An exploratory qualitative design.

Methods

Four focus group discussions (FGDs) on environmental sustainability in healthcare were conducted among healthcare professionals (nurses, physicians, midwives and physical therapists) from June to August 2023 in three cities of Kazakhstan. Each FGD consisted of at least 6 to 11 participants and lasted between 60 and 90 minutes. The collected data were analysed using the thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 137 initial codes were identified and further organized into 22 sub-themes based on similarities in codes and meanings, and then 5 significant themes were identified. The five main themes are ‘Environmental Sustainability Practices in Healthcare’, ‘Purposes of Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare’, ‘Impact of Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare in Patients’, ‘Challenges in Implementing Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare’ and ‘The Role of Healthcare Leadership in Improving Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare’.

Conclusions

The findings highlighted the perceptions and practices of healthcare professionals on environmental sustainability's purposes in healthcare, its impacts on patients and its implementation challenges. The study also underscored the critical role of strong and active leadership in ensuring a sustainable implementation of green policies in healthcare facilities and achieving successful results of environmentally conscious healthcare practices.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The findings provide invaluable information that can be used by policymakers and healthcare organization leaders to create a sustainable healthcare system. Implementing environmental sustainability practices in healthcare should be widespread, intentional, and sustainable, entailing strong leadership and unwavering personal and organizational commitment.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reporting Method

We adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, specifically the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of a video-based intervention for HPV vaccination promotion among college students aged 18-26: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

Por: Liu · C. · Chen · A. C.-C. · Rhodes · N. · Ewoldsen · D. · Arcoleo · K.
Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects nearly 85% of sexually active adults during their lifetime and is responsible for HPV-related cancers in both males and females. Although the HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90% of these cancers, vaccination rates remain low, particularly among college students. Recently, video has emerged as a powerful intervention for shaping public opinion and behaviour toward health-related topics; however, most interventions have primarily focused on adolescents, their parents and females. The primary objective of this study is to develop a video-based intervention, informed by input from a diverse group of stakeholders and evaluate its preliminary effectiveness in promoting HPV vaccination intention, attitudes toward vaccination, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and uptake of the first HPV vaccine dose among college students through a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods and analysis

The study is guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. A Student Advisory Board of eight college students was established to provide insights and guidance across all phases, including the co-development of HPV and HPV vaccine-related videos with faculty mentors. A pilot RCT will then be conducted in which participants in the intervention group view the stakeholder-created videos, while those in the control group watch four Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-based videos of comparable length and content. The effectiveness of the videos will be compared by measuring participants’ intentions, attitudes, subjective norms and PBC regarding the HPV vaccine between the intervention and control groups at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 2 months after implementing the intervention. The uptake of the first dose of the HPV vaccine will be assessed at the 2-month time point. Moderators, including message fatigue and processing fluency, participants’ satisfaction and intervention dose as well as confounding variables such as provider recommendation and encouragement will also be measured. A research team member responsible for data management and analysis will be blinded to the study condition/group allocation, while another team member will send reminder texts.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval from the Michigan State University’s Biomedical and Health Institutional Review Board has been obtained (Study ID: STUDY00010264). The results will be disseminated to the broader public through public forums, social media and seminars organised by the college health centre, community resource centre and local health departments. Additionally, the findings will be shared with healthcare professionals through professional training and meetings, and with researchers via conferences and publications.

Protocol version

14 March 2025 submitted. Revised manuscript—V.1 27 September 2025.

Trial registration number

NCT06397378.

Smoking, nicotine and pregnancy 3 (SNAP3) trial: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of enhanced support and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offered for preloading, lapse recovery and smoking reduction in pregnancy

Por: Campbell · K. A. · Clark · M. M. · Montgomery · A. A. · Partlett · C. · Dickinson · A. · Bradshaw · L. · Jones · M. · Huang · Y. · Aveyard · P. · Jiang · Y. · Holmes · C. M. · Coleman · T.
Introduction

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps pregnant women quit smoking. Usual National Health Service (NHS) cessation care in pregnancy starts only after women stop smoking and comprises behavioural support and NRT. NRT is stopped if women restart smoking. We hypothesised that NRT would have a bigger effect on cessation in pregnancy if used: (1) to reduce smoking before quitting (‘preloading’), (2) during brief smoking lapses after quitting and (3) to help those who cannot stop smoking, to reduce instead.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm parallel group, open-label, multicentre, assessor-blind randomised controlled trial. Participants are recruited at hospital antenatal clinics and other NHS settings throughout England and Wales or via social media advertising. Those enrolled are in antenatal care,

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the West Midlands—Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 21/WM/0172; Protocol number 21001; IRAS Project ID: 291236). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated to the public, funders, relevant practice and policy representatives and other researchers.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN84798566.

