Peer-reviewed Journals Research Articles

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.

Randomized Controlled Trials Studying Nonoperative Treatments of Osteoarthritis Often Use Misleading and Uninformative Control Groups: A Systematic Review.

Because there are no known treatments that alter the natural course of the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, nonoperative treatment needs to be compared with known effective treatments that seek to mitigate symptoms or with similarly invasive inert (placebo) treatments to determine effectiveness. Comparing a treatment to an uninformative control group may inappropriately legitimize and support the use of potentially ineffective treatments. We therefore investigated the prevalence of inappropriate control groups in musculoskeletal research and asked whether these are associated with reporting a positive treatment effect. We systematically reviewed randomized trials of nonoperative treatments of osteoarthritis and asked: (1) What proportion of randomized trials use uninformative control groups (defined as a treatment less invasive than the tested treatment, or a treatment that might possibly not outperform placebo but is not acknowledged as such)? (2) Is the use of uninformative control groups independently associated with reporting a positive treatment effect (defined as p < 0.05 in favor of the intervention, or as making a recommendation favoring the intervention over the control treatment)? In a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to September 2023 for randomized controlled trials published between 2020 to 2022 that compared one or more nonoperative treatments for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. We excluded studies that contained a surgical treatment group. We identified 103 trials that met eligibility criteria, with a total of 15,491 patients. The risk of bias was high in 60% (n = 62) of trials using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, version 2. Although the high risk of bias in the included studies is concerning, it does not invalidate our design; instead, it highlights that some studies may use flawed methods to recommend treatments with unproven effectiveness beyond nonspecific effects because the kinds of bias observed would tend to increase the apparent benefit of the treatment(s) being evaluated. We used logistic regression to test the association of uninformative control groups with a positive treatment effect, accounting for potential confounders such as conflict of interest and study bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias score. The use of uninformative control groups (treatments less invasive than the tested treatment, or treatments that might not outperform placebo but are not acknowledged as such) was found in 46% (47 of 103) of included studies. After accounting for potential confounding, there was no association between reporting positive treatment effects and the use of an uninformative control group. Studies with a low risk of bias had a lower likelihood of reporting a positive treatment effect (OR 0.2 [95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.9]; p = 0.04, model pseudo R2 = 0.21). The finding that recent studies that mimic high-level evidence often use uninformative control groups that do not adequately account for nonspecific effects (perceived treatment benefits unrelated to a treatment's direct physiological effects) points to a high risk of legitimizing ineffective treatments. This raises the ethical imperative for patients, clinicians, journal peer reviewers, and journal editors to hold researchers to the standard of an adequate, informative control group. Awareness and risk of bias checklists might help patients and clinicians forgo new treatments based on seemingly high-level evidence that may carry only iatrogenic, financial, and psychological harm (false hope, in particular). Level I, therapeutic study.

Echo of extinction: The Ivory-billed Woodpecker's tragic legacy and its impact on scientific integrity

Abstract Among the current surge in extinction rates, exceeding between 100 and 1000 times the prehuman background rate, a multitude of species quietly fade away, largely escaping the notice of our collective awareness. The extinction of only a select few species has the power to captivate public attention, stir emotions, and ignite debates comparable to the case of the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis). Reports purporting a rediscovery of this long-extinct species periodically surface and find their way into peer-reviewed journals, attracting worldwide attention from the public media. This phenomenon persists despite a glaring lack of evidence supporting such an exceptional claim, in disconnect with principles of population biology or even common sense, thereby risking erosion of public trust in the foundations of nature conservancy and the integrity of scientific methodologies in general. The tragic fate of this iconic species therefore holds significance beyond ecology, providing deep insights into extinction and conservation while highlighting the need for refinement of scientific rigor and standards of evidence in the peer review process and beyond.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic urethral anastomosis in the repair of congenital urethral stricture in children: a systematic review

Introduction: Congenital urethral strictures are rare but significant defects in pediatric urology, causing urinary system abnormalities. These defects are difficult to manage in children due to differences in anatomy and physiology. Laparoscopic urethral anastomosis, a minimally invasive surgery, has become a popular option in pediatric urology.Objective: The research paper was aimed to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic urethral anastomosis in the pediatric patients with congenital urethral strictureMethods: This review article focuses on the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic urethral anastomosis in pediatric patients. It includes studies focusing on pediatric patients, surgical outcomes, and published in peer-reviewed journals. Exclusions include adult populations, non-academic studies, non-academic methods, lack of adequate outcome data, and non-academic studies. Data integration and statistical evaluation are performed using a systematic review approach.Result: The studies were selected for the analysis, and the results showed that laparoscopic urethral repair is a secure method with positive postoperative results. The subcuticular uninterrupted suturing method exhibited a reduced complication rate compared to full-thickness interrupted stitches in distal hypospadias treatment. Various suturing methods such as close and open reported various complications. Interrupted suturing in the urological surgical procedure showed a tendency for reduced incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula development. The review indicated that urethral surgical intervention showed significant positive consequences.Conclusion: It was concluded that both interrupted and continuous suturing techniques were effective in treating pediatric patients with congenital urethral strictures. However interrupted suturing showed a potential benefit. The study highlighted the need for more large-scale, randomized controlled trials to validate these findings and improve surgical methodologies and postoperative outcomes

