Understanding the experience of family caregivers of people with dementia in a culturally tailored support group programme: A qualitative study.

Studies on support group interventions for family caregivers of people with dementia have not explicitly reported on the incorporation of cultural elements. This study evaluates the impact of a culturally tailored intervention (a six-session programme called 'Cultivate Yourself: Support for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia') that integrates Chinese philosophies for psychosocial well-being among target caregivers in Hong Kong. Thirty-three family caregivers of people with dementia from two older adult centres in Hong Kong participated in the programme from October 2020 to September 2021. Multiple benefits from the programme, namely improvements in family caregivers' psychosocial well-being, caring process and supporting values, were identified during six focus group interviews with 29 participants who attended at least four of the six sessions. Our findings provide insight into strategies for developing a culturally tailored support group programme for Chinese caregivers.

Health Professional- and Volunteer-partnered Self-management Support (COMBO-KEY) to Promote Self-efficacy and Self-management Behaviors in People with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple systematic reviews have reported that self-management interventions are associated with positive impacts on self-efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with stroke. PURPOSE: This article reports the effects of an enhanced stroke self-management program. METHODS: Eligible adults with stroke were recruited from community-based organizations and a support group for a two-arm, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants in the control group received usual care, while those in the intervention group also received the 8-week self-management program, Coaching Ongoing Momentum Building On stroKe rEcovery journeY (COMBO-KEY), consisting of four individual home visits and five follow-up phone calls, delivered by healthcare professionals and trained volunteers. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after the intervention, for outcomes of self-efficacy, satisfaction with the performance of self-management behaviors, HRQoL, and community reintegration, which were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). RESULTS: 134 Participants were recruited [mean age = 64.1 years, standard deviation (SD) = 12.7]. Over 80% of the participants had a first-ever stroke [mean years after first stroke: 4.2 (SD = 5.1)]. The GEE analysis revealed that the intervention group participants showed significantly greater improvements in self-efficacy, satisfaction with their performance of self-management behaviors, HRQoL, and community reintegration at 8-week follow-up with respect to their baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: The COMBO-KEY program showed effective improvements in recovery outcomes of people with stroke. Future research should explore the inclusion of virtual/hybrid sessions, strategies to assess health conditions of people with stroke via online modes, and assessment of goal attainment and actual performance of self-management behaviors.

Self-management is the active involvement of a person in managing their overall needs for being able to live well with a chronic condition. Self-management interventions have shown to improve the recovery outcomes of people with stroke. We developed an 8-week long enhanced self-management program "COMBO-KEY" delivered by healthcare professionals and trained volunteers, consisting of individual home visits, follow-up phone calls, peer sharing videos, and enriched resources sharing through a website and a reference guide, aimed at promoting self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors of people with stroke. In this study, 134 adults with stroke were recruited and randomized to either receive the COMBO-KEY program or continue to receiving usual care only. Participants receiving the program showed greater improvements in self-efficacy and self-management behaviors with increased quality of life and reintegrating back to the community after eight weeks compared to the participants receiving usual care. The results highlighted the positive role of a health coaching approach, whereby healthcare professionals, and trained volunteers provide self-management support, to improve the recovery of people with stroke.

Association between participation self-efficacy and participation in stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: Most stroke survivors face restrictions in functional disability and social participation, which can impede their recovery and community reintegration. Participation self-efficacy refers to survivors' confidence in using strategies to manage participation in areas including community living and work engagement. This study aimed to assess the association between participation self-efficacy and participation among stroke survivors. METHODS: This study adopted a cross-sectional correlational design with a convenience sample of 336 stroke survivors recruited from five hospitals in China. Participation self-efficacy was measured using the Chinese version of the Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale (PS-SES-C) and participation measured using the Chinese version of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI-C). The association between participation self-efficacy and participation was examined using multiple regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 69.9 ± 11.5 years, with most (81.6%) having an ischaemic stroke, and more than half (61.6%) a first-ever stroke. After adjustment for potential confounders, every 10-point increase in the PS-SES-C total score was significantly associated with an average 1.3-point increase in the RNLI-C total score (B = 1.313, SE = 0.196, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that participation self-efficacy is significantly associated with participation among Chinese community-dwelling survivors of a mild or moderate stroke. This suggests that rehabilitation programmes for stroke survivors may be more effective if they incorporate participation-focused strategies designed to enhance self-efficacy. (229 words).