Multicancer early detection in a cohort of patients with confirmed and suspected cancer by measuring plasma amino acid cross sections with the Enlighten test: MODERNISED protocol

Por: Wilding · S. · Goss · V. · Sukdao · W. · Hamady · Z. · Lord · J. · Coleman · A. · Pointer · C. · Walters · J. · Herbert · W. · Mclaughlin · K. · Waugh · R. · Irvine · N. · Oliver · T. · Soulsby · I. · Hooper · J. · Crabb · S. J. · Griffiths · G. · Yates · E. · Davies · A.
Introduction

Detecting cancer earlier improves treatment options and long-term survival. A multicancer early detection test that reliably picks up early-stage cancer would potentially save lives and reduce the cost of treating cancer. One promising candidate is the Enlighten test, which applies machine learning to plasma amino acid concentrations to detect cancer. In a cohort of 77 patients recently diagnosed with breast, colorectal, pancreatic or prostate cancer, 60 (78%) were detected by the test (sensitivity), with no false positives in 20 healthy controls. The MODERNISED study will further develop the Enlighten test to detect 10 different cancers by adding bladder, lung, melanoma, oesophageal, ovarian and renal cancer to the test.

Methods and analysis

MODERNISED (ISRCTN17299125) is a multicentre prospective, non-interventional, case–control study. We aim to recruit 1000 adult participants with a recent cancer diagnosis, 250 adult participants with symptoms of cancer where a cancer diagnosis was ruled out by the National Health Service (NHS) standard of care and 100 healthy adult volunteers. Cancer tissue of origin (ToO) will include bladder, breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, oesophageal, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and renal. Participants in the two non-cancer cohorts who are later diagnosed with cancer will be moved to the cancer cases cohort. The primary aim is to train and validate a machine learning algorithm to detect cancer, which will be evaluated by AUROC. Secondary aims include training and validating an algorithm to predict ToO and stage of cancer, exploring differences in performance by demographics and estimating how sensitivity varies across specificity cut-offs of 95%, 99% and 99.9%. These results will provide a statistically powered estimate of how well the Enlighten test can discriminate between individuals with and without cancer, which can then be validated for clinical use in further research.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is sponsored by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and has been approved by the Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research West Midlands (24/WM/0234). Results will be presented at scientific meetings and published in international peer-reviewed journals. Lay summaries of study progress and findings will be published on the Southampton Clinical Trial Unit’s website.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17299125.

Evaluating machine learning approaches for host prediction using H3 influenza genomic data

by Hoc Tran, Olaf Berke, Nicole Ricker, Zvonimir Poljak

Background

H3 influenza A viruses (IAV) have been shown to frequently cross the species barrier which can be an important factor in sustained transmission and spread. Machine learning methods have been widely explored for host prediction of IAV using genomic data; however, this is often done using data from only one of the eight IAV segments or by using all available IAV data to predict broad categories of hosts.

Objective

The objective of this study was to combine machine learning algorithms with H3 IAV sequence data from all eight segments to train predictive machine learning models for distinct host prediction and validate model performance.

Methods

Models were trained on both k-mers and amino acid properties alongside machine learning algorithms that included random forest and XGBoost for each of the eight IAV genome segments. Models were then validated on a test dataset through analytics of model class predicted probabilities and subsequently used to investigate between-species transmission patterns within case studies including canine H3N8, swine H3N2 2010.2, and duck H3 sequences.

Results

Models demonstrated strong performance in host prediction across all eight segments on the test dataset, with overall accuracies and κ (kappa) values ranging from 0.995–0.997, 0.984–0.990, respectively. Misclassified test dataset sequences with high predicted probabilities (> 90%) were validated using available literature and were identified to be frequently associated with between-species transmission events. Between-species transmission patterns within case study model class predicted probabilities were also identified to be consistent with the literature in cases of both correct and incorrect classification.

Conclusions

These models allow for rapid and accurate host prediction of H3 IAV datasets from any of the eight IAV segments and provide a solid framework that allows for identification of variants with higher than typical between-species transmission potential. However, results obtained on selected case studies suggest further improvements of the training and validation processes should be considered.

