Communication with Families Regarding Organ and Tissue Donation after Death in Intensive Care (COMFORT): a multicentre before-and-after study

OBJECTIVE

To implement a best-practice intervention offering deceased organ donation, testing whether it increased family consent rates.

DESIGN

A multicentre before-and-after study of a prospective cohort compared with pre-intervention controls.

SETTING

Nine Australian intensive care units.

PARTICIPANTS

Families and health care professionals caring for donor-eligible patients without registered donation preferences or aged ≤ 16 years.

INTERVENTION

A multicomponent intervention including offers of deceased organ donation from specially trained designated requesters using a structured conversation separate to end-of-life discussions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Proportion of families consenting to organ donation.

RESULTS

Consent was obtained in 87/164 cases (53%) during the intervention period compared with 14/25 cases (56%) pre-intervention (P = 0.83). The odds ratio (OR) of obtaining consent during the intervention period relative to preintervention was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.48-2.63; P = 0.78). During the intervention period, designated requesters obtained consent in 55/98 cases (56%), compared with 32/66 cases (48%) in which the medical team managing patient care raised donation (P = 0.34). Factors independently associated with increased consent were: family-raised organ donation (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.79-10.52; P = 0.001), presence of an independent designated requester (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.35- 10.98; P = 0.012), and multiple donation conversations per case (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.93-5.81; P < 0.001). Consent decreased when patients were of non-Christian religion (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.91; P = 0.038) and end-of-life and donation meetings were separate (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.89; P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a multicomponent intervention did not increase consent rates for organ donation, although some components of the intervention exerted significant effect.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000815763. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01922310.

The importance of reflecting on practice: How personal professional development activities affect perceived teamwork and performance

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationships between participation in personal professional development activities (e.g., coaching, mentoring), teamwork and performance; to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of reflective thinking and perceived usefulness of development activities.

BACKGROUND

Professional development is associated with better performance and attitudes towards one's work. This study adds to this research by focusing on understanding this effect and the conditions under which this occurs.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey study.

METHODS

Participants were 244 nurses working in a large, metropolitan acute public hospital. They completed a questionnaire consisting of validated measures and provided information on frequency of participation and perceived usefulness of personal professional development activities. We analysed data using regression-based moderated mediation analyses.

RESULTS

The relationship between frequency of participation in personal professional development activities and both perceived teamwork and performance was mediated by reflective thinking. Perceived usefulness of development activities moderated the relationship between frequency of participation in personal professional development activities and reflective thinking.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the importance of professional development activities that go beyond knowledge- or skill-based training. Activities that cater to nurses' personal professional development needs are also associated with more positively perceived teamwork and performance. Results provide insights into the mediating mechanisms: Participation in personal professional development activities encouraged reflective thinking, which was associated with better perceived teamwork and performance. This association between personal professional development activities and reflective thinking was even stronger where nurses perceived the activities as useful.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Personal professional development activities enhance reflection in and on practice as these activities were linked with higher perceived quality of care and teamworking. It is important to ensure that the positive effects of personal professional development activities should target nurses' professional development needs and need to be perceived as useful by those who undertake them.

The health of working nurses: Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control by medication

AIMS

To investigate hypertension awareness, prevalence and treatment in nurses.

BACKGROUND

Nurses are the largest health workforce group, currently facing an ageing demographic and the risk of chronic disease such as hypertension. Little is known about hypertension in nurses despite the potential impact on work productivity.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to nurses and midwives via the professional association and nursing directors. Questions were taken from published longitudinal health studies for blood pressure, hypertension and key sociodemographic and health factors.

RESULTS

The participants' (n = 5,041) mean age was 47.99 (SD 11.46) years. The majority knew their blood pressure, more so if they were female, of higher body mass index and aged 45-64 years, but less so if they were smokers. Hypertension prevalence increased with age, peaking at the oldest ages and the majority were treated (anti-hypertensive medication), less so if aged <55 years. Many nurses treated for hypertension had poor blood pressure control, were most often aged 45-54 years and were smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension prevalence is less in nurses than in the general population, however, once diagnosed treatment is not optimized.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

The potential impact of hypertension on older nurses' work productivity justifies work-based support for risk reduction behaviours.

A proposed clinical research support career pathway for noninvestigators

AIM

To discuss the international experience of clinical research support for noninvestigator roles and to propose a new pathway for Australia, to promote a sustainable research support workforce capable of delivering high-quality clinical research.

