Pre-implementation context and implementation approach for a nursing and midwifery clinician researcher career pathway: A qualitative study.

AIM: To describe the pre-implementation context and implementation approach, for a clinician researcher career pathway. BACKGROUND: Clinician researchers across all health disciplines are emerging to radically influence practice change and improve patient outcomes. Yet, to date, there are limited clinician researcher career pathways embedded in clinical practice for nurses and midwives. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used. DATA SOURCES: Data were collected from four online focus groups and four interviews of health consumers, nursing and midwifery clinicians, and nursing unit managers (N = 20) between July 2022 and September 2023. RESULTS: Thematic and content analysis identified themes/categories relating to: Research in health professionals' roles and nursing and midwifery, and Research activity and culture (context); with implementation approaches within coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring (Normalization Process Theory). CONCLUSIONS: The Pathway was perceived to meet organizational objectives with the potential to create significant cultural change in nursing and midwifery. Backfilling of protected research time was essential. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The Pathway was seen as an instrument to empower staff, foster staff retention and extend research opportunities to every nurse and midwife, while improving patient experiences and outcomes. IMPACT: Clinicians, consumers and managers fully supported the implementation of clinician researchers with this Pathway. The Pathway could engage all clinicians in evidence-based practice with a clinician researcher leader, effect practice change with colleagues and enhance patient outcomes. REPORTING METHOD: This study adheres to relevant EQUATOR guidelines using the COREG checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Health consumers involved in this research as participants, did not contribute to the design or conduct of the study, analysis or interpretation of the data, or in the preparation of the manuscript.

Clinical Practice Patterns for Transradial Coronary Artery Catheterisation in Australian and New Zealand: Mixed-Methods Survey and Interview Study.

BACKGROUND: While there has been an increase in the use of the transradial approach when performing percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention, there is evidence of variations in international practice. Ensuring that operators' practices are supported by evidence is important to ensure optimal outcomes. METHOD: Interventional cardiologists and advanced trainees completed a cross-sectional survey followed by semi-structured interviews to map current practices for transradial coronary artery procedures in Australia and New Zealand and explore factors that influence clinical decision-making around procedural practice. RESULTS: The right radial artery was the preferred access site (88%). Over a third (37%) of the participants indicated that they tested the hand circulation pre-procedure. Over a quarter of respondents (28.6%) reported that they would carry out transradial procedures regardless of the patient's coagulation status. Most participants (77.8%) described radial artery spasm in around 10% of transradial procedures performed. Only 62% of participants assessed for radial artery occlusion post-catheterisation. Interview data revealed four themes that guided clinical decision-making, namely (1) Decision-making based on research, (2) Using clinical experience, (3) Being led by their training, and (4) Individual patient factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that despite clinical guidelines, substantial practice variation exists in transradial coronary artery catheterisation across Australia and New Zealand. The variation in practice and factors impacting clinical decision-making highlight a need for future strategies to optimise evidence translation and implementation across clinical settings.

Clinical predictors and management for radial artery spasm: an Australian cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The transradial approach for coronary artery catheterisation has increased in popularity compared to the transfemoral approach for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. However, radial artery spasm continues to be a major complication of the procedure. Current management strategies vary concerning radial artery spasm and there is limited evidence of practice in the Australian context. AIM: To identify the predictors of radial artery spasm and the medications used for its prevention and management. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a three-month period in two tertiary hospitals in NSW, Australia. A self-administered pre-procedural survey was completed by patients undergoing coronary artery catheterisation. This survey collected socio-demographic data and assessed anxiety using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Procedural data, including length of procedure, equipment used, occurrence of radial artery spasm, and medications given, were collected post-procedure by the interventionalist. RESULTS: Of the 169 participants, over half were male (59.8%) and aged 66 years or older (56.8%). Radial artery spasm was reported in 24 (14.2%) participants. Rates of spasm were significantly higher among females (66.6%, p = 0.004), those aged under 65 years (62.5%, p = 0.001) and those who reported a medical history of anxiety (33.3%, p = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in State and Trait anxiety scores among those who had RAS and those who did not. Logistic regression identified younger age as the only statistically significant predictor of RAS (OR 0.536; 95% CI 0.171-1.684; p = 0.005). To prevent radial artery spasm most patients received midazolam (n = 158; 93.5%), nitrates (n = 133; 78.7%) and/or fentanyl (n = 124; 73.4%) prophylactically. Nitrates were the most frequently administered medication to treat radial artery spasm (78.7%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that there is a need to develop a clearer understanding of the predictors of RAS, as identifying patients at risk can ensure prophylactic measures are implemented. This study identified nitrates as the preferred vasodilator as a preventative measure along with the use of sedation.