Using immersive virtual environments for teaching and socializing children with autism spectrum disorder

The authors' research interests are focused on the development of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and the potential of virtual reality technologies for teaching and developing children in a gaming environment. The article reviews articles published in peer-reviewed journals and posted in the Scopus database and the Google Scholar search engine for scientific publications over the past 10 years. The objective of the review is to identify international research experience regarding the impact of virtual environments and hardware on children with autism spectrum disorder, their potential effectiveness, recommended conditions and limitations of using virtual reality for social adaptation, development of communication, cognitive and motivational skills. The articles analyzed in the review focus on the following issues: the potential and results of using different types of virtual reality technologies for developing various skills and abilities in children with autism; using virtual reality to work with problems and risks; as well as the features, limitations and safety of using virtual reality headsets by children with autism spectrum disorder. It is recommended to use immersive virtual environments for children with autism under the following conditions: the presence of close and trusted people (caregivers or parents), the presence of real game objects for switching children after exiting the virtual environment and distracting attention from possible negative effects of using gadgets, continuing communication with the child after a virtual reality session in a normal physical space to practice the skill being taught, specific time limits for staying in the virtual environment, etc. It is concluded that the results of using virtual reality technologies remain contradictory, but valid data from scientific research allow us to assert that the use of immersive virtual environments is acceptable, can be effective for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder and, if certain conditions are met, is adequately perceived by them.

Embracing mortality: psychological preparation on death in the guidance of stoic philosophy

Humanity's greatest fear is the inevitability of death, the ultimate fate that all strive to evade. This collective dread of mortality stems from its perceived malevolence. Across the ages, from religious rituals promising salvation to scientific efforts to delay death, human attempts to confront mortality vary widely. Yet death remains inescapable, a natural consequence of life. While religious doctrines offer comfort through ideas of an afterlife, and science views death as a biological challenge to be postponed. Conversely, philosophy advocates for an intellectual acceptance of death's inevitability. The Stoic Philosophy, in particular, advocate for the joyful acceptance of death as an integral part of life. This philosophical stance fosters a positive perspective on death, encouraging individuals to live life to its fullest potential. Embracing death with joy entails psychological reassurance and preparatory measures for life's inevitable end. This qualitative study explores psychological preparation for death using primary and secondary data sources. Primary sources include the philosophical texts by Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, specifically "Letters to Lucilius," "On the Shortness of Life," and "Meditations." Secondary data is collected from peer-reviewed journals, books, and reports that contextualize these works within modern psychological frameworks. The primary audience includes individuals preparing for death due to age or illness and those grieving loved ones, offering a pathway to peace and understanding through Stoic wisdom. Moreover, this will be a guidance to those who work with the terminally ill people to get psychological resilience. By embracing death, Stoicism encourages both the dying and the bereaved to find psychological reassurance and encourage all to live a meaningful life in the given time frame.

LGGL-02 NURSING CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH PONTINE GLIOMAS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE NAIROBI HOSPITAL AND KENYA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Pontine gliomas, aggressive brain tumors predominantly affecting pediatric patients, pose limited treatment options and a grim prognosis, emphasizing the crucial role of nursing care for comprehensive patient and family support. This abstract explores nursing considerations for pediatric pontine glioma patients at The Nairobi Hospital, contrasting them with broader healthcare practices in Kenya. METHODS A thorough literature review focused on nursing practices for pediatric pontine glioma patients, utilizing peer-reviewed journals, healthcare guidelines, expert opinions, and textbooks. Key areas included vital observations, parental support strategies, patient and family empowerment initiatives, palliative care approaches, and nursing intervention impact on outcomes and family satisfaction. RESULTS The analysis highlighted nursing considerations at The Nairobi Hospital, where a patient-centered approach and proactive vital observations were evident. Nurses monitored health status pre-radiotherapy, adjusting care plans promptly. End-of-life care showcased comprehensive palliative support and bereavement guidance, contrasting varied national practices, underscoring the need for standardized protocols and enhanced training nationwide CONCLUSION Nursing care’s pivotal role in optimizing outcomes and quality of life for pediatric pontine glioma patients and families was emphasized. The study’s implications extend to healthcare policy, education, and practice, stressing collaborative efforts to improve standards and patient outcomes.

Application of ICU electronic diary platform based on co-design concept in Chinese critically ill patients: a mixed methods study protocol.

