Integrative Literature Review Research Articles

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.

Status of the Health Promoting University (HPU) globally and its relevance for emerging African HPUs: an integrative review and bibliometric analysis.

The Health Promoting Universities (HPU) concept is undertheorized, with no African university belonging to the International Network of Health Promoting Universities (IHPU). The study aimed to investigate the status of the HPU concept globally to inform emerging HPUs, more specifically in Africa, regarding its implementation. An integrative literature review of studies conducted between 1 January 2013 and 5 November 2023 was conducted from online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, CINAHL and Medline). A VOS bibliometric analysis viewer was used to extract and analyze further relevant information that could have been missed in the review. From 1128 records, 22 (N = 22) articles including two reports met the inclusion criteria. The main findings were that: (1) the HPU network is growing as a global network though undertheorized and less reported on, (2) the implementation of the HPU depends on a plethora of underpinning philosophies such as salutogenic and whole systems approach, and diverse programs and initiatives, 3) the terms HPU and healthy universities are often used interchangeably but the whole systems approach appears to be consistent in many HPU interventions. However, five contextual challenges that emanated from this review were discussed, including the definition of the HPU concept, theories for the HPU concept, measurement of the HPU concept, coordination and methods for measuring the HPU concept status. These challenges present obstacles to measuring the status of the HPU concept beyond the number of affiliated universities and HPU initiatives. Despite the challenges, the HPU concept is gaining momentum globally, as evidenced by the growing list of universities (HPU network) involved and the proliferation of interventions/initiatives targeting university students.

The impact of preceptorship on the newly qualified nurse and preceptors working in a critical care environment: An integrative literature review.

Preceptorship has been found to be effective in supporting Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) during their transition into challenging environments, particularly in addressing issues related to confidence and anxiety. Effective preceptorship is an element of best practice and essential to support NQNs' transition into the critical care setting. However, the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and their preceptors in critical care units is yet to be completely understood. To review the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and preceptors working in a critical care environment. An integrative literature review of the literature. The review employed Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) five-stage integrative review approach. Three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for papers published between January 2010 and May 2022. The PRISMA framework was used to guide the search and screening. Thematic analysis was used to extract, organize and analyse the data. Nine studies were included in this review. Reflective thematic analysis revealed three themes, with four related subthemes. Preceptorship has an impact on the development of the NQNs and preceptors' 'nurturing' relationship. NQNs develop their knowledge, competence and confidence when experiencing supportive preceptorship. Meanwhile, preceptors experience a combination of increased workload and opportunities for learning and professional development as a result of preceptorship. There is evidence of the impact of preceptorship on learning and professional development for both NQNs and preceptors, but this is a complex phenomenon and further research is required to understand this area more fully. In nursing practice, it is well-established that Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) often face heightened levels of anxiety and a lack of confidence when embarking on their careers, particularly in the demanding and stressful environment of critical care units. This review holds particular significance in the realm of clinical practice as it delves into the pivotal role of preceptorship in nurturing the professional growth and development of NQNs within the challenging domain of critical care. Effective preceptorship, as an essential component of best practice, plays a pivotal role in aiding NQNs' transition into critical care settings.

Utilization and Sharing of Cyber Threat Intelligence Produced by Open-Source Intelligence

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is crucial for enhancing organizational cybersecurity by proactively identifying and mitigating potential threats using publicly available information. This study, part of the DYNAMO project, explores the production of cyber threat information (CTI) through OSINT, its application in safeguarding against cyber threats, and the necessary elements for secure information exchange between organizations. The authors employed an integrative literature review of various sources, including industry literature, articles, blog posts, studies, and organizational websites, which were then systematically analyzed using content analysis. The research focuses on OSINT tools and techniques emphasizing the need for expertise in discerning relevant data and respecting privacy rights. Human judgment is highlighted as crucial in ethical decision-making despite the significant role of technology in data collection. Platforms like the Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP) facilitate the sharing of threat information, promoting prevention and identification of cyber-attacks. Ethical considerations, adherence to data protection legislation, and compliance with directives like the revision of the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) and artificial intelligence regulations are paramount. In conclusion, OSINT is a valuable tool for cybersecurity, requiring expertise, transparent processes, and a balanced integration of technology and human skills. The ethical dimensions of OSINT and the role of artificial intelligence merit separate in-depth studies.

