Search Results (357)

Background/Objectives: Capnography monitoring in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) plays a crucial role in the early detection of respiratory complications, being fundamental for patient safety. It provides objective and continuous data on ventilation, enabling timely interventions to optimize health outcomes. This scoping review aims to map the available evidence regarding barriers and facilitators to the use of capnography for respiratory monitoring by nurses in the Phase I PACU. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The search was performed in the MEDLINE and CINAHL Complete databases and the Portuguese Open Access Scientific Repository (RCAAP). Studies in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included, with no time restrictions. The search strategy combined indexing terms and natural language, adapted to each database. Results: Seven studies were included in the sample. The main identified barriers were a high workload, perceived lack of patient adherence, and lack of knowledge. Key facilitators included the alarm sound, patient education, anticipating patient clinical instability, increased nurse confidence, perception of enhanced safety, targeted training for nurses, continuous improvement in care delivery, effective communication and feedback, promotion of sustainable care practices, and prior knowledge and exposure. Conclusions: The use of capnography in the PACU allows for respiratory function assessment and the early detection of clinical events. Its implementation should be based on current scientific evidence, promoting a culture of safety and quality improvement in patient care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) is essential in high-acuity settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments (EDs), where nurses are frequently required to make time-critical, high-stakes clinical decisions that directly influence patient safety and outcomes. Despite its recognized importance, the implementation of EBNP remains inconsistent, with frontline nurses often facing barriers to accessing and applying current evidence. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study systematically mapped and prioritized clinical questions generated by ICU and ED nurses at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Using open-ended questionnaires, 204 clinical questions were collected from 112 nurses. Each question was coded and classified according to the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) taxonomy (8th edition) through a structured cross-mapping methodology. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: The majority of clinical questions (56.9%) were mapped to the Physiological: Complex domain, with infection control, ventilator management, and tissue perfusion management identified as the most frequent areas of inquiry. Patient safety was the second most common domain (21.6%). Notably, no clinical questions were mapped to the Family or Community domains, highlighting a gap in holistic and transitional care considerations. The mapping process demonstrated high inter-rater reliability (κ = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80–0.89). Conclusions: Frontline nurses in high-acuity environments predominantly seek evidence related to complex physiological interventions and patient safety, while holistic and community-oriented care remain underrepresented in clinical inquiry. Utilizing the NIC taxonomy for systematic mapping establishes a reliable framework to identify evidence gaps and support targeted interventions in nursing practice. Regular protocol evaluation, alignment of continuing education with empirically identified priorities, and the integration of concise evidence summaries into clinical workflows are recommended to enhance EBNP implementation. Future research should expand to multicenter and interdisciplinary settings, incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence for automated mapping, and assess the long-term impact of evidence-based interventions on patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emotional intelligence has emerged as a key factor in shaping nursing performance and care quality, yet its specific mechanisms and impact within the Greek public healthcare context remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in ethical behavior, crisis management, and the perceived quality of care among nurses working in Greek public hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing nurses using validated instruments to assess emotional intelligence, ethical compliance, crisis management skills, and care quality. Data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB SEM) to examine both direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results: The results indicated that emotional intelligence training had a strong and significant effect on nurses’ ethical behavior and their ability to manage critical situations. However, the direct effect of emotional intelligence on the perceived quality of care was not significant; instead, its influence was mediated through improvements in ethics and crisis management. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the benefits of emotional intelligence in nursing are most evident when integrated with supportive organizational practices and ongoing professional development. Overall, this study highlights the need for comprehensive emotional intelligence training and a supportive workplace culture to enhance ethical standards, resilience, and patient care quality in Greek healthcare settings. Full article

Background: Sexuality is a central aspect of being human, even if people experience it in different ways in various stages of life. Sexuality in older people may be expressed, as well as affection, companionship, touch, and physical contact. However, older peoples’ sexual needs are not properly considered by themselves, caregivers, or healthcare professionals. Reviews on barriers related to identification and satisfaction of sexual needs of people living in nursing home are scarce. In this scenario we intended to summarize the state of evidence regarding sexual need identification and satisfaction among older people living in nursing homes and possible barriers that could limit sexual need identification and satisfaction. Methods: We carried out a narrative review. The included studies responded to the research question, using the following key words: nursing homes, sexuality or sexual need, or sexual behavior, older people. Searched databases included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Results: After searching and screening we included 22 studies, finding three main topics: 1. identification of sexual needs by residents and healthcare personnel attitude and practice; 2. barriers and reasons hindering the identification of sexual needs; and 3. manifestation and satisfaction of sexual needs. Conclusions: The findings showed that nursing homes’ residents have different sexual needs, but there are many organizational, educational, and cultural barriers and negative attitudes of healthcare personnel. Supporting nursing home residents to express their sexual needs is a challenge for the healthcare professionals and managers of nursing homes. Full article

