Search Results (98)

Background: Psychological problems post-stroke can negatively impact stroke survivors. Although general psychological services exist (e.g., NHS Talking Therapies), access remains limited, particularly for individuals with post-stroke communication and cognitive impairments. Stroke service staff report low confidence in managing psychological distress. This study is the first to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing a novel intervention package comprising a cross-service care pathway and staff training to enhance post-stroke psychological provision. Methods: Staff from stroke and mental health services in four UK regions, recruited through purposive sampling to ensure diversity of services and professional roles, participated in semi-structured interviews or focus groups, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), before and after implementation of the intervention package. Pre-implementation interviews/groups identified anticipated barriers and facilitators to implementation and training needs, informing the development of site-specific intervention packages; post-implementation interviews/groups explored experienced barriers, facilitators and perceptions of the intervention. Interviews underwent thematic analysis using the TDF. Results: Fifty-five staff participated pre-implementation and seventeen post-implementation, representing stroke (e.g., nurse, physiotherapist, consultant) and psychology (e.g., counsellor, psychological therapist) roles across acute, rehabilitation, community, and voluntary services. Challenges anticipated pre-implementation included: limited specialist post-stroke psychological support; low staff confidence; and fragmented service pathways. Post-implementation findings indicated increased staff knowledge and confidence, enhanced screening and referral processes, and stronger inter-service collaboration. Implementation success varied across sites (with some sites showing greater ownership and sustainability of the intervention) and across staff roles (with therapy staff more likely than nursing staff to have received training). Conclusions: Effective implementation of an intervention package to increase psychological provision post-stroke requires staff engagement at all levels across all services. Staff investment influenced ownership of the intervention package, beliefs about priorities and overall enhancement of service capability. Full article

Background and aims: Rheumatic diseases are chronic, progressive conditions associated with severe pain, joint damage, disability, and even death. Healthcare interventions play a critical role in symptom management, patient education, and adherence to treatment plans. This study evaluates the role of healthcare interventions in the management of patients with rheumatic diseases, focusing on pain management, functional rehabilitation, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration. In addition, barriers to optimal care and potential solutions, including digital health technologies, are explored. Materials and methods: We conducted a narrative review of the scientific literature. Studies published between 2014 and 2025 were selected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, Frontiers, and Wiley Online Library. Key areas of review included nurse-led pain management, education programs, and the impact of interdisciplinary care on patient outcomes. Results: Nursing interventions significantly improve pain control, treatment adherence, and self-management skills in patients with rheumatic diseases. Multidisciplinary approaches improve functional rehabilitation and increase quality of life in patients with rheumatic conditions. However, barriers such as insufficient health care resources, lack of patient awareness, and disparities in the availability of services hinder effective care delivery. Conclusions: A structured, multidisciplinary approach integrating healthcare interventions, digital health solutions, and patient-centered education is essential to optimize the management of rheumatic diseases. Future research should focus on improving access to non-pharmacological therapies and standardizing healthcare protocols for better patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aortic stenosis is a common heart disease, particularly among elderly patients. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) offers a minimally invasive alternative method to surgical valve replacement for high-risk patients. Although clinical guidelines for TAVI are well established, standardized nursing care pathways are lacking. This systematic review aims to clarify the nursing role in the pre-, peri-, and postoperative phases of TAVI. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. After applying the eligibility criteria, ten studies were selected from five databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The work was registered in the PROSPERO database with the ID number CRD420251061863. Results: The analysis revealed the following: (1) a strong emphasis on preoperative patient education, often led by nurse coordinators; (2) perioperative nursing roles in conscious sedation protocols and early mobilization; (3) a lack of standardized rehabilitative protocols, especially in the preoperative phase; and (4) an emerging but insufficiently evaluated role of the TAVI nurse coordinator in multidisciplinary care. Most studies concentrated on postoperative care, outcomes, follow-up, and rehabilitation, but the small sample sizes limited the strength of the conclusions. Conclusions: Nurses play a vital role in multidisciplinary TAVI teams. There is an urgent need for evidence-based nursing guidelines to standardize care, improve clinical outcomes, and address the needs of TAVI patients. This review highlights the pivotal contribution of nursing to the success of TAVI. Full article