The efficiency of a continuous versus an intermittent apheresis method for collection of hematopoietic progenitor stem cells: A systematic review.

Peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor stem cells (HPSCs) are the most common source of stem cells for autologous and allogenic transplantation. Currently, systematic reviews comparing the collection efficiency of a continuous to an intermittent method are lacking despite the existence of primary studies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence to compare the efficiency of the continuous vs the intermittent method for the collection of hematopoietic progenitor stem cells required for HPC transplantation. A search using MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google scholar, and MedNar for both published and unpublished studies was conducted in December 2021. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. A critical appraisal of the studies was undertaken by two independent reviewers using the JBI quasi-experimental critical appraisal checklist. A total of six studies were included in the review. The findings of this review demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference in the collection efficiency, length of procedure time, and total blood volume processed between the continuous and intermittent programs. The evidence suggests that the continuous method is as safe and effective as the intermittent method to collect HPSCs. Until further evidence becomes available clinicians should be guided by the policies of their individual hospitals.

Predicting behavioural intentions towards medication safety among student and new graduate nurses across four countries.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify final-year undergraduate students and new graduate nurses' behavioural intentions towards medication safety across four countries. BACKGROUND: Medication errors are a common and avoidable occurrence, being costly for not only patients but also for health systems and society. DESIGN: A multi-site cross-sectional study. METHODS: A self-administered survey was distributed to students and new graduate nurses in South Africa, India, Turkey and Australia. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all survey items. Multiple linear regressions were performed to predict behavioural intentions using the three Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs: attitudes, behavioural control and subjective norms. This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: Data were analysed for 432 students and 576 new graduate nurses. Across all countries, new graduate nurses reported significantly higher scores on all the TPB variables compared with student nurses. Attitudes towards medication management were found significantly and positively related to intention to practice safe medication management for both student and new graduate nurses. Total perceived behavioural control was significantly and negatively related to intention to practice safe medication management for students. CONCLUSION: Student and new graduate nurses showed favourable attitude, subjective norm, perceived behaviour control and intention in practising medication safety. However, differences in countries require further exploration on the factors influencing attitudes towards medication safety among student nurses and new nurse graduates. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Understanding student and new graduate nurses' medication administration practices is important to inform strategies aimed at improving patient safety. The findings of this study highlight the need for an internationally coordinated approach to ensure safe medication administration by student and new graduate nurses.

Adaption of the Cancer Information Overload Scale for pandemics and assessment of infodemic levels among nurses and midwives.

AIM: This study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 aimed to adapt the Cancer Information Overload Scale and conduct content validity testing. Phase 2 aimed to conduct factorial validity testing of the scale. Phase 3 aimed to assess information overload and the sources of information used by nurses and midwives to keep up-to-date about COVID-19. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of nurses and midwives working in a metropolitan Local Health District in Sydney, Australia, was conducted from May to June 2020. METHODS: Adaptation of the Cancer Information Overload Scale and content validity of the modified scale (as the Pandemic Information Overload Scale) was undertaken by an expert panel comprising of senior nurses and researchers. Factorial validity and reliability of the Pandemic Information Overload Scale were evaluated using exploratory factor analyses using one subsample of the data. Using the second subsample of the data, information overload and sources of information used by nurses and midwives to keep up-to-date about COVID-19 were examined. RESULTS: The Pandemic Information Overload Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring information overload among nurses during a pandemic. Its internal consistency was high (α = 0.81, M = 3.84). CONCLUSION: The 8-item PIO scale is a brief, reliable and psychometrically sound instrument for measuring nurses' and midwives' perceptions of information overload during COVID-19. Mean scores across this study indicated that participants were experiencing above average information overload. Implementing strategies to reduce this overload would optimize clinical decision making and promote patient safety.