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common postoperative complications. Environmental factors, including intraoperative traffic and door openings in the operating room (OR), have been identified as critical contributors to microbial air contamination. Nurses play a pivotal role in managing these factors, directly influencing infection control practices. Methods: An integrative review was conducted to synthesize current evidence on the association between intraoperative traffic, door openings, and SSIs. A structured methodology was employed to identify, assess, and analyze the existing literature, with a specific focus on the nursing role in infection prevention. Results: Findings from a single-center prospective cohort study indicate that ORs with more than 10 personnel present exhibit a threefold increase in SSI risk [Relative Risk (RR) = 3.12; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.71–13.66] compared to ORs with fewer personnel. Additionally, every five door openings per procedure were associated with a significant increase in SSI incidence [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.24–3.20, p = 0.005]. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of strict protocols to limit intraoperative traffic and unnecessary OR access. A multidisciplinary approach plays a crucial role in ensuring surgical safety and preventing SSIs by regulating OR access and adhering to infection control best practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been widely adopted in clinical nursing practice, with nursing education efforts consistently emphasizing its importance in strengthening implementation efforts. Despite these efforts to promote translational research, the level of implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical nursing practice remains unsatisfactory. This study aimed to identify specific organizational, individual, and research-related barriers to the utilization of research in clinical practice among nurses in Sabah, Malaysia, to determine factors associated with these perceived barriers and to assess nurses’ awareness and understanding of the implementation of evidence-based practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 using the BARRIERS scale, a validated tool that measures perceived barriers to the utilization of research across four domains: organizational barriers, nurses’ research awareness and values, quality of research, and research communication. This study involved nurses from five tertiary hospitals in Sabah, Malaysia. Results: A total of 562 nurses participated in the study, with a mean age of 34.3 years (SD = 7.96) and mean duration of clinical practice of 10.0 years (SD = 7.58). While 66.5% of the nurses had heard of EBP, only 7.3% reported understanding it very well. The top three barriers to the utilization of research were ‘the nurse does not feel she/he has enough authority to change patient care procedures’ (35.9%), ‘the nurse does not have time to read research’ (27.8%), and ‘research reports/articles are not published fast enough’ (25.8%). Among the four domains, organizational barriers scored highest (mean = 2.7, SD = 0.72), followed by research communication (mean = 2.6, SD = 0.73). Conclusions: The study findings emphasize the challenges nurses encounter in integrating research into clinical practice and highlight the need for ongoing efforts to promote the utilization of evidence-based practice and research among nurses in Sabah, while addressing the identified gaps. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Jackson/Cubbin scale is a recommended tool to assess the risk of pressure injury in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This scale is deemed to have superior predictive validity compared to the Braden scale. Many Italian nurses struggle with reading and applying the tool in English. This language barrier results in a lack of use of the Jackson/Cubbin scale clinically, meaning that patients potentially experience worse outcomes. This study aims to translate the original English version of the Jackson/Cubbin scale into the Italian language, conduct a cultural adaptation, and verify its content validity. Methods: An observational study was conducted using Beaton’s five-step methodology: (1) forward translation, (2) synthesis, (3) back-translation, (4) expert committee approval using Fleiss’ Kappa (κ) index, and (5) pre-testing, where participants assessed item clarity on a dichotomous scale (clear/unclear). Items deemed unclear by 20% or more of the sample were revised. Content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Results: Fleiss’ κ index was 0.74. Item 3 “PMH-affecting condition” was unclear to 36% of the sample and required revision. The item-level CVI (I-CVI) was >0.78 for each item. The scale-level CVI (S-CVI) and the scale-level CVI using the average method (S-CVI-Ave) were 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. Conclusions: The translation process resulted in a linguistically accurate scale requiring content modifications to reflect current evidence and reduce inter-rater variability. This may improve implementation of the Jackson/Cubbin scale in clinical practice for Italian nurses and reduce the incidence of pressure injury for ICU patients. Full article

