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Search Results (1,620)

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20 pages, 547 KB  
Article
Macro Responsibility in the Microvascular World: Nurse Experiences in Flap Care, a Phenomenological Study
by Dilay Hacıdursunoğlu Erbaş and Evin Korkmaz
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121808 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Postoperative monitoring of microvascular free flaps is critical for early detection of vascular complications and flap survival. Nurses play a central role in this process; however, qualitative evidence on their experiences and challenges remains limited. This study explored nurses’ experiences in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Postoperative monitoring of microvascular free flaps is critical for early detection of vascular complications and flap survival. Nurses play a central role in this process; however, qualitative evidence on their experiences and challenges remains limited. This study explored nurses’ experiences in free tissue flap care to identify clinical practices, challenges, and improvement needs. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine nurses experienced in free tissue flap care, recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted online and lasted 30–45 min. Data were analyzed using content analysis with MAXQDA 2025. Inter-researcher reliability was 97%. Results: The findings were categorized into four main themes and seventeen subthemes: (1) clinical monitoring and evaluation in the care process, (2) challenges and difficulties, (3) emotional and professional reflections, and (4) suggestions for improving care. Nurses reported that flap care requires intensive monitoring, rapid decision-making, and close collaboration with physicians, especially within the first 24–48 h. Monitoring was largely based on observation and experience due to the lack of standardized protocols. Major challenges included high workload, frequent assessments, and donor site management. Emotional burden, stress, and responsibility were also prominent. Conclusions: Free flap care is a complex and demanding process for nurses. The lack of standardized monitoring tools and protocols is a key gap. Developing structured tools, improving training, and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration may enhance patient safety and care quality. Full article
14 pages, 422 KB  
Article
Linking Work Environment to Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role of Moral Distress Among Emergency Nurses
by Habib Alrashedi, Omar Almaslamani, Nader Alnomasy, Khalil A. Saleh, Hamdi Lamine and Sameer A. Alkubati
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(6), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16060208 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: While previous research has explored the effects of moral distress and the work environment separately, there is limited evidence on how these two factors are associated with nurses’ turnover intention. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the mediating role of moral [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: While previous research has explored the effects of moral distress and the work environment separately, there is limited evidence on how these two factors are associated with nurses’ turnover intention. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the mediating role of moral distress in the correlation between nurses’ work environments and turnover intention. Methods: This study employed a multicenter cross-sectional design of emergency nurses from April to June 2025. The Measure of Moral Distress—Healthcare Professionals, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI), and Turnover Intention Scale were used to collect data. The mediating effect was analyzed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4, Version 4.2) software with the bootstrap technique (5000 repetitions, 95% bias-corrected confidence interval). Statistical significance was set at a threshold of p < 0.05. Results: Mediation analysis revealed that work environment had a significant negative effect on moral distress (β = −0.251, B = −45.293, 95% CI [−70.376, −20.210], p < 0.001). Moral distress significantly increased nurse turnover (β = 0.202, B = 0.008, 95% CI [0.003, 0.012], p = 0.003), while the work environment had a significant negative direct effect on turnover (β = −0.391, B = −2.629, 95% CI [−3.507, −1.751], p < 0.001). The total effect of work environment on nurse turnover was also significant (β = −0.442, B = −2.970, 95% CI [−3.837, −2.102], p < 0.001). Bootstrapping confirmed a significant indirect effect of moral distress (β = −0.051, 95% CI [−0.092, −0.016]), indicating partial mediation. Conclusions: This study revealed that nurses’ work environment was significantly associated with turnover intention, both directly and indirectly, through moral distress. Moral distress acted as a statistically significant but modest partial mediator of the association between the work environment and turnover intention, suggesting that it may partially explain this relationship. Strategies by healthcare organizations should be organized to optimize proactive work environments and mitigate moral distress among nurses. Full article
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27 pages, 455 KB  
Article
The Role of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Care of Multimorbid and Complex Chronically Ill Young and Middle-Aged Adults in Hospital Settings—Perspectives on Experience of APNs: A Qualitative Study
by Gabriele Bales, Birgit Schönfelder, Reto W. Kressig and Hanna Mayer
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121779 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 101