Trauma-informed practices and leadership education: A literature review

PurposeThis integrative literature review aims to explore themes within higher education that may be applicable to leadership education including: descriptions of trauma, trauma-informed practices and trauma-informed practitioners.Design/methodology/approachIntegrative, systematic literature review.FindingsThe results suggest that trauma and trauma-informed practices may have a place in leadership education pedagogy.Originality/valueThere is no work being done in trauma informed practice in leadership education. This study provides future direction for both research and practice.

Factors contributing to the promotion of moral competence in nursing.

Ethics is a foundational competency in healthcare inherent in everyday nursing practice. Therefore, the promotion of qualified nurses' and nursing students' moral competence is essential to ensure ethically high-quality and sustainable healthcare. The aim of this integrative literature review is to identify the factors contributing to the promotion of qualified nurses' and nursing students' moral competence. The review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023386947) and reported according to the PRISMA guideline. Focusing on qualified nurses' and nursing students' moral competence, a literature search was undertaken in January 2023 in six scientific databases: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. Empirical studies written in English without time limitation were eligible for inclusion. A total of 29 full texts were retrieved and included out of 5233 citations. Quality appraisal was employed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Research about the factors contributing to the promotion of qualified nurses' and nursing students' moral competence is limited and mainly explored using descriptive research designs. The contributing factors were identified as comprising two main categories: (1) human factors, consisting of four categories: individual, social, managerial and professional factors, and ten sub-categories; and (2) structural factors, consisting of four categories: educational, environmental, organisational and societal factors, and eight sub-categories. This review provides knowledge about the factors contributing to the promotion of qualified nurses' and nursing students' moral competence for the use of researchers, nurse educators, managers, organisations and policymakers. More research about the contributing factors is needed using complex intervention, implementation and multiple methods designs to ensure ethically sustainable healthcare.

AVANCES EN BIOMATERIALES METÁLICOS PARA IMPLANTES BIOMÉDICOS: UNA REVISIÓN INTEGRATIVA

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate advancements in metallic biomaterials for biomedical implants, with the goal of enhancing patient safety and reducing mortality risks associated with medical procedures. Theoretical Framework: In this study, the theoretical framework draws upon concepts such as biocompatibility, advanced manufacturing techniques, and the role of artificial intelligence in improving implant performance and patient outcomes. These theories provide a solid foundation for understanding the context and significance of the research. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises an integrative literature review model. Specific steps included formulating a guiding question using the PICO/PIO/PEO strategy, establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies, categorizing selected research, and analyzing and interpreting the results. Data collection involved selecting articles from reputable databases such as Web of Science, Springer Nature Librarian, and Wiley Online Library, using relevant keywords related to biomedical materials and human health. Results and Discussion: The results of the integrative literature review provide a systematic synthesis of research findings on metallic biomedical materials. These findings are contextualized within the theoretical framework, emphasizing the importance of continuous research efforts in developing safer and more effective materials for medical implants. The discussion highlights the implications of these findings for enhancing healthcare technologies and patient outcomes. Research Implications: The practical implications of this research include informing the development of safer and more effective materials for biomedical implants, thereby improving patient safety and quality of life. These implications extend to various sectors involved in healthcare technology and biomedical engineering. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by synthesizing existing knowledge and providing valuable insights into the field of metallic biomaterials for medical applications.

Reduction in the Number of Diagnoses of Upper Digestive Tract Cancer during the Covid-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Literature Review

Introduction: In 2019, the World Health Organization was alerted about cases of infection with COVID-19. Due to the measures taken to prevent contamination, many pre-scheduled consultations, treatments and exams were suspended or cancelled. Objectives: This study aims to identify literature data on upper digestive tract cancer diagnosis numbers in patients that had performed endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a pre-pandemic control group. Methods: A literature review was performed through searches on the SciELO, Science Direct, PubMed, and BVS Regional Portal platforms. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected for the study. Results: All articles reported a decrease in diagnoses of upper digestive tract cancer (reduction ranged from 76.3% to 19.28%) and in endoscopies performed (reduction ranged from 87.5% to 43.1%) during the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the accessibility of resources and; consequently, increased the number of underdiagnoses of pathologies with no direct relationship with the coronavirus. Thus, a significant reduction in the number of diagnoses of upper digestive tract cancer was observed due to the decline in the number of endoscopies performed.

