Conectar
To analyse current Glasgow Coma Scale practice among emergency nurses in China and identify factors influencing assessment quality.
A quantitative, multicenter cross-sectional design.
A convenience sample of 1740 emergency nurses from secondary and tertiary hospitals across 21 provinces completed a validated structured questionnaire between March and April 2025. Participants had at least 6 months of emergency nursing experience. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression to examine factors influencing correct Glasgow Coma Scale application.
Participants had a mean age of 29.8 years (SD = 6.2). Only 52.5% of nurses demonstrated correct Glasgow Coma Scale application despite 97.0% having theoretical knowledge of scoring criteria. While 56.8% had received Glasgow Coma Scale training, significant standardisation deficiencies emerged. Notably, 41.8% of departments lacked operational guidelines, and 53.7% of nurses experienced scoring disagreements with colleagues. Clinical utilisation varied substantially by patient population: traumatic brain injury (97.8%), neurological diseases (96.9%), and systemic critical illness (85.8%). Multivariate analysis identified six significant factors influencing correct application: standardised training (OR = 2.252, 95% CI: 1.789–2.825), manageable workload ≤ 4 patients/shift (OR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.327–2.057), departmental guidelines (OR = 1.523, 95% CI: 1.233–1.881), extensive work experience ≥ 9 years (OR = 1.534, 95% CI: 1.182–1.992), while multidisciplinary collaboration issues (OR = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.439–0.712) and special patient experience (OR = 0.520, 95% CI: 0.406–0.666) were associated with reduced accuracy.
Substantial standardisation challenges exist in Glasgow Coma Scale practice among Chinese emergency nurses, characterised by significant gaps between theoretical knowledge and clinical application. Major barriers include insufficient standardised guidelines, inconsistent training approaches, and inadequate interdisciplinary collaboration.
Healthcare administrators should develop national standardised guidelines, implement simulation-based training programs, optimise emergency workflows, and integrate alternative assessment tools to enhance consciousness assessment accuracy and improve patient safety.
STROBE statement adherence.
No patient or public contribution.
This study aimed to examine the level of vicarious posttraumatic growth among intensive care unit nurses in China and explore the mediating role of death coping ability in the relationship between moral resilience and vicarious posttraumatic growth.
A multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.
Between January and March 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 666 intensive care unit nurses from nine tertiary Grade A hospitals across five provinces in China. Participants completed three standardised instruments: the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale, the Coping with Death Scale–Short Version, and the Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. We used IBM SPSS 27.0 for descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and correlation analyses, and employed AMOS 27.0 to perform structural equation modelling for testing mediation effects.
Intensive care unit nurses demonstrated a moderate level of vicarious posttraumatic growth. Moral resilience was positively associated with both death coping ability and vicarious posttraumatic growth. Death coping ability was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between moral resilience and vicarious posttraumatic growth.
Moral resilience and death coping ability are key factors associated with vicarious posttraumatic growth among intensive care unit nurses. Nurses with stronger moral resilience are more likely to cope constructively with death-related stress, which may support psychological growth in trauma-intensive environments.
This study highlights the need to enhance intensive care unit nurses' moral and emotional capacities through ethics education, emotional coping training, and institutional support strategies. Strengthening these competencies may foster professional development and mental wellbeing in critical care settings.
by Xinyu Zhang, Yoo Jung Oh, Yunhan Zhang, Jianfeng Zhu
The digital age has fueled a surge in ADHD self-diagnosis as people turn to online platforms for mental health information. However, the relationship between validation-seeking behaviors and self-perception in these online communities and users’ self-perception has received limited scholarly focus. Drawing on self-verification theory and utilizing natural language processing to analyze 452,026 posts from the r/ADHD subreddit, our study uncovers distinct patterns in validation-seeking behaviors. Results show that (a) self-diagnosed individuals with ADHD are more likely to seek social validation and media validation and to report higher levels of negative self-image and internalized stigma than clinically diagnosed individuals, (b) social validation was strongly associated with both positive and negative self-perceptions; and (c) diagnosis status significantly moderated these relationships, such that the effects of social validation on self-image and stigma were consistently weaker for the self-diagnosed group. Theoretically, this study extends self-verification theory by demonstrating that professional verification hierarchically moderates self-verification effectiveness. This implies a practical need for clinicians to acknowledge online validation seeking and for digital communities to affirm user experiences while mitigating stigma.To investigate the nutritional status and its influencing factors in elderly patients aged 60 years and above with malignant tumours.
