How can hospitals change practice to better implement smoking cessation interventions? A systematic review.

Smoking cessation reduces the risk of death, improves recovery, and reduces the risk of hospital readmission. Evidence and policy support hospital admission as an ideal time to deliver smoking-cessation interventions. However, this is not well implemented in practice. In this systematic review, the authors summarize the literature on smoking-cessation implementation strategies and evaluate their success to guide the implementation of best-practice smoking interventions into hospital settings. The CINAHL Complete, Embase, MEDLINE Complete, and PsycInfo databases were searched using terms associated with the following topics: smoking cessation, hospitals, and implementation. In total, 14,287 original records were identified and screened, resulting in 63 eligible articles from 56 studies. Data were extracted on the study characteristics, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes. Implementation outcomes were guided by Proctor and colleagues' framework and included acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, cost, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability. The findings demonstrate that studies predominantly focused on the training of staff to achieve implementation. Brief implementation approaches using a small number of implementation strategies were less successful and poorly sustained compared with well resourced and multicomponent approaches. Although brief implementation approaches may be viewed as advantageous because they are less resource-intensive, their capacity to change practice in a sustained way lacks evidence. Attempts to change clinician behavior or introduce new models of care are challenging in a short time frame, and implementation efforts should be designed for long-term success. There is a need to embrace strategic, well planned implementation approaches to embed smoking-cessation interventions into hospitals and to reap and sustain the benefits for people who smoke.

iCare - a self-directed, interactive online program to improve health and wellbeing for people living with upper gastrointestinal or hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers, and their informal carers: the study protocol for a Phase II randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to 70% of people diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers experience substantial reductions in quality of life (QoL), including high distress levels, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss and difficulty swallowing. With few advocacy groups and support systems for adults with upper GI or HPB cancers (i.e. pancreas, liver, stomach, bile duct and oesophageal) and their carers, online supportive care programs may represent an alternate cost-effective mechanism to support this patient group and carers. iCare is a self-directed, interactive, online program that provides information, resources, and psychological packages to patients and their carers from the treatment phase of their condition. The inception and development of iCare has been driven by consumers, advocacy groups, government and health professionals. The aims of this study are to determine the feasibility and acceptability of iCare, examine preliminary efficacy on health-related QoL and carer burden at 3- and 6-months post enrolment, and the potential cost-effectiveness of iCare, from health and societal perspectives, for both patients and carers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A Phase II randomised controlled trial. Overall, 162 people with newly diagnosed upper GI or HPB cancers and 162 carers will be recruited via the Upper GI Cancer Registry, online advertisements, or hospital clinics. Patients and carers will be randomly allocated (1:1) to the iCare program or usual care. Participant assessments will be at enrolment, 3- and 6-months later. The primary outcomes are i) feasibility, measured by eligibility, recruitment, response and attrition rates, and ii) acceptability, measured by engagement with iCare (frequency of logins, time spent using iCare, and use of features over the intervention period). Secondary outcomes are patient changes in QoL and unmet needs, and carer burden, unmet needs and QoL. Linear mixed models will be fitted to obtain preliminary estimates of efficacy and variability for secondary outcomes. The economic analysis will include a cost-consequences analysis where all outcomes will be compared with costs. DISCUSSION: iCare provides a potential model of supportive care to improve QoL, unmet needs and burden of disease among people living with upper GI or HPB cancers and their carers. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: ACTRN12623001185651. This protocol reflects Version #1 26 April 2023.

A Mixed-Methods Cohort Study Evaluating the Impact of a One-Day Well-Being Course for Anesthesia Providers Working in Low-Resource Settings.

BACKGROUND: Burnout, depression, and anxiety are increasingly recognized as common among health care providers. Risks for these conditions are exacerbated in low-resource settings by excessive workload, high disease burden, resource shortage, and stigma against mental health issues. Based on discussions and requests to learn more about burnout during the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST), our team developed VAST Wellbeing, a 1-day course for health care providers in low-resource settings to recognize and mitigate burnout and to promote personal and professional well-being. METHODS: This mixed-methods study used quantitative pre- and postcourse surveys using validated mental health measures and qualitative semistructured interviews to explore participants' experience of VAST Wellbeing during and after the course. Quantitative outcomes included burnout and professional fulfillment as measured by the Professional Fulfillment Index and general well-being as measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants from 9 countries completed the study. In the immediate postcourse survey, study participants rated the course overall as "very good" (60.7%) and "excellent" (28.6%). Quantitative analysis showed no statistical differences in levels of work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, burnout, professional fulfillment, or general mental well-being 2 months after the course. Five themes on the impact of VAST Wellbeing were identified during qualitative analysis: (1) raising awareness, breaking taboos; (2) not feeling alone; (3) permission and capacity for personal well-being; (4) workplace empowerment; and (5) VAST Wellbeing was relevant, authentic, and needed. CONCLUSIONS: Causes of burnout are complex and multidimensional. VAST Wellbeing did not change measures of burnout and fulfillment 2 months postcourse but did have a meaningful impact by raising awareness, reducing stigma, fostering connection, providing skills to prioritize personal well-being, and empowering people to seek workplace change.