Empathy and ethical sensitivity among intensive and critical care nurses: A path analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intensive and critical care nurses need to demonstrate ethical sensitivity especially in recognizing and dealing with ethical dilemmas particularly as they often care for patients living with life-threatening conditions. Theories suggest that there is a convergence between nurses' empathy and ethical sensitivity. Evidence in the literature indicates that nurses' emotional, demographic, and work characteristics are associated with their level of empathy and ethical sensitivity. AIM: To investigate the relationship between nurses' empathy and ethical sensitivity, considering their emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress), demographic and work characteristics, and test an empirical model describing potential predictors of empathy (as a mediator) and ethical sensitivity using path analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional design, the philosophical theory of care ethics and empathy was extended and adopted as a conceptual framework for this study and tested by path analysis. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT: Data were collected from 347 intensive care nurses recruited by ten educational-medical hospitals in Iran using a questionnaire between February and March 2021. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The study was reviewed by the Ethical Advisory Board in Iran and conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. FINDINGS: Study participants demonstrated a mild level of stress, anxiety, and depression, alongside a relatively high level of empathy and ethical sensitivity. Nurses with good socioeconomic status had higher empathetic behavior with patients than those with weak status. Nurses aged over 40 who had received ethics training and had higher work experience were associated with higher ethical sensitivity compared to nurses under 20 years of age. Empathy directly affected ethical sensitivity; however, anxiety had an indirect effect on ethical sensitivity through empathy. Among demographic factors, age had a positive direct effect on ethical sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Less anxiety and a high level of empathy contribute to higher levels of ethical sensitivity among intensive and critical care nurses.

Water for wound cleansing.

BACKGROUND: Although various solutions have been recommended for cleansing wounds, normal saline is favoured as it is an isotonic solution and is not thought to interfere with the normal healing process. Tap water is commonly used in community settings for cleansing wounds because it is easily accessible, efficient and cost-effective; however, there is an unresolved debate about its use. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of water for wound cleansing. SEARCH METHODS: For this fifth update, in May 2021 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed wound cleansing using different types of water (e.g. tap water, distilled, boiled) compared with no cleansing or with other solutions (e.g. normal saline). For this update, we excluded quasi-RCTs, thereby removing some studies which had been included in the previous version of the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently carried out trial selection, data extraction and GRADE assessment of the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included 13 trials in this update including a total of 2504 participants ranging in age from two to 95 years. Participants in the trials experienced open fractures, surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, anal fissures and chronic wounds. The trials were conducted in six different countries with the majority conducted in India and the USA. Three trials involving 148 participants compared cleansing with tap water with no cleansing. Eight trials involving 2204 participants assessed cleansing with tap water compared with cleansing with normal saline. Two trials involving 152 participants assessed cleansing with distilled water compared with cleansing with normal saline.  One trial involving 51 participants also assessed cleansing with cooled boiled water compared with cleansing with normal saline, and cleansing with distilled water compared with cleansing with cooled boiled water. Wound infection: no trials reported on wound infection for the comparison cleansing with tap water versus no cleansing. For all wounds, eight trials found the effect of cleansing with tap water compared with normal saline is uncertain (risk ratio (RR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.19); very low-certainty evidence. Two trials comparing the use of distilled water with normal saline for cleansing open fractures found that the effect on the number of fractures that were infected is uncertain (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.09); very low-certainty evidence. One trial compared the use of cooled boiled water with normal saline for cleansing open fractures and found that the effect on the number of fractures infected is uncertain (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.87); very low-certainty evidence. This trial also compared the use of distilled water with cooled boiled water and found that the effect on the number of fractures infected is uncertain (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.47); very low-certainty evidence. Wound healing: results from three trials comparing the use of tap water with no wound cleansing demonstrated there may be little or no difference in the number of wounds that did not heal between the groups (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.14); low-certainty evidence. The effect of tap water compared with normal saline is uncertain; two trials were pooled (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.07) but the certainty of the evidence is very low. Results from one study comparing the use of distilled water with normal saline for cleansing open fractures found that there may be little or no difference in the number of fractures that healed (RR could not be estimated, all wounds healed); the certainty of the evidence is low. Reduction in wound size: the effect of cleansing with tap water compared with normal saline on wound size reduction is uncertain (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.68); the certainty of the evidence is very low. Rate of wound healing: the effect of cleansing with tap water compared with normal saline on wound healing rate is uncertain (mean difference (MD) -3.06, 95% CI -6.70 to 0.58); the certainty of the evidence is very low. COSTS: two trials reported cost analyses but the cost-effectiveness of tap water compared with the use of normal saline is uncertain; the certainty of the evidence is very low. Pain: results from one study comparing the use of tap water with no cleansing for acute and chronic wounds showed that there may be little or no difference in pain scores. The certainty of the evidence is low. Patient satisfaction: results from one study comparing the use of tap water with no cleansing for acute and chronic wounds showed that there may be little or no difference in patient satisfaction. The certainty of evidence is low. The effect of cleansing with tap water compared with normal saline is uncertain as the certainty of the evidence is very low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: All the evidence identified in the review was low or very low certainty. Cleansing with tap water may make little or no difference to wound healing compared with no cleansing; there are no data relating to the impact on wound infection. The effects of cleansing with tap water, cooled boiled water or distilled water compared with cleansing with saline are uncertain, as is the effect of distilled water compared with cooled boiled water. Data for other outcomes are limited across all the comparisons considered and are either uncertain or suggest that there may be little or no difference in the outcome.

