Search Results (91)

Background: Weight stigma describes the negative attitudes held toward people with obesity. Weight bias stereotypes have been previously reported in physicians, physician assistants, nurses, registered dieticians, psychologists, and students enrolled in healthcare professional education programs. Physical and occupational therapists (PTs and OTs) are healthcare providers who evaluate and treat individuals across their lifespan. A PT or an OT who harbors weight bias may create an environment where the patient may fail to optimize their rehabilitation recovery. The first purpose of this scoping review was to identify the prevalence of weight bias in PT and OT clinicians and students. The second purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions at reducing weight bias in these populations. Methods: The CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched, and 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: In each study, PT and/or OT clinicians and/or students demonstrated weight bias. A minimum of approximately twenty percent of surveyed participants had weight bias, with one study reporting over eighty percent of subjects expressing negative attitudes. Three of the studies reported mixed results (i.e., improvement or worsening) regarding weight bias scores after intervention. Conclusions: PT and OT clinicians and students demonstrate weight bias similar to other healthcare professionals. Future research is warranted to identify educational interventions that reduce bias within these populations. Full article

Objectives: Prostate cancer’s prevalence is rapidly increasing in Korea, with incidence rates rising by over 13% annually since 2017 according to the Korea Central Cancer Registry, highlighting the need for effective early detection strategies. This study systematically reviews the benefits and harms of PSA-based prostate cancer screening, focusing on its clinical effectiveness and public health implications. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and KMbase) for studies from 2014 to 2024. The eligible studies included RCTs, cohort studies, meta-analyses, and guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. We synthesized our findings narratively due to their methodological heterogeneity. Results: Sixteen studies were included. PSA screening reduced prostate-cancer-specific mortality by 20–31%, as reported in multiple randomized controlled trials, such as ERSPC and ProScreen, among men aged 55–69, but showed minimal impact on all-cause mortality. Advanced tools such as MRI and multi-biomarker models, which were implemented in several included studies, enhanced diagnostic accuracy. The potential harms included overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and psychological distress. Community-based education and shared decision-making, inferred from observational and implementation studies, improved participation and equity in screening. Conclusions: PSA-based screening offers modest mortality benefits but carries the risk of overdiagnosis. Precision diagnostics and risk-stratified strategies improve screening outcomes. Public health approaches, particularly those led by nurses and community health workers, are essential to promoting informed, equitable screening decisions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) is a way to hasten death or end life prematurely. VSED is controversial, and research is essential to inform this debate. The aim was to systematically synthesize empirical data on the attitudes, motives, and experiences related to VSED from the perspective of caregivers. Methods: This systematic mixed-methods review (PROSPERO CRD42022283743) included qualitative and quantitative research. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and BELIT databases were searched for English and German articles published between 1 January 2013 and 12 November 2021. Studies examining experiences, attitudes, and knowledge regarding VSED were eligible. We analyzed the data inductively after quantitative data transformation. Quality and confidence were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and GRADE-CERQual approach, respectively. Results: We identified 22 articles, including 16 studies. The participants were healthcare professionals and relatives, but not those who chose VSED. The motives for VSED are based on high symptom burdens and are closely related to self-determination. Most perceive VSED as a natural death and accept the patient’s decision. However, this acceptance also depends on other factors, such as patient characteristics. Most healthcare professionals would accompany patients during VSED, sometimes leading to advocacy. Relatives often play an active role in VSED and may experience distressing grief if they struggle with their support or the dying situation. The confidence in the review findings ranged from moderate to very low. Our findings on the challenging and positive experiences related to VSED and the resulting needs have been published elsewhere. Conclusions: VSED is a complex phenomenon affecting patients, nursing staff, physicians, and relatives. We provide an empirical basis for VSED to support research, debate, and practice. Full article

Background: A glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of tumor originating from the glial brain cells, the astrocytes, and thus belongs to the astrocytoma group. Bevacizumab (BV) is a treatment for GBM. BV is the active ingredient in the drugs Avastin^®, Alymsys^®, Mvasi^® and ZiraBev^®. It is currently approved as second-line treatment for GBM recurrence in combination with radiotherapy, and as first-line treatment for other cancers, including advanced colorectal cancer, metastatic breast cancer and advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the scientific evidence from the science-based literature on the therapeutic effect and adverse effects of the drug BV in patients with GBM or GBM multiforme. Methods: We systematically searched electronic databases for the literature search, including the MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, Google Scholar, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science databases, covering records from their earliest data to December 2024. Randomized or controlled clinical trials that were published in English or Spanish were included. The following keywords were used in different combinations: “Bevacizumab therapy”, “Bevacizumab pharmaceutical”, “Glioblastoma”, “Glioma” and “multiform glioblastoma”. Results: The use of Bevacizumab has been extensively studied in the scientific literature, with beneficial effects in symptom control. However, the adverse effects of BV vary across different types of carcinomas, which is why it has already been established that these adverse effects must be taken into consideration. In our meta-analysis of adverse effects, we found 14 adverse effects and estimated their prevalence, with an average of 19% (CI: 4 to 44%). The most significant vascular adverse effect was thromboembolism, which led to a greater number of complications for patients with GBM. Finally, the most common adverse effects were nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hypertension. Conclusions: While the beneficial properties of this pharmacological therapy have been observed, its adverse effect profile requires constant evaluation, as it includes vascular, blood and symptomatic adverse effects, which must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis and with great attention, especially in the case of more serious complications such as thromboembolic events. Full article