A retrospective observational study.
The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, a tertiary care hospital in Chengdu, China.
A total of 450 elderly patients with cancer (aged ≥60 years) admitted between January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023. Patients were selected based on their clinical records, excluding those with communication disorders, mental illness or incomplete data.
Nutritional status was assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Participants were categorised based on the presence or absence of malnutrition. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for malnutrition.
Of the 450 patients included, 63.7% were male and 36.3% female, with a median age of 69 years. The prevalence of severe malnutrition was 46.4%. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between malnutrition and factors such as older age (p
Malnutrition is highly prevalent in elderly patients with cancer and is significantly associated with age, BMI, albumin levels and self-care ability. Early identification and targeted nutritional interventions may improve outcomes and quality of life in this population.
by Haoyang Zhou, Jinfeng Yang, Na Li, Jinying Li, Jianxin Ran, Yan Zheng, Yifan Long, Fang Cheng, Yuanpeng Liao
BackgroundSarcopenia is an age-associated disorder characterized by a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function. The condition is linked to low levels of anabolic hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), with its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) signaling pathway. There is growing evidence that resistance training (RT) or vibration training (VT) could improve physical functioning in individuals with sarcopenia. However, the related physiological influence of exercise on sarcopenia remains elusive.
MethodThis prospective randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 96 participants, aged between 65 and 80 years. In participants, sarcopenia diagnosis will be confirmed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and participants will be randomized into either control, RT, VT, or RVT (combined RT and VT) groups. The intervention will last 12 weeks, with assessments performed at baseline, 12 weeks (after intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcomes will include skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Secondary outcomes comprise IGF-1 concentrations, PI3K/AKT and FOXO3 protein activity, quality of life, and timed-up-and-go test performance assessments.
DiscussionThis clinical study aims to elucidate the potential modulation of molecular mechanisms in vivo for combined RT and VT in sarcopenia patients and to identify the effects of the intervention on physical function.
Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2400083643. Registered on April 29, 2024.
To understand the current situation of nurses' compassion competence and analyse the characteristics and influencing factors of different categories of nurses' compassion competence based on latent profile analysis, to provide a theoretical basis for formulating targeted compassion training programmes.
A cross-sectional study.
From June to October 2023, 550 nurses from tertiary grade A hospitals in Shandong province were selected by convenience sampling and investigated by utilising a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Compassion Competence Scale for the Nurses, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey. Latent profile analysis was performed to explore the potential categories of nurses' compassion competence, and single-factor analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the related influencing factors.
A total of 513 nurses were included. The compassion competence of nurses could be divided into four categories: the compassion competence deficient group (7.56%), the compassion competence low-imbalanced group (15.35%), the compassion competence high-balanced group (50.38%) and the compassion competence excellent group (26.70%). Department, years of working, humanistic care training experience, whether work is supported by colleagues and leaders, mindfulness and job burnout were the influencing factors of different potential categories (all p < 0.05).
There are four categories into which nurses' compassion competency can be categorised. Nursing managers and medical institutions can formulate precise training methods that enhance nurses' compassion competency based on the traits of various nurse categories in order to improve the quality of nursing service.
The results of this study help to understand the categories and heterogeneity of nurses' compassion competence and provide a basis for nursing managers and medical institutions to improve the compassion competence of different categories of nurses.
All participants were nurses who completed an electronic questionnaire related to this study.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with spasticity affecting 4%–42.6% of stroke survivors. Prolonged spasticity can lead to pain, restricted joint mobility and muscle weakness. Current non-pharmacological treatments include physical therapy, orthoses and surgery. Muscle energy techniques (METs) and blood flow restriction training (BFRT) have shown promise in improving muscle function and reducing spasticity. This study aims to investigate the combined effect of MET and BFRT on upper limb motor function in patients with poststroke spasticity.