Critical elements in nursing graduates' transition to advanced practice roles and their perceived impact on patient care: an exploratory, descriptive study of graduates' and their managers' perceptions.

BACKGROUND: While there is a growth in the number of advanced practice nurses, there is a dearth of research examining their role transition from registered nurses. This study aimed to identify critical elements in the career path of nursing graduates who have taken up advanced practice roles and examine their perceived impact on patient care. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive study was performed. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 10 nursing graduates now in advanced practice roles, and their ten respective managers. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for latent and manifest content analyses. RESULTS: The nursing graduates, six of whom were male, had a mean age of 35 years. All possessed a master's degree and formal post-registration education and/or training. Six had at least three years' experience as an advanced practice nurse. The managers, all female, had a mean age of 49 years. Eight had at least one year's experience in their current position. Six key themes emerged: prior enhancement of personal and professional knowledge and skills; active participation in clinical roles and knowledge translation in preparation for advanced practice; adapting to new and diverse advanced practice nursing responsibilities; role of advanced practice nurses in leadership; personal qualities crucial for success in advanced practice; and provision of evidence-based patient-centered care. CONCLUSIONS: Postgraduate education, management knowledge and leadership skills, and active participation in clinical roles and knowledge translation appear crucial ingredients for promotion of nursing graduates to advanced practice roles. Other ingredients include a positive outlook, flexibility and adaptability, and good interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.

Impact of interprofessional service-learning on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer of antimicrobial resistance to Hong Kong elders: a quasi-experiment.

BACKGROUND: Community perception on antimicrobials plays a role in driving the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of interprofessional service-learning on the effectiveness of AMR knowledge transfer in Hong Kong elders aged 65 or above and students from university and secondary schools. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest controlled study was carried out from July 2018 to March 2019 for elderly subjects and a pre- and post-test were conducted in students from May to August 2018. Elderly subjects were recruited from the university-based community outreach program. The community outreach team consisted of both university and secondary school students. Students were provided with training of geriatric care and AMR before they reached out to the community. The one-to-one intervention with the aid of video and verbal explanation to educate the elderly about the definition, causes, and consequences of AMR, and preventive measures against AMR was provided. Questionnaires on knowledge of antibiotics and AMR were used as tools to reflect on the effectiveness for both students and elderly subjects. The questionnaire was completed twice, before and 1 week after the intervention. Chi-square test, t tests and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 93 Chinese elders, 61 of them in the intervention group and 32 in the control group participated in the study. The score obtained by the intervention group increased from 40.1 to 83.3% (p < 0.001) following intervention, while that of control group increased from 33.0 to 44.0% (p < 0.001). The increase attained in the intervention group was significantly greater than that of the control group (p < 0.001). A total of 95 secondary students and 88 university students have completed the pre-post questionnaires with 42.21% and 13% increment in AMR knowledge after the training (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The significant change in knowledge level showed effective AMR knowledge transfer to both elders and students. The study could be used as a reference when allocating resources to implement effective interprofessional service-learning for better community health education in elderly populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee in December 2018 (Ref no. SBRE-18-214).

Factors Associated with Post-Stroke Depression in Chinese Stroke Survivors.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between participation self-efficacy, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and post-stroke depression in stroke survivors and provide insights into the development of rehabilitation programmes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 336 participants recruited from five hospitals in Kunming, China. Measures included the Chinese version of the Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale (PS-SES-C), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), modified Barthel Index, Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI), and the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ6). Logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: Nearly half (44.6%) of the sample was found to have depression. The mean participation self-efficacy score of stroke survivors with depression was significantly lower than that of those without depression. Logistic regression analyses suggested that participation self-efficacy is a constant and major factor negatively associated with depression, with every 10-pt increase in the PS-SES-C score associated with decreased odds of depression (p<0.001). Other features associated with depression prevalence to varying degrees included education level, marital status, pre-morbid financial role in family, stroke symptom severity, history of heart disease, frequency of stroke, lesion side, stroke type, and use of assistive aids. CONCLUSIONS: Participation self-efficacy is negatively associated with depression in stroke survivors. Rehabilitation programmes might consider incorporating interventions aimed at boosting participation self-efficacy in order to promote positive recovery outcomes among survivors.