Snakes and ladders: An integrative literature review of refugee doctors' workforce integration needs.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare systems worldwide are facing a workforce crisis; meanwhile, refugee doctors throughout the world face difficulties in accessing work. The aims of this review were to explore the integration needs of refugee doctors into host healthcare systems from the refugee perspective, synthesise the literature to construct a theory of refugee doctor integration needs and explore how these needs are met or challenged on the pathway to full integration. METHODS: In this integrative literature review, 11 databases and eight grey literature sources were searched by combining terms for refugee doctor and social integration and limiting to research published in or after 2003. Data were extracted, and quality scoring was completed independently by two researchers. This study utilised template analysis to perform a qualitative synthesis of the data. The multidimensional template included a pre-defined template based on a theoretical framework and a concurrent fully inductive template. RESULTS: Twenty-two papers were included, incorporating the views of 339 doctors from 30 different home countries and 10 different host countries. The resultant theory included 'foundations' (rights and responsibilities) and three pillars. The 'learning' pillar included required knowledge and skills acquisition. The 'being' pillar encompassed necessary identity work. The 'connecting' pillar comprised social connections, which impacted all other domains. The random and non-linear path to integration faced by refugee doctors was also presented as a serious game. DISCUSSION: This study produced a theory exploring refugee doctors' integration needs and how these are met or challenged. Medical educators developing courses for refugee doctors should attend not only to knowledge and skills acquisition but also social connections, identity work and rights and responsibilities. The theory highlights the central importance of social connections. Medical educators can therefore have a transformative impact on refugee doctors' integration. This may also contribute to society by helping to alleviate the workforce crisis.

People affected by cancer and their carers from gender and sexually diverse communities: their experiences and the role of smartphone applications.

BACKGROUND: People living with cancer, or carers who are from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities experience unique information and support needs. Accessible technology-based resources providing tailored support are required to promote wellbeing, however this is a growing area of research requiring further investigation. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of healthcare services among people living with cancer, and their carers, who belong to sexual or gender diverse communities (LGBTQIA+), and identify how smartphone applications (apps) could support people from LGBTQIA + communities. METHODS: This was a qualitative descriptive study where people living with cancer or carers from LGBTQIA + communities participated in phone interviews. Participants were recruited across Australia via social media advertisements, LGBTQIA + medical practices, and cancer advocacy groups. Participants were asked questions about their experiences, and were provided with screenshots of an existing app and asked to provide feedback on content and inclusiveness. Transcripts were coded and codes grouped together to form similar and concepts. Inductive and deductive analyses were used to create themes. RESULTS: 13 patients (mean age 56 (SD:13)), and three carers (mean age 64 (SD:19)) completed phone interviews. The majority of participants identified their gender as female (patients n = 9, carers 3), and their sexuality as gay or lesbian (patients n = 10, carers n = 3). Four themes were created: (1) navigating disclosure in healthcare, described emotional challenges surrounding disclosure; (2) the power of positive experiences with clinicians, described positive interactions and gaps in care from clinicians; (3) impact of gender and sexuality on informal support, outlined support received from informal network and gaps in support, and; (4) opportunities to increase inclusivity in smartphone apps, generated ideas on how apps can be tailored to meet needs identified. CONCLUSION: Disclosure of gender or sexuality, and interactions with clinicians had the potential to impact participants' experience of cancer care. Gaps in informal networks pointed at how to better support LGBTQIA + communities, and identified opportunities for inclusion in an app that will be tailored and trialled for this community. Future work should focus on addressing systems-level processes in acknowledging and supporting priority groups affected by cancer.

The lived experience of Competence by Design: Canadian resident physicians' perspectives.