Assessing the efficacy, safety and utility of hybrid closed-loop glucose control compared with standard insulin therapy combined with continuous glucose monitoring in young people (>=16 years) and adults with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CL4P-CF s

Por: Kadiyala · N. · Coleman · R. · Lakshman · R. · Wilinska · M. E. · Brennan · A. · Lumb · A. · Holt · R. I. G. · Lau · D. · Yajnik · P. · Cheah · Y. S. · Safavi · S. · Felton · I. · MacGregor · G. · Clayton · A. · Lawton · J. · Rankin · D. · Churchill · S. · Adler · A. · Hovorka · R. · Boughto
Introduction

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is one of the most clinically impactful comorbidities associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). Current recommended management with insulin therapy is challenging due to variable daily insulin requirements and adds to the significant burden of self-management. This study aims to determine if hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery can improve glucose outcomes compared with standard insulin therapy with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in young people (≥16 years) and adults with CFRD.

Methods and analysis

This open-label, multicentre, randomised, two-arm, single-period parallel design study aims to randomise 114 young people (≥16 years) and adults with CFRD. Following a 2–3 weeks’ run-in period, during which time participants use a masked CGM, participants with time in target glucose range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) 10.0 mmol/L), mean glucose and HbA1c. Other secondary efficacy outcomes include glucose and insulin metrics, change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s and body mass index. Safety, utility, participant experiences and participant-reported outcome measures will also be evaluated. The trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from East of England–Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and findings will be shared with people living with CF, healthcare providers and relevant stakeholders.

Trial registration number

NCT05562492.

Pollen-foraging preferences of honey bee colonies (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.) based on plant bloom timing in an urbanized Northeast U.S. habitat

by Cole F.P. Moran-Bariso, David C. Gilley

To successfully provision the colony with protein and other essential nutrients, honey bee colonies track ephemeral floral food sources and make adaptive group decisions about which pollen species to reject, which to collect, and in what quantities. This descriptive study has two objectives; 1) to document pollen diet-choice decisions (both acceptance and rejection) in freely foraging honey bee colonies at high temporal resolution over an entire foraging season, and 2) to create a phenological calendar for the mutualism between honey bees and their pollen-food source plants that can be used to assess possible future phenological mismatch. We used pollen traps to harvest pollen weekly from two honey bee colonies from May until October (2023) to determine the relative abundances of pollen sources utilized. We simultaneously monitored in the field plant-bloom timeframes of 41 known honey bee pollen-source plants within the colonies’ foraging range. Honey bees collected at least 33 plant species in detectable amounts, with an average of 6 species in any single 24-hour colony harvest. An average of 13.7 known food sources were in bloom per week, with foragers utilizing 5.6 sources on average per week, showing that rejection of food sources is a major element of pollen-diet choice. The identity of accepted and rejected sources fluctuated every week. Foragers adopted novel pollen source species constantly throughout the season, on average 2.3 new sources per week, suggesting effective tracking of ephemeral floral sources which was intertwined with reliance on a set of abundant perennial herbs. These data provide a unique high-resolution picture of adaptive group foraging decisions in honey bees over an entire foraging season. Pollinator diet-choice dynamics are increasingly important to understand because they not only drive angiosperm reproduction in both natural and agricultural ecosystems but also are expected to be impacted strongly by climate change.

Investigating the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on coastal communities in East Sussex, UK: a qualitative analysis

Por: Sherriff · N. · Sawyer · A. · Zeeman · L. · Coleman · L. · Kennedy · S. · Thomas · J. · Bernhaut · J. · Salami-Oru · T. · Gale · D.
Objective

COVID-19 led to significant economic and psychosocial impacts on individuals and their local communities. This research aimed to investigate the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on a diverse range of individuals living in coastal areas in East Sussex, UK, including adverse, unexpected and positive outcomes.

Design/Setting

This cross-sectional qualitative study used semistructured interviews conducted remotely between December 2020 and March 2021, referred to as the third lockdown. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify, describe, and analyse themes and patterns within the data.

Participants

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 25 participants living in East Sussex, to include a range of ages (above 18 years), genders, race/ethnicities, identities (eg, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex) and social backgrounds.