The influence of lifestyle and dietary habits on the nutritional profile of medical students and other health sciences academics

A series of risk factors and changes in lifestyle habits tend to worsen in health students, due to the stressful routine. In addition to the requirement for dedication and performance, medical students are exposed to other harmful lifestyle habits, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, sleep disorders, stress, and mental disorders, as well as alcoholism and smoking. This work analyzed the lifestyle and habits related to the nutritional profile of academics in the health area, especially medical students, observing the main dysfunctional practices, their prevalence, associated conditions, and harmful consequences. An integrative literature review was carried out on the CAPES, SciELO and LILACS Journal Portal databases. It was found that medical students have high levels of overweight, ranging between 26% and 32.2%; and obesity ranging between 4% and 7.8%. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as inadequate eating practices, sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism, and smoking are common, especially linked to long and stressful routines, in addition to easier access to medicines. The vulnerable position experienced by medical and healthcare students is evident, with a prevalence of lifestyle habits considered to be at risk for the development of obesity and risk factors for other chronic non-communicable diseases.

Gender Diversity: An Opportunity for Socially Inclusive Human Resource Management Policies for Organizational Sustainability

The context in which work is distributed, organized, and performed has certainly changed in recent decades. In recent years, shock events such as COVID-19 have contributed to the revision of human resource management (HRM) dynamics, which was previously for “standard work”. Overall, hybrid work is not a novelty but has significantly expanded, particularly in the post-COVID-19 period, creating new opportunities in human resource management, especially for female employees, who often manifest the need to reconcile family and work. The new post-pandemic situation has paved the way for gender sustainability processes in organizations by pushing towards a more general organizational sustainability. In fact, in recent decades, sustainability in companies has ceased to be merely environmental and has expanded its boundaries to a “sustainable” business model, whereby human resource management must also meet organizational sustainability criteria. The literature shows that women add value to organizations. Therefore, companies that take on the implementation of management policies with the aim of gender inclusion are committed to social and organizational sustainability, which leads to strategic ideas of competitive advantages. Starting from these considerations, the main purpose of this paper is to compare several strands of research on organizational sustainability and diversity management using an integrative literature review method that offers the opportunity to discover areas where further research is needed. This allows fields of study to be mapped. This paper, derived from a review, provides insights for line managers and upper management regarding pursuing sustainability goals within organizations’ boundaries. Limitations and potential future research directions are also discussed, contributing to the ongoing development of research on these subjects.

Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography Examinations: Discussion of Hydration Protocols for Patients with Altered Creatinine Levels

Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging diagnostic method that enables the visualization of internal structures in the human body, allowing for the detection of various pathologies that may affect individuals. This examination can be performed with or without contrast, which can be administered orally or intravenously. Patients with altered creatinine due to renal dysfunction may encounter difficulties in eliminating this intravenous contrast through the renal route, requiring a hydration protocol to facilitate the safe and effective completion of the examination. Considering the significance of CT in disease diagnosis, this study aims to analyze hydration protocols used in patients with altered creatinine during the performance of intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography. This study is an integrative literature review, where searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, BVS (Virtual Health Library), and ScienceDirect, in order to identify and list articles and research studies discussing the aforementioned subject, published between the years 2013 and 2017. The study revealed that both oral and intravenous hydration demonstrate similar efficacy in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal dysfunction, as detected through alterations in serum creatinine. Based on the findings, it is concluded that there is a need to continually advance research efforts to enable a growing number of patients with renal dysfunction to undergo intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography safely and effectively, thus enabling early diagnosis of diseases, as well as monitoring pre-existing conditions.