PURPOSE: Canadian specialist residency programs are in the process of transitioning to a hybrid time and competence model, Competence by Design (CBD), developed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada. Although there is extensive literature around competency-based medical education (CBME), few studies have evaluated the experience of residents after CBME implementation. The purpose of this study was to obtain a rich perspective on the lived experience of residents. METHODS: We designed a qualitative study with inductive thematic analysis of semistructured interview data. The study population was residents in CBD postgraduate training programs in anesthesiology, internal medicine, or surgery (including all surgical subspecialties) at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS, Canada). RESULTS: Residents identified the following benefits of their programs and CBD: supportive peers and clinical supervisors, a roadmap for residency, formalized feedback opportunities, and program evolution. Resident-identified drawbacks of CBD included: a lack of transparency around CBD, CBD not as advertised, a lack of buy-in, increased administrative burden, difficulties obtaining evidence for entrustable professional activities (EPAs); the onus for CBD on residents, inconsistent feedback, cumbersome technology, and significant psychological burden. Resident-suggested improvements were reducing the number of EPAs, streamlining EPA requirements, increasing transparency and communication with competence committees, providing incentives and continuous education for clinical supervisors, improving on existing electronic interfaces, and developing technology better suited to the needs of CBD. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that the significant administrative and psychological burden of CBD detracts from clinical learning and enthusiasm for residency. Future research could explore whether overcoming the identified challenges will improve residents' experiences.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Les programmes canadiens de résidence spécialisée sont en train de passer à un modèle hybride de temps et de compétence, soit la compétence par conception (CPC); ce modèle a été élaboré par le Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada. Bien qu'il existe une abondante documentation sur la formation médicale fondée sur les compétences (FMFC), peu d'études ont évalué l'expérience des résidentes et résidents après la mise en œuvre de la FMFC. Le but de cette étude était d'obtenir une perspective enrichie quant à l'expérience vécue par les résidents et résidentes. MéTHODE: Nous avons conçu une étude qualitative avec une analyse thématique inductive des données d'entretiens semi-structurés. La population étudiée était composée de résident·es des programmes de formation postdoctorale en anesthésiologie, en médecine interne ou en chirurgie (y compris toutes les surspécialités chirurgicales) à l'Université Dalhousie (Halifax, N.-É., Canada). RéSULTATS: Les personnes interrogées ont identifié les avantages suivants de leurs programmes et de la CPC : le soutien des pairs et des superviseur·es cliniques, une feuille de route pour la résidence, des possibilités de rétroaction officielles et l'évolution du programme. Parmi les inconvénients de la CPC identifiés par les résident·es, mentionnons : un manque de transparence autour de la CPC, une CPC ne correspondant pas à ce qui avait été annoncé, un manque d'adhésion, un fardeau administratif accru, des difficultés à obtenir des preuves de participation à des actes professionnels non supervisés (APNS); le fardeau de la CPC incombant aux résident·es, une rétroaction incohérente, une technologie lourde et un fardeau psychologique important. Les améliorations suggérées par les résident·es comprenaient la réduction du nombre d'APNS, la rationalisation des exigences des APNS, l'augmentation de la transparence et de la communication avec les comités de compétence, l'offre d'incitations et de formation continue aux superviseur·es cliniques, l'amélioration des interfaces électroniques existantes et le développement d'une technologie mieux adaptée aux besoins de la CPC. CONCLUSION: Cette étude souligne que le fardeau administratif et psychologique important de la CPC nuit à l'apprentissage clinique et à l'enthousiasme pour la résidence. Les recherches futures pourraient déterminer si le fait de surmonter les défis identifiés améliorerait l'expérience des résidentes et résidents.

