Search Results (1,687)

Background/Objective: Nurse educators are central to consolidating nursing as a discipline and shaping professional identity, yet their preparation is heterogeneous. This study aimed to identify profiles of nurse educators based on the value they assign to teaching competencies and to analyze factors influencing these profiles. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was applied, using convenience sampling to recruit 326 nurse educators from Spanish universities. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to nursing faculty from public, private, and affiliated (semi-private) universities across Spain. The instrument included sociodemographic and academic variables, along with nine teaching competencies. Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression were conducted using SPSS. Results: Three distinct profiles of nursing faculty were identified. The academic–pedagogical profile assigned the highest importance to all competencies (means 4.78–4.91), the clinical–pragmatic profile assigned the lowest (3.61–4.04), and the intermediate–researcher profile showed moderate values (4.26–4.50). Doctoral degree (χ² = 65.36, p < 0.001) and pedagogical training (χ² = 33.89, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of membership in the academic–pedagogical group, confirmed in multivariate regression (OR for doctorate = 0.07; OR for pedagogical training = 0.13, both p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study delineates three coherent and statistically robust profiles of nursing faculty based on their appraisal of teaching competencies. Academic qualifications and pedagogical training emerged as key determinants of these profiles. Tailored faculty development strategies that reinforce doctoral-level preparation and pedagogical expertise are critical to advancing the quality and consistency of nursing education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Interprofessional training wards (ITWs) are effective in fostering interprofessional collaboration during undergraduate medical training. Ensuring safety is particularly crucial for vulnerable patient groups. We developed a safety concept for the pediatric cardiology ITW, enabling nursing trainees and final-year medical students to independently care for children with congenital heart defects (CHDs). This study aims to evaluate whether our safety concept allows the inclusion of patients with CHDs in the care provided by our ITW. It also seeks to evaluate patient feedback, including their perception of safety, and to investigate whether there is a correlation between the input and the severity of the heart defect. Methods: From 2020 to 2023, 16 ITW blocks were evaluated, each lasting 3–4 weeks. The three-stage safety concept includes patient selection, emergency prevention and emergency training. CHD severity in treated patients was recorded, and experiences were assessed via parent/patient questionnaires. Results: Between August 2020 and November 2023, 183 patients with mild (n = 52), moderate (n = 28), and severe (n = 103) CHDs were treated. The severity of CHDs was generally higher compared to other pediatric cardiology wards in Germany. There was no significant difference between the severity of CHDs of the patient treated by the ITW and those treated on the regular ward. Of 140 completed questionnaires, 99% of respondents would recommend the program. Overall impressions ranged from “very good” (81%) to “good” (19%), with a high sense of safety reported. Positive free-text comments highlighted the team’s competence and friendliness. Conclusions: The safety concept enabled the successful treatment of patients across all CHD severities, providing a transferable model for safe, interprofessional care in ITWs. Full article

Background: Nurses experience substantial anxiety and depression; robust, validated instruments are needed. We aimed to identify tools used to assess these conditions in nurses. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in December 2024 and registered in OSF and PROSPERO. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for quantitative studies (2014–2024) in English/Spanish that included nurses only and used standardized measures. Two reviewers screened and extracted the data; quality was appraised with JBI checklists, narrative synthesis only. Results: Twenty-two studies (n = 10,710 nurses) met the criteria. Most were cross-sectional with non-probability sampling; the overall risk of bias was moderate in 19 studies and high in 3. The most frequently used instruments were PHQ-9, GAD-7, GHQ-28, and BDI; across versions, PHQ (PHQ-2/PHQ-9) predominated. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Discussion: The available tools support routine screening in nursing populations, but reliance on self-reports and scarce formal cross-cultural validation in practicing nurses limit inference and generalizability. Conclusions: Screening programs in nursing should pair brief self-report instruments with objective indicators and standardized protocols; future studies should prioritize contextualized validation and robust longitudinal designs. Full article

This study used Q methodology to explore and categorise caregivers’ subjective perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ‘virtual human’ (AVH) devices in caring for older adults. We derived 123 initial statements from literature and focus groups and narrowed them to 34 statements as the final Q sample. Seventeen caregivers, nurses, and social workers completed the Q-sorting procedure. Using principal component analysis and Varimax rotation in Ken-Q, we identified three perception types: Active Acceptors, who emphasise the devices’ practical utility in patient communication; Improvement Seekers, who conditionally accept the technology while seeking greater accuracy and effectiveness; and Emotional Support Seekers, who view the device as a tool for emotional relief and psychological support. These findings suggest that technology acceptance in caregiving extends beyond functional utility. It also involves trust, affective experience, and interpersonal interaction. This study integrates multiple frameworks, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Science and Technology Studies (STS), and Human–Machine Communication (HMC) theory, to provide a multifaceted understanding of caregivers’ acceptance of AI technology. The results offer valuable implications for designing user-centred AI care devices and enhanced emotional and communicative functions. Full article