Critically ill patients are at a heightened risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the intensive care unit (ICU) diary has been shown to improve the mental health and quality of life of ICU patients, the handwritten version still has some limitations such as a lack of support for multimedia content and writing by remote family members, as well as being time-consuming and labour-intensive. We hypothesise that constructing an ICU electronic diary platform based on a co-design approach and verifying its applicability could alleviate these limitations, making the ICU diary more convenient for users. This sequential exploratory mixed-methods study will consist of four consecutive phases: understanding the ICU diary research content and implementation, developing an ICU electronic diary platform after conducting qualitative interviews with stakeholders, verifying the applicability of the platform and verifying its effectiveness. Ethics approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (approval number: KLL-2023-602). The results of this study will be distributed through peer-reviewed journals. Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR2400079903).

ECO-MIND: enhancing pro-environmental behaviours and mental health through nature contact for urban youth – a research protocol for a multi-country study using geographic ecological momentary assessment and mental models

IntroductionUrban youth are experiencing increasing mental health problems due to diverse personal, social and environmental concerns. Youths’ detachment from natural environments, including green and blue spaces, may intensify such issues...

Effects of a sedentary behaviour intervention in emergency dispatch centre phone operators: a study protocol for the SECODIS randomised controlled cross-over trial

IntroductionSedentary behaviour is a public health problem. We mainly have sedentary behaviour at work, transforming them into occupational risk. To our knowledge, there is no intervention study on the reduction...

Investigating the impact of a multicomponent positive participatory organisational intervention on burnout in New Zealand emergency department staff: a prospective, multisite, before and after, mixed methods study.

The well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to providing excellent care. Recent evidence concerns the well-being of emergency department (ED) HCWs in New Zealand, with high levels of burnout found in a 2020 survey. This threat to providing high-quality acute care warrants improvement interventions. The causes of burnout are complex and multifactorial, the solutions are not straightforward. A prospective, multisite, before and after, mixed methods study assessing a multicomponent intervention, adaptable to local context, that targets three organisation levels (the individual, the group and the system levels) and meaningfully involves frontline HCWs may reduce HCW burnout and improve HCW well-being. Individual HCWs will choose from three individual-level psychological interventions and participate in those most appropriate for them. Local champions will decide which group-level intervention their ED will use. The system-level intervention will build capacity and capability for quality improvement (QI) with QI training and the establishment of a Quality Improvement Learning System. This system-level intervention has several important features that may ultimately empower HCWs to contribute to improving the quality of ED healthcare.We will enrol nine EDs, from which there will be at least 900 HCW participants. EDs will be enrolled in three waves from March 2023 to April 2024, with interventions taking place in each ED over 12 months.Methods of assessment will include baseline and repeat survey measures of burnout and well-being. Process evaluation at each ED will provide details of context, the intervention and the fidelity of the implementation. Ethics committee approval was provided, with locality approval at each site.Individual site feedback will be provided to each ED and executive leadership. Dissemination of findings will be through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national and international scientific meetings and through national healthcare quality bodies. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000342617).

Role of ethnicity and residency in active tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan: study protocol of a matched case-control study

IntroductionUzbekistan is one of the 30 countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) morbidity, accounting for 87% of all cases globally. The incidence of TB in the Republic of Karakalpakstan (RK)...

Best Practices in the Nursing Care of Patients With Injuries From Violence: An Integrative Review.

The number of patients who have experienced violence is increasing worldwide. These patients have specific psychosocial and forensic needs and can present unique challenges to the health care workers caring for them. To identify best practices for the care of patients with injuries from violence in the emergency department or inpatient setting. The framework for integrative reviews by Whittemore and Knafl was used to conduct a literature search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health databases. Fourteen qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies from peer-reviewed journals were included in the review. Themes included identifying patients as survivors of intimate partner violence or child abuse, the need to collect forensic evidence, the need for emotional support of patients and their loved ones, support for health care workers caring for patients with injuries from violence, prevention of further violence, and the challenges of caring for patients with injuries from violence with concurrent substance use disorders. Best practices for these aspects of care are summarized on the basis of literature analysis. Screening procedures are needed to identify survivors of intimate partner violence and child abuse. Forensic evidence preservation policies should be in place. For survivors of sexual assault, a sexual assault nurse examiner should be available. Hospital systems should provide psychosocial resources for patients' and health care workers' mental health, implement violence reduction programs, and provide bias training. More research is needed to determine efficacy of care models and best practice.

Evaluating the impact of needs assessment models on autistic children's participation in the habilitation process: protocol for a prospective observational study.