This review synthesizes current evidence on clinical nursing practices in the management of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). It investigates the identification of risk factors and elements contributing to AVF dysfunction, emphasizing the crucial role of nursing professionals in maintaining, monitoring, and enhancing the long-term functionality of vascular access. The findings indicate that implementing upper limb exercise protocols can significantly support AVF maturation, enhance hemodynamic parameters, and improve vascular access outcomes. Notably, the review highlights the necessity of continuous education for nurses in AVF management, emphasizing their critical role in the successful preservation and optimization of vascular access, including the promotion of exercise interventions. These insights underscore the importance of equipping nursing staff with current knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes in HD care. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study protocol outlines the implementation of a professional development programme (ProDeveloP) designed to support newly graduated nurses (NGNs). NGNs often experience inadequacy and face challenges in developing their professional competence. Healthcare organisations can ease this transition through introduction programmes. However, effective implementation strategies in local healthcare settings remain unclear. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a programme that enhances role clarity, task mastery, social acceptance, stress reduction, and recovery, contributing to increased job satisfaction and retention. Methods: ProDeveloP will be implemented at a regional hospital in mid-Sweden. This study will include a convenience sample of 110 NGNs from both the previous and the new introduction programmes, 20 dialogue facilitators involved in the programme, and 10 managers responsible for NGNs participating in the programme. Data will be collected throughout the ProDeveloP using questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus groups. The data will be analysed using both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Conclusions: This study has the potential to improve NGNs’ work-related health, job satisfaction, and retention while contributing to competence development. By offering structured reflection, mentorship, and organisational support, this research project addresses knowledge gaps in understanding the long-term impacts of introduction programmes and structured reflection, contributing to evidence-based improvements in nursing practice and healthcare leadership. Clinical trial number: NCT06742047. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, 19 December 2024. Full article

The expected cutaneous adverse effects (CAE) of oncology therapies can be disabling and even force the patient to discontinue treatment. The incorporation of cosmetics into skin care regimens (SCRs) as true therapeutic adjuvants can prevent, control, and avoid sequelae. However, cosmetics may also lead to adverse reactions in patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the tolerability of cosmetics used in routine skin care on quality of life in this vulnerable population group through a survey. In addition, information was collected to improve the knowledge of the beneficial effects of cosmetics and the composition recommended. Hospital nurses guided the patients to fill in the surveys, which were done once. The main uses are related to daily hygiene care, photoprotection, and dermo-cosmetic treatment to prevent or at least reduce the skin’s adverse effects. More than 30% (36.36%) of patients perceived undesirable effects or discomfort with the use of cosmetics (27.27% in the facial area, 27.27% in the body and hands, and 22.73% in the scalp and hair). Intolerance was described for some soaps and creams used in the facial area. This study provides additional evidence on perceived tolerance supporting updates of clinical practice guidelines, highlights consolidated knowledge and evidence on the use of cosmetics, as well as new recommendations on the use and composition of cosmetics intended for oncological patients. There is a need for more knowledge about cosmetic ingredients and formulations, including ingredients of concern, such as endocrine disruptors. Full article

Background: Sexual assault affects millions globally each year, yet research on survivors’ resilience remains limited and methodologically inconsistent. Resilience after sexual assault is a multidimensional and deeply personal process shaped by psychological, social, and systemic influences. Understanding this complexity requires research methodologies that can capture both measurable patterns and lived experiences. Objectives: This integrative review explores how mixed-methods research (MMR) has been used to study resilience and healing following sexual assault. Methods: Using the framework by Whittemore and Knafl, four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and EMBASE) were searched for peer-reviewed primary research articles published between 2014 and 2024. Studies were screened and appraised independently by two reviewers using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and a modified Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) tool. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing substantial variation in how mixed-methods approaches were applied. Half of the studies cited a “completeness” rationale for integrating qualitative and quantitative strands, while others emphasized enhancement, triangulation, or discovery of new insights. Integration strategies included connecting datasets sequentially, merging findings at the interpretation stage, or building new frameworks from combined results. However, only one study used a joint display to visually represent integration, highlighting an ongoing underutilization of visual synthesis tools in trauma research. Measures of resilience and associated outcomes also varied widely across studies, underscoring the complex and multidimensional nature of resilience following sexual assault. Conclusions: This review suggests that MMR can offer a deeper, more nuanced understanding of resilience among sexual assault survivors and calls attention to the need for intentional integration strategies to maximize insight. Full article