Simulating the healthcare workforce impact and capacity for pancreatic cancer care in Victoria: a model-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pancreatic cancer is rising. With improvements in knowledge for screening and early detection, earlier detection of pancreatic cancer will continue to be more common. To support workforce planning, our aim is to perform a model-based analysis that simulates the potential impact on the healthcare workforce, assuming an earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We developed a simulation model to estimate the demand (i.e. new cases of pancreatic cancer) and supply (i.e. the healthcare workforce including general surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pain medicine physicians, and palliative care physicians) between 2023 and 2027 in Victoria, Australia. The model compares the current scenario to one in which pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage. The incidence of pancreatic cancer in Victoria, five-year survival rates, and Victoria's population size were obtained from Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council NSW, and Australian Bureau of Statistics respectively. The healthcare workforce data were sourced from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care's Health Workforce Data. The model was constructed at the remoteness level. We analysed the new cases and the number of healthcare workforce by profession together to assess the impact on the healthcare workforce. RESULTS: In the status quo, over the next five years, there will be 198 to 220 stages I-II, 297 to 330 stage III, and 495 to 550 stage IV pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed annually, respectively. Assuming 20-70% of the shift towards pancreatic cancer's earlier diagnosis (shifting from stage IV to stages I-II pancreatic cancer within one year), the stages I-II cases could increase to 351 to 390 or 598 to 665 per year. The shift to early diagnosis led to substantial survival gains, translating into an additional 284 or 795 out of 5246 patients with pancreatic cancer remaining alive up to year 5 post-diagnosis. Workforce supply decreases significantly by the remoteness levels, and remote areas face a shortage of key medical professionals registered in delivering pancreatic cancer care, suggesting travel necessities by patients or clinicians. CONCLUSION: Improving the early detection and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is expected to bring significant survival benefits, although there are workforce distribution imbalances in Victoria that may affect the ability to achieve the anticipated survival gain.

Caregiver and care recipient health literacy, social support and connectedness on caregiver psychological morbidity: A cross-sectional dyad survey.

BACKGROUND: Caregivers play an important role supporting people diagnosed with cancer, yet report significant unmet information and support needs that impact on their psychological wellbeing. Health literacy and social connectedness are key factors that influence wellbeing, yet few studies have examined their relative role in psychological wellbeing of carers. This study investigated relationships between caregiver and care recipient health literacy, social support, and social connectedness on psychological morbidity in a cancer setting. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 125 caregiver-cancer care recipient dyads. Participants completed the Health Literacy Survey-EU-Q16, Social Connectedness Scale-Revised, the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS21). Relationships between factors were examined using hierarchical multiple regression with care recipient factors entered at Step 1 and caregiver factors at Step 2. RESULTS: Most caregivers provided care for their spouse (69.6%); caregivers mean total DASS21 score was 24.38 (SD = 22.48). Mean DASS21 subscale scores for depression, anxiety, stress in caregivers were 4.02 (SD = 4.07), 2.7 (SD = 3.64), and 5.48 (SD = 4.24) respectively, suggesting normal range of depression and stress, and mild anxiety. Care recipients had a diagnosis of breast (46.4%), gastrointestinal (32.8%), lung (13.6%), or genitourinary (7.2%) cancer, and a mean DASS21 score of 31.95 (SD = 20.99). Mean DASS21 subscale scores for depression, anxiety, stress in care recipients were 5.10 (SD = 4.18), 4.26 (SD = 3.65), and 6.62 (SD = 3.99) respectively, suggesting mild depression and anxiety, and normal stress scores. Regression analyses showed that only caregiver factors (age, illness/disability, health literacy and social connectedness) were independent predictors of caregiver psychological morbidity (F [10,114] = 18.07, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION(S): Only caregiver, and not care recipient, factors were found to influence caregiver psychological morbidity. While both health literacy and social connectedness influenced caregiver psychological morbidity, perceived social connectedness had the strongest influence. Interventions that ensure caregivers have adequate health literacy skills, as well as understand the value of social connection when providing care, and are supported to develop skills to seek support, have the potential to promote optimal psychological wellbeing in cancer caregivers.

Skill Translation Following the Vital Anesthesia Simulation Training Facilitator Course: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based education (SBE) is common in resource-rich locations, but barriers exist to widespread implementation in low-resource settings (LRSs). Vital Anesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) was developed to offer low-cost, immersive simulation to teach core clinical practices and nontechnical skills to perioperative health care teams. To promote sustainability, courses in new locations are preceded by the VAST Facilitator Course (VAST FC) to train local faculty. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of VAST FC graduates in translating postcourse knowledge and skills into their workplaces. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus group interviews with 24 VAST FC graduates (from 12 low- and middle-income and 12 high-income countries) to explore how they had applied new learning in the workplace. Focus groups were conducted by videoconferencing with data transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Enabler themes for knowledge and skill translation following facilitator training were (1) the structured debriefing framework, (2) the ability to create a supportive learning environment, and (3) being able to meaningfully discuss nontechnical skills. Two subthemes within the debriefing framework were (1.1) knowledge of conversational techniques and (1.2) having relevance to clinical debriefing. Barrier themes limiting skill application were (1) added time and effort required for comprehensive debriefing, (2) unsupportive workplaces, and (3) lack of opportunities for mentorship and practice postcourse. CONCLUSIONS: Participants found parallels between SBE debriefing conversations, clinical event debriefing, and feedback conversations and were able to apply knowledge and skills in a variety of settings post course. This study supports the relevance of simulation facilitator training for SBE in LRSs.