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of multimorbid and complex chronically ill young and middle-aged adults necessitates the implementation of innovative care models and the creation of roles that can meet the complex healthcare needs of this patient group. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) can play [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of multimorbid and complex chronically ill young and middle-aged adults necessitates the implementation of innovative care models and the creation of roles that can meet the complex healthcare needs of this patient group. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) can play a crucial role in the care of multimorbid and complex chronically ill young and middle-aged adults in APN-led clinics; however, in Switzerland, these roles are still evolving. The aim of this study was to explore APNs’ perspectives on the planned development of their roles in an APN-led clinic. Methods: To gain insights into the experiences of APNs in caring for this patient group, a qualitative study design was chosen. Data were collected through interviews with APNs from Switzerland, the USA, and Canada. In total, 19 APNs (12 from Switzerland and 7 from the United States and Canada) participated in the study. The data were collected through semi-structured online interviews. These data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis in accordance with the approach presented by Braun and Clarke. Results: The analysis identified 10 themes that describe the competencies, components, and framework conditions required for the work of APNs in an APN-led clinic for multimorbid and complex chronically ill young and middle-aged adults within the Swiss clinical context. Required competencies include direct clinical practice, guidance and coaching, collaboration, and psychosocial support. Essential components include person-centered care, transitional care, and continuity of care. Key framework conditions include regulations of the legal and regulatory framework and eligibility for reimbursement of services, resources, and extended competencies and scope of practice. Conclusions: The perspectives of the APNs involved in this study show that multimorbid and complexly chronically ill young and middle-aged adults require complex and long-term care that extends beyond the hospital setting. The findings of this study show that Swiss APNs may be well positioned to contribute to this role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Chronic Disease Management)
19 pages, 488 KB  
Article
Career Choice and Career Change Among South African Health Professions: A Qualitative Study
by Modupe Busisiwe Makwarela, Christmal Dela Christmals and James Avoka Asamani
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121775 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 138
Abstract
Background: Despite being considered a country with a larger health workforce in Africa, the South African health workforce continues to experience shortages and a maldistribution of health workers across regions and sectors. Current projections suggest that the workforce is expected to decline further, [...] Read more.
Background: Despite being considered a country with a larger health workforce in Africa, the South African health workforce continues to experience shortages and a maldistribution of health workers across regions and sectors. Current projections suggest that the workforce is expected to decline further, especially among doctors, nurses and midwives, in large part, due to attrition—which could compromise the delivery of primary health and maternity services. These health workforce shortages and uneven distribution threaten the sustainability and effectiveness of health services in South Africa and drives the need to investigate the factors that may be influencing career choice and change decisions among health professionals in South Africa. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study, making use of purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews, was conducted to investigate the factors influencing career choice and change decisions among health professionals in South Africa. The participants were qualified health professionals in the fields of medicine, nutrition, pharmacy, nursing, and psychology working in the private, public, and academic sectors. Data was collected until saturation was achieved and then thematically analyzed using MAXQDA 24. Results: A total of 10 participants made up of three males and seven females were interviewed. These participants worked in different employment sectors with some having dual roles in private practice, public sector, and academia. The analysis revealed three major themes that capture the nature of and factors influencing career choice and career changes occurring in South Africa. The first theme related to factors influencing career choice (including altruism, family influence, personal experiences, financial/job security, academic achievement, career guidance, and opportunity for change). The second theme focused on career change dynamics (nature of career changes and career transitions occurring in the form of specialization, switching health professions, exiting health professions, adding non-health interests, and shifting focus areas). The third theme revealed factors influencing career change. These were categorized into personal and individual factors, workplace or job-specific factors, and administrative factors. This study has contributed to understanding the career choices and career changes taking place within the health professions in South Africa. It has also revealed a need for reforms in policy and practice for the current health professionals who have no intention of changing their careers while highlighting implications for future training of health professionals. Also, addressing the challenges of poor working conditions, lack of support, unemployment and placement delays, and other administrative barriers will help mitigate some of the issues leading to health workforce shortages and inequities in the South African context. Conclusions: The strongest motivator for choosing a career in health professions is the desire to care for others, while retention of the health workforce is challenged by personal, workplace, and administrative factors. Enhancing workplace conditions and support systems, implementing policy reforms, and minimizing administrative barriers is essential for achieving universal health coverage and sustaining a resilient health workforce in South Africa. Full article
19 pages, 2356 KB  
Article
Cross-Sectional Mediation Analysis: How Registered Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Influence Adherence to Pressure Injury Prevention
by Regie Buenafe Tumala, Mousa Yahya Asiri and Sahar Abdulkareem Alghareeb
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121760 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 149
Abstract
Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a major and escalating global patient safety concern, affecting 12.8% of hospitalized patients worldwide and contributing to rising prevalence and mortality rates from 5.63 to 8.18 and 0.31 to 0.47 per 100,000 population, respectively. The economic burden of [...] Read more.
Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a major and escalating global patient safety concern, affecting 12.8% of hospitalized patients worldwide and contributing to rising prevalence and mortality rates from 5.63 to 8.18 and 0.31 to 0.47 per 100,000 population, respectively. The economic burden of PIs is substantial, amounting to $26.8 billion annually in the United States and $9608 per patient in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, adherence toward pressure injury prevention (PIP) guidelines among registered nurses (RNs) remains critically inconsistent. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether attitude and practice function as parallel mediators in the relationship between knowledge and adherence to PIP guidelines among RNs, adjusting for age and years of experience. This aim was addressed through three-fold objectives: to assess RNs’ knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) and adherence to PIP guidelines, evaluate the direct knowledge–adherence relationship, and quantify the two mediated pathways. Methods: A cross-sectional mediation study recruited 166 RNs from 52 clinical units at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, KSA, using convenience sampling with data collected from 5 to 15 March 2026. Validated instruments assessed KAP and adherence to PIP guidelines. Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression, and parallel mediation (Hayes PROCESS macro, model 4; 5000 bootstrap resamples) were performed with age and years of experience as covariates. Results: Mean scores indicated low knowledge (7.31/25; 29.2%), negative attitude (28.20/52; 54.2%), poor practice (36.10/110; 32.8%), and low adherence (28.40/90; 31.6%). Regression explained 36.8% of the variance in adherence to PIP guidelines (Adjusted R2 = 0.35), with knowledge (β = 0.22; p < 0.003), attitude (β = 0.30; p < 0.001), practice (β = 0.20; p = 0.006), and years of experience (β = 0.12; p = 0.04) emerging as significant predictors. Both attitude (unstandardized indirect effect = 0.40; 95% Boot CI [0.20, 0.64]) and practice (indirect effect = 0.30; [0.10, 0.60]) significantly mediated the knowledge–adherence relationship, while knowledge retained a significant direct effect (B = 0.70, p = 0.003), indicating partial mediation. Conclusions: This study was the first to employ a parallel mediation analysis to examine KAP as concurrent predictors of adherence toward PIP guidelines within a tertiary military healthcare setting in the KSA. The mediating roles of attitude and practice, together with the direct effect of knowledge, indicated that adherence to PIP guidelines is shaped by interconnected cognitive and behavioral mechanisms. Persistently low KAP levels and low adherence, along with the predictive influence of all KAP domains and RNs’ years of experience, underscored the urgent need for integrated interventions that strengthen KAP to improve adherence and prevent PIs. Full article
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16 pages, 650 KB  
Review
Bereavement Following the Loss of a Partner Among LGBTIQ+ Individuals: A Scoping Review of the Evidence (2016–2026)
by Héctor Vera Ortega, Cristo Manuel Marrero González, Tamara Rodríguez Pérez and Alfonso Miguel García Hernández
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121758 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Grief following the death of a partner is a complex psychosocial process associated with an increased risk of prolonged grief, depression and suicidal ideation. Among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals, these risks are exacerbated by stigma, relational invisibility [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Grief following the death of a partner is a complex psychosocial process associated with an increased risk of prolonged grief, depression and suicidal ideation. Among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals, these risks are exacerbated by stigma, relational invisibility and family rejection, often resulting in unrecognized or disenfranchised grief. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the experiences of bereavement following the death of a partner among LGBTIQ+ individuals between 2016 and 2026, identifying study types, recurring themes and knowledge gaps relevant to nursing practice. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) extension and the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were planned in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science (2016–March 2026) using combined terms for grief, partner and LGBTIQ+ populations. Primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies, as well as selected grey literature that explicitly addressed grief following the death of a partner in LGBTIQ+ individuals were considered. Results: The search identified 1032 records; after removing duplicates (n = 356), 676 titles/abstracts were screened, and 94 full texts were assessed. Eighteen studies were included, mainly qualitative, and conducted in high-income countries. Key themes included invisibility and lack of recognition of the relationship, managing the disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity, social isolation and the role of chosen families, and intersectional vulnerabilities in subgroups such as older adults, bisexual people and trans people. Conclusions: The available evidence reflects specific bereavement experiences among LGBTIQ+ individuals that are not adequately captured in traditional models of bereavement care. Significant gaps remain, particularly in Spanish-speaking contexts and in the design and evaluation of nurse-led interventions. This scoping review provides a conceptual basis for future research and for the development of culturally safe clinical practices in supporting LGBTIQ+ individuals through bereavement. Full article
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20 pages, 1111 KB  
Review
Mapping Nursing Competencies Described for Disaster Response Within the Civil Defense Context: A Scoping Review
by Gabriele Caggianelli, Marco Iorfida, Fabio Petrelli, Maurizio Fiorda, Marco Ricci, Samanda Pettinari, Francesca Marfella, Roberto Accettone, Valentina Vanzi, Gennaro Rocco, Francesco Scerbo, Stefano Mancin, Maurizio Zega and Giovanni Cangelosi
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(6), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16060206 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Background/Aims: The increasing complexity of disasters requires effective integration of nurses into Civil Defense (CD) systems. Despite their crucial role, the competencies needed to operate within these multi-agency frameworks remain fragmented and insufficiently defined. The main aim of the study was to map [...] Read more.
Background/Aims: The increasing complexity of disasters requires effective integration of nurses into Civil Defense (CD) systems. Despite their crucial role, the competencies needed to operate within these multi-agency frameworks remain fragmented and insufficiently defined. The main aim of the study was to map nursing competencies for disaster response within the CD context, identifying essential skills, contextual variations, and barriers to application. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the JBI methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase) were searched without time limits, resulting in the inclusion of 27 studies published between 2011 and 2025. Results: 12 core competency domains were identified. Clinical care was the most cited competency (70% of studies), followed by communication (63%), leadership (60%), triage (48%), and psychosocial support (48%). The lack of specific training emerged as the primary individual barrier (44%), while the absence of standardized curricula was the leading systemic obstacle (41%). Competency requirements varied significantly based on the hazard type and organizational setting. Conclusions: Disaster nursing is emerging as an essential specialized field in response to the increasing frequency of climate-related events and global conflicts. There is an urgent need to move beyond purely clinical training to integrate “organizational literacy” and psychological resilience, harmonizing educational pathways with national CD policies and competency-based disaster preparedness programs. Full article
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25 pages, 1010 KB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Study on Healthcare Providers’ Perceived Compassion and Emotional Exhaustion Across Five Acute Geriatric Units: The Importance of Mutual Respect and Open Reflection
by Ruth Piers, Judith Hanssens, Jolien De Vos, Katrien Cobbaert, Inge Pattyn, Katrien Van Puyvelde, Barbara Vandervennet, Jille Gelders, Astrid Brys, Anja Velghe, Nele Van Den Noortgate, Shane Sinclair and Charlotte Boven
