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To classify Italian home care models based on structural characteristics, process factors and stakeholder perceptions.
This is a secondary analysis of the AIDOMUS-IT multicentre cross-sectional study, conducted in Italy between July 2022 and December 2023.
Data were collected via online surveys completed by 33 Local Health Authority Nursing Directors, home care nurses and patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify different organisational models based on structural and process-related factors. Nurses' and patients' perceptions of care were described for each identified cluster.
The analysis identified three distinct organisational home care models: The ‘multidisciplinary model’, in which nurses reported high dissatisfaction due to organisational complexity and excessive workloads. In the ‘nurse-centred model’, characterised by publicly employed nurses, strong leadership, and a supportive work environment, patients reported high levels of satisfaction. The ‘performance-based model’, which operated with a lower nurse-to-patient ratio, reduced service hours, and greater reliance on external professionals. Nurses in this model reported high job satisfaction but also a greater intention to leave, while patient satisfaction was lower.
This study underscores the importance of leadership, resource management, and a supportive work environment in influencing both job satisfaction and patient outcomes in home care settings.
Policymakers could use these findings to refine care models and improve service delivery.
Limited research has examined the organisational structures of home care services, which are important for professionals' organisational well-being, patient safety, and quality of care. This study identified three distinct organisational home care models that could be used to refine care approaches and improve service delivery.
This study respects the EQUATOR guideline for observational studies (STROBE).
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
To identify the pain assessment scales with the best psychometric properties to be used by nurses in an inpatient setting.
Umbrella review.
A comprehensive search of four databases was conducted for systematic reviews published from July 2013 to November 2024, focusing on psychometric properties of pain scales used in inpatient settings. Inclusion criteria required scales to assess subjective or behavioural pain and be nurse-administered, while reviews without detailed psychometric data were excluded. Screening, quality appraisal (JBI checklist), and data extraction were performed independently by two researchers. Data synthesis combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, with psychometric properties evaluated using the COSMIN checklist. The study was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) statement.
Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying 41 scales used across various patient populations, including critical care, paediatric, postoperative, cancer, cerebral palsy, disorders of consciousness, low back and neck pain, stroke and verbal communication disorders. The Paediatric Pain Profile, the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool and the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, although the positive findings for the latter two should be confirmed by at least one additional study. Most of the scales (n = 36) require further studies to validate their use in clinical practice. For two scales, their clinical use remains questionable.
The Paediatric Pain Profile, the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool, and the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity can be recommended for use. Unidimensional scales should complement, rather than replace, multidimensional scales to ensure a comprehensive pain assessment. Standardising documentation with validated scales enhances clinical decision-making, care quality, research usability, and reduces documentation burden.
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