Background: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the impact of a virtual reality (VR)-based speak-up program for Korean nursing students to strengthen patient safety management competencies. A nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was employed. Methods: Fifty-six fourth-year nursing students (28 each in the experimental and control groups) were enrolled. The experimental group participated in a VR-based speak-up program, while the control group engaged in a scenario-based speak-up program. Each program consisted of a single 150 min session. The experimental group completed the program individually using a head-mounted display device, whereas the control group participated in small-group sessions. Outcome measures included speak-up, sense of safety control, confidence in clinical decision-making, and patient safety management activities. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, including the χ² test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and repeated measures analysis. Results: Speak-up performance significantly improved in both groups, but the differences between the groups were not significant. In contrast, sense of safety control, confidence in clinical decision-making, and patient safety management activities improved more in the control group, which engaged in discussion-based learning. These findings suggest that VR learning effectively strengthens individual assertiveness and behavioral readiness through immersive, self-directed experiences, whereas the discussion-based approach in the control group enhances collaborative reasoning and confidence related to patient safety. Conclusions: Integrating VR-based Speak-up education with existing learning methods can establish a stepwise program that enhances nursing students’ Speak-up competency and patient safety skills. This approach may bridge the gap between theory and practice, fostering nurses who actively promote patient safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: Elderly cancer patients in perioperative intensive care units represent a highly vulnerable population due to complex medical needs and physiological challenges. In these high-pressure settings, nurses play a crucial role as patient advocates to ensure well-being and person-centered care. However, there is limited understanding of how nurses operationalize this advocacy role for this specific patient group. This study aimed to explore the conditions and strategies guiding nurses in advocating for elderly cancer patients in perioperative ICU contexts. Methods: Using a Grounded Theory approach, six nurses with direct experience in caring for elderly cancer patients in an oncology institution were recruited. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and field notes. Analysis followed the constant comparative method and was supported by MAXQDA software to systematically identify codes, dimensions, and categories, highlighting essential elements of nursing advocacy. Results: Advocacy emerged as a central nursing function, serving both practical and ethical imperatives. Conditions activating advocacy included patients’ complex vulnerability, threatening dignity, mitigated by the family’s anchoring role. Institutional barriers, such as professional devaluation and staffing shortages, often hindered advocacy, resulting in moments of “failure to advocate.” Strategies formed a dynamic process: beginning with in-depth knowledge, progressing through communication mediation, and culminating in direct action. Conclusions: This study contributes to the development of a data-driven theory that deepens the understanding of nursing advocacy in perioperative intensive care for elderly cancer patients, offering valuable implications for practice, education, and policy development, ultimately supporting optimized care delivery and improved patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD) represents a major challenge for healthcare systems due to its chronic nature, comorbid conditions, and high socioeconomic impact. Ensuring high-quality care for patients with SSD requires well-defined quality criteria based on consensus from healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. This study aims to identify and prioritize quality criteria for SSD care. Methods: A qualitative research approach was applied, including incorporating two focus groups—one with patients and caregivers (n = 7) and another with healthcare professionals (n = 8)—alongside the Delphi technique. The Delphi panel included 32 participants from psychiatry, primary care, mental health nursing, social work, and patient associations. The first round had an 88.9% response rate, while the second round achieved full participation (100%). The Delphi process was conducted and reported according to recommended guidelines for consensus methods (ACCORD checklist), specifying panel composition, rounds, predefined consensus thresholds, and controlled feedback between rounds. Results: A total of 26 quality criteria were ultimately selected, categorized into 16 identified barriers to effective care. Key priorities included early diagnosis protocols, coordinated multidisciplinary care, and improved access to specialized mental health services. Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity of integrating patient experience into healthcare evaluation and highlight the potential for implementing a certification system to standardize SSD care across healthcare settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explored the lived experiences of nursing students in South Korea who participated in clinical practice at Community Treatment Centers (CTCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was designed as a qualitative study and applied Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten nursing students who practiced at CTCs for three to four weeks. Data were analyzed through Colaizzi’s seven procedural steps to derive the essential structure of their experience. Data saturation was achieved, and methodological rigor criteria were applied. Results: Four overarching themes emerged: (1) transformative growth through immersive clinical practice in quarantine; (2) enduring and adapting to uncertainty and emotional turmoil; (3) reconciling vulnerability and responsibility as future professionals; and (4) validation and pride in becoming visible during a national crisis. Conclusions: The study revealed that CTC practice constituted a transformative learning experience that enhanced students’ professional identity and resilience in disaster situations. Findings highlight the need to integrate disaster ethics and psychosocial preparedness into undergraduate nursing curricula. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin disinfection before insulin administration is widely regarded as essential for preventing injection-site infection. However, the World Health Organization advises that while hand hygiene and washing with soap and water are crucial, alcohol-based disinfection before subcutaneous injection is not required. Thus, the necessity for pre-injection (subcutaneous) skin preparation remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the determinants of nurses’ attitudes toward the necessity of skin disinfection before subcutaneous injection. We simultaneously examined the effects of workplace setting, years of professional experience, and social norms to identify the most significant factors influencing clinical judgment. Methods: Nurses employed in wards, outpatient settings, and home care settings were surveyed between October 2021 and January 2022 in this cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire assessed frequency of skin disinfection and attitudes regarding its necessity before subcutaneous injection. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the attitude of nurses. Results: Overall, 992 valid responses were analyzed. Ordinal logistic regression indicated that the attitude of nurses were significantly influenced by years of professional experience (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.96, 0.99]), normative expectations (OR = 2.88, 95% CI [2.32, 3.56]), and sanctions (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.15, 1.62]) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nurses’ beliefs regarding skin disinfection before subcutaneous injections are primarily influenced by normative expectations and professional experience, rather than workplace environment and experiential expectations. Experienced nurses do not disregard norms: they practice greater critical and situational judgment and show understanding of the purpose of disinfection. Full article