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121752 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite growing evidence on the importance of compassionate care, it receives little attention in geriatrics literature. The aim is to study the variation and key components of team compassionate care and its relation to individual healthcare provider (HCP) emotional exhaustion in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite growing evidence on the importance of compassionate care, it receives little attention in geriatrics literature. The aim is to study the variation and key components of team compassionate care and its relation to individual healthcare provider (HCP) emotional exhaustion in acute geriatric units (AGUs). Methods: A cross-sectional survey study, from February to April 2025, with a convenience sample of HCPs in five Belgian AGUs (70% response rate). Validated questionnaires were used: The Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ), Emotional Exhaustion (EE) subscale of Maslach Burnout Inventory and Ethical Decision-Making Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ). Results: In total, 118 HCPs participated: 11% team leaders, 28% paramedics, 61% nursing professionals. Mean AGU SCQ scores ranged from 3.62 to 4.28 on a scale from one (lowest) to five (highest). Multivariate linear regression models showed significant differences in team compassion scores across AGUs (estimate 0.084, p = 0.003) and increased with higher ethical climate scores (estimate per point on the EDMCQ 0.035, p < 0.001). Two EDMCQ domains (open interprofessional reflection and mutual respect) were associated with team compassionate care beyond the effect of AGUs, whereas demographics and self-reported emotional exhaustion were not (R2 = 0.283). Emotional exhaustion was significantly associated with professional role (estimate −3.004, p = 0.011), but not with AGUs (estimate 0.768, p = 0.269), ethical climate (estimate per point on the EDMCQ −0.248, p = 0.117) and team-based compassion scores (R2 = 0.115). Nursing professionals were significantly at higher risk for emotional exhaustion compared to paramedics (estimate 4.497, p = 0.037). Conclusions: The level of team compassionate care differed across AGUs and was correlated to the perceived ethical climate of the workplace, and not to individual HCP demographic variables or emotional exhaustion. Mutual respect and open interprofessional reflection may be specific areas for future research in improving high-quality compassionate care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals)
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13 pages, 534 KB  
Review
Statins for Primary Prevention of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis: A Scoping Review
by Jonah C. Short-Miller, Michelle Rhea, Jay Jamieson, Alyson Smith and Jason Brumitt
Gastrointest. Disord. 2026, 8(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord8020028 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 100
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Variceal bleeding (VB) is a major complication of cirrhosis, marking a progression from a compensated to a decompensated stage of the disease. Previous research has suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called statins, may have therapeutic benefits for those living with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Variceal bleeding (VB) is a major complication of cirrhosis, marking a progression from a compensated to a decompensated stage of the disease. Previous research has suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called statins, may have therapeutic benefits for those living with cirrhosis, though their exact benefits and role have yet to be elucidated. This scoping review evaluates the potential role of statins in the primary prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis, and if there exists a difference between hydrophilic and lipophilic statins for this indication. Methods: Publications from the last 10 years with primary or secondary outcomes reporting variceal bleeding among statin users and non-users were included. A search via PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Library was conducted, identifying nine studies. Results: Findings related to the benefit of statin use for the prevention of variceal bleeding were inconsistent among study designs. Retrospective studies suggest a lower incidence of VB among statin users compared to non-users. However, this finding has not been borne out in prospective studies. Conclusions: Given the conflicting findings, there is insufficient evidence at present to suggest the routine use of statins for the prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Full article
17 pages, 275 KB  
Review
AI and Its Shifting Roles in the Therapeutic Relationship: Implications for Precision Medicine
by Michael Igoumenidis and Venetia-Sofia Velonaki
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(6), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16060324 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
The emergence and increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare have paved the way for highly personalized and time-saving approaches in the field of precision medicine. It can be applied to determine a prognosis, diagnosis, and recommended treatment, and may also be [...] Read more.
