Evidence-based Care Practices Research Articles

Implementing a Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle in Critical Care.

The emerging field of implementation science (IS) facilitates the sustainment of evidence-based practice in clinical care. This article, the third in a series on applying IS, describes how a nurse-led team at a multisite health system used IS concepts, methods, and tools to implement a hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) prevention bundle on six critical care units, with the aim of decreasing HAPI incidence.

Current oral care practices in an acute aged care setting: An Australian metropolitan hospital perspective

Purpose To evaluate current oral care practices in an acute aged care hospital setting, and staff perceptions of the barriers and enablers to delivery of evidence-based oral care practices. Method A mixed method study comprised of retrospective file audit and cross-sectional survey was conducted within a single acute aged care unit. Medical records of patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted over a 6 month period were retrospectively audited. A clinician survey was used to explore barriers to and enablers of the delivery of oral care practices using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) questionnaire. Result were analysed using descriptive statistics. Result Patient file audits (n = 206) found 13.6% (n = 28) of patients had oral care completed, despite 23% (n = 47) of patients being recommended by a speech language pathologist to receive oral care. Staff survey respondents (n = 31) reported they do not have the physical or social opportunities to provide oral care (i.e. adequate resources, time, and social support), however, they were motivated and reported they have the required knowledge and skills to provide oral care. Conclusion There is a need for implementation strategies to enable an interprofessional response to improve the delivery of evidence-based oral care practices and optimise patient outcomes.

Stakeholders' Perceptions of Hospital-Based Early Childhood Parenting Education Services: A Thematic Analysis

BACKGROUND: Postnatal parental education is deficient yet necessary to enhance the implementation of evidence-based newborn care practices among families. Educating both mother and father is crucial for optimal childhood development, and interventions targeting families can improve childcare practices. Implementing these interventions through systematic policies and protocols in LMIC hospitals is essential. This study explores the perceptions of pregnant women, parents, and healthcare workers regarding parenting education in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: In a qualitative study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, participants included pregnant women, parents, and healthcare workers. The study used in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants, consisting of two individuals from each category. Interviews were conducted using a prepared guide, and data collection was performed by trained staff. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were conducted in Urdu, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was carried out manually. RESULTS: The analysis of pregnant women's experiences identified themes of personal pregnancy experiences, support systems, and hospital facilities. Women discussed physical, emotional, and financial challenges during pregnancy. They valued support from family and physicians but expressed a need for better educational resources in hospitals. For parents with children under one-year-old, themes included personal experiences, hospital experiences, and educational resources. Parents faced emotional changes, financial challenges, and desired improved work-life balance. They appreciated outpatient care but found lacking in inpatient experiences, particularly in the NICU. Healthcare workers emphasized the role of parents, families, and hospitals, highlighting the importance of teaching and understanding family dynamics. Also suggested improvement in holistic approaches, mandatory educational programs, and integrating parenting readiness into primary care. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based postpartum parenting education enhance overall baby care. Expanding literature emphasizes the importance of high-quality parenting for lifelong development. Identifying efficient programs and resources to enhance parental abilities and foster positive child growth is increasingly important.

Dysphagia and tracheostomy management in New Zealand intensive care units

ABSTRACT Background: Speech-language therapists (SLTs) hold an important multidisciplinary team (MDT) role in managing swallowing, communication and tracheostomy weaning in intensive care units (ICUs). Yet, many ICUs do not have dedicated SLT time. In this study, we explored New Zealand ICU’s current practices to support benchmarking across the country and against international evidence-based practice. Methods: In part 1, we extracted New Zealand data representing 11 ICU MDTs across all regions from an international survey of 746 ICUs (26 countries). MDTs were asked about their dysphagia practice. In part 2, we conducted a national survey exploring tracheostomy practice in New Zealand. SLTs were asked about perceived roles, knowledge, skills and confidence in tracheostomy. Thirty-five SLTs responded to the survey, again, representing all New Zealand regions. Results: All ICUs had access to a SLT but none had dedicated SLT hours. ICU teams had variable awareness of evidence-based practice in dysphagia care. Swallowing rehabilitation was infrequent. The top two perceived barriers to standardized management of dysphagia were lack of access to SLT and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) equipment. In part 2, SLTs were experienced and confident but standardized protocols were infrequent and not all practices met current international evidence-based practice. SLTs’ reported barriers to best practice were MDT understanding of role, insufficient ICU-dedicated SLTs, training of nursing, and access to otolaryngology. Conclusions: Skilled, ICU-dedicated SLTs are needed in New Zealand ICUs to support more consistent and evidence-based practice. Access to FEES and time for rehabilitation and MDT education are needed.

