Conectar
Our primary objectives were (1) to develop and validate an administrative data algorithm for the identification of hand trauma cases using clinical diagnoses documented in medical records as the reference standard and (2) to estimate the incidence of hand trauma in a universal public healthcare system from 1993 to 2023 using a population-based research cohort constructed using a validated case identification algorithm.
A population-based retrospective validation study.
Ontario, Canada, from 2022 to 2023 (validation) and from 1993 to 2023 (estimation).
Our reference standard was the known hand trauma status of 301 patients (N=147 with hand trauma) who presented to an urban tertiary-care hand trauma centre in Toronto, Ontario.
(1) The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the optimal algorithm to identify hand trauma using provincial health administrative data and (2) age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence rates of hand trauma among men and women, by age, and by area of patient residence.
The optimal algorithm had a sensitivity of 73.8% (95% CI 66.6% to 81.0%), specificity of 80.1% (95% CI 73.8% to 86.5%), positive predictive value of 78.1% (95% CI 71.2% to 85.0%) and negative predictive value of 76.1% (95% CI 69.5% to 82.7%). Over the study period, the age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence of hand trauma increased from 384 to 530 per 100 000. The greatest increase was observed in males and individuals aged 0–19 and 80+, with higher incidence rates in Southern compared with Northern Ontario.
Our algorithm enabled identification of hand trauma cases using health administrative data suitable for population-level surveillance and health services research, revealing a rising burden of hand trauma from 1993 to 2023. These findings can support improved surveillance, resource allocation and care delivery for this public health problem.
To assess the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Primary Trauma Care (PTC) with standard care on patient outcomes.
This was a pilot pragmatic three-armed parallel, cluster randomised, controlled trial conducted between April 2022 and February 2023. Patients were followed up for 30 days.
Tertiary care hospitals across metropolitan areas in India.
Adult trauma patients and residents managing these patients were included.
ATLS or PTC training was provided for residents in the intervention arms.
The outcomes were the consent rate, loss to follow-up rate, missing data rates, differences in the distribution between observed data and data extracted from medical records, and the resident pass rate.
Two hospitals were randomised to the ATLS arm, two to the PTC arm and three to the standard care arm. We included 376 patients and 22 residents. The percentage of patients who consented to follow-up was 77% and the percentage of residents who consented to receive training was 100%. The loss to follow-up rate was 14%. The pass rate was 100%. Overall, the amount of missing data for key variables was low. The data collected through observations were similar to data extracted from medical records, but there were more missing values in the extracted data.
Conducting a full-scale cluster randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of ATLS, PTC and standard care on patient outcomes appears feasible, especially if such a trial would use data and outcomes available in medical records.
by Yi-Hua Wu, Chia-Ing Li, Chiu-Shong Liu, Chih-Hsueh Lin, Shing-Yu Yang, Cheng-Chieh Lin, Tsai-Chung Li
Glycemic variability (GV) is an emerging biomarker of glycemic control and may be a predictor for lung function impairment in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the associations between GV and lung function variables and lung function impairment have not been fully evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of glycemic variability (GV) with lung function impairment in persons with T2DM. A follow-up study was conducted on the data of 3,108 subjects collected from 2001 to 2020 using the diabetes care management program database in Taiwan. GV in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was calculated using standard deviation (SD), average real variability (ARV), coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and slope of 1-year repeated measurements. A ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 0.70 was used to define lung function impairment. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were applied to explore the relationships of GV with lung function variables and lung function impairment. A total of 359 (11.6%) subjects were defined as having lung function impairment. After multivariable adjustment, FPG‐SD, FPG-CV, FPG-AVR, FPG-VIM and were found to be negatively linked with FEV1, % predicted FEV1, and FVC but not FEV1/FVC. Relative to those for the first tertile, the odds ratios (ORs) of lung function impairment for the second and third tertiles were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.87) and 1.51 (1.10, 2.08) for FPG-CV, respectively; 1.59 (1.16, 2.17) and 1.73 (1.24, 2.40) for FPG‐SD, respectively; and 1.57 (1.15, 2.13) and 1.69 (1.22, 2.33) for FPG-AVR, respectively. GV, measured by CV, SD, VIM, and VIM, is linked with lung function impairment and all lung function variables, except for FEV1/FVC ratio. GV may serve as a useful biomarker for assessing lung function impairment in persons with T2DM.To test a theoretical model examining the impact of the work environment on nurses' physical and mental health issues, job burnout, and healthcare productivity.
This cross-sectional study employed structural equation modelling to test a theoretical model linking work environment, physical and mental health issues, job burnout, and healthcare productivity. Data were collected from 600 staff nurses using validated self-report questionnaires administered at one medical teaching hospital and two regional hospitals in Taiwan.
The work environment was significantly associated with healthcare productivity, nurses' physical and mental health issues, and job burnout. Physical and mental health issues were positively related to job burnout, which, in turn, negatively impacted healthcare productivity.
A supportive work environment plays a critical role in promoting nurses' well-being, reducing burnout, and improving productivity. This study advances the understanding of work environment factors that nurse administrators can target for improvement.