The emergence and increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare have paved the way for highly personalized and time-saving approaches in the field of precision medicine. It can be applied to determine a prognosis, diagnosis, and recommended treatment, and may also be used for patient monitoring. As AI applications become more widely available, reliable and easy to use, they are rapidly reshaping the traditional roles of professionals and patients in the therapeutic relationship. On the positive side, professionals may have more time to communicate with patients and provide individualized care, whereas patients may become more empowered and autonomous due to AI-facilitated personalized information and monitoring. On the negative side, AI applications threaten to reduce the role of professionals to a mediating one in clinical decision-making, provide patients with misinformation, and lead to misunderstandings that hinder patients’ autonomy. In this narrative review, we examine the main ethical issues related to the AI-induced shift in roles in the therapeutic relationship, within four inter-related themes: the validity of claims that algorithms outperform humans in certain tasks; the ways in which AI saves time for health professionals but also takes time to properly explain and implement; the issues of trust and accountability, especially if AI suggestions lead to patient harm; and what AI’s alleged cost-effectiveness means for professionals’ employment and remuneration. Across the three roles, we find a common pattern: AI tends to absorb the technical and data-processing parts of clinical work while leaving its relational core to humans. Physicians move toward oversight and interpretation, nurses retain the attentiveness and responsiveness that define care, and patients gain tools for self-management that can widen autonomy or, left unguided, erode it. Whether the overall effect is benign depends less on the technology than on how outperformance is evidenced, how the freed time is used, how trust and accountability are anchored in people, and how cost pressures are managed. The article concludes with some suggestions for prudent use of AI in healthcare, indicating the appropriate measures that can be used to harness the power of AI without damaging the traditional cornerstones of the therapeutic relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioethics in Personalized Medicine and Precision Medicine)
18 pages, 719 KB  
Review
Nurse-Led Digital Interventions for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review
by Gianluca Azzellino, Patrizia Vagnarelli, Luca Mengoli, Ernesto Aitella, Mauro Passamonti, Lia Ginaldi and Massimo De Martinis
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14020321 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that requires long-term, multidisciplinary management. The growing digital transformation in healthcare has highlighted the central role of nurses in supporting key aspects such as patient self-management, continuity of (at home) care, and patient empowerment. However, evidence [...] Read more.
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that requires long-term, multidisciplinary management. The growing digital transformation in healthcare has highlighted the central role of nurses in supporting key aspects such as patient self-management, continuity of (at home) care, and patient empowerment. However, evidence on nurse-led digital interventions in MS remains fragmented. Objective: To map the available literature on nurse-led digital interventions in MS, focusing on the role of nurses, clinical outcomes, and research gaps. Methods: The review was conducted using the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies were included if they described digital or telehealth interventions led or coordinated by nurses in patients with MS. Results: A total of 12 studies published between 2015 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Four main thematic areas were identified: (1) telenursing and empowerment-based interventions; (2) mobile and web-based patient self-management programs; (3) digital systems for monitoring and integrated care pathways; and (4) digital interventions targeting symptom management and psychosocial outcomes. Across the studies, nurse-led digital interventions were associated with improvements in self-management, treatment adherence, self-efficacy, and health-promoting behaviors. Positive effects were also reported on clinical outcomes such as fatigue, sleep quality, and balance, as well as on psychosocial variables including quality of life, coping strategies, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the identified systems, in general, contributed to enhanced continuity of care, patient engagement, and organizational efficiency. Conclusions: Nurse-led digital interventions represent a promising approach in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis, supporting both clinical and psychosocial outcomes while enhancing continuity of care. However, the current evidence base remains limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity of interventions, and short follow-up periods. Future research should prioritize multicenter randomized studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up to strengthen the evidence. Additionally, the integration of digital interventions into routine clinical practice, along with targeted training for nurses, is essential to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and equitable implementation. Further studies should also explore cost-effectiveness and the impact on caregivers and long-term quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nursing Research)
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16 pages, 10132 KB  
Article
Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Hemolymph and Brain Proteomes in Honey Bee Workers (Apis mellifera L.)