This study is a single-blind randomised controlled trial involving patients with poststroke spasticity. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the MET+BFRT group or the passive stretching group. Both groups will receive conventional rehabilitation therapy, with additional MET+BFRT or passive stretching interventions. The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with four sessions per week. Primary outcomes include the simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and surface electromyography, while secondary outcomes include the Modified Barthel Index and the Modified Ashworth Scale.
Based on literature data, patients who had a stroke have an average baseline upper limb FMA score of 40 points. Conventional rehabilitation typically improves FMA to 46 points (SD=8). This trial expects an additional 6-point improvement from the intervention. With α=0.05 (two-sided), 90% power (1–β=0.90) and 10% dropout rate, PASS V.11.0 calculation indicates a minimum requirement of 42 participants per group.
Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics V.25. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used to analyse the result, which means the last observation will be used for interpolation when data are missing. Continuous variables will be summarised as mean±SD for normally distributed data or as median and IQRs for non-normally distributed data. Categorical variables will be presented as frequencies and percentages. For continuous variables that meet the criteria of normal distribution and homogeneity of variance, two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures will be applied; for those that do not meet these criteria, the Mann-Whitney U test will be used. Categorical variables will be analysed with the 2 test or Fisher’s exact test.
The study protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2024-016). Participants will provide written informed consent before inclusion. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
ChiCTR2400085996.
Self-harm is the strongest predictor of suicide in young people. Self-harm presentations to the emergency department (ED) are associated with repeat self-harm and suicide. Rapid follow-up contact after ED offers an opportunity to intervene before self-harm becomes an established coping strategy. Despite recent progress in self-harm treatment, currently, there are no evidence-based interventions to prevent future self-harm and suicide offered to young people after visits to the ED. Preliminary evidence suggests therapeutic assessment and rapid follow-up contacts may reduce self-harm and improve engagement in follow-up care. In this study, we assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a brief psychological intervention, supporting adolescents with self-harm (SASH), in addition to standard care in a randomised controlled trial, compared with standard care only. As per National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, standard care involves at least one follow-up by a mental health professional within 7 days of ED discharge.
The SASH intervention comprises up to six follow-up contacts with a mental health professional delivered over approximately 2 months for young people and their carers using a solution-focused approach, shortly after presenting to the ED. Participants are aged 12–18, presenting to the ED with self-harm or suicidal ideation (with self-harm in the past month), with capacity to consent. We aim to recruit 144 young people into the trial who will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to the SASH intervention or treatment as usual. Participants are assessed postintervention/standard care and at 6-month follow-up after randomisation. Self-reported self-harm is assessed via text message survey every 2 weeks during the 6-month follow-up period. The primary outcome is self-reported episodes of self-harm in the past month assessed at 6 months by summing three behavioural domains of the self-injurious thoughts and behaviours interview. We hypothesise that the therapeutic relationship with the mental health practitioner will mediate this relationship. Secondary outcomes include symptoms of depression and anxiety, frequency of reattendance at ED, death by suicide, school attendance, well-being and additional domains of self-harm-related behaviour and thoughts in the past month. The trial will also consider service use, costs to carer and carer health-related quality of life to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
London-Riverside Nation Health Service REC (22/LO/0400) provided a favourable ethical opinion. Findings will be disseminated through social media, a website, scientific papers, conferences and reports, in collaboration with our Young Person’s Lived Experience Advisory Group.
13.0, 30.06.2025.
The primary aim of this study was to assess the attitudes and practices of Chinese hospice physicians involved in palliative sedation, with an additional focus on exploring factors associated with the experience of palliative sedation.
A cross-sectional study using a web-based structured questionnaire.
With the support of the Hospice Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, this study employed a convenience sampling method to survey hospice physicians nationwide. Subsequently, a total of 550 questionnaires were distributed via email.
Physicians’ attitudes and practices regarding palliative sedation.
The statistical analysis was based on 449 valid responses. Among them, 252 had no experience with palliative sedation, while only 197 had experience in this area. Notably, the study of relevant guidelines (OR=8.01, 95% CI (5.19 to 12.38), p
The findings indicate a relative scarcity of hospice physicians in China with experience in palliative sedation, with many encountering significant stress during its implementation. There is an urgent need to enhance professional training and establish guidelines for palliative sedation in China, which will provide a solid foundation for its application and foster the development of hospice care.