BACKGROUND

Noninvestigator research support roles are currently characterized by an ad hoc approach to training, with limited role delineation and perceived professional isolation with implications for study completion rates and participant safety. A focused approach to developing and implementing research support pathways has improved patient recruitment, study completion, job satisfaction, and research governance.

DATA SOURCES

The Queensland and New South Wales state-based Nurses' Awards, the Australian Qualifications Framework, and a University Professional (Research) Staff Award. Research nurses in the clinical environment improve study coordination, adherence to study protocol, patient safety, and clinical care.

CONCLUSION

A career pathway that guides education and outlines position descriptions and skill sets would enhance development of the research support workforce. This pathway could contribute to changing the patient outcomes through coordination and study completion of high-quality research. A wide consultative approach is required to determine a cost-effective and feasible approach to implementation and evaluation of the proposed pathway.

Insights on compassion and patient-centred nursing in intensive care: A constructivist grounded theory

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore patient-centred nursing, compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue from intensive care nurses' perspectives.

BACKGROUND

Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue can influence critical care nurses' decisions to either continue or leave the profession, and could impact the compassionate patient-centred nursing care patients receive during their ICU admission.

DESIGN

This qualitative research design was informed by Charmaz's Grounded Theory Constructivist methodology.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 critical care nurses of two ICUs in Australia during 2016. Interview data were analysed using grounded theory processes.

RESULTS

Findings reflected positive and negative impacts on critical care nurses' ability to deal compassionately with their patients. Effects on patient-centred nursing and critical care nurses' own well-being were revealed. A core category of "Expectations" emerged, explaining the tension between critical care nurses' biomedical, clinical skills and knowledge versus compassionate, patient-centred nursing care. This tension was clarified and expanded in subcategories of "Life in the Balance," "Passion and Pressure," "Understanding and Advocacy" and "Tenacity and Fragility".

CONCLUSION

Providing patient-centred nursing may enhance critical care nurses' experience of compassion satisfaction, in turn impacting delivery of compassionate patient-centred nursing to generate a virtuous circle. Critical care nurses who feel respected and supported by their management team and colleagues experience feelings of compassion satisfaction, leading to greater engagement and care towards their patient.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Systematically addressing critical care nurses' needs to successfully balance biomedical with compassionate nursing care may lead to greater well-being in the critical care nursing workforce and improve patient experience of intensive care.

Compassion satisfaction and fatigue: A cross-sectional survey of Australian intensive care nurses

BACKGROUND

Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue influence nurses' intention to stay or leave nursing. Identification of compassion satisfaction or fatigue in critical care nurses is important in this high turnover workforce.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine factors predicting and contributing to compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue experienced by critical care nurses in Australian intensive care units.

METHODS

A self-reported cross-sectional survey using an established tool collected data from critical care nurses of two adult Australian intensive care units.

RESULTS

Overall, these critical care nurses reported what Professional Quality of Life Scale guidelines designated as 'average' levels of compassion satisfaction and burnout, and 'low' levels of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). Compared to Site B, nurses at Site A had significantly higher compassion satisfaction (p=0.008) and lower STS scores (p=0.025), with site significantly predictive for compassion satisfaction (p<0.024) and STS (p<0.002). Nurses with postgraduate qualifications had significantly higher compassion satisfaction scores (p=0.027), and compassion satisfaction significantly increased with increasing duration of practice (p=0.042) as a nurse and in their current ICU (p=0.038). Burnout scores significantly reduced with increasing age, years of tenure and practice; burnout was predicted by lower years of tenure (p<0.016).

CONCLUSION

These critical care nurses revealed profiles that, whilst not in crisis, fell short of the ideal high compassion satisfaction and moderate/low fatigue. More recent tenure flags those potentially at higher risk of compassion fatigue, whilst the better scores associated with postgraduate education and from one site need further exploration. Further research should develop understanding and interventions to enhance compassion satisfaction and support retention of this crucial nursing workforce.

Incidence and prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia: An overview

Objective: This study aimed to report on the trends in incidence and prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia over the last 25 years (1990–2015).

Design: A descriptive review.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted for English-language, peer reviewed publications of any research design via Medline, EBSCO, PubMed and Scopus from 1990 to 2015. Of 106 articles retrieved, after removal of duplicates and quality appraisal, 8 studies were included in the review and synthesised based on study characteristics, design and findings.