The discovery that the Oropouche virus (OROV) can be transmitted vertically from an infected pregnant mother to the fetus, resulting in fetal and placental OROV infection, miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital malformations including microcephaly, has emphasized its public health significance. Because of the importance of breastfeeding in those areas affected by the Oropouche fever outbreak, public health agencies have continued to encourage nursing among mothers who have had OROV infection or who reside or travel in endemic regions. However, the basis for this recommendation has not been stated. At the present time, there have been no reports of the OROV being transmitted from mothers having had Oropouche fever during pregnancy to their infants through breast milk. To further evaluate the potential risk of OROV transmission through breastfeeding, we have examined the peer-reviewed literature to determine if related Orthobunyavirus species infecting humans and animals are transmissible via breast milk. Bibliographic search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were extensively reviewed using keywords, MeSH terms, and other sources cited in the articles examined. Studies investigating Orthobunyavirus species that infect humans and animals, including reassortant strains of OROV and viruses within the Simbu serogroup, were reviewed. We found that there have been no reported events of vertical transmission of any Orthobunyavirus through breast milk. Based on these results, we believe that the advantages of breastfeeding following maternal OROV infection outweigh any negligible risk for vertical transmission. Full article

The human gut microbiome represents a complex ecosystem comprising numerous microorganisms critical to basic physiological processes. The gut microbiome’s composition and functionality influence surgical outcomes following orthopedic procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gut microbiota on critical aspects of orthopedic surgical outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science. A total of 18 research articles of the 599 retrieved results were included in this study. Significant correlations were identified between microbial composition and surgical outcomes, including infection rates, inflammatory responses, and postoperative complications. Bacterial genera like Alistipes and Helicobacter increased postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) risk, while short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria showed negative correlations with inflammatory markers. Probiotic interventions reduced POCD incidence from 16.4% to 5.1% and modulated inflammatory responses. Additionally, bacterial composition was associated with critical surgical parameters such as bone healing, infection rate, and recovery trajectory. Inflammation, healing processes, and recovery trajectories are influenced by microbial composition in surgical settings. Targeted interventions, such as probiotics, show promise in reducing surgical risks and improving patient recovery. Full article

Background: Burnout represented a significant employee problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experiencing the psychological flow investigated by Csikszentmihalyi might avoid it. Yet, COVID-19 may have contributed to the unattainability of psychological flow for burnout-prone employees. The objective of this study is to determine the COVID-19 achievability of employee flow and, if attained, whether flow resulted in burnout avoidance during the pandemic. Method: This scoping review includes searches of six primary databases (CINAHL, OVID, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), two searches of one supplementary database (Google Scholar), and one register (Cochrane COVID-19 register) of the keywords “burnout, COVID-19, employees, healthcare providers, psychological flow, Csikszentmihalyi”. Included are peer-reviewed, COVID-19-related, 2020–2025 journal publications. Excluded are duplicates, non-COVID-19-related publications, reports lacking a research study, keywords, or relevant information. Results: In identifying 754 records, five records met the inclusion criteria. Mental healthcare practitioners, nurses, gig workers, corporate professionals, and working parents were the focus of the studies. Quantitative studies showed statistical significance. Qualitative studies showed promise for psychological flow mitigating burnout. Conclusions: Psychological flow was possible during COVID-19 for various employee types, and attaining it permitted burnout avoidance, suggesting a focus on achieving flow in the workplace during pandemics would diminish the incidence of employee burnout. Full article

