Research Checklist Research Articles

Capturing Potential Interventions for the Empowerment of Older People and Informal Caregivers in Transitional Care Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups.

To capture older people's, informal caregivers' and health professionals' ideas on potential interventions for empowering older people and informal caregivers in transitional care decision-making. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted. The study was conducted between February and May 2022 in the region of Flanders, Belgium, as part of the TRANS-SENIOR consortium's collaborative research. Data were collected using focus groups, including older people, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals involved in any physical relocation of the older person across home, hospital or nursing home settings. Thematic data analysis was performed based on Braun and Clarke's six-step method. A total of 40 people participated in the focus groups. Four main themes were identified, which describe ideas on how to empower older people and informal caregivers in transitional care: Providing clear and timely information, preparing people for what is to come, person-centredness and providing professional and peer support for informal caregivers. Healthcare (professionals) should facilitate older people's and informal caregivers' empowerment in transitional care decision-making by setting them at the core and inception of the decision-making process. While informal caregivers support their loved ones in decision-making processes, they should also be supported and monitored for burdensome issues. Multicomponent, well-planned and personalised interventions are needed to empower older people and informal caregivers in transitional care decision-making. The ideas raised by all stakeholders who participated in this study can inform these interventions. Adhered to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist. Organisations advocating for the interests of older people and informal caregivers played a pivotal role in shaping the TRANS SENIOR project. Furthermore, the study benefitted from the collaborative input of AGE Platform Europe, which amplified the voices and representation of older people during the project design phase.

Newly Graduated Perioperative Nurses' Experiences of Transitioning to Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Explorative Secondary Analysis.

The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore newly graduated perioperative nurses' experiences of transitioning to clinical practice to gain more in-depth knowledge of this phenomenon. A qualitative explorative study of secondary data was used, and this study was reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. A secondary analysis of data collected between March 2019 and November 2020 via 16 semi-structured interviews with newly graduated perioperative nurses. The interviews were conducted 3 to 5 months after they graduated from five different educational institutions in Norway and entered clinical practice as perioperative nurses. A three-step phenomenological hermeneutical analysis inspired by Ricoeur's theory was applied: naïve reading, structural analysis and comprehensive understanding. We identified three themes: expectations of competence, facilitation for newly graduated perioperative nurses and the transition from being a student to a newly qualified perioperative nurse. Newly graduated perioperative nurses emphasised the critical role of supportive facilitation, manageable expectations and support from leaders and colleagues, which seemed essential for a successful transition to clinical practice. This study addresses knowledge essential for universities, universities colleges and clinical practice, specifically healthcare organisations, to understand the transition process for newly graduated perioperative nurses. This can support the establishment of improved practices to ensure patient safety via more specific education and mentoring and more accurate expectations of competence. No patient or public contribution.

Midwifery in Turkey within the Framework of The Areas of Competence and Proficiency: A Qualitative Study

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the proficiency and competence of the midwifery profession in Turkiye through the eyes of midwives, academic midwives, student midwives, and women receiving care from midwives. Methods: This research is qualitative research conducted using the phenomenological research design. The interviews were conducted on an online platform. The sample group was selected through purposive sampling and was completed using the individual in-depth interview technique with 20 participants. The study was reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. Results: Data saturation was reached because of interviewing 20 participants. The transcripts of the interviews were systematically examined, and the study results were gathered around the areas of competence and proficiency determined. Within the framework of these main themes, competence in midwifery is included under the headings of "Public Health," "Pregnancy," "Birth," "Postpartum," "Newborn," and "Women and Counseling." Proficiency in midwifery is included under the headings of "General Qualification," "Before Pregnancy," "Pregnancy and Antenatal," "Childbirth and Care During Childbirth," and "Continuous Care for Woman and Newborn." An intense/strong relationship was detected between the main themes. Conclusion: As a result, it was revealed that the most emphasis was placed on the proficiency and competence of midwives related to childbirth. It can be stated that the study results will shed light on the health policies in different areas to be developed for the midwifery profession in Türkiye.