Findings: Studies originated from Saudi Arabia and applied a variety of research designs and tools to diagnosis diabetes. Of the 8 included studies; three reported type 1 diabetes and five on type 2 diabetes. Overall, findings indicated that the incidence and prevalence rate of diabetes is rising particularly among females, older children/adolescent and in urban areas.

Conclusion: Further development are required to assess the health intervention, polices, guidelines, self-management programs in Saudi Arabia.

An integrative review of supports, facilitators and barriers to patient-centred nursing in the intensive care unit

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the literature describing factors perceived by nurses as impacting the provision of patient-centred nursing in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND

Patient-centred nursing in critical care differs from other healthcare areas, and the aggressive curative environment of the ICU has potential to compromise some of its elements. Understanding critical care, nurses' perceptions of promoting and deterrent factors may inform development of strategies to support effective patient-centred nursing and job satisfaction in this workforce.

DESIGN

An integrative literature review.

REVIEW METHOD

Whittemore and Knafl's method was used with "best-fit" framework synthesis. CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline and EMBASE were searched for 2000-2016 literature using search terms drawn from the ICU patient-centred framework.

RESULTS

In total, 3,079 papers were identified, with 23 retained after applying eligibility criteria. Five themes were identified: Nurse identity; Organisation; Communication; Relationships; and Ideology of ICU. Almost every theme and related categories referred to factors acting as barriers to patient-centred nursing in the ICU; only four referred to supports/facilitators. Findings showed that provision of patient-centred nursing may be compromised by some factors of the critical care environment, and illustrate the challenges and complexity of providing effective patient-centred nursing in this environment.

CONCLUSION

Findings should be applied to address barriers and to enhance facilitators of effective patient-centred nursing in critical care. The emotional and physical demands of critical care nursing are major considerations; supporting these nurses to fulfil their challenging role may empower them in their professional quality of life and provide a basis for workforce retention as well as delivery of effective patient-centred nursing.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Measures to enhance patient-centred nursing could promote critical care nurses' job satisfaction and workforce retention, and be applied more broadly and collaboratively to promote multidisciplinary patient-centred care.

Supporting patients with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy: Difficulties, disconnections, and disarray

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES

Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy in type 1 diabetes management is high. However, the incorporation of this technology into self-care is not without challenges, and the support of an appropriately skilled health care team is recommended. This study aimed to examine the support context for patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy from the health care professional perspective, as well as contextual influences for health care professionals and their patients.

METHODS

This ethnographic qualitative study was undertaken in New South Wales, Australia. Recruitment occurred using a snowball sampling technique, beginning with members of an established diabetes service group. Data were collected through the use of semistructured interviews undertaken by telephone and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 26 interviews with staff from diverse professional backgrounds. An overarching theme of difficulties, disconnections, and disarray emerged, with findings indicating that participants perceived difficulties in relation to shortages of health care professional continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion-related expertise, and disconnected and disarrayed service structures and process, with barriers to access to these devices. Individual health care professionals were left to manage somehow or opted not to engage with related care.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide insights from health care professionals' perspectives into the complexity of providing support for patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy across diverse contexts, and provide a platform for further research and service development. The need for consistent and coordinated care, and the infrastructure to facilitate this, flags an opportunity to drive integration of care and teamworking across as well as within settings and disciplines.

Health, workforce characteristics, quality of life and intention to leave: The 'Fit for the Future' survey of Australian nurses and midwives

AIM

To examine the quality of life of nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia and compare values with those of the Australian general population; to determine the influence of workforce, health and work life characteristics on quality of life and its effect on workforce intention to leave.

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined nurses' and midwives' quality of life and little is known of its effects on workforce longevity.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014-2015.

METHOD

The "Fit for the Future" electronic survey, delivered to nurses and midwives, examined demographic, work and health-related factors, which were compared with Australian general population normative values for physical and mental components of quality of life (the Short Form-12). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed associations with workforce intention to leave.

RESULT

Physical and mental component scores, calculated for 4,592 nurses and midwives, revealed significantly higher physical but lower mental component scores than the general population. Physical component scores decreased with increasing age; higher scores were seen in nurses with better health indices and behaviours. Mental well-being scores increased with increasing age; in nurses who reported job satisfaction, no work injury, sleep problems or frequent pain and non-smokers. The odds of intention to leave decreased with increasing mental well-being.

CONCLUSION

Managers and decision-makers should heed study recommendations to implement health promotion strategies for nurses and midwives, aiming to improve mental health, specifically to promote workforce retention.