This study evaluated the effects of proximal core training on biomechanical risk factors and strength parameters in individuals at high risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (specifically: those exhibiting pathological movement patterns, neuromuscular deficits or biomechanical risk factors) and compared direct versus indirect interventions. We hypothesised that targeted training enhances dynamic knee stabilisation and hip control during high-risk manoeuvres, with direct approaches providing superior biomechanical benefits through neuromuscular control optimisation.
Systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
We searched (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO Academic Search Premier (ASP)+Business Source Premier (BSP)) for relevant literature published between its inception and the date of retrieval (22 April 2024).
This study included studies comparing the effects of proximal core intensification training and lower extremity training, evaluated their influences on biomechanical risk factors and strength parameters in three types of high-risk ACL populations, and compared the direct and indirect intervention effects. The three types of people include: (1) athletes with pathological exercise patterns, (2) those with neuromuscular defects after ACL injury/reconstruction and (3) those without injury but with biomechanical risk factors.
Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. A meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. Findings were summarised in GRADE evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.
24 studies with a total of 749 participants were included. Meta-analyses demonstrated that proximal core strengthening training may increase lower extremity muscle strength (quadriceps peak torque: standardised mean differences (SMD)=0.65, 95% CI (0.29 to 1.01), I²=0%; hamstring peak torque: SMD=0.53, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.92), I²=0%; both p
Proximal core training has the potential to improve core endurance, knee kinematics and lower limb strength in individuals at high risk of ACL injury, but evidence remains limited to late postoperative and exercise studies. Standardised protocols and harm rate validation are needed to confirm the preventive effectiveness of multidimensional protocols.
CRD42024532199.
To systematically review published studies on the post stroke delirium risk prediction models; and to provide the evidence for developing and updating the clinically available prediction models.
Systematic review.
Systematically searched studies on 10 databases, which were conducted from inception to 9 January 2025. The studies of post-stroke delirium risk prediction models were included.
Extracted the data from the selected studies. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias of the models. The meta-analysis of model performance and common predictors was performed by Revman 5.4 and Medcalc.
A total of 12 studies were included, and 21 risk prediction models for post-stroke delirium were constructed. The combined effect size of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84. All studies were found to have a high risk of bias and good applicability. Meta-analysis showed: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, neglect, visual impairment and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of post-stroke delirium.
The included studies all found to have a high risk of bias; future studies should focus on adopting more scientifically rigorous study designs and following the standardised reporting guidelines to enhance extrapolation and facilitate its clinical application.
This review may promote clinical healthcare workers to develop and update clinically available prediction models, thereby establishing risk prediction models with strong clinical utility.
This study presents the first systematic evaluation of delirium risk prediction models in stroke patients, thereby facilitating the choice, use and develop of the clinical usable post stroke delirium risk prediction models.
This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
RD42024620360 (PROSPERO According to JAN Guidelines).
by Ruibo Sha, Zhifeng Zhang, Xiao Cui, Qingzheng Mu
Sewer pipeline defect detection is a critical task for ensuring the normal operation of urban infrastructure. However, the sewer environment often presents challenges such as multi-scale defects, complex backgrounds, lighting changes, and diverse defect morphologies. To address these issues, this paper proposes a lightweight cross-scale feature fusion model based on YOLOv8. First, the C2f module in the backbone network is replaced with the C2f-FAM module to enhance multi-scale feature extraction capabilities. Second, the HS-BiFPN module is adopted to replace the original structure, leveraging cross-layer semantic fusion and feature re-weighting mechanisms to improve the model’s ability to distinguish complex backgrounds and diverse defect morphologies. Finally, DySample is introduced to replace traditional sampling operations, enhancing the model’s ability to capture details in complex environments. This study uses the Sewer-ML dataset to train and evaluate the model, selecting 1,158 images containing six types of typical defects (CK, PL, SG, SL, TL, ZW), and expanding the dataset to 1,952 images through data augmentation. Experimental results show that compared to the YOLOv8n model, the improved model achieves a 3.8% increase in mAP, while reducing the number of parameters by 35%, floating-point operations by 21%, and model size by 33%. By improving detection accuracy while achieving model lightweighting, the model demonstrates potential for application in pipeline defect detection.by Qinghua Wen, Xiaoyue Wang, Simin Li, Huanhuan Zhu, Fengyin Zhang, Chao Xue, Juan Li
BackgroundThe glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and a body shape index (ABSI) are predictors strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and outcomes. However, whether they have additive effects on CVD risk is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether combined assessment of eGDR and ABSI could improve prediction of CVD risk.