Women's Experience and Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue and Psychological Distress During Treatment for Gynaecological Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

To explore women's experience and management of cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress during treatment for gynaecological cancer. Qualitative descriptive study. Face-to-face semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 23 women in mainland China undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancer between July and October 2023. Data were analysed using content analysis. Three categories were identified: overwhelming experience of cancer-related fatigue, diverse experiences of psychological distress and strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress. Participants reported physical exhaustion and emotional fatigue, disrupting their normal lives. Psychological distress included distress due to cancer treatment, psychological burden associated with social relationships, frustration with being ill and worries about disease progression and recurrence. Strategies for managing symptoms were mainly nonpharmacological, with some unable to find suitable methods. This study found that participants had a complex experience of cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress, influenced by social expectations regarding women's roles and treatment impacts on reproductive health and femininity. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive interventions involving family members or fellow patients to reduce both symptoms. Nurses should focus on addressing cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress in women receiving treatment for gynaecological cancer, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It is essential to provide comprehensive care to improve their physical and psychological well-being. This study explored how women with gynaecological cancer experience and manage cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for holistic care that addresses physical and psychological symptoms. Nurses should consider the impact of reproductive health and femininity on symptom experiences and management. Furthermore, the findings could inform the development of evidence-based interventions to improve the physical and psychological well-being of women with gynaecological cancer. Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Process mapping with failure mode and effects analysis to identify determinants of implementation in healthcare settings: a guide.

Generating and analyzing process maps can help identify and prioritize barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practices in healthcare settings. Guidance on how to systematically apply and report these methods in implementation research is scant. We describe a method combining a qualitative approach to developing process maps with a quantitative evaluation of maps drawn from the quality improvement literature called failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). We provide an outline and guidance for how investigators can use process mapping with FMEA to identify and prioritize barriers when implementing evidence-based clinical interventions. Suggestions for methods and reporting were generated based on established procedures for process mapping with FMEA and through review of original research papers which apply both methods in healthcare settings. We provide case examples to illustrate how this approach can be operationalized in implementation research. The methodology of process mapping with FMEA can be divided into four broad phases: 1) formulating a plan, 2) generating process maps to identify and organize barriers over time, 3) prioritizing barriers through FMEA, and 4) devising an implementation strategy to address priority barriers. We identified 14 steps across the four phases. Two illustrative examples are provided. Case 1 describes the implementation of referrals to chiropractic care for adults with low back pain in primary care clinics. Case 2 describes the implementation of a family navigation intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder seeking care in pediatric clinics. For provisional guidance for reporting, we propose the REporting Process mapping and Analysis for Implementation Research (REPAIR) checklist. Process mapping with FMEA can elucidate barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of evidence-based clinical interventions. This paper provides initial guidance for more systematic applications of this methodology in implementation research. Future research should use a consensus-building approach, such as a multidisciplinary Delphi panel, to further delineate the reporting standards for studies that use process mapping with FMEA.

“She mimicked the manipulations on my hand”: fostering embodied care among children with recurrent acute respiratory tract infections in Southern China

IntroductionWhen young children experience recurrent respiratory infections, caregivers face the challenge of preventing new episodes whilst maintaining close rapport with their children. Pediatric massage, such as pediatric Tuina, entails soft massage of the skin, administered by trained providers. This non-pharmaceutical measure is used to prevent new respiratory infections in China. The aim of this study is to deepen our understanding of caregivers’ experiences and perceptions of providing pediatric Tuina treatment to their children with recurrent respiratory tract infections.MethodsA qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews, was conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Sixteen mothers from Southern China, whose children had received pediatric Tuina for recurrent respiratory tract infections, participated online. Analysis was conducted according to the principles of reflexive thematic analysis, using the NVivo qualitative research software.ResultsThe overarching theme was “Fostering embodied care with children”. Caregivers assessed pediatric Tuina by hearing others’ experiences of pediatric Tuina, as well as observing the manipulations on their child’s body and their bodily reactions during pediatric Tuina sessions. Caregivers also closely observed children’s bodily changes after pediatric Tuina sessions. Embodied attachment between children and adults was nurtured through the pediatric Tuina. Compared to other treatments or medical consultations, children were more relaxed and more involved in embodied care, which involved direct skin touching and verbal communication from the pediatric Tuina provider. Children also took the initiative to bring pediatric Tuina into their family life, by asking caregivers to perform it on them and mimicking the manipulations on the caregivers’ hand.ConclusionsPediatric Tuina served as a means of interaction between children and adults, fostering an embodied care on both a physical and emotional level. Beyond its potentially preventive effect on recurrent respiratory tract infections, pediatric Tuina could be a support for parents of children with recurrent or chronic disease at home.