by Ying Wang, Beibei Ma and Yu Fang
Insects 2026, 17(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17060630 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 212
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential in beekeeping practices but its optimal dosage and physiological effects on honey bees remain unclear. This study examined CO2 tolerance and molecular responses across three developmental stages: newly emerged, nurse, and forager bees, using gradient [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential in beekeeping practices but its optimal dosage and physiological effects on honey bees remain unclear. This study examined CO2 tolerance and molecular responses across three developmental stages: newly emerged, nurse, and forager bees, using gradient exposure and proteomic analysis. Newly emerged bees demonstrated the highest CO2 tolerance. Hemolymph and brain exhibited distinct responses: the cytochrome P450 pathway dominated in hemolymph, while the brain displayed stage-specific strategies. Newly emerged bees activated metabolic reorganization and clearance pathways. Nurse bees strengthened antioxidant defenses, while foragers enhanced amino acid metabolism to produce antioxidant precursors. All stages showed role-specific energy metabolism reprogramming to meet increased post-exposure demands. These findings provide critical data and theoretical foundations for honey bee colony management, transportation, and handling practices. The results also contribute valuable insights to the fundamental biology of other insects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bees: Physiology, Immunity and Developmental Biology)
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14 pages, 355 KB  
Article
The Grieving Process of a Family Caregiver: Experience Before Influences What Happens Next—A Grounded Theory
by Catarina Simões, Margarida Vieira and Ana Paula Sapeta
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(6), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16060201 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 125
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Recognizing and managing grief is particularly important in nursing, especially from the perspective of family caregivers. In this qualitative study, we aim to understand the grieving process of family caregivers, focusing on what happens before the death of an adult family [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Recognizing and managing grief is particularly important in nursing, especially from the perspective of family caregivers. In this qualitative study, we aim to understand the grieving process of family caregivers, focusing on what happens before the death of an adult family member due to chronic illness, and to identify the factors influencing the grieving process in this context. Methods: This study is an outcome of a broader study which aimed to understand how family caregivers grieve during the first year following the death of an adult family member due to a chronic illness. This article will only address the influencing conditions that emerged from data related to events that occurred prior to the person’s death. A theoretical sample was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 bereaved family caregivers. Data were collected and then analyzed independently by the research team using the three stages and principles of Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Results: Adaptation was identified as the central category. Before death, the family caregiver undergoes two adaptive processes: adapting to their new role and preparing for the imminent loss. As they adapt to this loss, they become aware of the seriousness of the illness and the inevitability of death, opening the possibility for the grieving process to begin. The process is influenced by personal and contextual factors as well as interaction-related factors, including access to information, satisfaction with the care provided, recognition of their efforts, and feelings of abandonment or interaction with healthcare professionals. A wide range of emotions and feelings are experienced. This experience is colored by hope and anticipatory grief. The meaning of the dying process is explored and expectations are redefined. Conclusions: The grieving process experienced by family caregivers is an adaptive process that begins before the patient’s death. Some conditions can be modified before the patient’s death; in this case, nurse interventions can enhance the experience of family caregivers. Full article
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15 pages, 359 KB  
Case Report
Morita Therapy-Based Nursing Support for Socially Withdrawn Japanese Youth (Hikikomori) with Gaze Phobia: A Case Report
by Mikie Ebihara, Miwa Yoshida, Kohei Handa, Katsuharu Yano, Tomoko Omiya and Kei Nakamura
Reports 2026, 9(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9020183 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 212