Background: The aging population is increasing, leading to a greater need for home care for older adults, often provided by informal caregivers (ICs). These caregivers face numerous challenges, requiring adequate training and support. Objectives: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in empowering ICs of older adults at home. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included seven articles published between 2019 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available in the PubMed e CINHAL Ultimate databases. The descriptors used were (Rehabilitation Nursing) AND (Informal Caregivers OR Caregivers) AND (Elderly OR Aged) AND (mentoring OR Training. Results: The RNS interventions focused on training caregivers in technical skills (e.g., positioning, transfers, hygiene care, feeding, medication administration), preventing caregiver burden, managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, promoting self-care, and emotional support. Educational programs and the use of technologies (telehealth) were identified as effective strategies. Conclusions: RNS interventions are crucial for enhancing the skills and well-being of ICs, improving the quality of care provided to older adults at home, and reducing caregiver burden. Person-centered care, continuous support, and recognizing the caregiver’s role are fundamental aspects of these interventions. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women, often requiring mastectomy, a procedure with a significant impact on functionality, self-esteem, and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in the follow-up care of mastectomised women. Methods: A review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included 11 articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available on the EBSCO platform (MEDLINE with Full TEXT, CINAHL). The descriptors used were (Mastectomy OR Breast Removal) AND (Rehabilitation Nursing OR Nursing Intervention). Results: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions focused on education regarding upper limb mobilisation, medication administration, lymphedema prevention, strategies for performing Daily Life Activities with less effort and pain, implementation of rehabilitation plans with physical exercises, and emotional support in accepting body image changes. Hospital discharge planning and caregiver education also emerged as key elements to ensure continuity of care. Most studies (six) identify performing exercises to strengthen muscles and prevent lymphoedema as a very important intervention for nurses, followed by education on care for upper limb mobilisation and lymphoedema prevention (five) and emotional and social support (four), among other interventions. Conclusions: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions are fundamental for promoting functionality, emotional well-being, and quality of life in mastectomised women, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach supported by scientific evidence. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating comprehensive management and prevention strategies. Rehabilitative cardiology, also known as cardiac rehabilitation (CR), is a multidisciplinary approach aimed at enhancing recovery, reducing the risk of recurrent cardiac events, and improving patients’ quality of life. This review explores the critical role of cardiovascular nursing in CR, highlighting its contributions to patient education, psychosocial support, and care coordination. Through an analysis of current evidence, we outline the core components of CR, including exercise training, risk factor modification, and behavioral interventions. Cardiovascular nurses play a pivotal role in optimizing patient outcomes by conducting assessments, providing tailored education, and addressing psychological challenges such as depression and anxiety, which often accompany CVDs. Despite the well-documented benefits of CR, participation rates remain low due to barriers such as inadequate referral systems, accessibility challenges, and socioeconomic disparities. Emerging solutions, including telemedicine and home-based CR, offer promising alternatives to improve adherence and accessibility. The review underscores the need for expanded nursing roles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy advancements to bridge existing gaps in CR utilization. By integrating innovative care models, cardiovascular nursing can further enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitative cardiology and contribute to improved long-term patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Early rehabilitation is crucial for predicting post-stroke outcomes. In rural Thailand, previous works identified limited access to prompt rehabilitation services, discontinuity of home visits, and a lack of interdisciplinary management, hindering comprehensive resolution. Objective: This participatory action research-based pilot quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of personalized intermediate care (IMC) programs led by physical therapists on clinical outcomes in post-ischemic stroke older adults living in rural areas. Methods: Participatory stakeholders (two physical therapists, a physician, a nurse, and a nutritionist) convened to coordinate with relevant stakeholders (community leaders, village health volunteers (VHVs), and family caregivers (CGs)). Thirty-four acute post-stroke patients were included in the study. The interventions consisted of three action research cycles (planning, action, observation, and reflection) of home-based neurorehabilitation and comprehensive treatments by a healthcare professional network for six months and another six-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the Barthel index for activities of daily living (BI-ADL). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was a secondary outcome for assessing disability levels. Results: Results showed that the BI-ADL gradually and significantly increased from a baseline median (IQR) of 55 (15) to 100 (20) after 6 months (p < 0.05). This improvement of the BI-ADL was maintained after 12 months (100 (15)). Furthermore, the mRS at 6 months post-discharge reduced considerably from the first month of rehabilitation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the early and continuous personalized IMC rehabilitation program effectively enhanced ADL and reduced disability levels and should be disseminated to the community. Full article

