Caring for the Elderly Enhances Positive Attitudes Better Than Knowledge in Nursing Students

Holistic framing for improving care provision for older people with chronic diseases in Jordan: a phenomenological study

There is a sharp increase in the number of older people globally. Thus, it is important to adopt strategies to improve the care provided for older people, especially due to the increased prevalence of chronic conditions. However, very little evidence is available on what should be done, especially from the perspective of healthcare professionals responsible for providing care for older people in nursing homes. Thus, this study aimed to explore the opinions of healthcare professionals including nurses and physicians in nursing homes on adopting holistic framing for improving care provision for older people with chronic conditions in Jordan. The study employed a descriptive phenomenological design using semi-structured interviews with 13 nurses and two physicians in Amman governorate in Jordan during the period from June to September 2024. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze data. The findings revealed three overarching themes including: (1) offering dedicated courses and postgraduate programs; (2) improving facilities and resources; and (3) raising awareness and enhancing collaborations. The findings provide a holistic framing for improving healthcare provision for older people with chronic diseases in Jordan.

An intergenerational service-learning approach to improve hand function in older adults

Homebound older adults are at greater risk for functional impairments, social isolation, and loss of independence. Adequate hand function is needed to perform many daily activities, yet is understudied, particularly in the homebound population. The purpose of this study was to pilot test an intergenerational program in which pre-health college students were trained to deliver hand exercises to homebound older adults receiving Meals on Wheels (MOW) services. Eight MOW clients (mean age: 80.1 ± 12.9y) and 17 students completed the program. Students visited clients 2×/week for 6 weeks and engaged in hand exercises and meaningful conversations. Measures of hand strength, dexterity, self-reported function, self-efficacy, depression, and social isolation were taken before and after the program. Clients and students also completed a post-program experience survey. Significant improvements in pinch strength were observed, and 75% of clients reported better upper limb mobility after training. Survey feedback was positive with clients saying they enjoyed interacting with college students, while students praised the hands-on nature of the program and engagement with older adults. Results from this pilot study demonstrate an intergenerational approach to deliver hand training is feasible and underscores the value of using such models to increase access to care for homebound older adults.

Professional values, ageism, attitudes and willingness towards geriatric care among nursing students in China: a multiple path analysis

BACKGROUND

To address the challenges presented by an aging population, there is a high demand for a skilled nursing workforce. Nursing students, once considered auxiliary to the clinical nursing team, are now essential. However, there is a noticeable lack of willingness among nursing students to engage in geriatric care. Hence, this study investigated the impact of professional values and ageism on nursing students' intentions toward geriatric care, as well as the mediating role of attitudes in the relationship between professional values, ageism, and the willingness to practice geriatric care.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study involved administering a sociodemographic data questionnaire, and using a revised Nursing Professional Values Scale, an ageism scale, and a revised Kogan's Attitudes toward Old People scale. In total, 706 nursing students in Chongqing participated. We analysed the data using chi-squared analysis, t-tests, and binary logistic regression. To explore the mediating effect of nursing students' attitudes toward older adults, we constructed a mediation model and conducted a path analysis.

RESULTS

In the study, 68% of participants expressed a willingness to pursue geriatrics. Positive correlations were found between this willingness and prior involvement in activities related to older adults, experience in caring for older adults, and prior clinical practice in geriatric wards. The path analysis revealed that attitudes toward older adults partially mediated the effect of professional values on geriatric care willingness. While ageism did not directly influence this willingness, it exerted an indirect influence through the attitudes of nursing students toward older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The attitudes of nursing students fully mediated the relationship between ageism and their willingness to engage, while only partially mediating the relationship between their professional values and willingness. It is imperative for nursing educators to focus on reducing potential ageism among nursing students, enhancing their exposure to geriatric care, and incorporating training on professional values into nursing curricula.

The positive efficacy of dexmedetomidine on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing renal transplantation: evidence from meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Whether dexmedetomidine (DEX), an anesthetic adjuvant, can improve renal transplant outcomes is not clear.

METHODS

We systematically identified clinical trials in which DEX was administered in renal transplantation (RT). On November 1, 2022, we searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/. The main outcomes were delayed graft function and acute rejection.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with the control, DEX significantly reduced the occurrence of delayed graft function (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.60-0.98), short-term serum creatinine [postoperative day (POD) 2: (MD -22.82; 95% CI -42.01 - -3.64)] and blood urea nitrogen [POD 2: (MD -2.90; 95% CI -5.10 - -0.70); POD 3: (MD 2.07; 95% CI -4.12 - -0.02)] levels, postoperative morphine consumption (MD -4.27; 95% CI -5.92 - -2.61) and the length of hospital stay (MD -0.85; 95% CI-1.47 - -0.23). However, DEX did not reduce the risk of postoperative acute rejection (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.45-1.23). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that country type, donor type, and average age had a certain impact on the role of DEX.

CONCLUSIONS

DEX may improve the short-term clinical outcome of RT and shorten the length of hospital stay of patients.