“That was a good shift”

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a boundary spanning, interprofessional collaboration between advanced practice nurses (APNs) and junior doctors to support junior doctors’ learning and improve patient management during the overtime shift.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods evaluation of an intervention in an adult tertiary referral hospital, to enhance interprofessional collaboration on overtime shifts. Phase 1 compared tasks and ward rounds on 86 intervention shifts with 106 “regular” shifts, and examined the effect on junior doctor patient management testing a model using regression techniques. Phase 2 explored the experience of the intervention for stakeholders. 91 junior doctors participated (89 percent response rate) on 192 overtime shifts. Junior doctors, APNs and senior medical professionals/administrators participated in interviews.

Findings

The intervention was associated with an increase in self-initiated ward rounds by junior doctors, partially explained by junior doctors completing fewer tasks skilled nurses could also complete. The intervention significantly reduced doctors’ engagement in tasks carried over from day shifts as well as first year (but not more experienced) junior doctors’ total tasks. Interviews suggested the initiative reduced junior doctors’ work pressure and promoted a safe team climate, situation awareness, skills, confidence, and well-being.

Originality/value

Junior doctors overtime shifts (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) are important, both for hospitals to maintain patient care after hours and for junior doctors to learn and develop independent clinical decision making skills. However, junior doctors frequently report finding overtime shifts challenging and stressful. Redesigning overtime shifts to facilitate interprofessional collaboration can improve patient management and junior doctors’ learning and well-being.

Young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of diabetes management and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII; insulin pump) use is increasing. However, there is little information about how this technology is used compared with other insulin delivery methods (ie, injections) by young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Australia. This study explored young people's attitudes, perceptions, and experiences with diabetes management comparing those using with those not using CSII, and proportions likely to transition to adult services requiring initiation and/or support for CSII use.

METHODS

A survey was undertaken of young people (aged 12 to 18 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their parents/guardians living in Hunter New England, Australia, using a questionnaire designed to collect quantitative, descriptive, and demographic data. Most questions were based on previously developed and validated instruments. In total, 107 respondents returned partially or fully completed questionnaires.

RESULTS

Respondents had positive attitudes and perceptions of their self-efficacy and diabetes management, but were moderately disturbed by their diabetes and reported experiencing suboptimal management outcomes. Patterns of associations were demonstrated between knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of diabetes modeled by regression analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in responses between users and nonusers of CSII. Over 40% indicated their intention to use the technology as adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Opportunities for enhanced diabetes service support were clear, and CSII did not appear to be used to its full potential. Service redesign could enhance support for this young population using all preferred insulin delivery methods and should align to patients' goals and preferences to maximize service and patient gain.

Examining perceived and actual diabetes knowledge among nurses working in a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

With the worldwide increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes, there has been an increase in the scope and scale of nursing care and education required for patients with diabetes. The high prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia makes this a particular priority for this country.

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine nurses' perceived and actual knowledge of diabetes and its care and management in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 423 nurses working in Prince Sultan Medical Military City in Saudi Arabia was surveyed in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Perceived knowledge was assessed using the Diabetes Self-Report Tool, while the Diabetes Basic Knowledge Tool was used to assess the actual knowledge of participants.

RESULTS

The nurses generally had a positive view of their diabetes knowledge, with a mean score (SD) of 46.9 (6.1) (of maximum 60) for the Diabetes Self-Report Tool. Their actual knowledge scores ranged from 2 to 35 with a mean (SD) score of 25.4 (6.2) (of maximum of 49). Nurses' perceived and actual knowledge of diabetes varied according to their demographic and practice details. Perceived competency, current provision of diabetes care, education level and attendance at any diabetes education programs predicted perceived knowledge; these factors, with gender predicted, with actual diabetes knowledge scores.

CONCLUSION

In this multi-ethnic workforce, findings indicated a significant gap between participants' perceived and actual knowledge. Factors predictive of high levels of knowledge provide pointers to ways to improve diabetes knowledge amongst nurses.

'Mental health day' sickness absence amongst nurses and midwives: workplace, workforce, psychosocial and health characteristics

AIM

To examine the workforce, workplace, psychosocial and health characteristics of nurses and midwives in relation to their reported use of sickness absence described as 'mental health days'.