Background and Objectives: The pancreas receives blood through a complex network of multiple branches, primarily originating from the celiac trunk (CeT) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). This blood supply is structured into three main arterial groups, each serving different regions of the pancreas to effectively support its endocrine and exocrine functions. Materials and Methods: The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Latin American and the Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) were searched until January 2025. Methodological quality was evaluated using an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: A total of sixteen studies met the established selection criteria in this study for meta-analysis. Pancreatic irrigation variants presented a prevalence of 11.2% (CI: 7–14%) and a heterogeneity of 88.2%. The other studies were analyzed by subgroups, showing statistically significant differences in the following subgroups: (1) sample type—a larger sample of images analyzed in the included studies (p = 0.312), which did not show statistically significant differences; (2) geographical region (p = 0.041), which showed a greater presence in the Asian population studied, and this was statistically significant; and (3) sex (male or female) (p = 0.12), where there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The discovery of variations in pancreatic irrigation is common due to the numerous blood vessels involved in supplying this vital organ. Understanding different vascular patterns (such as those from the splenic and mesenteric arteries) is crucial for surgical interventions on the pancreas. For transplant patients, a thorough vascular analysis of both the donor and recipient is essential. Variations can impact blood flow and compatibility, potentially leading to transplant rejection if not addressed. To enhance outcomes, it is recommended to develop more accurate imaging tools for pre-surgical analysis, necessitating ongoing research in this area. Full article

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of team-based learning (TBL) methods in Korean nursing education, focusing on their impact on students’ key learning competencies. Specifically, this study examined the effects of TBL on communication ability, self-efficacy, learning ability, and problem-solving skills while also assessing the overall efficacy of TBL compared to other teaching methods. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and quasi-experimental studies. The relevant literature was sourced from Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Complete, Google Scholar, and the reference lists of the retrieved papers. The literature was selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and the Risk of Bias for Nonrandomized Studies tool. Standardized mean differences and a random effects model were employed to determine effect sizes. A total of twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The overall standardized mean difference was 0.69 (confidence interval = 0.43–0.94, p < 0.001), indicating a moderate to strong effect of TBL on nursing students’ learning competencies. However, due to a substantial degree of heterogeneity (89%), subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the impact of TBL on specific learning competencies. The standardized mean difference for communication ability, self-efficacy, and learning ability was 0.74 (confidence interval = 0.22–1.26, p = 0.004), 0.32 (confidence interval = 0.13–0.51, p = 0.005), and 0.44 (confidence interval = 0.26–0.63, p < 0.001), respectively. Notably, TBL had the most significant impact on problem-solving ability, with a standardized mean difference of 1.10 (confidence interval = 0.37–1.83, p = 0.006), suggesting that TBL is particularly effective in fostering problem-solving skills among nursing students. All the findings were statistically significant. Team-based learning interventions have a substantial positive impact on key learning competencies in nursing education, particularly in enhancing problem-solving skills. However, while TBL demonstrates clear benefits, current evidence remains insufficient to definitively establish its superiority over alternative instructional methods. Further research is needed to compare TBL with other active learning strategies and to explore its long-term effectiveness in clinical and academic settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nurses are highly exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Global prevalence exceeds 80%, and several body areas are equally at risk. Numerous studies have assessed the exposure in many countries, but few have provided an overview by continent. The aim of this study was to propose a literature review and meta-analysis to investigate the overall and body area prevalence of WMSDs among nurses in Europe. Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted between September and November 2024. Five databases were scanned without a date limit: ScienceDirect, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science.gov, and Mendeley. The article selection, review, critical appraisal, and data extraction were performed by two authors independently. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used for reporting the search results. Results: Among the 15,751 unique identified records, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. The studies reported a total of 5153 nurses in Europe. High heterogeneity (Cochran’s Q test and I² statistic) was observed between studies. The results of the meta-analysis based on the random-effects model showed an overall prevalence of 87.8% (95% CI: 83.3–92.2%). The highest prevalence was found for lower back 61.4% (95% CI: 55.1–67.7%), neck 49.9% (95% CI: 42.9–56.8%), and upper back 46.3% (95% CI: 42.4–50.2%). Conclusions: Nurses are highly exposed to WMSDs, with a prevalence of over 30% for three-quarters of body areas. Due to the multitude of risk factors associated with nurses’ work, the development of recommendations is a complex multifactorial issue, requiring the exploration of different strategies to reduce the prevalence of MSDs in nurses. Full article