Informal carer support needs, facilitators and barriers in transitional care for older adults from hospital to home: A scoping review.

AIM: To synthesise evidence about informal carers' (carers) experience of their support needs, facilitators and barriers regarding transitional care of older adults with multimorbidity. BACKGROUND: Carers provide crucial support for older adults during care transitions. Although health practitioners are well positioned to support carers, system factors including limited healthcare resources can compromise the quality of care transitions. DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: Searches were undertaken of the published literature. Five databases were searched including MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently screened articles to identify relevant studies. Studies were retrieved from January 2000 to July 2022. Data were extracted and tabulated for study characteristics, support needs, facilitators and barriers. Key themes and patterns were synthesised across the studies. RESULTS: Eighteen studies including N = 3174 participants were retrieved. Most studies (n = 13) employed qualitative designs. Five studies used surveys. Carers reported their need to: be involved in coordinated discharge planning; advocate and be involved in decision-making; and receive community-based follow-up. Carers described facilitators and barriers in four themes: (1) relationships with the older adult and health practitioners, (2) being involved in coordinated discharge planning; (3) communication and information strategies; and (4) community-based follow-up. Synthesis of themes across all studies resulted in the identification of five areas of research: carers' health literacy; community-based care; carers' involvement in transitional care planning; inpatient and community health practitioners' communication skills; and culturally diverse carers' experiences. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The review highlights the importance of quality communication and relationships between carers, older adults, health practitioners and health organisations. Although information and education are important there is a need for further research to examine systems that support communication between carers, older adults and health practitioners and health literacy for all carers including culturally diverse carers.

Informal carers' support needs, facilitators and barriers in the transitional care of older adults: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Inclusion of informal carers in transitional care is challenging because of fast throughput and service fragmentation. This study aimed to understand informal carers' needs during the care transitions of older adults from inpatient care to the community. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design was used with mixed-methods data collection. Seventeen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with family carers; one focus group was conducted by videoconference with two family carers and three community-based advocacy and aged care providers; and eight semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with healthcare practitioners from rehabilitation services. Data were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: All carers described the main social challenge that they needed to address in transitional care as 'Needing to sustain family'. Carers reported their social needs across five solutions: 'Partnering with carers', 'Advocating for discharge', 'Accessing streamlined multidisciplinary care', 'Knowing how to care' and 'Accessing follow-up care in the community'. Focus group participants endorsed the findings from the carer interviews and added the theme 'Putting responsibility back onto carers'. All healthcare practitioners described the main social challenge that they needed to address as 'Needing to engage carers'. They reported their social solutions in three themes: 'Communicating with carers', 'Planning with carers' and 'Educating carers'. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the importance of reconstructing the meaning of transitional care and relevant outcomes to be inclusive of carers' experiences and their focus on sustaining family. Transitional care that includes carers should commence at the time of hospital admission of the older adult. CONCLUSIONS: Future sustainable and high-quality health services for older adults will require transitional care that includes carers and older adults and efficient use of inpatient and community care resources. Healthcare professionals will require education and skills in the provision of transitional care that includes carers. To meet carers' support needs, models of transitional care inclusive of carers and older adults should be developed, implemented and evaluated. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study was conducted with the guidance of a Carer Advisory Group comprising informal carers with experience of care transitions of older adults they support and community-based organizations providing care and advocacy support to informal carers.