Modifying key organisational and interpersonal aspects of the work environment and cultivating a more supportive culture may enhance nurses' well-being, reduce turnover, and improve workforce productivity.
This study adhered to STROBE guidelines for observational studies as per the Equator network.
No patient or public contribution.
To investigate the clinical outcomes and predictors associated with the severity of new-onset pressure injuries in hospitalised patients with multiple comorbidities.
Retrospective cohort study.
We retrospectively collected data on hospitalized patients. The severity of pressure injury was defined as per the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. Outcome measures included short-term mortality and discharge to extended care facilities.
A total of 2150 hospitalised patients were screened, and 186 (8.7%) developed new-onset pressure injuries, including 84 classified as stage I and 102 as stage II. The Braden scale score and time from admission to pressure injury onset were significantly associated with new-onset stage II pressure injuries. Patients with stage II pressure injuries had a significantly higher risk of being discharged to extended care facilities compared to those with stage I pressure injuries (24% vs. 12%, p = 0.041). The short-term mortality rate was high in the total cohort (34%) but was not significantly different between the two groups. The worse Braden scale, lower body mass index, history of stroke and presence of stage II pressure injuries were significant predictors of discharge to extended care facilities.
New-onset Stage II pressure injuries significantly increased the risk of discharge to extended care facilities. Furthermore, this study expands the potential clinical utility of the Braden Scale by demonstrating its association not only with the risk of pressure injury development but also with the initial severity of injuries once they occur. These findings support its role in early risk stratification and targeted nursing interventions.
This study highlights the importance of early identification and prevention of pressure injuries and the potential role of the Braden scale in minimizing injury severity, reducing healthcare utilization, and improving quality of life.
STROBE guidelines.
None.
To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) increases the risk of cataract development and to evaluate the impact of corticosteroid use and dosage on this risk.
Nationwide retrospective cohort study.
Using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) database, which covers over 99.9% of the population.
The SLE cohort included 30 501 newly diagnosed adults from 2011 to 2020. For each patient with SLE, four individuals without SLE were selected from the NHI database using frequency matching by age (in 5 year intervals), gender and index year of diagnosis, resulting in a comparison cohort of 122 004 individuals.
The primary outcome was incident cataract. Secondary outcomes included risk stratification by age, sex, comorbidities and corticosteroid dose.
SLE patients had a higher incidence of cataracts than non-SLE individuals (adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.73, 95% CI 1.66 to 1.81). Stratified analyses showed elevated risks in women (aHR=1.74, 95% CI 1.66 to 1.83), men (aHR=1.68, 95% CI 1.52 to 1.86), and across age groups 20–49 years (aHR=2.32, 95% CI 2.11 to 2.56), 50–64 years (aHR=1.60, 95% CI 1.51 to 1.69), and ≥65 years (aHR=1.50, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.66). Analysis of corticosteroid exposure revealed that cumulative dose showed a trend towards increased risk at high exposure (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.14, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.31), while average daily dose demonstrated a dose–response effect: 1–5 mg/day (aOR=1.31, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.52) and ≥5 mg/day (OR=2.48, 95% CI 2.16 to 2.86).
Adults with SLE have an increased risk of developing cataracts compared with matched controls, and higher average daily corticosteroid doses are associated with this risk. These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of ocular complications in SLE patients.
Postoperative arrhythmias are common and clinically significant complications. They are a cause of increased morbidity and mortality rates in surgical patients. Although various pharmacological and procedural strategies have been explored for preventing postoperative arrhythmia, evidence regarding their effectiveness remains inconsistent. The stellate ganglion block (SGB) has emerged as a promising alternative to reduce the occurrence of postoperative arrhythmias. By summarising the existing evidence, this meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of SGB in preventing postoperative arrhythmias.
We will review literature from January 1970 to April 2025 using MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL and Embase. Studies eligible for inclusion will be randomised controlled trials and observational studies reporting postoperative arrhythmia incidence in surgical patients who received preoperative or intraoperative SGB. We will include articles in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese or Portuguese. Secondary outcomes are SGB-related complications. The risk of bias will be determined by Rob-2 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analyses, reporting relative risks or ORs with 95% confidence intervals will be performed when at least three studies report the same outcome under comparable conditions. Quality of evidence will be evaluated using GRADE guidelines.
We will use information from previously published manuscripts found in reputable databases, and ethical approval is not necessary.
CRD420251029643.
Cancer patients, at both early and advanced stages, face complex bio-psycho-social-spiritual problems impacting their quality of life (QoL). Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that helps cancer patients find hope and meaning in life, thereby improving QoL.
This study aimed to critically assess the effects of CALM therapy on the QoL in cancer patients.
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
The main outcome was QoL, and the secondary outcomes were anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, fatigue and sleep quality. Five English databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and ProQuest) and one trial registry site (Clinicaltrial.gov) were searched from their inception until March 2024. The pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models and expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD). Review Manager 5.4 was used for data analysis. A sensitivity analysis was done by excluding one trial at a time to check the consistency of the results on QoL. The study protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023398655).