Experiences and Perceptions of Medication Management Communication During Transitions of Care for Residents in Aged Care Homes and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

To explore the experiences and perceptions of communication about managing medication across transitions of care for residents living in aged care homes and their family caregivers. Effective medication communication across transitions of care involves exchanging information, resident, and family caregiver's participation in decision-making, and shared responsibility. A qualitative meta-synthesis. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the accompanying 27-item checklist. A systematic search of seven electronic databases (Embase, PsycINFO, Medline Ovid, Scopus, CINAHL, EmCare and Web of Science) was performed from inception to December 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion in this review were required to be published in peer-reviewed English journals and focus on medication communication among healthcare providers, residents and family caregivers during transitions of care for aged care residents. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research was employed for the critical appraisal of the studies, and the COREQ checklist was used to evaluate their quality. Of the 2610 studies identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria. No study was excluded based on quality. Two main themes were generated: (1) Medication information exchange involving residents and families, and (2) resident and family factors influencing medication communication engagement. The findings revealed a lack of supportive structure for effective communication and collaboration among residents, family caregivers and healthcare providers during transitions of care, marked by one-way interactions and limited evidence of shared decision-making or family caregiver engagement in medication management communication, despite varying individual needs and preferences. Communication about medication management during transitions of care focused on sharing details rather than active engagement. Residents and their family caregivers have individual needs and perspectives regarding communication about medication management, which are not well addressed by healthcare providers during transitions of care. Healthcare providers' communication remains limited, and family caregivers are underutilised.

Nurses' Descriptions of Interdisciplinary Interactions in Stroke and Geriatric Rehabilitation Units: A Case Example of the Registered Practical Nurse.

To analyse how nurses describe their interactions with other interdisciplinary team members within stroke and geriatric rehabilitation. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional ethnographic interview data was conducted using Elo and Kyngäs' (2008) deductive content analysis. Between April 12 and July 25, 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 registered practical nurses recruited through convenience sampling from three tertiary hospital sites in Southwestern Ontario. Interview transcripts were reviewed to identify described interactions between nurses and interdisciplinary team members and were coded for: who were the interdisciplinary team member(s) involved; what content was addressed; and where, when, and why the interaction occurred. Categories representing how nurses describe their interactions with interdisciplinary team members were as follows: (1) arising from the unique roles owned by either the nurse or interdisciplinary team member(s); (2) requiring open communication to achieve patient goals and improve patient care; (3) occurring within what is perceived to be either the therapists' or nurses' physical space; and (4) contributing to supportive team environments that are mutually beneficial. While nurses view other interdisciplinary team members as 'owning' certain roles and physical spaces within rehabilitation, they also recognised their 'owned' spaces and roles. Unique contributions of all team members were valued as necessary to provide holistic, person-centred patient care and positive team-based support. Nurses' descriptions of their interactions with interdisciplinary team members demonstrated their essential contributions to team-based patient care and acknowledged nurse contributions to the rehabilitation process for patients. Findings elucidate the nature of interprofessional interactions and 'ownership' within the rehabilitation process. Results are beneficial for policymakers, educators, and healthcare organisations aiming to optimise the nursing role within rehabilitation spaces. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Checklist (COREQ). No patient or public contribution.

Effects of visit restriction in the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences and perceptions of intensive care nurses.