Results

The pandemic was described as a significant life-changing event, with people saying their plans had changed ‘overnight’ and that their life was ‘on hold’ or it had lost its ‘infrastructure’ during the pandemic. Immediate changes to social lives, education, future plans, work, and housing were evident. These changes were felt particularly by those shielding (due to underlying health conditions) and people placed in emergency accommodation. Significant areas of impact were around family, friends, leisure, mental health, health-related behaviours, and employment. Some participants reflected on positive impacts around an increased sense of well-being or the restrictions affording time and flexibility to re-engage with their families. Adverse impacts around reduced friendship groups and the disruption to family life were often mitigated by developing strategies that helped adapt to new situations.

Conclusions

Residents of coastal areas in East Sussex were impacted widely and differentially. Both positive and challenging impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic were experienced unequally, potentially exacerbating health inequalities in coastal communities who were already at risk. Long-term strategies should consider the vulnerabilities of people living in coastal areas in planning for future health crises.

SARS-CoV-2 infection following home, community and work-related exposures: a prospective cohort of teachers and education workers in Ontario, Canada, 2021-2023

Por: Coleman · B. L. · Bondy · S. · Fischer · K. · Gutmanis · I. · Zhu · V. · Kanchan · K. · Straus · S. E. · Kim · J. · Simon · S. · McGeer · A.
Objectives

To determine the association between rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection following home, community and work-related exposures, to assess real-world relative vaccine effectiveness, and to determine whether anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG levels were associated with the rates of subsequent infection.

Design

Prospective cohort of 34 months’ duration (February 2021 to December 2023).

Setting

Teachers and education workers working ≥8 hours per week in the Canadian province of Ontario.

Participants

3155 education workers were eligible for the risk factor analysis; 2977 for the serological analysis.

Outcome measure

Rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

1909 SARS-CoV-2 infections were reported (0.93 per 1000 participant-days); the highest incidence occurred during the period dominated by the Omicron BA.2 variant (2.01 per 1000 participant-days). Rates of infection were significantly higher following the repeal of the mask mandate. Compared with participants without known contact with an infected person, those in close contact with infected adult or child household members (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.43; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.65 and 1.39; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.65, respectively), coworkers (aHR 1.28; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.50), or individuals from more than one setting (aHR 1.44; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.64) had higher rates of infection. Participants with three or more doses of vaccine were 79%–87% less likely to develop SARS-CoV-2 than participants who had two or fewer vaccine doses. Blood samples with anti-RBD antibody levels in the highest quintile (≥5850 binding antibody unit/mL) were associated with a lower rate of subsequent infection (aHR 0.40; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.72) compared with samples with RBD levels below the threshold of detection.

Conclusions

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in education workers occurred at home as well as the workplace, indicating the need to practise multiple intervention strategies whenever the potential for transmission of respiratory diseases is high. COVID-19 vaccines provided protection through December 2023.

Crying wolf, alarm safety and management in paediatrics: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To provide a contemporaneous evidentiary overview of neonatal and paediatric studies investigating alarm-related patient safety and alarm system management. Furthermore, to describe how clinical alarm burden is captured and reported, to identify clinical devices that contribute to alarm burden, to explore alarm-related and patient safety measures and terminologies and to review alarm management initiatives.

Design

Scoping review.

Data Sources

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus and EBSCOhost was conducted from 2013 to 2023 using predetermined search terms, index terms, medical subject headings and truncation.

Methods

Observational and qualitative studies with neonatal and paediatric populations reporting monitoring and alarm practices; and interventional studies reporting the success of alarm safety interventions were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool.

Results

The search yielded 37 studies of acceptable quality. The majority explored alarm burden associated with physiological monitoring (n = 35; 95%). Alarm definitions were reported in 46% (n = 17) of studies, and commonly included what constituted actionable and non-actionable alarms. While 32% (n = 12) of studies considered alarms in relation to clinical outcomes surrounding patient safety, clinician response to alarms was only reported in 19% (n = 7) of studies. Alarm and monitoring interventions were assessed in 51% (n = 19) of included studies, with categorization into six domains: changing alarm parameters, clinician education, communication and planning, technology, alarm ordering and standardization or guidelines.

Conclusion

This review has demonstrated the enormity of alarms in clinical settings, heterogeneity of alarm definitions and outlined interventions associated with alarm burden and patient safety.

Implication for the Profession/Patient Care

Strategies to ensure appropriate alarm limits are set and clinicians are empowered through education to recognize and respond appropriately to alarms can maximize patient safety.

