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12 pages, 288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Theodoula Adamakidou, Eleni Ntempeli, Petros Galanis, Alexandra Mantoudi, Christos Kleisiaris, Marianna Mantzorou, Afroditi Zartaloudi, Chrysoula Tsiou and Paraskevi Apostolara

Healthcare 2023, 11(23), 3071; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11233071 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1021

Abstract

Assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices towards evidence-based practice (EBP) is a challenge for healthcare professionals. However, the existing literature focuses on nurses working in acute hospital settings, with nurses working in community and primary healthcare settings receiving comparatively less attention. The purpose of [...] Read more.

Assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices towards evidence-based practice (EBP) is a challenge for healthcare professionals. However, the existing literature focuses on nurses working in acute hospital settings, with nurses working in community and primary healthcare settings receiving comparatively less attention. The purpose of the study was to explore factors that related to attitudes, knowledge and practice of community nurses toward EBP. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of community nurses in Greece. Community nurses around the country were invited to complete an online questionnaire during the period of February to April 2022. To measure nurses’ attitudes, practices and knowledge/skills regarding EBP, the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire was used. A total of 164 nurses took part in the study. The mean age of nurses was 41.6 years, with 42.7% having either an MSc or a PhD degree. The overall internal consistency for the EBPQ questionnaire was 0.91. The sample demonstrated a high level of knowledge/skills (mean score of 5.5 on a 7-point scale) and positive attitudes (mean score of 5.5 on a 7-point scale) towards EBP, while the level of EBP practice was moderate (mean score of 4.5 on a 7-point scale). A higher educational level showed a positive relationship with the “practice of EBP” subscale (p = 0.005) and the “knowledge/skills about EBP” subscale (p = 0.003). Additionally, an increase in the knowledge/skills score was associated with a more positive attitude towards EBP (p < 0.001) and better practice of EBP (p = 0.003). The identification of educational level as the main factor related to the knowledge/skills and implementation of EBPs in community nurses emphasizes the necessity for educational initiatives in EBP at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Informed nurses who are familiar with current guidelines and evidence can effectively train patients about chronic disease management and prevention. Additionally, creating incentives to motivate participation in lifelong learning programs can indeed play a crucial role in enhancing the proficiency of community nurses in evidence-based practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Patients with Diabetes)

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15 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oral Health Education in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review

by Pinelopi Petropoulou, Ioannis Kalemikerakis, Eleni Dokoutsidou, Eleni Evangelou, Theocharis Konstantinidis and Ourania Govina

Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090898 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024

Abstract

Diabetes is known as a “silent epidemic” and is a public health problem that accounts for 9% of all deaths worldwide. The prevention of diabetes is a significant challenge, as its prevalence and incidence are both increasing rapidly. According to the World Health [...] Read more.

Diabetes is known as a “silent epidemic” and is a public health problem that accounts for 9% of all deaths worldwide. The prevention of diabetes is a significant challenge, as its prevalence and incidence are both increasing rapidly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), education is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment. Since the severity of oral diseases is significantly higher in diabetic patients, this systematic review aims to highlight the oral care of diabetic patients as a priority for glycemic control and the importance of education for diabetic patients’ oral health. We evaluated 20 clinical studies and 15 meta-analyses from PubMed and Google Scholar over the last five years. Their main themes are the direct relationship between diabetes and oral health, especially periodontitis, and the necessity of education and behaviors that can lead to a better quality of life. Our analysis indicated that good oral health is a critical factor of glycemic control in diabetic patients and can be enhanced by targeted educational programs, backed by long-term medical and dental follow-up. Healthcare personnel should be encouraged to develop their knowledge of oral health in relation to the disease so that behaviors can be adopted to improve patients’ quality of life. Telemedicine could also contribute to patient education and self-management of the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Patients with Diabetes)

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15 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Seung-Yeon Kong and Mi-Kyoung Cho

Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050571 - 29 Feb 2024

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Abstract

As the prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing, the use of continuous glucose monitoring, which is effective in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, is increasing. Methods: Systematic review was performed according to PRISMA criteria. The search was conducted for articles published [...] Read more.

As the prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing, the use of continuous glucose monitoring, which is effective in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, is increasing. Methods: Systematic review was performed according to PRISMA criteria. The search was conducted for articles published until 31 May 2023 in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ClinicalKey, etc. The meta-analysis involved the synthesis of effect size; tests of homogeneity and heterogeneity; trim and fill plot; Egger’s regression test; and Begg’s test for assessing publication bias. Results: 491 studies were searched, of which 17 studies that met the selection criteria were analyzed. The overall effect on HbA1c was −0.37 (95% CI, −0.63~−0.11, p < 0.001), with HbA1c decreasing significantly after CGM interventions. Sub-analyses showed that the study was statistically significant in those aged 60 years or older, when rt-CGM was used and when the study was performed in multiple centers. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that intervention using CGM was effective in reducing HbA1c in type 2 diabetes. The factors identified in this study can be used as guidelines for developing future CGM intervention programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Patients with Diabetes)

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