Engagement Strategies to Improve Adherence and Retention in Web-Based Mindfulness Programs: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Web-based mindfulness programs may be beneficial in improving the well-being outcomes of those living with chronic illnesses. Adherence to programs is a key indicator in improving outcomes; however, with the digitization of programs, it is necessary to enhance engagement and encourage people to return to digital health platforms. More information is needed on how engagement strategies have been used in web-based mindfulness programs to encourage adherence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop a list of engagement strategies for web-based mindfulness programs and evaluate the impact of engagement strategies on adherence. METHODS: A narrative systematic review was conducted across the MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, and Embase databases and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Articles were screened using the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework. Adults aged >18 years with chronic health conditions were included in the study. Mindfulness interventions, including those in combination with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, delivered on the web through the internet or smartphone technology were included. Interventions lasted at least 2 weeks. Studies with a randomized controlled trial design or a pilot randomized controlled trial design were included. Engagement strategies, including web-based program features and facilitator-led strategies, adherence, and retention, were included. RESULTS: A total of 1265 articles were screened, of which 19 were relevant and were included in the review. On average, 70.98% (2258/3181) of the study participants were women with a mean age of 46 (SD 13) years. Most commonly, mindfulness programs were delivered to people living with mental health conditions (8/19, 42%). Of the 19 studies, 8 (42%) used only program features to encourage adherence, 5 (26%) used facilitator-led strategies, and 6 (32%) used a combination of the two. Encouraging program adherence was the most common engagement strategy used, which was used in 77% (10/13) of the facilitator-led studies and 57% (8/14) of the program feature studies. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the studies provided a definition of adherence, which varied between 50% and 100% completion across studies. The overall mean participant compliance to the mindfulness programs was 56% (SD 15%). Most studies (10/19, 53%) had a long-term follow-up, with the most common follow-up period being 12 weeks after intervention (3/10, 30%). After the intervention, the mean retention was 78% (SD 15%). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement strategies in web-based mindfulness programs comprise reminders to use the program. Other features may be suitable for encouraging adherence to interventions, and a facilitator-led component may result in higher retention. There is variance in the way adherence is measured, and intervention lengths and follow-up periods are inconsistent. More thorough reporting and a standardized framework for measuring adherence are needed to more accurately assess adherence and engagement strategies.

Technology-based support for stroke caregiving: A rapid review of evidence.

AIM: This rapid review examines the technology-based interventions for caregivers of stroke proposed in the literature while also identifying the acceptance, effectiveness and satisfaction of the implemented approaches. BACKGROUND: The increasing burden of supporting stroke survivors has resulted in caregivers searching for innovative solutions, such as technology-based interventions, to provide better care. Hence, its potential to support caregivers throughout the disease trajectory needs to be assessed. EVALUATION: Five electronic databases were systematically searched for articles related to stroke caregiving technologies based on well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. KEY ISSUE(S): Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on supporting caregivers through functionalities such as education, therapy and support, remote consultations, health assessments and logs and reminders using different devices. The majority of interventions demonstrated positive conclusions for caregiving impact, acceptance, effectiveness and satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the influences of technology in improving stroke caregiving and the need to include user-centred design principles to create a meaningful, actionable and feasible system for caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Technology can educate and support stroke caregivers, thereby minimizing uncertainty and ensuring better care for the survivor.

Improving access to cancer information and supportive care services: A systematic review of mechanisms applied to link people with cancer to psychosocial supportive care services.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has described the low uptake of psychosocial support services in people living with cancer. While characteristics of individuals using services have been examined, mechanisms applied to link individuals to support services are less frequently considered. This review aims to identify the mechanisms used to link people with cancer to support services and assess their impact. METHODS: Systematic searches of Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO were conducted up to May 2020. Studies reporting service use associated with mechanisms to link adults with cancer to support services targeting emotional, informational, practical or social support needs were eligible. Eligible study designs included controlled trials, pre-post designs and observational studies. Study quality was assessed and a narrative synthesis of findings undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 10 papers (from 8,037 unique titles) were eligible. Testing the feasibility of the linkage mechanism was the primary aim in five (50%) studies. Three linkage mechanisms were identified: (a) outreach from the support service; (b) clinician recommendation/referral; (c) mailed invitation. Outreach was the most successful in connecting people with cancer to services (52%-90% use); clinician recommendation/referral was least successful (3%-28%). The impact of different linkage mechanisms for different demographic groups was not assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Outreach from services shows the most potential for increasing access to support services. However, the limited number of studies and limitations in the types of support services people with cancer were linked to, demonstrated the need for further work in this area. Identifying mechanisms that are effective for underserved, high-needs patient groups is also needed.

Qualities of Effective Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training Facilitators Delivering Simulation-Based Education in Resource-Limited Settings.

