Conectar
Clinical research in emergency and critical care is vital, but recruitment and consent are complex. Research may be conducted without prior consent when patients are critically ill, and interventions are time critical. Some patients may die before research participation can be discussed with relatives, leaving the bereaved unaware of their involvement. This study explored potential communication strategies for informing bereaved relatives when a patient has died following enrolment into an emergency or critical care study without prior consent.
A mixed-methods study using a telephone survey and semi-structured interviews conducted simultaneously. The survey was conducted within a National Health Service Trust in North West England with relatives of deceased study participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with bereaved relatives and research and clinical staff across the UK, and medical examiner (ME)/ME officers based in England and Wales. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data were synthesised using a constant comparison approach.
11 bereaved relatives completed the survey. 53 individuals (21 research and clinical staff, 18 relatives and 14 MEs/officers) participated in semi-structured interviews.
Although many trials do not include a process for notifying bereaved relatives about research participation, most relatives valued the opportunity to learn about their family member’s participation, emphasising the importance of transparency and trust. However, some raised concerns over the potential burden of automatic disclosure by the ME service. Offering bereaved relatives the option to receive sensitively worded information about research involvement at an appropriate time, soon after death, was recommended.
Bereaved relatives should have the choice to be informed about research participation without prior consent. Our findings support the need for transparent and sensitive communication and will contribute to future guidance for the design and conduct of adult emergency and critical care studies.
Current research lacks a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) adoption and its predictors across diverse healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), particularly with a direct comparison between nurses and other professional groups.
This study aims to evaluate the EBP competencies, adoption levels, identified barriers, and associated predictors among nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) within the EMR.
A cross-sectional, correlational, and comparative design was used. An electronic survey was distributed (April 27th–August 17th, 2023) via convenience/snowball sampling, inviting nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, dentists, and pharmacists across the EMR to complete the survey. Multivariate regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to identify predictors of EBP adoption.
A total of 4673 HCPs participated and reported several barriers to EBP adoption, including time constraints, difficulties in interpreting statistics, lack of authority to change practices, and insufficient equipment. Nurses had fewer postgraduate degrees but more work experience and full-time employment than other HCPs. Despite reporting more workplace EBP support, nurses read less research, had lower EBP scores and adoption propensity, and perceived greater barriers than other HCPs (p < 0.002). Multivariate regression showed the highest barrier scores in Syria/Tunisia and the lowest in the United Arab Emirates. Nurses reported significantly higher barriers compared to other HCPs (p < 0.001). Fear of Change was not a primary barrier overall, but was elevated in specific subgroups of nurses. SEM showed good fit: RMSEA = 0.077, SRMR = 0.053, CFI = 0.80, χ 2(df) = 917, p < 0.001. SEM showed that EBP adoption propensity and fear of change significantly mediate the relationship between HCPs' characteristics and EBP scores.
Despite having a positive attitude and propensity towards EBP, nurses lack the necessary knowledge and support to adopt it, and they face more barriers than other healthcare professionals. Nurses require greater support from healthcare leaders to enhance their EBP competencies and address the reported barriers. Policymakers and organizations should prioritize tailored, role-specific training and supportive structures and environments to ensure equitable and effective EBP implementation for improving patient outcomes across the EMR.
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