MethodsThe current study used data from NHANES from 1999 to 2018 and included 14,237 participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of each indicator in predicting CVD. Machine-learning algorithms were applied to screen variables to adjust the model. Finally, the ROC curve, net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the combination of eGDR and ABSI.
ResultsThe ROC curve showed that eGDR (C-statistics: 0.7255) and ABSI (0.7093) had the highest predictive performance. Among 14,237 participants, multivariate logistic regression showed that lower eGDR (≤6.448) and higher ABSI (≥0.086) significantly increased CVD risk (OR = 11.792, P Conclusion
The eGDR and ABSI have potential additive effects on predicting CVD risk, and have excellent predictive performance, which can evaluate cardiovascular risk more comprehensively.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring long-term therapy, where adherence critically impacts outcomes. Non-adherence remains a significant barrier to disease control, particularly in China, where healthcare disparities persist.
This scoping review aimed to systematically map the existing evidence on the frequency, barriers and facilitators of treatment adherence among Chinese patients with SLE and to identify gaps to guide future research and interventions.
We included studies that assessed adherence to pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological SLE treatments among Chinese adults (≥18 years). Eligible designs included observational, interventional, qualitative and mixed-method studies published in English or Chinese.
10 electronic databases (eg, CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS) were searched from inception to 27 March 2024, using MeSH terms and relevant keywords. Additional studies were retrieved through manual reference screening.
Data were extracted using a standardised form informed by the WHO multidimensional adherence framework. Key variables included study design, adherence measurement tools, frequency and categorised barriers/facilitators. Data were charted independently by two reviewers.
21 studies met inclusion criteria. Adherence was most often measured via self-report, especially Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 and Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology. Non-adherence ranged from 33.3% to 75.0%, reflecting measurement and population heterogeneity. Barriers were commonly patient-related, treatment-related and system-related, including fear of side effects, complex regimens, poor communication and financial burden. Facilitators included structured education, psychological support, simplified regimens and family support.
Treatment adherence among Chinese SLE patients is suboptimal and influenced by multidimensional factors. Culturally tailored, multilevel interventions—addressing education, communication and system-level barriers—are urgently needed. Adoption of standardised adherence measures and use of the WHO framework can improve cross-study comparability and guide targeted interventions.
OSF: osf.io/x5uzc; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GQWA7.
To investigate the associations between maternal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM10) exposure during pregnancy and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) incidence in very preterm infants (VPIs, gestational age (GA)
Retrospective observational cohort study.
A tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in China, 2016–2022.
2223 VPIs hospitalised during the study were enrolled after excluding infants with severe congenital malformations, those who abandoned treatment and those who died before discharge. Of these, 59.8% were male.
We evaluated the effect of maternal PM2.5 and PM10 exposure on BPD, adjusted for additional ambient air pollutants (ozone and nitrogen dioxide) as well as demographic and clinical characteristics. We also calculated trimester-specific PM exposure effects and conducted stratified analyses by sex, GA, birth weight (BW) and conception season, with formal interaction testing.
Among 2223 VPIs included in this study, 684 (30.8%) were diagnosed with BPD. Strong correlations were observed between PM exposure and BPD, with each IQR increase during the entire gestational period associated with ORs of 1.254 (95% CI 1.062 to 1.484) for PM2.5 and 1.350 (95% CI 1.142 to 1.596) for PM10 in the single-pollutant model. The strongest associations were observed during the second trimester, and the same association was also identified in the two-pollutant model. Stratified analysis revealed a larger OR estimate in subgroups with lower BW (
Maternal PM exposure, particularly during the second trimester, is significantly associated with BPD in VPIs, with heightened vulnerability in males and infants with lower GA and BW. These findings underscore the need for prenatal air quality interventions and targeted monitoring of high-risk subgroups. Future research should explore PM-induced mechanisms of fetal lung injury and validate these associations in multicentre cohorts.