Background: Osteoporotic hip fractures in the elderly significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Optimising early management is crucial for improving the functional outcomes. Methods: This single-centre retrospective cohort study included patients with femoral trochanteric (n = 142) or femoral neck fractures (n = 127) treated between January 2016 and March 2023. The patients were divided into ambulatory and non-ambulatory groups based on their walking ability at discharge from the rehabilitation hospital. The explanatory variables included age, sex, fracture type, surgical method, pre-surgical days, hospital days, dementia, and the Nursing Needs Score (NNS). Results: The most common age group was 85–89 years old. Only 23.4% of patients underwent surgery within 2 days of admission. The median hospital stay was 20 days in acute care and 52 days in rehabilitation hospitals. Walking ability declined in 66.9% of the patients. Pre-injury mobility and acute care hospital NNS were identified as independent predictors of ambulatory outcomes. Conclusions: Pre-injury mobility and the Nursing Needs Score (NNS) assessed at the acute care hospital were identified as critical determinants of postoperative ambulatory status. These findings highlight the importance of community collaboration and preventive rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving basic mobility, maintaining cognitive function, and preserving walking ability. Full article

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the Abstracts from the 2025 Annual Conference, titled “Responding to the Human Experience of Cancer and Caring for the Soul: Building on 40 years of global leadership in psychosocial oncology”. The 40th Annual CAPO Conference was held in Toronto from 23 April 2025 to 25 April 2025. In an era marked by the rapid advancement of biologically focused precision medicine, it is imperative to redirect our attention towards the human experience of illness and the soul of medicine. Biomedicine has conceptualized illness in ways that have proved profoundly productive from a curative and biological point of view. But it cannot—and it does not pretend to—illuminate the experience of living with it. (Hurwitz 2009). This conference aims to delve into the intricate interplay between cutting-edge biomedical technologies inclusive of artificial intelligence and big data and the deeply personal narratives of individuals navigating illness. By shifting the focus from mere disease pathology to encompassing the holistic human experience, we aspire to foster a more compassionate and patient-centered approach to healthcare with psychosocial support at the core of humanistic care that can improve survival and well-being in all aspects of a whole-person approach to illness. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and introspection, we endeavor to illuminate the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit in the practice of medicine, reaffirming the timeless significance of empathy, understanding, and human connection in healing and psychosocial aspects of care as fundamental to living well with cancer. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that speak to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over two hundred (200) abstracts were submitted for presentation as symposia, 20-minute oral presentations, 10-minute oral presentations, 90-minute workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of mortality among women, and mastectomy has a significant effect on the body image, sexuality and psychology of women. The aim of postmastectomy rehabilitation is to improve functionality, minimize complications and promote well-being and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the role of nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. The participants included seven nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing who provided structured narratives about their experiences and care strategies in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. The interviews were analyzed by thematic categorization via content analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged: the meaning of care, professional intervention strategies and health gains. Care is seen as a developmental and person-centered experience, with a focus on preventing complications. The interventions prioritize personalized projects, emotional support and self-care training. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of women postmastectomy depends on a holistic and individualized approach centered on the person through emotional and functional support. Rehabilitation interventions improve the functionality, quality of life and autonomy of women and are essential for preventing complications and promoting the acceptance of new health conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aging population presents significant challenges to healthcare systems, with conditions like dementia severely affecting the quality of life for older adults, especially those in long-term care. Gamification has the potential to motivate older adults to engage in exercise by transforming physical activities into enjoyable experiences. Incorporating gaming elements in cycling exercises can foster a sense of interest and achievement, potentially improving health outcomes. This pilot study aims to explore interdisciplinary staff perspectives on using a digital game to motivate cycling exercise among residents living with dementia in long-term care (LTC). Methods: This study applied a qualitative description design. Using an interpretive description approach, we conducted focus groups with 29 staff members, including recreational therapists, rehabilitation therapists, nurses, care aides, and leadership in an LTC home. The consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) guided the data analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to adopting the digital game. Results: Engaging LTC residents living with dementia presents various challenges. Identified potential barriers to implementing the cycling game include cognitive and physical limitations, resistance to change, and intervention complexity. Frontline staff strategies include flexible invitations, social groups, making it fun, and building rapport. Success relies heavily on its cultural and individual relevance, along with strong support from leadership, peers, and family. Conclusions: This pilot study explored staff perspectives on the potential integration of a gamified cycling intervention for older adults with dementia in long-term care settings. Staff emphasized that successful implementation would depend on addressing key barriers and identifying enabling strategies. Based on these findings, practice implications were provided to support effective integration. Further research, including resident input and long-term evaluations, is needed to assess the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of gamification in promoting health outcomes for this population. This study adhered to the COREQ Checklist. Full article