Background: The concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) is globally relevant in current healthcare climates. However, nursing students and teachers often struggle with integrating EBP effectively into a curriculum. This has implications for the way students learn to use evidence for their nursing practice. A new undergraduate EBP module was co-designed with current nursing students and university staff throughout 2023. Underpinning the module was a UDL (universal design for learning) pedagogy consisting of flexible approaches to learning for nursing students which included co-developed videos, co-developed audio podcasts, and co-developed serious games to complement traditional flipped classroom learning. The module commenced in September 2023, running in Year 1 one of a 3-year undergraduate nursing program, and was co-taught by staff and senior students. Methods: A pre/post-test design was used to collect data on student attitude, knowledge, and utilization of EBP. A total of 430 students completed two validated questionnaires, the EBP Beliefs Scale© and EBP Implementation Scale©, before and after the module. Following the post-test, six focus group interviews were also conducted with 58 students to explore how the module informed student nursing practice whilst attending clinical placement during Year 1. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Sample attrition occurred (~25%). Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for primary outcomes. Results: Quantitative data was analyzed using paired t-tests and this highlighted statistically significant improvements in attitude, knowledge and utilization of evidence-based practice after learning (p < 0.001). Qualitative data was transcribed verbatim, thematically analyzed, and highlighted three main findings; EBP is my business, EBP positively influenced the care of my patients and EBP has positively impacted my professional development. Conclusions: Partnership with current nursing students in the co-design and implementation of a module about EBP was associated with improvements in student knowledge, attitude and utilization of evidence in practice. These factors are likely to also improve professional competence and ultimately patient care. Full article

Introduction: The entry into force of a new education law (LOMLOE) in Spain introduces a regulatory framework that is committed to Health Education (HE) in the school context. Schools are considered strategic settings for acquiring healthy patterns that can last a lifetime, as confirmed by major European organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission (EC). The objective of this study was to conduct an expert consensus analysis of Decree 150/2022, on Early Childhood Education (ECE) curriculum in the region of Galicia (Spain), with regard to aspects related to HE. The analysis focused on issues related to physical, mental/emotional and social health and included comparisons with curricula from other regions of Spain and other European countries. Method: To this end, a panel of four experts (from the fields of nursing and physical education) was assembled to conduct a consensus analysis of the legislative document, using a mixed-method approach that combined the Delphi technique with structured face-to-face consensus meetings. Results: The summary of the final proposal reflects a document aligned with societal needs regarding children’s health while also addressing mental/emotional and social health. Conclusion: The proposal aims to promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits that are sustained over time. However, the success of the document in terms of both content and practical application remains uncertain. Further studies will be needed in the coming years to analyze and provide concrete evidence regarding its outcomes and impact on students. Full article

Evidence-based practice in nursing supports clinical practice. Several studies have tested the knowledge and attitudes of nurses toward journal clubs (JCs) and evidence-based practice. However, no study has reported knowledge of and attitudes towards evidence-based practice (EBP) and journal club workshops in Oman whilst attending highly structured workshops with the aim of critiquing the method. This study aims to assess the knowledge of and attitude towards evidence-based practice (EBP) and JC sessions among nurses attending the EBP/JC workshop at Royal Hospital, Oman. Data were collected from 22 nurses who participated in the workshop through an online self-report validated questionnaire that examined knowledge, attitude, and satisfaction. The knowledge among the participants showed improvement after the EBP intervention (p = 0.002). There was no statistical difference (p = 0.33) between the pretest and post-test attitudes towards EBP. The indicators suggest that the workshop with the highest mean value (4.14 out of 5 points), followed by the EBP workshop, which is helpful for clinical practices (mean value = 4.09), should continue in the future. The participants of the EBP workshop also agreed that they would recommend others for similar workshops. Research and EBP workshops can increase nurses’ knowledge and effectively engage them in EBP activities. Care should be given to the organization of the workshops as it directly influences the level of satisfaction. Nurses who are satisfied with EBP workshops are more likely to recommend them to others and maintain their future attendance. Full article

Background: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance in healthcare, limited research has explored how nursing professionals perceive its integration into clinical practice and education—particularly among those directly involved in AI-driven initiatives. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of nursing educators and clinical practitioners regarding the application of AI in nursing and to provide insights for the advancement of AI-driven nursing science. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Between September and December 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 nursing professionals from universities and hospitals in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Chengdu, China. Participants were selected using maximum variation sampling, and data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three major themes and eleven sub-themes were identified: (1) The potential of multi-perspective development of AI-driven nursing science and practice, including aiding in decision-making, assisting with writing nursing documents, helping in care practices with high exposure risks and heavy physical exertion, and supporting the development of nursing activities. (2) A multi-dimensional response to the wave of intelligent nursing research and practice: education and scientific research come first, then we fully explore the application scenarios, and then conduct deep interdisciplinary integration. (3) Obstacles for intelligent nursing research and practice: interaction factors of “human–technology–machine” for application, transformation, and promotion; financial support and continuous investment; the controversy behind the intelligent maturity level; and application risk and fault tolerance. Conclusions: Participants emphasized the importance of evidence-based, cautious, and context-sensitive application of AI technologies to ensure that intelligent nursing evolves in alignment with clinical realities. The findings suggest a need for strengthened policy, education, and resource allocation to support the sustainable integration of AI in nursing. Full article