The visit restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 precluded the entrance of the patient's family into the confines of the intensive care unit. This study evaluated the experiences of intensive care nurses (ICNs) regarding COVID-19 visit restrictions and their opinions on these restrictions. From May 2023 to July 2023, semi-structured interviews with 15 ICNs from intensive care units in a tertiary public hospital in Türkiye were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Reporting of the study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. The analysis revealed two main themes, 'widespread negative impacts of visit restrictions' and 'adaptive strategies to the visitation ban', and seven sub-themes supporting the main themes. Nurses perceived that the visit restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe negative effect on patients, their relatives, themselves and the care environment. They also did not support visit restriction in future pandemics. The COVID-19 visitation policy weakened the involvement of family members in patient care and created serious challenges in the intensive care setting. The study revealed an urgent need for patient-centred, family-sensitive and consistently applied protocols in future pandemics. In future pandemics, strategies such as the benefit-benefit ratio of the visit, the provision and use of adequate personal protective equipment, and vaccination requirements should be considered in visiting decisions of patients hospitalized because of infection. Participation of nurses responsible for patient care in decisions regarding visitor practices should be supported.

Factors influencing the positive aspects of caring for dementia patients by family caregivers: a systematic mixed studies review protocol

AimTo provide an overview of the various influencing factors related to the positive aspects of caring for dementia patients by family caregivers.DesignA systematic mixed studies review.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guided this protocol as reported. Peer-reviewed studies published in English from 1997 to the present will be searched via information sources, gray literature, and the following databases: Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible trials will also be retrieved from ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. This will be a mixed studies review. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool will be used for the mixed-method studies. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for case–control and cohort studies and the JBI quality scale for cross-sectional and interventional (i.e., randomized or quasi-experimental) studies will be consulted. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research will be used for the qualitative studies. All the data will be extricated with JBI data extraction tools. The convergent synthesis method will be used in the review.DiscussionThis systematic review will synthesize and analyze the factors that influence the positive aspects of caring for dementia patients by family caregivers.ConclusionThe findings will help decision-makers to adopt more appropriate and effective interventions for caregivers of people with dementia.Patient or public contributionsThis review protocol will ascertain the factors affecting the mediation of and path to improved caregiving, explore the factors’ action mechanisms, and examine the controlling factors to design a more targeted intervention program to improve caregiving, thus improving dementia patients’ outcomes and care. Contributions of the findings will include evidence of strategies that address ongoing dementia caregiving issues and the identification of areas for future research.

Experiences and Understanding of Well-Being in Lung Transplant Recipients in China: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study.

To explore lung transplant recipients' perceptions of well-being when they are facing uncertain health outcomes, including identifying the factors to enhance well-being. A qualitative descriptive study. A purposive sample of 11 lung transplantation recipients who were hospitalised in the Department of Organ Transplantation of a tertiary university hospital was recruited in China. A descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. Themes were organised within a PERMA model. Colaizzi's qualitative analysis was used to analyse the data. Five major themes and 11 categories were generated: (1) mindset shift [optimism and hope and living in the moment]; (2) meaning in life [self-care, priority change and value realisation]; (3) health benefits [improved health and behavioural changes]; (4) perceived support [support from family, the health care team and others]; (5) unmet support needs. Lung transplant recipients could perceive well-being from five aspects that caused significantly favourable transformation across a variety of aspects in patients' lives. These findings may support nursing staff when caring for this patient group, making them aware of multifaceted nature of well-being. They could offer insight into potential pathways for the development of nurse-led tailored interventions, based on specific elements of PERMA model. This work adds to a growing body of knowledge about well-being amongst lung transplant patients. These findings may support nursing staff when caring for this patient group, making them aware of multifaceted nature of well-being and illustrating factors that promote positive well-being in this group, based on specific elements of PERMA model. This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Two lung transplant recipients were involved in the early phases of this study. They helped in formulating the interview outline.

Non-communicable diseases prevention and control by government ministries in Guyana.