Implementation of evidence-based practice in paediatric nursing care: Facilitators and barriers

BackgroundEvidence-based practice (EBP) is widely recognised in healthcare as a means of improving patient outcomes by incorporating patient preferences, clinical experience, and rigorous research. Although it has demonstrated potential in promoting healthcare, increasing patient safety, and reducing costs, there are still challenges in implementing and applying EBP in practice. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators identified by nurses concerning the implementation of EBP in the care provided to children and their families. MethodsTwo focus groups were held with a total of 32 nurses from a paediatric unit of a university hospital. The qualitative data were organised using NVivo, and thematic analysis was undertaken following Bardin’s three-phase process. FindingsThree categories emerged: Facilitators for the Implementation of EBP, Barriers to the Implementation of EBP, and Family and Child-Centred Care in Clinical Practice. The main facilitators are the presence of mentors, institutional recognition, an environment that promotes EBPs, and the interest and motivation of the team. The main barriers highlighted were unassertive intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary communication, time management, tradition, and inexperience in research. Organisations must implement policies that promote environments conducive to EBP. ConclusionIt is crucial to prioritise ongoing professional development, integrate this practice into nursing education, promote innovative organisational cultures, and embrace the principles of Family-Centred Care. Nurses recognise the importance of mentors as key to implementing this practice.

Implementing the Brøset Violence Checklist in the ED.

The emerging field of implementation science (IS) facilitates the sustainment of evidence-based practice in clinical care. This article, the second in a series on applying IS, describes how a nurse-led IS team at a multisite health system implemented the Brøset Violence Checklist-a validated, evidence-based tool to predict a patient's potential to become violent-in the system's adult EDs, with the aim of decreasing the rate of violence against staff. The authors discuss how they leveraged IS concepts, methods, and tools to achieve this goal.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF DOCTORS AND NURSING STAFF OF WHO INTRAPARTUM CARE GUIDELINES

This cross-sectional study, conducted over a year in a tertiary care center in Delhi, aimed to assess knowledge and adherence to WHO intrapartum care guidelines among 200 doctors and 200 nurses. The study utilized self-administered questionnaires and focused group discussions to identify knowledge gaps and application constraints. Results indicated that doctors exhibited better knowledge of the guidelines than nurses, with more experienced professionals scoring higher. Specifically, questions regarding the duration of the latent phase and cervical dilation posed difficulties, especially for nurses. Only 36% of doctors and 16% of nurses correctly answered knowledge-based questions. Furthermore, doctors demonstrated superior practical application of the guidelines, particularly in areas like fundal pressure and episiotomy in primigravida. The study highlighted a significant association between higher education, experience, and better outcome. The findings underscore the necessity for continuous training and practice to enhance adherence to WHO guidelines, ultimately aiming to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Enhanced training and monitoring are recommended to bridge the identified gaps and ensure evidence-based intrapartum care practices are universally applied.

Using the Translating Research into Practice framework to develop a diabetes prevention intervention in primary care: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundPre-diabetes affects one-third of US adults and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Effective evidence-based interventions, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, are available, but a gap remains in...

Quality improvement initiative to reduce Medical Adhesive Related Skin injury (MARSI) in very preterm babies admitted to neonatal intensive care unit

IntroductionSick preterm neonates are most vulnerable to developing skin injuries. Despite sound knowledge and application of evidence-based practices for preventing medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI), the incidence of MARSI was...

Survey of perioperative utilization of professional medical interpreters for limited-English proficient patients: Towards a framework for systems-level improvement