Advancing toward sustainable higher education requires simultaneously addressing United Nations Sustainability Goals 4 (quality education) and 5 (gender equality). This mixed-methods case study analyzes how cultural stereotypes and gender expectations influence career choices in the field of computer science, which is highly masculinized in Chile. As a contextual and comparative contrast, the feminization of disciplines such as nursing is considered, illustrating the gender polarization across areas of knowledge. This comparison is not random, since in Chile the health sector stands at the opposite end of the spectrum from technology, as demonstrated by the study’s figures. As a theoretical basis, a simple systematic review of the literature published between 2013 and 2024 (in English and Spanish) was carried out, drawing on Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and ERIC databases, following some steps of the PRISMA protocol. Thematic analysis allowed mapping research by region, discipline, and type of intervention. The results confirm the persistence of stereotyped beliefs about skills and professional roles, even in contexts with formal equity policies. Strategies that foster empathy, belonging, and intercultural communication, implemented through mentoring, outreach activities, or curriculum redesign, emerge as key catalysts for more inclusive environments. The study presents a practical case applied to first-year computer engineering students at the Universidad de La Frontera (Chile), in which gendered perceptions embedded in vocational choice processes were identified. By situating this study in Chile’s context, we identify how local structures—school sector, regional labor markets, and gender norms—shape women’s participation in computing. Based on this experience, practical recommendations are proposed for integrating a gender perspective into technology education, including pedagogical strategies, gender-sensitive vocational guidance, and the visibility of role models. Full article

Background: Elastomeric infusion pumps (EMPs) are safe and effective for administering outpatient intravenous (IV) antibiotics. We hypothesized that EMPs may provide benefits in the inpatient setting. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of giving IV antibiotics using EMPs to adult inpatients and to identify barriers and facilitators for their implementation. Methods and Objectives: Patients who were 18 years of age and over requiring at least seven days of IV flucloxacillin, benzylpenicillin or piperacillin/tazobactam and who were clinically stable were eligible. We collected quantitative data for feasibility, clinical outcomes and intervention acceptability. We applied an implementation research framework to help triangulate the data. Analyses were descriptive, with the intent of preparing for future studies. Results: IV antibiotics from 94 EMPs were administered to nine patients, with five patients completing treatment with an EMP. Five of the six patients surveyed said they would use EMPs again. Nurses felt EMPs were safer, less time consuming and improved working conditions. IV antibiotics via EMPs cost GBP 32.50 (GBP 3.35–GBP 83.44) more per day than intermittent infusions. Residual volume in EMPs was an issue which resulted in reduced antibiotic doses being delivered. The main facilitators to use of EMPs in the inpatient setting were adaptability, tension for change, recipient centeredness and needs of the deliverers. The barriers were lack of advantage, critical incidents and cost. Conclusion: This proof of concept feasibility study shows that it may be feasible to use EMPs in the inpatient setting. There is potential to improve patient and staff experience; however, cost and residual volume are potential barriers to implementation, with further studies required. Full article