Countries of the Caribbean Community signed the Declaration of Port of Spain in 2007 with the vision to stop the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The adoption of the Declaration by member states represented a regional effort, challenging governments, the private sector, and civil society to act together. Multisectoral actions in Guyana aimed at achieving this goal are the focus of this article, demonstrating the work of different actors in addressing the burden of NCDs in the country. To analyze multisectoral actions developed among five ministries for the implementation of the Declaration of Port of Spain 2007 in Guyana. This qualitative study was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist and conducted in five ministries (Agriculture, Education, Finance, Health, and Trade) in Georgetown, Guyana. The thematic analysis was guided by a framework consisting of four elements: context (why the policy is needed), content (what the policy is mainly about), process (how the policy was brought forward and implemented), and actors (who participates in and influences the formulation and implementation of the policy). The framework considers how these elements interconnect to shape policy development and implementation processes. Data analysis provided the researchers with insights into possible topic areas and codes for consideration during the analysis, hence a deductive approach to data analysis was used. The results highlighted the importance of coordination among government entities, national and international agencies, private actors, industry players, and civil society. Participants did not mention the use of responsibility metrics but cited mechanisms that facilitated collaboration. The results showed limitations in transforming multisectoral initiatives into intersectoral collaboration to achieve real integration among the different actors involved, considering the actual context and content. Actions could be more effectively implemented with significant outcomes for NCD control in Guyana.

Experiences of empathy of caregivers caring for persons with dementia: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The aim of this systematic review will be to explore the experiences of empathy in informal caregivers caring for persons with dementia. Positive caregiving experiences of informal caregivers caring for persons with dementia have many beneficial outcomes, such as improved well-being of both caregivers and care receivers and a higher quality of care for the persons with dementia. Empathy is a factor associated with positive caregiving experiences and is strongly correlated with reduced depression and reduced anxiety in informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Therefore, it is essential to understand the experiences of empathy, especially the caregiver characteristics such as their caring behaviors, relationship with the patient, and cultural beliefs. This review will include studies on the empathy experiences of informal caregivers caring for persons with any type of dementia. It will consider qualitative studies, including, but not limited to, designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and feminist research. This study will follow the JBI guidance for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence and will use the meta-aggregation approach to synthesise qualitative studies. The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished studies in English, Chinese, and Thai, with no date restrictions. Methodological quality will be evaluated using the standard JBI critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. The findings will be pooled using the meta-aggregation approach or will be presented in narrative format. PROSPERO CRD42023490472.

Traumatised Nurses' Desired Support Needs for Continued Recovery After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Utilising Photovoice.

The aims of this study were to describe the experiences of nurses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore nurses' current desired support needs. This study used a qualitative descriptive design. This study was conducted in the Southeastern United States at an academic health system encompassing acute care hospitals and outpatient speciality clinics. Thirteen nurses were interviewed in August and September of 2023 in five small groups of two or three nurses. Photovoice was used for data collection and each nurse submitted two photographs. Data were analysed utilising conventional content analysis, with transcripts and photograph analysis occurring concurrently. Three themes were identified: (1) organisational turmoil, (2) personal traumatisation and transitions and (3) striving for revival and renewal. A conceptual model illustrating the three themes and their relationships was developed to depict study findings. Nurses were impacted by organisational factors, such as staffing issues and lack of support, and personally through psychological trauma that has remained challenging. Nurses found revival and renewal in their personal lives, but still desire continued improvement in organisational factors to enhance their well-being in ways not currently being addressed to allow for full recovery. Findings from this study are pertinent for healthcare organisations and leaders to develop organisational changes and mental health solutions to support nurse well-being. The prioritisation of nurse well-being is critical for the nursing profession and healthcare organisations. Organisational improvements and the implementation of support resources are urgently needed to aid in nurse recovery, nurse retention and to ensure patients receive quality care. This study identified nurses' struggles 3 years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the ongoing need to provide resources and interventions that support nurse well-being. Our findings offer nurses' descriptions of their experiences and support needs for organisations and healthcare leaders to consider in the future. Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) Checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Peripheral intravenous catheter clinical care standard adherence in emergency departments: A qualitative study underpinned by the behaviour change wheel.