IntroductionSurgical patients in United States’ hospitals have grown more linguistically diverse. However, professional medical interpreter (PMI) utilization remains inconsistent at many healthcare institutions for limited-English proficient (LEP) patients. Numerous studies demonstrate that inadequate perioperative access to PMI leads to worse care and outcomes for LEP patients. The perioperative setting presents unique challenges for providers in caring for LEP patients including obtaining informed consent, a transient team of multi-disciplinary providers, and the time pressure of operating room practice. ObjectiveOur study is the first to assess barriers to consistent PMI use in the immediate perioperative setting and to identify system-level approaches to improve PMI use. MethodWe surveyed a multidisciplinary team of perioperative nurses, advanced practice providers, anesthesiology and surgical trainees and faculty on their personal practices and perceived barriers to PMI use. An anonymous online 13-question survey was used. Answer options included rank order, multiple choice, Likert scale, and free text. Survey data was analyzed using univariate statistics and stratified based on providers having received information on the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 and their medical training status. Pearson's chi-squared test was performed and odds ratios calculated to determine if these provider characteristics were associated with increased preference for PMI over bilingual staff and patients’ family members for interpretation and with other LEP evidence-based care practices. ResultsWe received a total of 262 responses with a 28.3 % response rate. Among survey participants, 19.1 % of participants did not know where to find patients’ language preferences in the electronic health record (EHR) and 69.8 % of participants did not know how to update language preferences in the EHR. When a bilingual staff was present, 31.0 % and 24.8 % of providers would forgo using video and phone PMI, respectively. Comparatively, trainees were more likely to use PMI instead of patients’ family or bilingual staff. Providers who received training on the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 were more likely to use PMI for interpretation and provide translated consent forms, and least likely to utilize patients’ families for interpretation. Barriers to PMI use included difficulty obtaining video consoles or phones, long wait times for interpreters, unavailability of language, unfamiliarity with using video consoles or accessing interpreters, poor sound quality and internet connectivity issues. As many as 26 % of respondents cited time pressure for starting a surgical case as the reason for not using an interpreter. DiscussionBased on these survey results, we developed a framework for quality improvement initiatives to effect system-level change in similar high-output perioperative settings. This framework can be categorized into (1) process refinement and harnessing the EHR for identification and documentation of LEP status, (2) interdepartmental collaboration to address workflow constraints, technical issues and supply-demand mismatch, and (3) increasing awareness among leadership and providers about interpretation laws, cost reduction and improved outcomes with PMI use.

Low back pain patients' experience and expectations: A qualitative study focusing on physiotherapist and physician care.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common and disabling musculoskeletal disorder. LBP experiences and expectations can vary from one person to another and influence their clinical outcomes. Despite the existence of numerous evidence-based treatment recommendations, LBP management in primary care remains challenging. This study aims to investigate the experiences and expectations of patients with LPB in primary care settings. A qualitative study with an inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were performed using individuals who had experienced LBP in the past year and had consulted a family physician (FP) or a physiotherapist (PT). Ten participants with LBP were interviewed (5 women, 5 men, mean age 49±17). Five themes were identified: (1) I am always upset because I can't do anything; (2) I waited to consult; I thought it would go away; (3) I want to see what is going on with my LBP; (4) I want to see the person that will provide the right treatment; (5) I need support to get over it. Participants consulted when their pain was severe and disabling. They expected an imaging test to explain the cause of their LBP and placed more importance on the imaging test results than the FP's or PT's evaluation. Their opinions on care selection and being listened to were important for the participants. This study has highlighted the importance of the patient's point of view in their care. This consideration is important to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach with evidence-based practice care.

Content of a wound care mobile application for newly graduated nurses: an e-Delphi study

BackgroundWound care represents a considerable challenge, especially for newly graduated nurses. The development of a mobile application is envisioned to improve knowledge transfer and facilitate evidence-based practice. The aim of this study was to establish expert consensus on the initial content of the algorithm for a wound care mobile application for newly graduated nurses.MethodsExperts participated in online surveys conducted in three rounds. Twenty-nine expert wound care nurses participated in the first round, and 25 participated in the two subsequent rounds. The first round, which was qualitative, included a mandatory open-ended question solicitating suggestions for items to be included in the mobile application. The responses underwent content analysis. The subsequent two rounds were quantitative, with experts being asked to rate their level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale. These rounds were carried out iteratively, allowing experts to review their responses and see anonymized results from the previous round. We calculated the weighted kappa to determine the individual stability of responses within-subjects between the quantitative rounds. A consensus threshold of 80% was predetermined.ResultsIn total, 80 items were divided into 6 categories based on the results of the first round. Of these, 75 (93.75%) achieved consensus during the two subsequent rounds. Notably, 5 items (6.25%) did not reach consensus. The items with the highest consensus related to the signs and symptoms of infection, pressure ulcers, and the essential elements for healing. Conversely, items such as toe pressure measurement, wounds around drains, and frostbite failed to achieve consensus.ConclusionsThe results of this study will inform the development of the initial content of the algorithm for a wound care mobile application. Expert participation and their insights on infection-related matters have the potential to support evidence-based wound care practice. Ongoing debates surround items without consensus. Finally, this study establishes expert wound care nurses’ perspectives on the competencies anticipated from newly graduated nurses.

Ready or Not: A Conceptual Model of Organizational Readiness for Embedded Pragmatic Dementia Research.