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: “Hikikomori”—a state of prolonged social withdrawal affecting an estimated 2% of Japan’s working-age population—is frequently associated with underlying anxiety disorders, such as gaze phobia, and contributes to the socio-economic burden known as the “8050 problem,” in which aging [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: “Hikikomori”—a state of prolonged social withdrawal affecting an estimated 2% of Japan’s working-age population—is frequently associated with underlying anxiety disorders, such as gaze phobia, and contributes to the socio-economic burden known as the “8050 problem,” in which aging parents support their socially isolated adult children. While Morita therapy is effective for such conditions, nursing support has historically lacked a systematic theoretical framework. This case report presents a novel nursing model analyzing the transformation process from toraware (mental preoccupation) toward mokuteki-hon-i (purpose-driven action). It proposes the ‘side-by-side’ nursing approach as a potentially important element in supporting patient autonomy in similar clinical settings. Case Presentation: A man in his 20s, diagnosed with gaze phobia and experiencing long-term withdrawal following traumatic bullying, was referred to our specialized short-care program. After initial preparation through structured psychoeducation regarding Morita therapy principles (toraware, sei-no-yokubo, mokuteki-hon-i), he participated in a 14-month Morita therapy-based short-care program combining individual and group interventions. Initially, the patient exhibited severe social avoidance and was trapped in a cycle of seishin-kogo-sayo (psychic interaction). Nurses applied ‘Strategic Inattention to Symptoms’ (shojo-fumon) and provided specific role suggestions, such as serving as a secretary in group discussions, to elicit his sei-no-yokubo (desire for life). Through the reframing of his anxiety as a constructive drive, the patient shifted to a purpose-driven stance. Outcomes showed improved self-adjustment skills in public spaces and successful social reintegration through sustained part-time employment. Conclusions: Nursing care characterized by ‘intentional non-intervention’—which involves waiting in a ‘side-by-side’ manner within a minimally structured environment—may contribute to fostering patient autonomy in similar clinical contexts. This ‘experience-oriented’ approach appeared to elicit inner strengths and support self-regulation in this case, warranting further investigation in multi-case designs. The relative contributions of individual nursing support and group therapeutic milieu cannot be disentangled in a single-case design. Full article
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27 pages, 663 KB  
Systematic Review
Blended and Technology-Enhanced Education in Pediatric Emergency Nursing: A Systematic Review
by Rita Nocerino, Giorgia Cerase, Emma Montella and Albina Simeoli
Pediatr. Rep. 2026, 18(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric18030080 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 124
Abstract
Background: Pediatric emergencies are high-risk clinical situations requiring timely, accurate, and coordinated interventions. Nurses play a pivotal role in early recognition and management of acute pediatric conditions; however, the rarity and complexity of these events often limit clinical exposure and preparedness. Continuous professional [...] Read more.
Background: Pediatric emergencies are high-risk clinical situations requiring timely, accurate, and coordinated interventions. Nurses play a pivotal role in early recognition and management of acute pediatric conditions; however, the rarity and complexity of these events often limit clinical exposure and preparedness. Continuous professional education is therefore essential to ensure patient safety and high-quality care. Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on innovative continuing education strategies for nurses involved in pediatric emergency care, with a primary focus on studies evaluating educational effectiveness and a secondary contextual focus on studies describing training needs, perceived barriers, preparedness, and implementation conditions. Methods: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD420251120993). A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library identified studies published between 2015 and August 2025. Primary intervention studies were used to assess educational effectiveness, whereas descriptive, observational, qualitative, and review-based evidence was retained as contextual evidence. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Results: Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, observational and cohort studies, and integrative or narrative reviews. Educational interventions mainly involved simulation-based training, blended learning, telesimulation, digital education, and structured training programs. Intervention studies suggested improvements in knowledge, technical skills, self-efficacy, and team performance, while contextual studies highlighted training needs, perceived barriers, preparedness, and implementation challenges. However, the evidence was limited by methodological heterogeneity, frequent reliance on self-reported outcomes, and limited long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Simulation-based, blended, and telesimulation-based educational strategies may be associated with short-term improvements in nurses’ preparedness and educational outcomes in pediatric emergency care. However, conclusions regarding effectiveness should be interpreted cautiously because of methodological heterogeneity, reliance on subjective outcomes, and limited evidence on long-term clinical and patient-safety outcomes. Full article
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