BACKGROUND: Lack of access to safe and affordable anesthesia and surgical care is a major contributor to avoidable death and disability across the globe. Effective education initiatives are a viable mechanism to address critical skill and process gaps in perioperative teams. Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) aims to overcome barriers limiting widespread application of simulation-based education (SBE) in resource-limited environments, providing immersive, low-cost, multidisciplinary SBE and simulation facilitator training. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the factors supporting effective simulation facilitation in resource-limited environments. Frameworks evaluating simulation facilitation in high-income countries (HICs) are unlikely to fully assess the range of skills required by simulation facilitators working in resource-limited environments. This study explores the qualities of effective VAST facilitators; knowledge gained will inform the design of a framework for assessing simulation facilitators working in resource-limited contexts and promote more effective simulation faculty development. METHODS: This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore VAST facilitators' perspectives on attributes and practices of effective simulation in resource-limited settings. Twenty VAST facilitators were purposively sampled and consented to be interviewed. They represented 6 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 3 HICs. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Data analysis involved open coding to inductively identify themes using labels taken from the words of study participants and those from the relevant literature. RESULTS: Emergent themes centered on 4 categories: Persona, Principles, Performance and Progression. Effective VAST facilitators embody a set of traits, style, and personal attributes (Persona) and adhere to certain Principles to optimize the simulation environment, maximize learning, and enable effective VAST Course delivery. Performance describes specific practices that well-trained facilitators demonstrate while delivering VAST courses. Finally, to advance toward competency, facilitators must seek opportunities for skill Progression.Interwoven across categories was the finding that effective VAST facilitators must be cognizant of how context, culture, and language may impact delivery of SBE. The complexity of VAST Course delivery requires that facilitators have a sensitive approach and be flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. To progress toward competency, facilitators must be open to self-reflection, be mentored, and have opportunities for practice. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study will help to develop a simulation facilitator evaluation tool that incorporates cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and a participant-focused educational model, with broad relevance across varied resource-limited environments.

mHealth applications to support caregiver needs and engagement during stroke recovery: A content review.

Caregiving in stroke results in severe physical, psychological, and social impacts on the caregiver. Over the past few years, researchers have explored the use of mHealth technologies to support healthcare-related activities due to their ability to provide real-time care at any given place or time. The purpose of this content review is to investigate mHealth apps in supporting stroke caregiving engagement based on three aspects: motivation, value, and satisfaction. We searched app stores and repositories for apps related to stroke caregiving published up to September 2020. Extracted apps were reviewed and filtered using inclusion criteria, and then downloaded onto compatible devices to determine eligibility. Results were compared with evidence-based frameworks to identify the ability of these apps in engaging and supporting the caregiver. Forty-seven apps were included in this review that enabled caregivers to support their needs, such as adjustment to new roles and relationships, involvement in care and caring for oneself using several different functionalities. These functionalities include information resources, risk assessment, remote monitoring, data sharing, reminders and so on. However, no single app was identified that focuses on all aspects of stroke caregiving. We also identified several challenges faced by users through their reviews and the factors associated with value and satisfaction. Our findings can add to the knowledge of existing mHealth technologies and their functionalities to support stroke caregiving needs, and the importance of considering user engagement in the design. They can be used by developers and researchers looking to design better mHealth apps for stroke caregiving.

Distress and problem assessment among people living with cancer from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether routine assessment of distress, recommended as part of comprehensive cancer care, is utilised equally with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) vs non-CALD people living with cancer. METHODS: A medical records review of all patients attending cancer-specific treatment units at a single tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia between 2015-2018. Recording of administration of the Distress Thermometer and Problem Checklist (DT and PC) was extracted for all patients. Details regarding how the DT and PC (used together) was administered were extracted for a random sub-sample of 294 CALD patients and 294 matched non-CALD patients. RESULTS: A total of 6977 patients were identified (12.0% CALD). Just over half of the CALD (54.7%) and non-CALD (58.2%) patients had a recorded DT and PC (P > 0.05). For the sub-sample analysis, CALD patients were less likely to complete the form themselves (14.8% vs 75.9% non-CALD) and were more likely to have a family member complete the form (55.1% vs 15.1% non-CALD). CALD patients reported a similar level of distress to non-CALD patients. Distress scores for CALD and non-CALD patients were higher when family members completed the form. Provision of discussion, written information, referral offers and rates of referral acceptance were similar between CALD and non-CALD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of distress and associated problems, and the process following assessment, were similar for CALD and non-CALD patients. However, differences in how the form was completed highlight the need for further improvements to ensure that CALD patients are actively involved in their care.

Promoting anaesthetisia providers' non-technical skills through the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) course in a low-resource setting.