The National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Implementation Milestones emphasize the need for implementation research that maximizes up-take and scale-up of evidence-based dementia care practices across settings, diverse populations, and disease trajectories. Organizational readiness for implementation is a salient consideration when planning and conducting embedded pragmatic trials, in which interventions are implemented by provider staff. The current article examines the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of organizational readiness for implementation and the operationalization of this construct. We offer a preliminary conceptual model for explicating and measuring organizational readiness and describe the unique characteristics and demands of implementing evidence-based interventions targeting persons with dementia and/or their care partners. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 149-160.].

Reasons for performing episiotomy during ectopic deliveries: An integrative literature review

The labor process is a crucial phase in a pregnant woman's life. However, it is often perceived as a frightening experience due to routine procedures carried out without her consent and the potential for traumatic experiences that can have long-lasting effects. Nursing, particularly midwifery, is responsible for providing support and care that upholds the dignity of women. This integrative literature review aims to identify and analyze the reasons health professionals identify for the practice of episiotomy in ectopic births and the situations in which it would be appropriate to perform it. The results of this review may help identify gaps in practice and guide the improvement of the quality of obstetric care. Eight articles were selected for analysis after a detailed review of 200. The review revealed that health professionals perform episiotomies for various reasons related to the fetus, the pregnant/parent, the health professional, and the birth. The most common reasons given by the participants were physical damage and maternal physical characteristics. Results provide a better understanding of practice gaps, enlighten the need to improve knowledge and evidence-based care practices, and encourage health professionals to examine their practices.

Optimising recovery after perineal trauma: Implementation of an evidence-based patient-centred care and clinical practice guideline

BackgroundPerineal trauma and pain can affect the quality of life of women who experience vaginal birth. AimTo investigate the effect of perineal care and pain management on women’s postpartum recovery. MethodsThis was a Quasi-experimental study. In Phase 1 women were treated using our old postnatal perineal care management guideline. In Phase 2 an updated guideline was introduced (regular administration of icepacks and analgesia during the first 24–48 h postpartum). During Phase 1, pregnant women planning a vaginal birth completed a baseline questionnaire. Those who sustained perineal trauma completed a survey at 24–48 h, seven days and 12 weeks after birth. In Phase 2 we continued recruiting participants, using the same procedure, and investigated the efficacy of pain relief approaches using the new guideline. ResultsIn Phase 1, 111 women (Group 1), and Phase 2, 146 women (Group 2) were recruited. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the women’s pain catastrophising, their partner’s responses to pain behaviours, or birth outcomes. At 24–48 h and seven days postpartum, women in Group 2 were less likely than women in Group 1 to be bothered by back or perineal pain, headache, sleeping difficulties and dizziness (p < 0.05). More women in Group 2 received regular paracetamol and perineal icepacks during their hospital stay, with less use of oxycodone in Group 2 than Group 1. ConclusionThe implementation of the guideline’s recommendations was associated with decrease back and perineal pain, headache, sleeping difficulties and dizziness during the first seven days postpartum.

Outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks' gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network

Objective: To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks' gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results: Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions: With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks' gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.

Evidence-based intrapartum care practice and associated factors among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence-based practice is defined as using the best available research and clinical evidence by incorporating patients' values and preferences for their health needs. The use of evidence-based intrapartum care practices is an essential tool to improve the quality of obstetrics care. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of evidence-based intrapartum care and associated factors among obstetrics care providers in Ethiopia. Important articles were retrieved from universally accepted and used databases, including Cochran, PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, Web of Science, African OnLine, and repositories of Ethiopian Universities. We extracted articles by using a standard JOANNA Briggs Institute data extraction sheet. To determine the existence of heterogeneity in studies, I 2 statistics and Cochran Q tests were used. The publication bias of the included studies was checked using Egger's test and a Funnel plot. A total of 2035 obstetrics care providers were involved in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The estimated overall rate of evidence-based intrapartum care practice in Ethiopia was 54.45% (95% CI: 43.06, 65.83); I 2 = 96.6%, p < 0.001). The studies with a sample size greater than 300 count for 47.25% (95% CI: 36.14, 65.83). Whereas obstetrics care providers have a decent knowledge of intrapartum care evidence 3.31 times, a positive attitude toward evidence 3.34 times, training 2.21 times, and work experience ⩾5 years 3.31 times associated with the practice of evidence-based intrapartum care. The overall practice of evidence-based intrapartum care among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia is estimated to be low. Therefore, there should be a focused effort on training and disseminating protocols and guidelines to enhance knowledge and foster a positive attitude among obstetrics care providers. Additionally, the Ethiopian government should prioritize the implementation of the 2021 to 2025 National Health Equity Strategic Plan to achieve its objective of improving the quality of health services.