Background: Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is a set of physical, cognitive, and mental health symptoms that arise following intensive care (ICU) hospitalization. Regarding physical changes, muscle weakness is highlighted, potentially leading to functional impairments during and after hospitalization. Multidisciplinary guidelines recommend early mobilization, a rehabilitation intervention, as a strategy to prevent ICU-acquired muscle weakness and reduce functionality impairments. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of early mobilization and positioning interventions to prevent or minimize ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill patients under invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Methods: A systematic review of effectiveness will be conducted following Cochrane recommendations. Searches will be made in MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials on the functional management of muscle weakness, muscle strength, and ICU-acquired muscle weakness in adults (≥18 years) who have undergone IMV. Eligible interventions (and comparators) include any manual mobilization and positioning strategy or the use of medical devices. Two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data using a piloted tool and assess bias with the RoB 2 tool. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted, pooling standardized mean differences using a random-effects model. Results: This review included primary experimental studies manipulating at least one variable, control group studies, or randomized trials comparing early intervention protocols, programs, or plans with standard care or existing approaches in the ICU. Conclusions: This review will provide meaningful comparisons of different mobilization and positioning strategies, evaluating their impact on muscle strength and functionality in critically ill patients. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD4202348091. Full article

Background: Falls among older adults are a pervasive and significant concern worldwide. A practice guideline has been developed to address the prevention of falls and their resulting consequences in hospital and long-term care settings. Aim: The study aimed to assess the fall down rate and preventive tools among older adult patients in nursing homes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected older adult patients by using a questionnaire with the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) tool in nursing homes at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development. Results: Among 323 older adult patients, most of them (73.1%) were male, 23.8% were from Makkah, and the age ranged from 60 to 90 years and older. Results showed that 64.8% had a psychiatric disorder, 41.8% had hypertension, 38.4% had diabetes, 38.1% had movement disorders, 11.3% had heart diseases, and 1.5% had no chronic conditions. The mean STEADI tool score was 3.5 out of 12, and of the 323 older adult patients, 51.7% had a low risk to fall and 48.3% had a high risk to fall. Of the 13 interventions used to prevent falls, the most used intervention was rehabilitative physical therapy, followed by providing patient facilities and muscle strengthening exercises. Conclusions: The level of falls was markedly low, and a significant correlation was observed between the risk of falling and the participants’ region of residence. Full article

Welfare refers to the state of happiness and well-being experienced by a person. Welfare robots can directly contribute to people’s happiness and well-being. Specific welfare robots include health promotion robots, rehabilitation robots, assistive robots, nursing care robots, etc. Welfare robots are used in human living spaces and exert actions on humans through force and information. Because industrial robots that handle objects prioritize high speed and efficiency, if their control methods were to be applied directly to welfare robots, the results would be unsatisfactory and extremely dangerous. This paper proposes a method for constructing a human–machine system for welfare robots that includes the estimation of the user’s work intention, a measurement of riding comfort, and motion generation. Furthermore, various types of welfare equipment for people with walking disabilities have been developed, but most of them have a single function. Equipping small homes with many single-function devices is difficult, and their use is complicated and not standardized. Therefore, in this study, we developed a multifunctional assistive robot that integrates mobility, transfer, work support, and training. It is a typical welfare robot and is effective in preventing a user’s minor disabilities from becoming more severe. In this paper, we discuss the research challenge points of human–machine welfare robot systems and their current situation using the multifunctional assistive robot as a typical example. Full article

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), significantly impact patients’ lives, causing stress and prompting varied responses to illness. Aim and methods: We conducted a narrative review concerning the acceptance of illness and quality of life in post-MI patients. Based on an extensive search of the available literature, this review consolidates current evidence on the proposed topic. Conclusions and implications: While some patients struggle with acceptance and face emotional distress, others who accept their condition are more likely to engage in treatment and lifestyle changes, leading to an improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Following an MI, patients often experience depression, anxiety, and stress, complicating their acceptance of the illness. Risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, play a significant role in influencing HRQoL in post-MI patients. An accurate assessment of HRQoL is crucial for tailoring effective treatments and support strategies to enhance patient outcomes and identify those most at risk of developing post-MI depression or anxiety. Effective physician–patient and nurse–patient communication and support from family might be helpful in recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation improves patients’ outcomes and HRQoL. This review underscores the importance of integrating psychological support with optimal medical care to improve patient prognosis and enhance the HRQoL of individuals recovering from MI. The healthcare system could implement routine psychological assessments for MI patients at admission and discharge to establish a baseline for follow-up. Future research should explore effective psychological interventions, the interplay of CVD risk factors and psychosocial aspects, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in personalized care, and the cost-effectiveness of integrated treatment models. Full article