BACKGROUND

The occupational stress associated with the nursing profession is increasingly recognized and nurse/midwifery absenteeism is a significant global problem. Taking a 'mental health day' as sickness absence is a common phenomenon in Australian health care. No previous studies have empirically explored the characteristics of nurses and midwives using such sickness absence.

DESIGN

Online cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

Survey comprising validated tools and questions on workplace and health characteristics was distributed to nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia, between May 2014 - February 2015. Sample characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics. Factors independently predictive of 'mental health day' reportage were determined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Fifty-four percentage of the n = 5041 nurse and midwife respondents took 'mental health days'. Those affected were significantly more likely to be at younger ages, working shifts with less time sitting at work; to report workplace abuse and plans to leave; having been admitted to hospital in previous 12 months; to be current smokers; to report mental health problems, accomplishing less due to emotional problems and current psychotropic medication use.

CONCLUSION

Specific characteristics of nurses and midwives who report taking 'mental health day' sickness absence offer healthcare administrators and managers opportunities for early identification and intervention with workplace measures and support frameworks to promote well-being, health promotion and safety.

Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating for nurses in the workplace: an integrative review

AIM

The aim was to conduct an integrative systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating for working nurses.

BACKGROUND

There is growing recognition of the influence of the workplace environment on the eating habits of the workforce, which in turn may contribute to increased overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity exact enormous costs in terms of reduced well-being, worker productivity and increased risk of non-communicable diseases. The workplace is an ideal place to intervene and support healthy behaviours. This review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to nurses' healthy eating in the workplace.

DESIGN

Integrative mixed method review.

DATA SOURCES

Five electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PROQUEST Health and Medicine, ScienceDirect and PsycINFO. Reference lists were searched. Included papers were published in English between 2000-2016. Of 26 included papers, 21 were qualitative and five quantitative.

REVIEW METHODS

An integrative literature review was undertaken. Quality appraisal of included studies used standardized checklists. A social-ecological framework was used to examine workplace facilitators and constraints to healthy eating, derived from the literature. Emergent themes were identified by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Review participants were Registered, Enrolled and/or Nurse Assistants primarily working in hospitals in middle or high income countries. The majority of studies reported barriers to healthy eating related to adverse work schedules, individual barriers, aspects of the physical workplace environment and social eating practices at work. Few facilitators were reported. Overall, studies found the workplace exerts a considerable negative influence on nurses' dietary intake.

CONCLUSION

Reorientation of the workplace to promote healthy eating among nurses is required.

Diabetes Educators' Intended and Reported Use of Common Diabetes-Related Technologies: Discrepancies and Dissonance

BACKGROUND

Technology provides adjuvant and/or alternative approaches to care and may promote self-care, communication, and engagement with health care services. Common recent technologies for diabetes include continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (insulin pumps), continuous glucose monitoring systems, smartphone and tablet applications, and telehealth (video conferencing). This study reports Australian diabetes educators' intentions and reported professional use of these technologies for people with type 1 diabetes, and factors predictive of this.

METHODS

An anonymous, web-based questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model was distributed to members of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association through their electronic newsletter. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 5-factor solution comprising confidence and competence, improving clinical practice, preparation (intentions and training), ease of use, and subjective norms. Logistic regression analyses identified factors predicting intention and use of technology.

RESULTS

Respondents (n = 228) had high intentions to use technology. The majority reported using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and applications with patients, but usage was occasional. Confidence and competence independently predicted both intentions and use of all 4 technologies. Preparation (intentions and training) independently predicted use of each technology also.

CONCLUSIONS

Discrepancies and dissonance appear between diabetes educators' intentions and behavior (intentions to use and reported technology use). Intentions were higher than current use, which was relatively low and not likely to provide significant support to people with type 1 diabetes for disease management, communication, and engagement with health care services. Continuing education and experiential learning may be key in supporting diabetes educators to align their intentions with their practice.

Diabetes Educators: Perceived Experiences, Supports and Barriers to Use of Common Diabetes-Related Technologies

BACKGROUND

Various technologies are commonly used to support type 1 diabetes management (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy, continuous glucose monitoring systems, smartphone and tablet applications, and video conferencing) and may foster self-care, communication, and engagement with health care services. Diabetes educators are key professional supporters of this patient group, and ideally positioned to promote and support technology use. The aim of this study was to examine diabetes educators' perceived experiences, supports, and barriers to use of common diabetes-related technologies for people with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This qualitative ethnographic study recruited across metropolitan, regional and rural areas of Australia using purposive sampling of Australian Diabetes Educators Association members. Data were collected by semistructured telephone interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 31) overwhelmingly indicated that overall the use of technology in the care of patients with type 1 diabetes was burdensome for them. They identified 3 themes involving common diabetes-related technologies: access to technology, available support, and technological advances. Overall, these themes demonstrated that while care was usually well intentioned it was more often fragmented and inconsistent. Most often care was provided by a small number of diabetes educators who had technology expertise.

