Parent and Young Adult Perspectives About the Transition to College During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of COVID-19 on parents and their young adults with type 1 diabetes as they navigated the college environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 9 college students with type 1 diabetes and their parents were recruited to participate in interviews via purposive sampling methodology. METHODS: A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured questions via recorded video conferencing interviews. RESULTS: Three themes related to navigating type 1 diabetes at college during the pandemic emerged: (1) isolation and mental health: COVID-19-related isolation and loneliness; (2) risk and exposure to COVID-19: balancing risk of COVID-19 with type 1 diabetes; and (3) management of type 1 diabetes on campus during the pandemic: academics, university policies, and their impact on type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Students with type 1 diabetes and their parents had to navigate a complex set of concerns that extended beyond the usual challenges of diabetes management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers must provide additional support and incorporate education about type 1 diabetes management strategies to families affected by large-scale health crises.

Analyzing the Effects of Family Presence and Visitation Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Nurse Leaders and Non-Nurse Leaders.

AIM: This analysis seeks to identify the effect of family presence and visitation during COVID-19 pandemic among nurses and nurse leaders. BACKGROUND: Visitation restrictions were widespread during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic and were a potential source of distress for nurses. Few studies have examined sources of distress, such as visitation restrictions, among nurse leaders and non-nurse leaders. METHODS: Secondary analysis was performed using a national survey of nurses conducted by the American Nurses Foundation. RESULTS: More nurse leaders than nonleaders reported that nurses were involved in policy decisions/discussions and that visitation restrictions created additional burdens. There was similar level of agreement among nurse leaders and nonleaders that restrictions were not in the best interest of the patients. Many nurses reported the restrictions impacted their own well-being. CONCLUSION: Visitation restrictions were a likely source of distress. Improvements to communication, planning, and transparency should be considered in preparation for future emergencies that may require visitation restrictions.

Leadership, professional quality of life and moral distress during COVID-19: A mixed-methods approach.

AIM: To understand the impact of professional stressors on nurses' and other health care providers' professional quality of life and moral distress as they cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: Health care providers caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic are at increased risk of decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress. METHODS: A convergent mixed-methods design and snowball sampling was used to collect survey data (n = 171) and semi-structured interviews (n = 23) among health care providers working in the inpatient setting. RESULTS: Perceived lack of support from executive leadership, access to personal protective equipment and constantly changing guidelines led to decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress among health care providers. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study indicate that shared governance, disaster management training and enhanced communication may assist executive leadership to reduce the likelihood of decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress in front line health care providers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Following the principles of shared governance may assist executive leadership to promote and acknowledge the significance of the role of health care providers at the bedside. Additionally, disaster management training and open communication are crucial to ensure that health care providers are adequately informed and supported at the bedside.

Healthcare providers' challenges during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: A qualitative approach.

The uncertain trajectory of COVID-19 has led to significant psychosocial impacts on nurses and other healthcare providers. Given the critical role of these providers in pandemic response, this study sought to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare providers caring for adult patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted via semi-structured interviews. A purposeful sample of healthcare providers (n = 23) caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was recruited to participate in interviews via snowball sampling and an information systems-supported recruiting process (e-recruiting). Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) Managing isolation, fear, and increased anxiety; (2) adapting to changes in healthcare practice and policy; (3) addressing emotional and physical needs of patients and their families; and (4) navigating evolving workplace safety. New evidence was introduced about nurses practicing outside their usual role. Nurses and other healthcare providers consistently reported increased anxiety during the pandemic. Hospital administrations can proactively support healthcare providers during this and future pandemics by ensuring access to mental health programs, standardizing communication, and developing plans that address equipment and supply availability.

Challenges Experienced by Parents of Emerging Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus During the Transition to College.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges experienced by parents of emerging young adults (EYAs) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who completed their freshman or sophomore year of college. METHODS: Using a descriptive, qualitative design, 16 parents participated in semistructured interviews that explored factors impacting the college transition for parents of college freshmen and sophomores with T1DM. Participants were recruited from local endocrinology clinics as well as the College Diabetes Network (CDN) Parent Facebook page, the CDN Facebook page, the CDN Twitter feed, and the Delaware Chapter of the JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Researchers used a thematic analysis to analyze the data and develop categories. Interviews were conducted and recorded via video conferencing from July 2019 to September 2019. RESULTS: Results represent data from 16 interviews comprising 15 (94%) mothers and 1 father. Thematic analysis resulted in the emergence of 3 themes: managing parental concerns, changes in the parental role, and identifying sources of parental support. Parents identified several challenges including the EYAs' ability to manage T1DM at college, communication with the EYA, and the availability of support for parents. CONCLUSION: Parents experience several challenges during their EYA's transition to college with T1DM. Supporting the needs of parents and EYAs during this time may serve to reduce diabetes-related complications for EYAs and increase overall quality of life for both members of the dyad.

Barriers and Facilitators Influencing Parental Transition of College-Bound Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: An Integrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review was to synthesize current research about potential barriers impacting parents as they transition their college-bound youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to college. RECENT FINDINGS: Seven studies, 5 qualitative and 2 quantitative, met the qualifications for inclusion in this study by focusing on parents and were included in this review. Three potential barriers impacting the parental experience during the transition of their youth with T1DM to college were identified: developing and promoting autonomy, evolving relationships and roles in the parent/youth dyad, and distress. Parents consistently indicated concern about their youth's ability to self-manage their T1DM and lack of support for their own transition. This review indicates that several barriers may influence parents of adolescents with T1DM as they transition to becoming the parent of a college-bound youth with T1DM. The parental transition of launching their youth to college is more complex and unique for parents of youth with T1DM parents of youth without chronic conditions. Additional research focusing on the identification of desired supports for parents and the development of specific interventions to assist parents as they transition with their college-bound youth with T1DM is recommended.

Maternal Experiences of Transitioning Their Emerging Adult With Type 1 Diabetes to College.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding about mothers' experiences of transitioning their emerging adult with type 1 diabetes mellitus to college. Methods A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted with 9 mothers of high school seniors with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) using semi-structured questions via recorded telephone interviews. Results Among the 9 participants, 8 had daughters, and 1 had a son. The thematic analysis resulted in 4 themes: (1) concern for health and safety at college, (2) evolving roles of the parent and emerging adult dyad, (3) communication dynamics, and (4) social support systems. Conclusions Results indicate that mothers of emerging adults with T1DM experience heightened levels of concern during the college transition. These concerns are above and beyond those that are experienced by mothers of emerging adults without T1DM. Findings indicated that increasing levels of support for both parents as well as emerging adults with T1DM during the college transition may serve to decrease maternal stress and enhance the development of preparedness for diabetes self-management. Recommendations for diabetes educators in clinical practice include a family-centered approach focusing on the transition before the late adolescent period, interventions from colleges to promote a smooth transition, and interventions that address concerns of both the emerging adult with T1DM and the parent. Further research is necessary to identify barriers and facilitators to support parent/emerging adult dyads during the college transition period.