To explore the barriers and facilitators influencing emergency department clinicians' adherence to the Australian Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC) Clinical Care Standard, using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Suboptimal PIVC practices are frequently linked to a range of patient-important adverse outcomes. The first Australian Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Clinical Care Standard was introduced in 2021, aiming to standardize practice. However, a recent national survey revealed a lack of adherence to the Standard among emergency department clinicians. A qualitative descriptive study. The study was conducted across two Australian emergency departments in 2023. Utilizing purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The analysis incorporated both deductive and inductive approaches, mapping the findings to the BCW. Interviews with 25 nurses and doctors revealed nine key subthemes. The main barriers were the stressful environment, insufficient education and training, and the absence of a feedback mechanism. The main facilitators were recognition of suboptimal practice, belief in the importance of patient engagement, and the desire to improve practice. Multiple complex factors have an impact on clinicians' adherence to the Standard. The identified interventions will serve as a guide for future implementation of the Standard. The findings inform healthcare organizations of the significance of implementing strategies to enhance clinicians' acceptance of the Standard. Clinicians should consider incorporating the multifaceted interventions developed in accordance with the BCW for future implementation projects. Promoting adherence to standards opens avenues to challenge suboptimal practice and has the potential to instigate a culture shift in the fundamental skills of frontline clinicians. The study is designed and reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Experiences of family caregivers of nurses infected with COVID-19: a qualitative study

BackgroundNurses, as the main healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, were at high risk of contracting the disease. Family caregivers played a vital role in the support and recovery of patients with COVID-19. The experiences of family caregivers of nurses are very important due to the nature of their job. However, little information is available in this field. To this end, the present study aimed to explore the experiences of family caregivers of nurses who recovered from COVID-19.MethodsThis descriptive qualitative study was conducted in one of the hospitals in southeastern Iran in 2022. The participants were 12 family caregivers of nurses who recovered from COVID-19 and were selected through purposive sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist was used to report the findings.ResultsThe analysis of the data revealed psychosocial consequences as main theme, three categories and nine subcategories including negative emotions and attitudes (fear of deterioration/death, fear of frequent infection, fear of transmitting infection to others, despair of recovery, Changing attitudes toward the nursing profession), caregiver burden (role conflict, economic pressure) and lack of support, ineffective interactions and isolation (Lack of support from nursing managers and colleagues, ineffective interactions and isolation).ConclusionLike other caregivers, family caregivers of nurses recovered from COVID-19 experienced psychosocial consequences and a heavy burden of responsibility. However, what differentiates our findings from the results reported in previous studies is the change in caregivers’ attitudes toward nursing and regret for their family members being nurses. The lack of support from medical staff and managers for nurses, the condition of nurses frequently contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their profession, and the fear of transmitting the infection to others due to contact with COVID-19 patients in the workplace expose these caregivers to additional stress and many risks. Thus, these caregivers need more attention and support in similar situations; an issue that seems to have been neglected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Niveles de estrés, ansiedad y depresión en población con hipertensión arterial

Long-term illnesses, including high blood pressure (HTN), are associated with a variable prevalence of mental health disorders, due to the restrictions they generate in daily life, uncertainty about the future, social isolation and the feeling of blame. The objective of the article is to know the prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety among adults with a diagnosis of primary HTN; as well as the factors associated with these mood disorders. A systematic review of publications from specialized databases such as APA PsycNet, Pubmed and Cochrane Library was carried out. Mesh terms and Boolean operators were used. Observational publications from 2019 to 2024 with adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with primary HTN were included. Traceability data was extracted from the articles: author(s), year, country, DOI. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the STROBE checklist for observational research. 11 articles were included. Depression was evaluated in 9, anxiety in 5 and stress in two. Depression had a prevalence from 5.2% - 64.1%. Anxiety, 25% - 100%, while psychological stress was 60% - 71.5%. The factors related to these disorders were female sex, marital status, comorbidities, not having a job, low socioeconomic and educational level. The relationship between HTN and these disorders appears to be bidirectional. With a bidirectional relationship, the adult population with primary HTN experiences a variable prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress. It is necessary to further study this relationship.