Critical care literature review of review methodologies used for guiding evidence-based critical care practice: A scoping review

Critical care literature review of review methodologies used for guiding evidence-based critical care practice: A scoping review

Lessons learned from screening literature on person-centred care: Exploration of text-mining functions for semi-automatization of study identification.

Short introduction: To develop evidence-based person-centred care practice, informed by synthesised international knowledge, there is a need to comprehensively identify relevant citations from systematic data-base searches. However, systematic searches on ‘thick’ concepts with diffuse conceptual boundaries like person-centred care will generate to many citations possible to screen and assess manually. &#x0D; Background and purpose: The implementation of person-centred care is hindered by the fact that research results are not easily accessible. Searches of databases for original studies generate at least 90,000 unique citations. In addition to this large number of publications, there is also a diversity in terminology and conceptualisations used. When decision-makers, practitioners and researchers are unable to review all existing knowledge, the obvious risk is confusion in implementation.&#x0D; As part of an ongoing project, which aims to map available international literature of centredness in healthcare, our specific purpose with this presentation is to share some lessons learned from literature screening supported by text-mining functions. This was performed by a team of researchers specialised in interprofessional person-centred care who in the larger team includes patient partners, students and project assistants. Our experience is of importance not only for researchers, but also for policy-makers, decision-makers and healthcare professionals. &#x0D; Method: The use of text-mining functions to semi-automate the process of citation screening is a way to tackle the great amount of research citations available today. Database searches for literature on person-centred care resulted in the retrieval of 94 236 unique citations. A random sample of 5455 records was screened manually by two reviewers independently against inclusion- and exclusion criteria. Results from that screening was used to build two project tailored text-mining classifier models, one built manually by a language technologist based on word frequencies, and one machine learning classifier constructed in the software EPPI-reviewer using the sci-kit-learn library. The 1000 highest-ranking records were retrieved and manually screened for both models. &#x0D; Result: In the exploration, manual screening of the first random sample of 5455 citations resulted in 3,7% of the sample to be included in the specific mapping study. When screening the 1000 highest ranked citations using the manually built classifier model 23,5% of the sample was included. . The EPPI reviewer classifier model resulted in 83,4% to be included, while applying the same criteria for inclusion. &#x0D; Discussion: For our purposes the classifier model built in EPPI-reviewer showed promise in identifying relevant citations earlier in the process as compared to a manually built classifier. Both models performed better than random manual screening. Making use of classifying model software is merited to facilitate processes of screening and sifting citations in knowledge fields that are hard to conceptually delimit in larger data bases, such as the field of person-centred care research. &#x0D;

Stigma manifestations in cardiomyopathy care impact outcomes for black patients: a qualitative study

IntroductionInequities in clinical care may contribute to racial disparities observed in studies of heart disease morbidity and cardiogenetic testing outcomes. There is a lack of research aimed at understanding the complexity of those inequities, but stigma likely contributes. This qualitative exploratory study helps close that gap in the literature by describing intersectional stigma manifestations perceived by the Black cardiomyopathy patient population at one academic medical center.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 14 Black cardiomyopathy patients. Interviews aimed to elicit patients’ experiences with discrimination related to diagnosis, symptoms, genetic testing, knowledge of genetic results, genetic counseling, providers’ actions, and providers’ communication. The interview guide was informed by The Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. Data were also collected about participant demographics, type of cardiomyopathy, age of diagnosis, documentation of relevant family history, and completion of genetic counseling and/or genetic testing.ResultsMore than half of participants reported intersectional stigma manifestations related to their race, age, and/or weight while receiving care from cardiologists, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, or clinical support staff. Stigma manifestations included physical roughness during patient care, withholding diagnostically-relevant information from the patient, impersonal care, coercion, and use of offensive stereotyped language by providers. These stigma manifestations impacted access to care, uptake of genetic testing, timeline to diagnosis, patient emotion, patient-provider trust, and adherence to medical recommendations.ConclusionsThis study provides nuanced qualitative descriptions of stigma manifestations that affect patient and clinical outcomes in cardiology care and genetic services in one medical center in the Southeastern United States. The results of this study suggest that provider bias and stigma manifestations have an adverse effect on cardiogenetic and clinical outcomes among Black cardiomyopathy patients. Clinical interventions are suggested to assist health professionals in providing culturally-competent and respectful care. These results help inform patient-provider communication, clinical policies, and evidence-based practice in cardiology care and genetics. Continued study of this topic across more institutions and with a larger sample size is needed to confirm the generalizability of the conclusions.