Enhancing Consumer Visual Experience through Visual Identity of Dynamic Design: An Integrative Literature Review

Enhancing Consumer Visual Experience through Visual Identity of Dynamic Design: An Integrative Literature Review

Cultivating Neurodiverse Connections Through Competent Leadership: Integrative Literature Review

This study examined the relationship between neurodiversity and leadership competency to create inclusive and encouraging settings. The concept of neurodiversity in the workplace stresses the acceptance and celebration of neurological variations, including autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to promote diversity, inclusion, and shape corporate culture, competent leadership is essential. In order to investigate how leaders might develop neurodiverse connections, this review synthesises the literature and looks at how they may embrace inclusive practices, recognise the special advantages and difficulties faced by neurodivergent people, and create a positive work environment. An extensive review of the present state of knowledge in this burgeoning topic is provided by the analysis, which includes studies from a variety of disciplines such as management, organisational behaviour, and psychology. The results underscore the significance of leadership competencies, including empathy, adaptability, and communication, in fostering settings that enable neurodivergent persons, hence augmenting creativity and efficiency. Furthermore, this study investigated the complex relationship between neurodiversity and leadership ability, with a particular emphasis on creating inclusive and supportive workplace settings. The findings highlight the importance of competent leadership in encouraging diversity, inclusiveness, and moulding corporate culture, particularly in terms of embracing neurodiverse relationships. As a result, this assessment suggests that leaders actively engage in inclusive practices, recognise the particular strengths and challenges that neurodivergent people confront, and help to create a pleasant work environment. Moving forward, it is believed that applying these recommendations will result in a more inclusive workplace culture, increasing acceptance and appreciation of neurological variances such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. Organisations may empower neurodivergent individuals by building leadership abilities such as empathy, adaptability, and effective communication, resulting in increased creativity and efficiency. This study, which draws on a thorough evaluation of current knowledge from a variety of fields, is an invaluable resource for organisations looking to promote neurodiversity and capitalise on its potential benefits in the pursuit of a more inclusive and innovative workplace

Change competence: An integrative literature review.

Organizations are in a state of continual evolution, driven by the relentless shifts in their external environments. Numerous theories have been proposed to understand the essential skills and capabilities for successful organizational change. Yet, there remains a gap in capturing a holistic view necessary to fully comprehend the dynamics of competence in today's rapidly changing landscape. This research aims to explore and consolidate the concept of 'competence' in the context of organizational change processes. Employing an integrative literature review approach, a total of 3,230 studies were screened. Out of these, 32 studies were selected based on strict relevance and quality criteria, providing a robust foundation for the analysis. The findings reveal a multi-layered nature of organizational change, highlighting that the nature and prerequisites of change vary significantly across different organizational levels. By applying a competence lens, we discern how required competence during change are not uniform but rather vary depending on whether they are applied in an operational or strategic context. This demonstrates a nuanced, level-dependent variability in change competence across the organizational hierarchy. We conceptualize 'change competence' as a dual-faceted construct. It encompasses both the capacity to leverage existing organizational competence and the adeptness to develop new competence, thereby meeting the evolving demands imposed by both internal and external drivers of change. This comprehensive understanding paves the way for more effective strategies in managing organizational change.

Farm adaptation to stricter nutrient management legislation and the implications for future livestock production: a review

AbstractStricter nutrient surplus and lower emission targets are placing adaptation pressure on livestock farms in European countries, while the public debate on how farms should react upon this pressure is controversial. In this paper, we performed an integrative literature review on different farm adaptation options, including (i) structural adaptation, (ii) technological adaptation, (iii) manure redistribution, and (iv) farm system conversion. Our analysis showed that stricter environmental legislation, together with complementary supply- and demand-related drivers, induced various farm responses. These ranged from easy to implement solutions (e.g. moderate livestock destocking to the legal levels combined with the adoption of emission abatement technologies) to novel niche concepts (e.g. animal husbandry without slaughtering). Possible reactions of farmers differed in their complexity and feasibility across different farm types and involved different trade-offs between environmental and socioeconomic interests. Future livestock production is expected to be diverse with different coexisting models that combine features of different adaptation options. The private and public sustainability of these models depends on their ability to simultaneously address multiple emerging challenges (e.g. emission reduction, animal welfare, biosecurity, and circularity). Current technological solutions often focus on a single objective (e.g. emission reduction). Integrated and multifunctional solutions (e.g. low-emission animal welfare barns compatible with biosecurity measures) are not yet sufficiently adopted, which calls for a rethinking and shifting in priorities in legislation and funding schemes.