Exploring patient perception of decision-making in carpal tunnel release surgery: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, but some controversies remain regarding diagnostics and the most effective treatments. As a result, patients often experience decisional conflicts, especially when considering carpal tunnel release surgery. Understanding factors that influence decision-making in surgery can help clinicians better grasp patient treatment preferences and priorities, reducing decisional conflicts, and enabling patients to make informed, value-aligned choices through shared decision-making. This qualitative evidence synthesis aims to explore patient perceptions of carpal tunnel release, examine the decision-making factors, and critically appraise and synthesise the existing evidence. A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Ultimate, PsycINFO) from inception to August 2023, supplemented by referencing and citation searching to identify eligible qualitative studies. Thematic synthesis was adopted as synthesis methodology, involving a line-by-line coding of the primary study findings, and the development of descriptive and analytical themes. Quality appraisal was conducted using the modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, supplemented with the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research checklist. Synthesis of six qualitative studies encompassing 66 participants generated five analytical themes: (1) Journey to normalcy, (2) Patient-centred care, (3) Work and life considerations, (4) Weighing up alternatives, and (5) Shaping the expectations, highlighting the complexity of patient decision-making in carpal tunnel release. In the management of carpal tunnel syndrome, therapists should consider various decision-making factors, prioritising communication and shared decision-making. This, along with personalised interactions, achieves patient-centred care and enhances patient care quality and therapeutic alliance.

Exploring factors affecting psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions in Iran: a qualitative study.

Drought, a prevalent consequence of climate change, significantly impacts mental health among farmers. Enhancing psychological resilience is crucial to mitigating these effects. This study aims to explore the concept and factors affecting the psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions in Iran. This study utilized a conventional qualitative content analysis method. Twenty-six participants, divided into two groups of experts and farmers, were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted via in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist and was carried out between June 2023 and February 2024. The factors affecting the psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions were categorized into two main categories with nine subcategories. The first category, environmental factors, included economic factors, socio-cultural factors, drought adaptation methods, government policies, and infrastructural factors. The second category, intra-individual factors, comprised personal characteristics, health factors, psychological factors, and perception and knowledge. The study revealed that both environmental and intra-individual factors influence the psychological resilience of farmers during droughts. It is recommended to implement intervention strategies, such as providing training and education on drought adaptation methods and managing agricultural and healthcare expenses. Further research is needed to expand this concept to various disasters and occupational groups in future studies.

Barriers and facilitators for reducing low-value home-based nursing care: A qualitative exploratory study among homecare professionals.

To explore barriers and facilitators for reducing low-value home-based nursing care. Qualitative exploratory study. Seven focus group interviews and two individual interviews were conducted with homecare professionals, managers and quality improvement staff members within seven homecare organizations. Data were deductively analysed using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist. Barriers perceived by homecare professionals included lack of knowledge and skills, such as using care aids, interactions between healthcare professionals and general practitioners creating expectations among clients. Facilitators perceived included reflecting on provided care together with colleagues, clearly communicating agreements and expectations towards clients. Additionally, clients' and relatives' behaviour could potentially hinder reduction. In contrast, clients' motivation to be independent and involving relatives can promote reduction. Lastly, non-reimbursement and additional costs of care aids were perceived as barriers. Support from organization and management for the reduction of care was considered as facilitator. Understanding barriers and facilitators experienced by homecare professionals in reducing low-value home-based nursing care is crucial. Enhancing knowledge and skills, fostering cross-professional collaboration, involving relatives and motivating clients' self-care can facilitate reduction of low-value home-based nursing care. Implications for profession and patient care: De-implementing low-value home-based nursing care offers opportunities for more appropriate care and inclusion of clients on waitlists. Addressing barriers with tailored strategies can successfully de-implement low-value home-based nursing care. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used. No patient or public contribution.