Social capital and wellbeing among Australian adults' during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has created global disruption, with governments across the world taking rapid action to limit the spread of the virus. Physical distancing and lockdowns abruptly changed living conditions for many, posing specific challenges of social isolation and lack of connectedness due to being physically and socially isolated from family and friends. Social capital is the bonding of individuals within a society that facilitates and shapes social interactions. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact that existing social capital has on Australians' experience of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect this has had on their wellbeing and quality of life. METHODS: Participants from various socioeconomic areas within Australia were purposively selected to participate in semi-structured interviews conducted via videoconferencing or telephone. Inductive thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 20 participants were interviewed ranging in age from 21 to 65 years, including 50% (n = 10) females, 40% (n = 8) males, 5% (n = 1) non-binary and 5% (n = 1) transgender. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the data: No person is an island; Social engagement; and Loneliness and isolation. Individuals who resided in low socioeconomic areas, those who lived alone and had reduced social support expressed feelings of poorer wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the lived-experiences of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australians' social capital and wellbeing. The findings highlight the need for interventions to increase social support, social cohesion, and social connectedness, especially among Australians from low socioeconomic areas, to enhance their overall wellbeing.

Sexual activity and cancer: A systematic review of prevalence, predictors and information needs among female Arab cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this review is to synthesise and present the best available evidence on the prevalence, predictors and information needs about sexual health among female Arab cancer survivors. METHODS: The databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from inception of the database until March 2020. The review was undertaken according to the JBI guidelines. Proportional meta-analysis using a random effects model was used for statistical pooling through JBI SUMARI. RESULTS: Seven studies involving female Arab cancer survivors were included in the review. The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction ranged from 16.7 to 67% (pooled estimate 51%, 95% CIs 21.7% to 80.2%). Dyspareunia and erectile dysfunction were the two main types of sexual dysfunction reported after diagnosis, and the overall prevalence ranged from 42.5% to 65% and 38% to 61%, respectively. The prevalence of vaginal dryness was ranged from 19.8% to 54.2%, and dyspareunia ranged from 22.2% to 65%. The lack of sexuality information and communication with health care providers (HCPs) was also reported in the included studies. CONCLUSION: Cancer and its treatment may result in significant difficulties with sexual activity and sexual functioning among cancer survivor. Communication between the health care professionals and cancer survivors is essential to overcome this problem and improve the quality of life of female Arab cancer survivors.

The Effect of Paternal Skin-to-Skin Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

BACKGROUND: Research about skin-to-skin care (SSC) experiences in early period after birth has focused on mothers and infants. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of paternal skin-to-skin care (P-SSC) in both fathers and infants. METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Airiti Library, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported outcomes of P-SSC in both fathers and infants. We calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.3 for the meta-analysis [PROSPERO: CRD42018106790]. RESULTS: Seven RCTs including a total of 552 participants were eligible for inclusion. Compared to the maternal skin-to-skin care (M-SSC), fathers in the P-SSC exhibited no significant differences in salivary oxytocin levels (MD: -0.35 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.75, 0.05), salivary cortisol levels (MD: 0.25 µg/dL; 95% CI: -0.82, 1.33), or anxiety scores (MD: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.57, 0.22) during the period of SSC. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the salivary cortisol levels (MD: -0.11 µg/dL; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.28) among preterm infants between the 2 groups. However, the crying time was less among full-term infants in the P-SSC group compared with infants in the incubator care or cot care groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: P-SSC had similar effects as M-SSC on stress-related outcomes during and after SSC among fathers and infants in the early stages after birth. We recommend that P-SSC be implemented in the early stages after birth. Further RCTs with a longitudinal design and large samples are needed to better understand the long-term effects of P-SSC on fathers and infants.