Adult Education and Empathy

Post COVID-19, the world experiences tension politically, socially, and educationally. COVID-19 brought a new world reality. This integrative literature review addressed how encouraging empathetic classroom activities boosts students' empathetic use in their community; how institutional empathetic communication post COVID-19 enhances students' abilities to meet educational challenges by fostering those learners' resilience due to the expansion of mutual care; how engaging learners academically, interculturally, mentally, and emotionally requires new development in institutional communicative approaches; how institutional practice and activities should embrace collaborative learning through well-designed activities; and how interpersonal perceptions shape institutional empathy practices. Therefore, infusing empathetic leadership develops a sense of belonging and profound trust in the community. Additionally, the review provides some researched pedagogical practices to spur empathy in educational environments, which support learners' academic competencies.

Methodology for Risk-Benefit Analysis in Research

Risk-benefit analysis in the context of research activities has recently become a mandatory exercise. It is an integral part of the more extensive exercise, the scientific and ethical review for research approval and subsequent monitoring and evaluation exercises. However, how to undertake the process remains a largely subjective process that results in somewhat 'incomplete' inventories of potential risks and benefits for many research activities. There is also the challenge of computing an overall study risk-benefit score when objective and subjective measures of risks, benefits, severity, and magnitude are involved. This study employed the integrative literature review methodology to summarize past empirical and theoretical literature to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. The result is a simple, concise, and practical guide for identifying research risks and benefits, the computation of risk scores, benefit scores, and the overall risk-benefit score in a research activity. These scores are subsequently utilized to compute the study's overall risk-benefit analysis score. This step-by-step process for the computation of a risk-benefit ratio will introduce clarity in the process of risk-benefit analysis to help ascertain if specific risk probabilities and their severity have been correctly assessed. Conversely, the approach is also helpful in ascertaining if study benefits and their magnitude have been adequately assessed and rated.

Exploring nurses’ experiences of caring for people who inject drugs with a physical health condition: an integrative literature review

Exploring nurses’ experiences of caring for people who inject drugs with a physical health condition: an integrative literature review

Internationalization of higher education in Central Asia: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Despite the growing literature on higher education internationalization in Central Asia, such literature remains unexamined for its criticality. Our systematic integrative literature review helps address this lacuna. The article utilizes critical internationalization perspectives to examine the extent to which the literature on internationalization in the region addresses the critical questions currently dominating the internationalization discourse globally. We analysed 56 peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2012 and 2022 to address the following themes: (1) internationalization as Westernization, (2) internationalization and the modernization of the university, (3) internationalization equals Englishization and (4) internationalization and the recreation of unequal relations. We assert that the published work does not promote the reimagination of dominant patterns of relationship, representation and resource distribution. By providing a systematic review, we hope to have helped academics, researchers, students, administrators and policymakers reflect upon and reimagine internationalization practice.

An integrative review of home care recommendations for women after caesarean section.

To describe home-based care and practices recommended for mothers after caesarean section (CS), existing in the literature. Systematic review. This integrative literature review was conducted by using Google Scholar, PubMed and Hinari databases from its inception to June 2021. The search included research articles, protocols and guidelines that describe home care practice after CS and assessed for their quality. Synthesis of recommendations from the included literature was classified based on the type of study design, and the review was guided by methodology registered in Prospero (ID CRD42021276905). A total of 681 literatures were found, and 12 met the criteria. Recommended home care components were divided into four major categories; wound care practice (wound cleaning, drying and bandage change); nutrition (high-protein diet, vitamin C, fibre and balanced diet); exercise (pelvic floor muscle, walking and breathing exercise) and hygiene (bathing and wearing clean clothes). There was limited literature addressing the components of perineal care and home environment. Varying recommendations were found regarding wound cleaning and dressing in the studies done in low- and high-income countries.