Background: To minimize systematic bias, long-term follow-up is essential to assess the effect of resilience-building interventions. However, research focuses on the short-term period immediately following these interventions. Objectives: We investigated the long-term impact of resilience-building interventions on nurses, as measured via RCTs. Methods: A narrative review based on a systematic literature search (September–15 November 2024) using the keywords “Resilience/Psychological, Adaptation/Psychological, nurses, randomized controlled trial, follow-up” in the EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases was applied. Results: A total of 38 studies were identified. Of these, only six encompassed long-term follow-up assessment after resilience-building interventions, also meeting the inclusion criteria for this review. Two of them focused on critical care nurses. Intervention durations ranged from 8 to 12 weeks, with shorter interventions also included (90 min lecture on stress, 3 h sensory awareness class). These data suggest that resilience improvements may become apparent 3 months post intervention, even when no immediate improvement is observed upon program completion, highlighting the importance of timing in the assessment process. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights for researchers designing resilience programs in critical care environments. Selecting appropriate assessment tools and conducting measurements at multiple time points may be as crucial as the interventions themselves in determining their effectiveness. This is clinically meaningful since it may inform providers of resilience programs for the time frame during which they need to be applied. Potentially, future research can explore what characteristics these interventions need to have in order to be effective longitudinally. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, the introduction of specialist nurses, such as donation coordinator nurses, has been proposed as a potentially effective strategy to increase the number of donations and improve the quality of the process. However, experiences in this field are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the inclusion of this professional in health systems, both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Methods: A scoping review was performed. Studies published from 1990 to 2024 were included regardless of the study design. The bibliographic search was performed on the databases MedLine, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycInfo and on the search engines EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The search strings included keywords such as organ donation, transplant, procurement, and nursing role. The extraction and selection of articles were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and with the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews. The protocol study was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework database on 3 December 2023, with registration number osf.io/wzxr3. Results: From the included studies, it emerged that the involvement of a nurse coordinator in the donation process is significantly associated with an increase in the number of organ donors and higher rates of family consent to donation. Additionally, the studies highlighted enhanced effectiveness in identifying potential donors and improvements in the training and preparedness of healthcare staff. Conclusions: The nurse coordinator in the donation process can have positive effects both on the management of the process and on the increase in the number of organ and tissue donations. Full article

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways of protecting individuals against serious infectious diseases and their fatal consequences. Objectives: The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize data on parental attitudes toward vaccination and identify factors influencing the motivators and barriers to children’s vaccination based on Polish studies. Methods: The scoping review process and reporting were based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScRs) checklist. In the period between January 2014 and July 2024, the following databases were searched for publications: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebsco, and Scholar Google. Results: A total of 1531 potentially relevant records were reviewed, and 30 original publications from research samples collected in Poland were selected. According to the findings, vaccination rates varied between 100% and 70%, with parental acceptance levels for mandatory vaccination ranging from 99% to 65%. Parents most commonly cited the physician, the nurse, and the Internet as their primary sources of vaccination-related information. Moreover, parental primary motivators for vaccinating their children were prevention against infectious diseases, the opinion that vaccines are safe, and the belief that childhood vaccination is right and effective. The major barriers to vaccination were fear of vaccine side effects and the belief that vaccines are ineffective. Parents that were better educated, were of younger age, lived in cities, and had a higher income were much more likely to vaccinate their children. Conclusions: Understanding parental attitudes toward vaccination may help develop an educational program aimed at combating misinformation and increasing childhood vaccination coverage rates. Full article

Nurses are frontline caregivers who handle heavy workloads and high-stakes activities. They face several mental health issues, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. The welfare of nurses and the standard of patient treatment depends on resolving this problem. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising healthcare, and its integration provides many possibilities in addressing these concerns. This review examines literature published over the past 40 years, concentrating on AI integration in nursing for mental health support, improved patient care, and ethical issues. Using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, a thorough search was conducted with Boolean operators, narrowing results for relevance. Critically examined were publications on artificial intelligence applications in patient care ethics, mental health, and nursing and mental health. The literature examination revealed that, by automating repetitive chores and improving workload management, artificial intelligence (AI) can relieve mental health challenges faced by nurses and improve patient care. Practical implications highlight the requirement of using rigorous implementation strategies that address ethical issues, data privacy, and human-centred decision-making. All changes must direct the integration of artificial intelligence in nursing to guarantee its sustained and significant influence on healthcare. Full article

Humans and more-than-humans experience injustices related to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Nurses hold the power and shared Responsibility (Note on Capitalization: Indigenous Scholars resist colonial grammatical structures and recognize ancestral knowledge by capitalizing references to Indigenous Ways of Knowing (Respect, Relations, and Responsibilities are capitalized to acknowledge Indigenous Mi’kmaw Teachings of our collective Responsibilities to m’sit no’ko’maq (All our Relations). Respect for Land, Nature, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and the names of Tribes, including the Salmon People and sacred spaces, such as the Longhouse, are also denoted with capitals)) to support the health and well-being of each other and Mother Earth. The heart of the Planetary Health movement to address these impacts centers on an understanding of humanity’s interconnection within Nature. As nurses, we seek partnerships with more-than-human communities to promote personal and collective wellness, Planetary Health, and multispecies justice. This article introduces a longitudinal, collaborative autoethnography of our initial engagement with more-than-human communities. In this research, we utilize reflexive photovoice and shared journals to describe our early conversation about this interconnection with three waterways across diverse geographies. This work acknowledges the importance of relational and embodied Ways of Knowing and Being. We invite nurses to embrace the heart of the Planetary Health movement and share these stories with their more-than-human community partners. Full article