Nurse-led interventions to manage hypertension in general practice: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the impact of general practice nurse-led interventions for blood pressure control and cardiovascular disease risk factor reduction in patients with hypertension. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. CINAHL, Medline and Scopus databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2021. A systematic review of randomized control trials was conducted using a structured search strategy. The Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used to appraise study quality. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were performed to determine the effectiveness of the included interventions. Eleven trials comprising of 4454 participants were included in the review. Meta-analysis showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in trials with 6 months or less follow-up. Improvements were also demonstrated in reducing blood lipids, physical activity, general lifestyle measures and medication adherence. Evidence for dietary improvements and reduction in alcohol and smoking rates was inconclusive. Nurse-led interventions for patients with hypertension are heterogeneous in terms of the nature of the intervention and outcomes measured. However, nurse-led interventions in general practice demonstrate significant potential to improve blood pressure and support cardiovascular disease risk factor reduction. Future research should be directed towards elucidating the successful elements of these interventions, evaluating cost-effectiveness and exploring translation into usual care. This review provides evidence that nurses in general practice could enhance current hypertension management through nurse-led interventions.

The impact of COVID-19 on primary health care delivery in Australia.

AIMS: To validate the 'safe and effective staffing tool' and explore the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of Australian primary health care (PHC). DESIGN: A national survey was conducted from October to December 2020. METHODS: The online survey was distributed via social media and professional organisations to PHC nurses. RESULTS: Three-hundred fifty-nine PHC nurses participated. A two-factor solution was found with factors named; 'Perception of quality of care provided' and 'Personal satisfaction with care delivered'. Cronbach's alpha demonstrated good internal consistency for the total scale (α = .915) and each subscale (α = .879/α = .864). Nearly three-quarters of participants (71.3%) were satisfied with the quality of care they delivered. Participants working in general practice, and those with more nursing experience had significantly higher scores in the factor 'perceptions of quality of care provided' and the total 'quality and satisfaction with care'. A lack of time, inadequate supervision and support, and performing non-nursing duties were reported to be impacting care quality. Most participants (80.5%) reported that COVID-19 had impacted negatively on the detection and management of non-COVID related health conditions. CONCLUSION: The 'safe and effective staffing tool' is a valid and reliable measure of perceived quality of care and satisfaction with care delivered. Many PHC nurses perceive that there has been an overall reduction in the quality of care delivered due to COVID-19 and feel that there is a lack of adequate supervision and workplace support. Given the limited baseline data, further research is required to understand the extent that COVID-19 impacts these findings. However, this study demonstrates that strategies need to be implemented to support PHC nurses to provide high-quality care to optimise health outcomes and maintain nurse satisfaction. IMPACT: This is the first attempt to evaluate care quality in Australian PHC. Policymaking requires this evidence to drive changes to better support PHC nurses.

Association between economic wellbeing and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and remoteness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the association between economic wellbeing and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and remoteness during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study via SurveyMonkey was conducted in Australia between August 2020 and October 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 1211 individuals responded to the survey. Income loss was significantly associated with those from low socioeconomic status (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.01-2.68). Access of superannuation was significantly associated with those in outer regional (OR = 3.61; 95% CI 0.81-16.03) and low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.34-5.53). Financial inability to pay for services was significantly associated with living in remote areas (OR = 2.26; 95% CI 0.88-5.80). CONCLUSIONS: The economic wellbeing of people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, live in regional or remote areas, and reside in low socioeconomic areas have been substantially impacted during the pandemic. Findings call for policies to address the underlying social determinants of health.

Development and Evaluation of the Altered Student Study Environment Tool: A Tool to Measure Nursing Student Concerns Relating to Academic Progression During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Rapid alterations to study environments during COVID-19 raised concerns for nursing students about their academic progression. AIM: The study aim was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Altered Student Study Environment Tool (ASSET) and the relationship between students' concerns, demographics, COVID-19-related knowledge, and communication received from the university. METHOD: The 11-item ASSET and investigator-developed questions were administered to prelicensure nursing students using an anonymous online survey. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 234 students. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure, namely, attending clinical placement, completion of clinical placement, and grade attainment. Students with higher scores on knowledge had significantly lower concerns for the subscale attending clinical placement. Full-time students had significantly higher concerns for the subscale completion of clinical placement. CONCLUSION: The ASSET is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to measure concerns relating to the effects of altered study environments on academic progression.