Reporting Method

This review adheres to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocols extension for scoping reviews.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Developing and testing a reflection method for implementation of the informal care guideline in community nursing: Design‐based research

Abstract

Aim

To develop a reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants to support the implementation of the Dutch Informal Care guideline in daily care.

Design

Design-based research.

Methods

A design group and four test groups of community nurses and nursing assistants were formed to develop a reflection method that aligns with the needs and preferences of its end-users. The design and test group meetings were video recorded. The video data were iteratively discussed and analysed thematically to adapt and refine the method and to identify its key features.

Results

A final reflection method was developed. Five main themes were identified from the analysis: the group, reflective triggers, knowledge about the guidelines, the coach and preconditions. The themes are linked to nine key features representing the building blocks of the reflection method. The key features are group size, participants with different (educational) backgrounds, pairs of participants, expressing thoughts, video feedback, reflection game, making the connection with the guideline, coaching as a process facilitator and meeting organizational and contextual conditions for implementation.

Conclusion

An evidence- and practice-based reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants is developed to support the implementation. By involving community nurses and certified nursing assistants, the method closely matches their needs and preferences. Critical elements of the reflection method are a game element, video feedback and working in pairs in a group of participants from different (educational) backgrounds. Guidance is needed to make the transfer from theory to practice.

Impact

A reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants was developed to enhance care work according to guideline recommendations, aiming to improve the care provided by informal caregivers.

Report Method

The COREQ guideline was used.

Patient or Public Contribution

This reflection method was developed in close collaboration with all stakeholders during the entire study.

Developing and Testing a Reflection Method for Implementation of a Professional Reporting Guideline in Community Nursing: Design‐Based Research

ABSTRACT

Aim

To develop a reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants to support the implementation of a professional reporting guideline for nurses and certified nursing assistants in daily care and to identify its key features.

Design

Design-based research.

Methods

This study was conducted in the Netherlands from February 2021 to April 2022. The reflection method was developed by a design group (community nurses, certified nursing assistants and a patient representative) and four test groups of nurses. Experiences of participants were explored with video recordings and observational notes from test group meetings. The data were thematically analysed to refine the reflection method and identify key features.

Results

A final reflection method was developed. We identified three main themes: (1) Impact on behaviour change, (2) group learning and (3) conditional factors for critical reflection. Seven key features emerged as essential, forming the building blocks of the reflection method: focus on critical reflection, allocate time to formulate themes, include participants from various backgrounds and organisations, ensure the group is appropriately sized, allow for sufficient time, keep it simple and attractive and stimulate the group to make the transfer of learning to their clinical practice.

Conclusions

The final method included two 2 h meetings with up to six participants and a coach. Participants learned from critical reflection and feedback to improve the reporting quality and critical assessment of daily practices, especially from colleagues with varying team affiliations and educational backgrounds.

Impact

This reflection method enables community nurses and certified nursing assistants to learn collaboratively, aligning with the ‘Nursing and Caring Reporting’ guideline and bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.

Report Method

The COREQ guideline was used.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study design facilitated close collaboration among researchers, community nurses, certified nursing assistants and clients.

Implementation contexts and strategies for alternative peripherally inserted central catheter material and design selection: A qualitative exploration using CFIR/ERIC approach

Abstract

Aim

To explore the implementation contexts and strategies that influence the uptake and selection of alternative peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) materials and design.

Design

Qualitative evaluation of end user perspectives within a randomized control trial of different PICC materials and design.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were undertaken via an adapted, rapid-analytic approach using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Outcomes were mapped against the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) tool for strategies to guide innovation in PICC practice.

Results

Participants (n = 23) represented a combination of users and inserters/purchasers, from adult and paediatric settings. Dominant themes included intervention characteristics (intervention source), inner setting (structural characteristics) and individuals involved (self-efficacy). Strategies emerging to support a change from ERIC mapping (n = 16) included promotion of intervention adaptability, inclusion of staff and consumer perspectives and sufficient funding. Implementation contexts such as inner setting and individuals involved equally impacted PICC success and implementation effectiveness and enabled a greater understanding of barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation in this trial.

Conclusion

Trial evidence is important, but healthcare decision-making requires consideration of local contexts especially resourcing. Implementation contexts for Australian healthcare settings include a practical, strategic toolkit for the implementation of alternative PICC materials and designs.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to COREQ guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

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