Fifteen trials met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and twelve for the meta-analysis, with a total of 1635 cancer patients. CALM therapy showed significant benefits on QoL (SMD = 1.97), spiritual well-being (WMD = 1.93) and sleep quality (SMD = −1.56) compared with usual care. It also reduced anxiety (SMD = −1.94), depression (SMD = −1.28) and fatigue (SMD = −5.86) significantly. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of these results when each trial was removed one by one.
CALM therapy may improve QoL, spiritual well-being, sleep quality and relieve anxiety, depression and fatigue in cancer patients.
This therapy should be promoted clinically as a comprehensive psychotherapeutic approach in cancer care.
CRD42023398655.
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the case management model and the primary nursing care model by focusing on hospital stay length, readmission, follow-up resource utilisation and survival.
To improve patient continuity of care, a discharge planning team has been established at the hospital to implement the service concept of long-term medical care. The team works with a multidisciplinary medical team to provide case management, which ensures high-quality patient care.
Retrospective case–control study.
This study collected data from the medical record information system database and the Ministry of Health and Welfare's care service management information system to explore medical and follow-up care utilisation of patients discharged between 2017 and 2018. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines, with the checklist used to ensure transparent and complete reporting of the methodology and results.
To ensure comparability between the case management model group and the primary nursing model group, propensity score matching was used. After matching, 660 individuals from the case management model group and 2876 individuals from the primary nursing model group were selected for further analysis. In this study, patients were primarily involved in the research as participants, providing data through their medical records for analysis. However, no direct involvement from the public or patients was used in the planning or design stages of the research.
The study found that factors such as activities of daily living (ADL) score ≤ 60 points, catheterisation, poor chronic disease control and inadequate primary caregiver capacity can lead to longer hospitalisations. Males and patients with catheters have a higher risk of readmission within 30 days, and men, those aged ≥ 75 years, those with ADL score ≤ 60, catheterisation, pressure sores or unclean wounds, financial problems, insufficient primary caregiver capacity and those readmitted within 14 days after discharge had significantly increased mortality after discharge. Although the case management model group had higher hospitalisation days, they had lower readmission rates and higher survival rates than the primary nursing model group.
Early consultation with the case manager for discharge planning can help patients to continue to receive care and utilise relevant resources after returning home.
Identifying and addressing patient-specific factors can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing hospitalizations and readmissions, and lowering mortality rates. The case management model is more effective than the primary nursing care model in reducing readmission rates and increasing survival rates. Early consultation with case managers for discharge planning is crucial to ensuring patient care continuity and resource utilization.
To develop a Delirium Care Critical-Thinking Scale for nurses caring for patients in the intensive care unit and examine the scale's psychometric properties.
There is a tool to evaluate nurses' critical thinking skills to determine nursing competency when delirium care is required.
This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.
The Delphi method was applied for collection and analysis of data during conceptualization and item generation of the tool (Phase I). Item analysis, assessment of validity and reliability of the scale (Phase II) involved 318 nurses recruited by convenience sampling from nine adult intensive care units in medicine and surgery at one medical centre. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed construct validity. Internal consistency and 2-week test–retest stability measured reliability. A Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory Scale examined concurrent validity.
After three rounds, the Delphi method resulted in 31 scale items. Item analysis demonstrated construct reliability ranged from 9.23 to 16.18. Confirmatory factor analysis eliminated one item and extracted five factors: applying knowledge, confirming the problem and accuracy of information, reasoning logically, choosing appropriate strategies and remaining open-minded. Average variance extracted values of all factors indicated good convergent validity. Cronbach's α for internal consistency was .96 with good test-retest reliability. The correlation coefficient for concurrent validity was .301.
The new Delirium Care Critical-Thinking Scale for intensive care nurses was demonstrated to be a reliable and valid tool for evaluating their ability to assess patients with delirium.
This new scale could be used to assess outcomes of education interventions and the effectiveness of nursing care quality involving patients with delirium in intensive and critical care units.
The COSMIN checklist was used as the reporting guideline for this study.
None.
Given the critical and complex features of medical emergencies, it is essential to develop models that enable prompt and suitable clinical decision-making based on considerable information. Emergency nurses are responsible for categorizing and prioritizing injuries and illnesses on the frontlines of the emergency room. This study aims to create an Emergency Medical Rapid Triage and Prediction Assistance model using electronic medical records and machine learning techniques. Patient information was retrieved from the emergency department of a large regional teaching hospital in Taiwan, and five supervised learning techniques were used to construct classification models for predicting critical outcomes. Of these models, the model using logistic regression had superior prediction performance, with an F1 score of 0.861 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.855. The Emergency Medical Rapid Triage and Prediction Assistance model demonstrated superior performance in predicting intensive care and hospitalization outcomes compared with the Taiwan Triage and Acuity Scale and three clinical early warning tools. The proposed model has the potential to assist emergency nurses in executing challenging triage assessments and emergency teams in treating critically ill patients promptly, leading to improved clinical care and efficient utilization of medical resources. 
FreshRSS 