Evaluation of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale and exploration of coping among primary health care nurses during COVID-19.

AIM: This study aimed to explore primary health care nurses' coping strategies and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) scale. BACKGROUND: Primary health care nurses are experiencing significant COVID-19-related psychological impacts. Beyond understanding the impacts, there is a need to explore coping strategies. METHODS: This online cross-sectional survey was completed by 359 Australian primary health care nurses between October and December 2020. RESULTS: Factor analysis revealed seven factors (support, disengagement and venting, humour, positive reframing, acceptance, substance use and spiritual/religious beliefs) (Cronbach's alpha > .69). There was an association between age, years of nursing and years of primary health care nursing and the factors of 'support', 'disengagement and venting' and 'positive reframing'. Years of experience were also associated with the factor 'humour'. Urban respondents had higher scores for the 'support' factor. CONCLUSIONS: The Brief COPE scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing primary health care nurses' coping. As demographic characteristics impact the coping strategies that nurses use, supports need to be tailored to optimize their impact. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers need to consider the workforce demographics when designing and implementing support strategies. The Brief COPE can identify current coping strategies and inform interventions to build coping capacity.

Mental health, safety and support during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study of primary health care nurses.

AIM: The aim of this study is to explore primary health care nurses' mental health, concerns and perceived safety and supports during COVID-19. BACKGROUND: Respiratory pandemics have negative impacts on nurses' wellbeing. While literature is replete with hospital nurses' experiences, there is less exploration of COVID-19 impacts on primary health care nurses. Given the importance of primary health care nurses in the health system, understanding their experiences is vital. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty nine primary health care nurses responded to an online cross-sectional survey. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used to measure emotional state. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: DASS-21 scores indicated that 39.6% of participants were experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress. Of those, 41.8% were experiencing symptoms on one scale, 26.9% were experiencing symptoms on two scales and 31.2% were experiencing symptoms across all three scales. Most participants identified that their feelings were related to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is having a significant impact on primary health care nurses' mental health. Nurse managers need to develop strategies to effectively address nurses' concerns and effectively support them to sustain the workforce during and after the pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Findings from this study can inform the design of effective nurse support programmes to reduce mental health impacts and promote staff wellbeing during the pandemic.

The impact of mastectomy on Iranian women sexuality and body image: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

PURPOSE: Mastectomy in women is perceived as losing feminine identity and reducing sexual attraction. The aim of this review is to explore the perception and impacts of mastectomy on Iranian women with breast cancer on their sexuality and body image. METHODS: The review used a systematic literature search that followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The data sources PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (via the EBSCOhost) were systematically searched. Quality appraisal, data extraction, and findings from the included studies were pooled using meta-aggregation with the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). RESULTS: Eight studies involving 163 women aged from 31 to 65 years, who had mastectomy, were included. A total of 31 findings were extracted and were aggregated into 4 categories and then further grouped into two synthesized findings: (1) fear of losing spouse's sexual monopoly and (2) overcoming the challenges of losing femininity. CONCLUSIONS: This review found even in Muslim countries such as Iran women's breasts are perceived as sexually attractive, and changes in body shape can lead to subsequent challenges in marital relationships.

Strategies for the removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters in adults.