Depressive disorders are common mental health conditions that are often undiagnosed or undertreated. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) are educated in the management of acute and critically ill patients but are often uncomfortable identifying and treating mental health conditions. Telehealth instruction is useful in mental healthcare and is required as part of the AGACNP’s efficient patient care competencies. This article reports findings from a mental health-focused telehealth instructional activity integrated into an existing AGACNP curriculum. This instructional activity was designed to introduce students to telehealth delivery and build AGACNP competencies using telehealth technology to assess patients with depressive mood symptoms. A two-part instructional scenario included didactic course preparation and an experiential activity involving a virtual encounter with a standardized patient (SP). Student feedback on the telehealth experience was generally positive. However, they felt uncomfortable with the mental health component of the scenario, providing an opportunity for improved preparation of mental health screening and treatment. Full article

Background: Although equine-assisted interventions (EAI) are gaining growing attention, their scientific evaluation among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) living in nursing homes remains limited. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of an EAI program from the perspectives of the participants living with AD as well as their families and professional caregivers. Methods: Thirty non-directive interviews were conducted between June and July 2024 across several nursing homes in the Centre-Val de Loire region (France). The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the experience with the horse, reflecting a unique relationship with the animal, the activities carried out, and perceived personality traits; (2) the environment of EAI sessions, offering a break from daily routines, encouraging contact with nature, and taking place in a setting specific to this type of intervention; (3) the implementation of the program within the institutional context, highlighting logistical aspects, environmental factors, and the adherence; (4) the effects of the intervention, including enhanced social interactions, memory stimulation, emotional engagement, and behavioral benefits. Conclusions: These findings provide insight into the multiple dimensions involved in an EAI program. By giving voice to both participants and their caregivers, this study emphasizes the value of qualitative approaches in deeply understanding the meaning and impact of these non-pharmacological interventions. Full article

Background: Poland is one of six countries implementing the Finnish Smart Family practice under the Joint Action Health4EUKids, aimed at supporting families in adopting lifestyle counseling methods and preventing childhood obesity across the European Union. Material and method: Since March 2024, Poland has implemented Smart Family tools through training sessions for professionals who work or will work with families of children with excess body weight. A total of 295 individuals have been trained, including 52.2% dietitians, 34.9% nurses, and 12.9% school staff such as teachers, school counselors, and psychologists. Before and after the training sessions, participants completed a survey assessing their knowledge of the Smart Family Practice, and familiarity with supportive tools. Results: Among 295 participants, nearly half reported no prior experience with family-based lifestyle change interventions. Post-training, over 70% expressed readiness to implement the SMART FAMILY method, with high interest (80.7%), motivation (76.5%), and satisfaction (83.6%). Most recognized its potential to support healthy lifestyles and parental engagement (>85%). Key barriers included lack of family cooperation (87.8%), staff shortages (81.0%), limited training (78.4%), and insufficient resources (43%). Conclusions: A high level of acceptance and motivation among participants indicates that the SMART FAMILY method has the potential for effective adaptation in Poland. Its implementation requires strengthening specialists’ skills and providing appropriate organizational resources. Overcoming barriers such as lack of experience, limited time, and difficulties in engaging families is crucial to achieving lasting intervention outcomes. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of standard precautions to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Nursing students, due to limited experience and close patient contact, are at high risk of exposure. This study examined the effects of nursing professionalism, knowledge of standard precautions, and moral courage on nursing students’ performance of standard precautions in South Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 204 nursing students from 10 universities in Gwangju, South Korea. Validated instruments measured professionalism, knowledge, moral courage, and performance. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, correlations, and regression. Results: Standard precautions performance averaged 4.62/5. It was positively correlated with professionalism (r = 0.306), knowledge (r = 0.190), and moral courage (r = 0.399). Regression identified moral courage (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) and academic performance (β = 0.18, p = 0.007) as significant predictors, explaining 18.1% of variance. Conclusions: Moral courage and academic performance significantly influence nursing students’ adherence to standard precautions. Strengthening ethical competence and professional identity in education may enhance safe clinical practice. Full article