A large number of basic and clinical studies have demonstrated that remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) has neuroprotective effects. Recently, RIC has made gratifying progress in the field of ischaemia stroke treatment. A considerable number of basic and clinical studies have also revealed the possible therapeutic effects of RIC on subarachnoid haemorrhage. However, the neuroprotective effect of RIC on subarachnoid haemorrhage is still lacking convincing evidence and deserves further study.
To explore the efficacy and safety of RIC for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
An investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group trial to evaluate the effect of RIC intervention compared to sham RIC intervention for the neurological function improvement of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
The protocol was approved by the IRB of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University (KY2024-080-03). Progress and safety of the trial are monitored by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.
To quantify how specific patient-level characteristics influence the actual amount of mobilisation received during ICU care, thereby identifying key predictors to support individualised mobilisation strategies.
A prospective observational study was conducted in four tertiary hospitals among a convenience sample of 141 critically ill patients from July to November 2023. Data on mobilisation and patient characteristics were collected using standardised data collection tools, including a mobilisation log and a demographic information sheet. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests, Spearman correlation analysis, and multivariate regression to examine associations between early mobilisation and patient-related factors.
Males and surgical patients engaged in more activity (p < 0.001). Muscle strength (r = 0.568, p < 0.001) and haemoglobin levels (r = 0.207, p = 0.014) were positively associated with mobilisation, while higher disease severity (r = −0.321, p < 0.001) and greater pain (r = −0.284, p < 0.001) were linked to reduced activity. Muscle strength, disease severity, surgical status, and sex were independent predictors, explaining 32.5% of the variance.
Early mobilisation in the ICU is influenced by various patient-related factors. Protocols should be tailored to individual patient profiles to enhance outcomes.
This study provides guidance for ICU clinicians to develop targeted mobilisation strategies that consider patients' specific clinical profiles. Tailored approaches may help optimise early mobilisation practices and patient outcomes.
To investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics and extracurricular achievements among UK medical students.
National, cross-sectional survey.
All 44 UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council.
8,395 medical students.
Binary indicators of extracurricular engagement, including PubMed-indexed authorship, academic presentations, quality improvement projects, leadership roles and academic prizes. Logistic regression models were used to explore associations with demographic and extracurricular achievement predictors.
Logistic regression analysis showed that students from private schools (OR 1.35, CI 1.20 to 1.53, p
Significant disparities in extracurricular achievement exist among UK medical students, principally associated with gender, private schooling and familial links to medicine. Apparent ethnic differences were largely attenuated after adjustment for other variables, indicating socioeconomic factors as stronger predictors of engagement. Given the role of these achievements in postgraduate selection, targeted interventions by medical schools and professional bodies to widen access to funding, mentorship and structured guidance for all students, regardless of perceived advantage, may support equitable opportunity without undermining merit-based standards.
To explore factors influencing UK medical students’ specialty choices and examine variations in these influences across demographic groups and stages of training.
National, cross-sectional online survey.
All 44 UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council.
8,395 medical students.
The primary outcome was the specialty preferences of UK medical students. The secondary outcomes were factors behind these preferences and how these factors vary across demographic groups and different stages of training.
General Practice (15.3%), Paediatrics (10.6%) and Anaesthetics (9.9%) were the most preferred specialties among final-year students. Work-life balance (84.1%), compatibility with family life (78.2%), positive training experiences (85.2%) and future specialty outlook (74.9%) were key factors influencing specialty choice. Only 23.1% of students felt confident about securing a specialty training post, with confidence higher among males (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.52, p
This study highlights disparities in specialty preferences and influencing factors among UK medical students. A focus on improving career guidance, exposure to various specialties and supporting equitable access to training opportunities is essential for fostering a motivated and sustainable medical workforce.
FreshRSS 