The value of learning virtual interprofessional collaboration during a pandemic and the future "new normal": health professions students share their experiences

This exploratory study looked at the experiences of social work, occupational therapy, and nursing students who participated in an interprofessional simulation that was offered virtually due to the impact of COVID-19. The simulation was a one-day event that introduced advanced care planning to the students through an IPE team approach and incorporated various learning and teaching modalities. Using conventional content analysis of the post-program survey data from 255 students (35 occupational therapy; 87 social work; and 133 nursing), three primary themes were identified for the value of learning virtual interprofessional collaboration during a pandemic: (1) catalyst for telehealth education; (2) patient, family & professional safety; and (3) connection and continuity of care. In addition, students identified four primary themes that were learned and perceptions of what could lie ahead beyond the simulation: (1) patient & family convenience and inclusion; (2) expand interprofessional team involvement; (3) alleviate disparities/increase access; and (4) the "new normal" of virtual IP Collaboration.

Resourcefulness and stress among hospice and palliative nurses: the role of positive thinking

Background: Among healthcare professionals, hospice and palliative nurses have a high risk of experiencing work stress. However, little attention has been paid to protective factors that could mitigate the impact of daily stressors on hospice and palliative nurses. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether resourcefulness and positive thinking have a negative association with perceived stress among hospice and palliative nurses, and whether positive thinking moderates or mediates the link between resourcefulness and stress among hospice and palliative nurses. Method: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to address these two aims. Results: A convenience sample of 86 hospice and palliative nurses (95% female) in the US completed an online survey. The results demonstrated that positive thinking and resourcefulness are useful predictors of stress reduction and help mitigate the effects of stress. Positive thinking did not mediate the relationship between resourcefulness and stress. Conclusion: Moderation analysis suggests that social resourcefulness may be especially helpful in reducing stress among hospice and palliative nurses with a low level of positive thinking.

Adaptation of Geriatric Interprofessional Education from In-Person to Virtual Simulation

We modified an in-person simulation-enhanced interprofessional education model as necessitated by COVID-19 restrictions to a fully virtual education experience. Online prework remained unchanged but adjustments were made related to previously in-person activities. Diverging from the in-person training we held live virtual poster sessions with learner-presenter interaction. In preparation for their role in the team meeting simulation, learners were moved into preassigned profession-specific breakout rooms for a live virtual huddle with facilitators. Next, learners were moved to preassigned interprofessional breakout rooms where they began the simulated team meeting. After initial discussion, a standardized patient joined the breakout room to present the patient/caregiver perspective. The event ends with a virtual reflective debrief focused on interprofessional collaborative competencies.

When Death With Dementia Is “A Memory Seared in My Brain”: Caregivers’ Recommendations to Health Care Professionals

The purpose of this study is to determine family caregivers’ recommendations for professional health care professionals on how to help prepare them for the death of an elder with dementia. Purposive criterion sampling was employed to identify 30 bereaved caregivers of family members aged 65 and older who died with a dementia-related diagnosis. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted over a 12-month period, and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Three primary themes emerged: (a) Educate Caregivers, (b) Lead Caregivers, and (c) Provide a Caring and Compassionate Presence. The results highlight the importance of various health care professionals’ roles in preparing family caregivers for a death. In doing so, both the dying and their caregivers may have a better end-of-life experience with improved bereavement outcomes.

Welcoming Death: Exploring Pre-Death Grief Experiences of Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia

The death of an older adult with dementia often has an uncertain dying trajectory and has been referred to as "the long goodbye." Researchers have found both positive and negative outcomes of pre-death grief for caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses. This qualitative study explored the end-of-life experiences for 36 bereaved family caregivers of older adults with dementia; focusing on understanding their experiences with pre-death grief. These caregivers shared experiences with the phenomenon of "welcoming death" and findings highlighted the primary reasons they anticipated, accepted, or wished for the death of their family member with dementia. With the overarching goal of improving bereavement outcomes and reducing feeling of guilt, inclusion of pre-death grief support services throughout the caregiving process are recommended.