BACKGROUND: Short educational programmes are important in building global anaesthesia workforce capacity. The Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) course is a 3-day immersive simulation-based programme concentrating on core clinical challenges and non-technical skills required by anaesthesia providers in low-resource settings. METHODS: This mixed methods study prospectively evaluated the impact of VAST in Rwanda. Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) scores were quantitatively assessed for 30 course participants at three time points (pre-, post-, and 4 months after VAST). Qualitative data were gathered during focus groups (4 months after VAST) to learn of participants' experiences implementing new knowledge into clinical practice. RESULTS: The ANTS total scores improved from pre- (11.0 [2.3]) (mean [standard deviation]) to post-test (14.0 [1.6]), and improvements were maintained at retention (14.2 [1.7]). A similar pattern was observed when data were analysed using the four ANTS categories (all P<0.001). The key theme that emerged during focus group discussions was that the use of cognitive aids and clinical algorithms, repeated and reinforced across simulated scenarios, encouraged a systematic approach to patient care. The participants attributed the systematic approach to improving their problem-solving skills and confidence, particularly during emergencies. They found value in well-functioning teams and shared decision-making. After VAST, the participants described empowerment to advocate for better patient care and system improvement. CONCLUSIONS: VAST offers a simulation-based training to anaesthesia providers working in low-resource settings. Skills retention and self-reported application of learning into the workplace reflect the scope of impact of this training.

Retention and Migration of Rwandan Anesthesiologists: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Health care professional migration continues to challenge countries where the lack of surgical and anesthesia specialists results in being unable to address the global burden of surgical disease in their populations. Medical migration is particularly damaging to health care systems that are just beginning to scale up capacity building of human resources for health. Anesthesiologists are scarce in low-resource settings. Defining reasons why anesthesiologists leave their country of training through in-depth interviews may provide guidance to policy makers and academic organizations on how to retain valuable health professionals. METHODS: There were 24 anesthesiologists eligible to participate in this qualitative interview study, 15 of whom are currently practicing in Rwanda and 9 had left the country. From the eligible group, interviews were conducted with 13 currently practicing in Rwanda and 2 who had left to practice elsewhere. In-depth interviews of approximately 60 minutes were used to define themes influencing retention and migration among anesthesiologists in Rwanda. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured guide and continued until theoretical sufficiency was reached. Thematic analysis was done by 4 members of the research team using open coding to inductively identify themes. RESULTS: Interpretation of results used the framework categorizing themes into push, pull, stick, and stay to describe factors that influence migration, or the potential for migration, of anesthesiologists in Rwanda. While adequate salary is essential to retention of anesthesiologists in Rwanda, other factors such as lack of equipment and medication for safe anesthesia, isolation, and demoralization are strong push factors. Conversely, a rich academic life and optimism for the future encourage anesthesiologists to stay. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that better clinical resources and equipment, a more supportive community of practice, and advocacy by mentors and academic partners could encourage more staff anesthesiologists to stay and work in Rwanda.

Evaluation of the TRANSITION tool to improve communication during older patients' care transitions: Healthcare practitioners' perspectives.

AIMS: To evaluate healthcare practitioners' perceptions of the feasibility and acceptability of a communication tool, entitled the TRANSITION tool, to communicate with older patients during transition from acute care to a community setting. BACKGROUND: Transitional care for older patients is challenging due to their complex care needs and rapid care transitions. Research has identified effective models of transitional care. However, optimal communication between healthcare practitioners and older patients remains under-investigated. DESIGN: Exploratory descriptive qualitative design. METHODS: The methods are reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies checklist. The setting comprised two acute medical wards in an urban hospital in Australia. Twenty-two nursing and allied healthcare practitioners used the TRANSITION tool to guide communication about transitional care with an older patient and then participated in an interview about their experience of using the tool. All data were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Healthcare practitioners reported their perceptions that the TRANSITION tool was feasible and acceptable, and that they perceived the tool supported them to know what to ask and to find out information regarding their patient's transitional care needs. Some ward-based nurses reported their perception that transitional care was not their role. CONCLUSIONS: Findings emphasise transitional care as a continuing care process that requires effective communication between nurses and older patients in acute medical wards. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Given shorter lengths of stay, complex care needs and slow recovery, ward-based nurses are vital in communicating with older patients about their transitional care needs. The TRANSITION tool may support communication between ward-based nurses and older patients to improve assessment and planning. Implementation of the tool will require a planned strategy to facilitate translation of the tool into routine practice of ward-based nurses to support their roles during older patients' care transitions.