CONCLUSIONS

To realize the potential benefits of these relatively new but common diabetes technologies, many diabetes educators need to attain and retain the skills required to deliver this essential component of care. Furthermore, policy and strategy review is required, with reconfiguration of services to better support care delivery.

Cardiovascular medication adherence among patients with cardiac disease: a systematic review

AIMS

The aim of this study was to critically appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions suitable for delivery by nurses, designed to enhance cardiac patients' adherence to their prescribed medications.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac medications have statistically significant health benefits for patients with heart disease, but patients' adherence to prescribed medications remains suboptimal.

DESIGN

A systematic quantitative review of intervention effects.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted systematic searches for English-language, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial publications via Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar published between January 2004-December 2014.

REVIEW METHODS

According to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies were identified and data extracted using a predefined form. Of 1962 identified papers; 14 studies met the study inclusion criteria, were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool; and included in the review.

RESULTS

Study findings were presented descriptively; due to the heterogeneity of studies meta-analysis was not possible. Included papers described interventions categorized as: (1) multifaceted; and (2) behavioural and educational, comprising: (a) text message and mail message; (b) telephone calls; (c) motivational interviewing and (d) nurse-led counselling and education.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial heterogeneity limited the robustness of conclusions, but this review indicated that motivational interviewing, education and phone or text messaging appeared promising as means to enhance cardiac medication adherence. Future research should integrate multifaceted interventions that target individual behaviour change to enhance adherence to cardiovascular medications, to build on the beneficial outcomes indicated by this review.

Diabetes knowledge of nurses in different countries: An integrative review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify, critically appraise and synthesise evidence of nurses' knowledge of diabetes and identify factors that function as barriers to nurses' acquisition of diabetes knowledge.

DESIGN

An integrative review

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted for English-language, peer reviewed publications of any research design via CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, and Education Research Complete databases from 2004 to 2014. Of 374 articles retrieved, after removal of duplicates and quality appraisal, 25 studies were included in the review and synthesised based on study characteristics, design and findings.

FINDINGS

Studies originated from developed and developing countries and applied a variety of research designs and tools to assess nurses' knowledge of diabetes. Assessed aspects of diabetes care included knowledge of diabetes medications (12 studies), nutrition (7), blood glucose monitoring (7), diabetes complications (6), and pathology, symptoms and diabetes management (9). Factors/barriers affecting nurses' acquisition of diabetes knowledge were identified (11). Overall, findings indicated wide-spread serious and sustained deficiencies in nurses' knowledge of diabetes and diabetes care.

CONCLUSION

With nurses demonstrating significant and long-standing knowledge deficits in many aspects of diabetes care, strategies are urgently required to overcome the identified barriers to knowledge acquisition.

Suction Assisted Protein Lipectomy (SAPL) Even for the Treatment of Chronic Fibrotic and Scarified Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Chronic lymphedema results from the accumulation of adipose tissue and fibrotic solids and poses a significant challenge for the treating clinician. Despite its many challenges, chronic lymphedema can be safely and effectively treated using a minimally invasive technique known as suction assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL). We present the use of SAPL in a 65-year-old female with a history of chronic, congenital, non-compressible, solid predominant lymphedema for over 40 years. Her lymphedema was complicated by multiple episodes of severe cellulitis that often required hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. The patient also had an excisional procedure designed to debulk the lymphedema swelling performed over 35 years prior by an outside provider. The procedure resulted in substantial scarring and fibrosis between the skin and underlying fascia over a significant area of the leg with only minimal improvement in symptoms. Following SAPL, a stable excess volume reduction of 86% was achieved along with a significant improvement in range of motion of the knee. Furthermore, the patient had no further episodes of recurrent cellulitis. We have found SAPL to be effective even in patients with complex, chronic lymphedema presentations with extensive preexisting scarring from prior surgery..

A systematic review of prevalence and impact of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in identified workforce groups

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and impact of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in identified workforce groups.