BACKGROUND: Urinary catheterisation is a common procedure, with approximately 15% to 25% of all people admitted to hospital receiving short-term (14 days or less) indwelling urethral catheterisation at some point during their care. However, the use of urinary catheters is associated with an increased risk of developing urinary tract infection. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. It is estimated that around 20% of hospital-acquired bacteraemias arise from the urinary tract and are associated with mortality of around 10%. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005 and last published in 2007. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of strategies for removing short-term (14 days or less) indwelling catheters in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 17 March 2020), and reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that evaluated the effectiveness of practices undertaken for the removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters in adults for any reason in any setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors performed abstract and full-text screening of all relevant articles. At least two review authors independently performed risk of bias assessment, data abstraction and GRADE assessment. MAIN RESULTS: We included 99 trials involving 12,241 participants. We judged the majority of trials to be at low or unclear risk of selection and detection bias, with a high risk of performance bias. We also deemed most trials to be at low risk of attrition and reporting bias. None of the trials reported on quality of life. The majority of participants across the trials had undergone some form of surgical procedure. Thirteen trials involving 1506 participants compared the removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters at one time of day (early morning removal group between 6 am to 7 am) versus another (late night removal group between 10 pm to midnight). Catheter removal late at night may slightly reduce the risk of requiring recatheterisation compared with early morning (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.96; 10 RCTs, 1920 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if there is any difference between early morning and late night removal in the risk of developing symptomatic CAUTI (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.63; 1 RCT, 41 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether the time of day makes a difference to the risk of dysuria (RR 2.20; 95% CI 0.70 to 6.86; 1 RCT, 170 participants; low-certainty evidence). Sixty-eight trials involving 9247 participants compared shorter versus longer durations of catheterisation. Shorter durations may increase the risk of requiring recatheterisation compared with longer durations (RR 1.81, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.41; 44 trials, 5870 participants; low-certainty evidence), but probably reduce the risk of symptomatic CAUTI (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.61; 41 RCTs, 5759 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and may reduce the risk of dysuria (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.88; 7 RCTs; 1398 participants; low-certainty evidence). Seven trials involving 714 participants compared policies of clamping catheters versus free drainage. There may be little to no difference between clamping and free drainage in terms of the risk of requiring recatheterisation (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.21; 5 RCTs; 569 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if there is any difference in the risk of symptomatic CAUTI (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.63; 2 RCTs, 267 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or dysuria (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.54; 1 trial, 79 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Three trials involving 402 participants compared the use of prophylactic alpha blockers versus no intervention or placebo. We are uncertain if prophylactic alpha blockers before catheter removal has any effect on the risk of requiring recatheterisation (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.42; 2 RCTs, 184 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or risk of symptomatic CAUTI (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.06; 1 trial, 94 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the included trials investigating prophylactic alpha blockers reported the number of participants with dysuria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence to suggest the removal of indwelling urethral catheters late at night rather than early in the morning may reduce the number of people who require recatheterisation. It appears that catheter removal after shorter compared to longer durations probably reduces the risk of symptomatic CAUTI and may reduce the risk of dysuria. However, it may lead to more people requiring recatheterisation. The other evidence relating to the risk of symptomatic CAUTI and dysuria is too uncertain to allow us to draw any conclusions. Due to the low certainty of the majority of the evidence presented here, the results of further research are likely to change our findings and to have a further impact on clinical practice. This systematic review has highlighted the need for a standardised set of core outcomes, which should be measured and reported by all future trials comparing strategies for the removal of short-term urinary catheters. Future trials should also study the effects of short-term indwelling urethral catheter removal on non-surgical patients.

A systematic review: Sexual well-being and perceived barriers to seeking professional help among Chinese adults living with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Sex and intimacy are basic needs and important aspects of quality of life among humans. This focus of this review was to synthesise and present the best available qualitative evidence on the sexual life experiences and needs of Chinese adults living with cancer. Moreover, the first-hand experience, meaning and perspective about the sexual life changes and support needs during the survival and extended treatment period were synthesised in this study. METHODS: A systematic review of qualitative studies was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (JBI-SUMARI). A comprehensive search of five databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were undertaken from 2010 until February 2020 using defined criteria. Methodological quality and data extraction were undertaken using JBI-SUMARI. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the review. A total of 39 findings were extracted and aggregated into eight categories based on similarity of meaning. Three synthesised themes were generated: (i) misconceptions and lack of education or information regarding sexual activity exists for patients with cancer, (ii) concerns for overall health and well-being as well as physical and psychological changes can alter sexual desire and behaviours in patients with cancer and (iii) lack of sexual activity and intimacy can create relationship problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual relationships are intimate, personal and private in Chinese culture and beliefs. Chinese adults living with cancer report many neglected issues on sexual well-being in various domains. Adequate and consistent education about sexual intimacy issues from health care providers was identified as an important need. Unaddressed needs might affect adults' coping strategies in managing their sexual relations during various stages of cancer treatment and beyond. It must be noted that there are many Chinese ethnic minorities living with cancer outside the Greater China region. The evidence provides valuable recommendations to health care providers globally to consider the specific sexual needs and initiate culturally sensitive sexuality education and care support for Chinese adults living with cancer.