The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children poses significant challenges for healthcare services. Research has underscored the crucial role of children's involvement in their healthcare. However, due to the intricate nature of ASD, marked by communication and social interaction differences, healthcare providers face challenges in tailoring their services to accommodate these children. This project aims to explore the impact of two distinct needs assessment models on children's participation in the needs assessment process. We will conduct a prospective observational study comparing responses from children subjected to two different needs assessment procedures: survey-based and meeting-based. Supplementary data will be collected from the children's parents/guardians and healthcare professionals. Data collection methods will include questionnaires, interviews and document analysis of individual habilitation plans. We aim to recruit 120 children aged 7-17 diagnosed with ASD but without intellectual disability, with 60 undergoing the survey-based needs assessment and 60 undergoing the meeting-based assessment. The primary outcome measure will be the perception of participation in the needs assessment procedure. Secondary outcomes will include the children's quality of life and mental health; the parents' knowledge of their child's strengths, abilities and special needs; and the parents' perception of the quality of collaboration with the healthcare team. The study received ethics approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority on 4 March 2024 (reference number 2024-00227-01). All children and their caregivers will receive both verbal and written information about the study before being asked to provide written informed consent to participate. The findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at conferences. Additionally, a popular science report summarising the data and its interpretation will be published. NCT06381856.

Screening, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip in Brazilian population: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) includes a spectrum of clinical and imaging findings at birth or early infancy. The circumstances in which this condition is detected and managed may...

Deep brain stimulation versus vagus nerve stimulation for the motor function of poststroke hemiplegia: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionDeep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can improve motor function in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. No comparison study exists.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical...

Single-blinded, randomised, parallel-group, controlled trial comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of therapist- and self-guided internet-delivered behavioural activation versus treatment as usual for adolescents with mild to moderate depression: study protocol

IntroductionThe number of adolescents seeking professional help for depression is increasing and, despite advances in treatment, large unmet treatment needs remain. In the current protocol, we describe the design and...

Augmentation of cognitive-behavioural therapy for obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

While cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders (ADs) has been proven to be effective and is commonly recommended, a considerable proportion of patients remain symptomatic, do not respond to treatment or discontinue it. Thus, augmentation strategies aimed at enhancing CBT outcomes are essential to reduce the burden of OCD and ADs on patients and society. Various augmentation strategies for CBT in OCD and ADs have been investigated, yet it remains unclear if they show robust beneficial effects beyond first-line CBT. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we will provide an overview and critically assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological augmentation strategies in addition to first-line CBT treatment for symptom reduction, response rates and dropout rates in individuals with OCD or ADs. We will screen PubMed, Embase, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, CINAHL, PSYNDEX and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials without restrictions on publication dates or languages. Additionally, forward, and backward searches of included studies and systematic reviews will be conducted. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies, extract data and assess the methodological quality of the studies. We will exclusively include randomised controlled trials. The primary outcomes will be symptom severity and response rates. Dropout rates will serve as a secondary outcome. Moreover, we will provide a narrative review of the results. We will use subgroup and meta-regression analyses to identify potential moderators and sources of between-study heterogeneity. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to assess the overall quality of evidence. Ethical approval is not required. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CRD42024561027.

Rapid Access Diagnostics for Asthma (RADicA): protocol for a prospective cohort study to determine the optimum series of investigations to diagnose asthma using conventional and novel tests

IntroductionThe diagnosis of asthma is often based on characteristic patterns of symptoms in the absence of an alternative explanation, resulting in over and under diagnosis. Therefore, diagnostic guidelines usually recommend...

A Strategic Overview of the Indian Fashion Industry with apropos to Logistics and Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This research study emphasizes the social, environmental, and economic facets of the fashion supply chain and attempts to provide a thorough analysis of sustainability challenges. It aims to comprehend the effects of many sustainability programs and practices, assess the lessons gained from industry mistakes and attempts, and pinpoint areas needing more study and development. Using a qualitative approach, the paper thoroughly reviews case studies, industry white papers, and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Insights from current sustainability trends are integrated with analyses of top brands' sustainability policies, including Nike, Unilever, and Patagonia. The process involves investigating the best methods for incorporating sustainability into fundamental company operations, evaluating social and environmental sustainability efforts, and estimating the economic effects of these activities. The necessity of combining social, environmental, and ethical standards holistically, the significance of expanding sustainability initiatives beyond first-tier suppliers, and the crucial role of supply chain openness are some of the major conclusions. Notable instances include Nike's innovations in sustainable materials, Unilever's circular economy programs, and Patagonia's fair work policies. According to the report, incorporating sustainability into the operations has long-term financial advantages, including improved customer loyalty and brand reputation. This study offers fresh perspectives on the realworld difficulties and achievements of integrating sustainability into the fashion supply chain. It analyses industry standards thoroughly and offers feasible recommendations for businesses looking to improve their sustainability initiatives. The current collection of knowledge on the sustainability of the fashion supply chain is greatly enhanced by the addition of particular case studies and the investigation of cutting-edge technology and practices.