BACKGROUND

Productivity of workforce groups is a concern for ageing societies. Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are associated with ageing and negatively influence psychosocial health. In the general population, lower urinary tract symptoms negatively influence work productivity.

DESIGN

A systematic review of observational studies.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic searches of four academic databases. Reference lists were scanned for relevant articles. The search was limited to English language publications 1990-2014.

REVIEW METHODS

The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination procedure guided the review method. Data extraction and synthesis was conducted on studies where the workforce group was identified and the type of pelvic floor dysfunction defined according to accepted terminology. Quality appraisal of studies was performed using a Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were identified of variable quality, all on female workers. Nurses were the most frequently investigated workforce group and urinary incontinence was the most common subtype of pelvic floor dysfunction examined. Lower urinary tract symptoms were more prevalent in the studied nurses than related general populations. No included study investigated pelvic organ prolapse, anorectal or male symptoms or the influence of symptoms on work productivity.

CONCLUSION

Lower urinary tract symptoms are a significant issue among the female nursing workforce. Knowledge of the influence of symptoms on work productivity remains unknown. Further studies are warranted on the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction subtypes in workforce groups.

The health and health behaviours of Australian metropolitan nurses: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Nurses make up the largest component of the health workforce and provide the majority of patient care. Most health education is delivered by nurses, who also serve as healthy living and behavioural role models. Anything that diminishes their health status can impact their credibility as role models, their availability and ability to deliver quality care, and is potentially disadvantageous for the health of the population. Study aims were to investigate nurses' overall health and the presence of chronic disease; to describe nurses' health-related behaviours and to compare them to those of the general population, with both groups matched by age and gender.

METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive paper-based survey of nurses from two Sydney metropolitan hospitals using established instruments and questions and measurements taken with standardised methods.

RESULTS

This nursing sample (n = 381) had a mean age of 39.9 (SD 11.7, range 20-67) years, Most (n = 315; 82.7 %) were female, worked full-time (80.0 %), and were shift workers (93.0 %). The majority (94.0 %) indicated good, very good or excellent health, despite 42.8 % indicating they had chronic disease. The most common risk factors for chronic disease were inadequate vegetable (92.6 %) and fruit intake (80.1 %), overweight and obesity (44.0 %) and risky alcohol intake (34.7 %); health screening behaviours were not ideal. Aside from overweight and obesity, these risk factors were more prevalent in nurses than the equivalent group of the New South Wales population, particularly for risky alcohol intake which was much more common in female nurses and most marked in those aged under 35 years. However, 80 % met the guidelines for physical activity, more than the equivalent group of the New South Wales population.

CONCLUSION

There are early 'warning signs' concerning the health status of nurses. Despite perceiving current good health, support is required for nurses to prevent future chronic disease, particularly in the areas of nutrition and alcohol intake. With these concerns, the nursing workforce ageing and demands for care increasing, it is now time to implement health enhancing strategies for nurses.

Fibulin-5 regulates keloid-derived fibroblast-like cells through integrin beta-1

OBJECTIVE

Keloid scar is pathological tissue that appears after skin injury, and that is more aggressive than hypertrophic scars. Keloid scars are characterized by increased proliferation of fibroblast-like cells (FLCs) and the accumulation of extracellular matrix, mainly collagen. Fibulin-5, a glycoprotein secreted by many cell types, is a component of the extracellular matrix. We investigated the effect of fibulin-5 on the adhesion and proliferation of FLCs derived from keloid scars and the role of integrin beta-1 in these activities.

METHODS

Fibroblast-like cells were isolated from six keloid scars and cultured on plates coated with fibulin-5 or with gelatin. Cells were incubated for 72-96 h to examine proliferation rates and incubated for 240 min, with washings at 20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180 min, to assess adhesion rates. To examine the role of integrin beta-1, the anti-human integrin beta-1 (CD29) antibody was added to the culture medium.

RESULTS

Fibroblast-like cells from keloids cultured on a fibulin-5-coated surface showed a significantly reduced proliferation rate and a delayed adhesion rate, compared to cells cultured on gelatin-coated dishes. Adherence of these cells to fibulin-5 pre-coated wells was significantly reduced in the presence of anti-human integrin beta-1 (CD29) antibodies. Our current findings are similar to previously observed reduced proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells overexpressing fibulin-5. We did not test the effects of fibulin-5 on normal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the pivotal role of the extracellular protein, fibulin-5, on the adhesion and proliferation of human keloid-derived cells, through binding to integrin beta-1.