A Nurse-Led Web-Based Home Asthma Education Program for Children and their Families: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Education is the most essential component for effective asthma control and is endorsed by guidelines worldwide. However, multiple caregivers are often jointly involved in child care, and educating them is often a challenging task. This study determines the effectiveness of a web-based asthma education program in enhancing knowledge, attitude and practice of caregivers and reducing unscheduled hospital visits of children for asthma. METHODS: A two-arm, randomized controlled trial was carried out between November 2018 and December 2019. Child-parent dyads were recruited when the children (4-11 years of age) were admitted due to asthma exacerbations. A nurse-led web-based home asthma education program was developed and implemented before discharge. Outcomes included parents' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding asthma and frequency of unscheduled visits and readmissions in children. RESULTS: 112 child-parent dyads were enrolled. The parents' knowledge, attitude and practice and the number of unscheduled visits of the children were found to be significantly different between two groups at different time points (Ps < 0.001) with a large effect size (Cohen's d > 0.8). CONCLUSION: This intervention was shown to be an effective strategy to educate caregivers who are jointly involved in their child's asthma control after discharge from hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, World Health Organization (ChiCTR1800019706).

Development and evaluation of a technology-enhanced, enquiry-based learning program on managing neonatal extravasation injury: A pre-test/post-test mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Extravasation injury remains a significant preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Equipping nursing students with the requisite knowledge and skills is essential for appropriate prevention, early detection, and management of extravasation injury. OBJECTIVES: To develop a technology-enhanced, enquiry-based learning program for nursing students on the prevention and management of neonatal extravasation injury and examine its impact on their knowledge, approaches to studying and experience of learning. DESIGN: A pre-test/post-test study with qualitative evaluation. SETTINGS: Two university pre-registration nursing programs in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 192 senior-year nursing students. METHODS: A novel learning program was developed comprising 25 scenario-based video vignettes supplemented with critical-thinking exercises, discussion guides, interactive games, reading materials and a 3-hour in-class interactive workshop. Students received unlimited online access to the program. Data were collected at baseline and one-month post-workshop. Outcomes were students' level of knowledge of prevention and management of extravasation injuries and related care, approaches to studying, and experience of learning. Paired t-tests were performed on pre- post-test outcome data and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted at one-month post-workshop, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in students' level of knowledge and use of a deep approach to learning at one month compared with baseline. Students were highly satisfied with the program, appreciating the video vignettes and interactive small group discussions with academics and clinicians. Suggestions for enhancing the program included more time for the workshop, interaction with clinicians, and details on the administration of neonatal medications and dosages. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a novel technology-enhanced, enquiry-based learning program was effective in enhancing nursing students' knowledge of the prevention and management of neonatal extravasation injury, approaches to studying and experience of learning.

Psychosocial interventions for stroke survivors, carers and survivor-carer dyads: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, self-efficacy, coping, carer strain and carer satisfaction among stroke survivors, carers and survivor-carer dyads. Data sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus databases and the grey literature were searched up to September 2018. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of psychosocial interventions for stroke survivors, carers and survivor-carer dyads, compared to usual care. Outcomes measured were depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, coping, self-efficacy, carer strain, and carer satisfaction. Results: Thirty-one randomized controlled trials (n = 5715) were included in the systematic review which found improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of life and coping, though the number of trials assessing each outcome varied. A meta-analysis (11 trials; n = 1280) on depressive symptoms found that in seven trials psychosocial interventions reduced depressive symptoms in stroke survivors (SMD: -0.36, 95% CI -0.73 to 0.00; p = .05) and in six trials reduced depressive symptoms in carers (SMD: -0.20, 95% CI -.40 to 0.00; p = .05). Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions reduced depressive symptoms in stroke survivors and their carers. There was limited evidence that such interventions reduced anxiety symptoms, or improved quality of life and coping for stroke survivors and carers and no evidence that they improved self-efficacy, carer strain or carer satisfaction.

The effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine-based lifestyle interventions on biomedical, psychosocial, and behavioral outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Integrative diabetes care, which combines conventional diabetes therapy with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based interventions, has gained popularity worldwide. Numerous TCM-based lifestyle modification approaches have been proposed for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). OBJECTIVES: To synthesize and present the best available evidence on the effectiveness of TCM-based lifestyle interventions in individuals with T2DM. DESIGN: We undertook a systematic review of randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: Six English and four Chinese electronic databases were searched from their inceptions to December 2016. REVIEW METHODS: Trials investigating the effectiveness of various TCM-based lifestyle interventions among adults with T2DM were reviewed. Studies were excluded if TCM-based lifestyle interventions were only part of the intervention regimen. Two reviewers independently selected studies according to pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria and appraised the risk of bias of the included studies. One reviewer extracted details of the included studies and the second reviewer checked the extracted data critically. When feasible, data were statistically pooled for meta-analysis. Otherwise, narrative summaries were used. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included. The pooled analysis of the eight studies on tai chi showed tai chi practice for at least 150 min per week was beneficial in lowering glycosylated hemoglobin (mean difference, -1.48%; 95%CI, -2.58% to -0.39%; p < 0.001). Tai chi was effective in reducing fasting blood glucose (mean difference, -1.14 mmol/L; 95%CI, -1.78 to -0.50 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and body mass index (mean difference, -0.62; 95%CI, -1.14 to -0.11; p = 0.02), and improving quality of life. The effects of tai chi on blood pressure and waist circumference were inconclusive due to the limited number of studies. The meta-analysis of the 12 studies on ba duan jin demonstrated beneficial effects on glycosylated hemoglobin (mean difference, -0.77%; 95%CI, -0.97% to -0.56%; p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (mean difference, -0.82 mmol/L; 95%CI, -1.05 to -0.59 mmol/L; p < 0.001), body mass index (mean difference, -2.77; 95%CI, -4.11 to -1.43; p < 0.001), and depression (mean difference, -4.53; 95%CI, -7.12 to -1.94; p < 0.001). Conclusions on the effects of ba duan jin on quality of life cannot be drawn because only two studies measured the outcome. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of other TCM-based lifestyle interventions is limited. CONCLUSIONS: Tai chi and ba duan jin are potentially effective options for individuals with T2DM to improve biomedical and psychosocial well-being. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore the optimal intervention dose and to investigate the effectiveness of other TCM-based lifestyle interventions.

Stroke Self-Management Support Improves Survivors' Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectation of Self-Management Behaviors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence shows self-management programs are associated with improved recovery outcomes. This article reports on the effectiveness of a new nurse-led self-efficacy-based stroke self-management program. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of participants recruited from 3 acute stroke units was conducted. The intervention group received the 4-week stroke self-management program. The control group received usual care. All participants were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after randomization. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Outcomes included self-efficacy, outcome expectation, and satisfaction with performance of self-management behaviors. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight participants were randomized with mean age, 67.46 years (SD, 11.95); 59% men; and mean duration poststroke, 45 days (SD, 26.16). At 8 weeks of follow-up in the intention-to-treat population, the intervention group improved significantly in self-efficacy (95% confidence interval, 2.55-12.45; P<0.01), outcome expectation (95% confidence interval, 5.47-14.01; P<0.01), and satisfaction with performance of self-management behaviors (95% confidence interval, 3.38-13.87; P<0.01) compared with the control. Similar results were obtained at 8 weeks of follow-up in the per-protocol population. CONCLUSIONS: The stroke self-management program improved survivors' self-efficacy, outcome expectation, and satisfaction with performance of self-management behaviors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02112955.

Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication in Older Adults With Hypertension.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Effective prevention of cardiovascular events in people with hypertension requires optimal control of blood pressure. Despite advances in management, poor adherence to antihypertensive medications is often reported as the major reason attenuating treatment efficacy. Research has provided limited evidence of associations between illness perceptions, satisfaction with consultations, and medication adherence. The aim of this study is to identify factors significantly associated with medication adherence in a group of Chinese older adults with essential hypertension. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted. Data were collected from 195 older adults (mean [SD] age, 76 [6.6] years) recruited from 12 community centers. MEASUREMENTS: The Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised was used to measure illness perceptions, and the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale was used to measure satisfaction with individual consultations. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to measure the extent of adherence to antihypertensive medications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors, including illness perceptions, consultation satisfaction, and demographic and clinical characteristics, that were significantly associated with medication adherence. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents (55.9%) acknowledged some degree of medication nonadherence. Older age, living alone, and perception related to treatment control were independently associated with increased odds of medication adherence, with odds ratios ranging from 1.14 to 1.92 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results highlight the importance of cultivating positive beliefs that hypertension is amenable to control by treatment. Furthermore, the adherence behavior of those of younger individuals and living with family should be closely monitored.

A longitudinal examination of the association between nurse staffing levels, the practice environment and nurse-sensitive patient outcomes in hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The level of patient safety and outcomes accomplished depends on the quality of care provided. Previous studies found that nurse-to-patient ratio, practice environment, and nursing education were significant predictors of patient outcomes. However, the outcomes measured in previous studies were mainly inpatient mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. Few nurse-sensitive patient outcomes have been measured that quantify nurses' contribution to patient care. Selecting appropriate outcomes that reflect the clinically relevant effect of nursing care is important. Moreover previous studies were largely cross-sectional and retrospective. These research designs are limited in their ability to explain the casual links between the variables examined. This study is aimed at determining the associations among staffing levels, skill mix of baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses, and practice environment on nurse-sensitive outcomes for medical and surgical patients in public hospitals in Hong Kong. METHOD/DESIGNS: A multi-method research design will be adopted. The sample includes all medical and surgical wards of four major public hospitals that offer 24-h accident and emergency services. Multiple responses from registered nurses who work in the study wards will be collected over 12 months to examine their individual characteristics and perceptions of the practice environment. A 12-month prospective observational study will be performed to determine the association between nurse staffing levels, the practice environment, and nurse-sensitive patient outcomes including pressure ulcers, falls and restraint prevalence, urinary catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and central line catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Multilevel Cox proportional hazards models will be employed to examine the association between these patient outcomes and the explanatory nursing factors of primary interest (nurse staffing levels, education composition, and practice environment), with adjustment for all patient-, ward- and hospital-level potential confounders (age, sex, diagnosis, comorbidities, level of surgical invasiveness, mortality, length of stay, and type of admission). DISCUSSION: It is anticipated that knowledge of the association between nurse staffing levels, the practice environment, and nurse-sensitive outcomes will inform the provision of quality and timely patient care. This study will provide a landmark report that is of relevance and importance to patients and to hospital stakeholders and managers, health policy makers, nurses, and educators who advocate patient benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry CCTCTR CUHK_CCT00460 . Date of trial registration: 02 July 2015.

Exploring the scope of expanding advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics: a multiple-case study.

AIM: This article is a report on a study to explore the development of expanding advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics in Hong Kong. BACKGROUND: Nurse-led clinics serviced by advanced practice nurses, a common international practice, have been adopted in Hong Kong since 1990s. Evaluations consistently show that this practice has good clinical outcomes and contributes to containing healthcare cost. However, similar to the international literature, it remains unclear as to what the elements of good advanced nursing practice are, and which directions Hong Kong should adopt for further development of such practice. METHODS: A multiple-case study design was adopted with six nurse-led clinics representing three specialties as six case studies, and including two clinics each from continence, diabetes and wound care. Each case had four embedded units of analysis. They included non-participant observation of nursing activities (9 days), nurse interviews (N = 6), doctor interviews (N = 6) and client interviews (N = 12). The data were collected in 2009. Within- and cross-case analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The cross-case analysis demonstrated six elements of good advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics, and showed a great potential to expand the practice by reshaping four categories of current boundaries, including community-hospital, wellness-illness, public-private and professional-practice boundaries. From these findings, we suggest a model to advance the scope of advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics. CONCLUSION: The six elements may be applied as audit criteria for evaluation of advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics, and the proposed model provides directions for expanding such practice in Hong Kong and beyond.

A systematic review of methods of eye irrigation for adults and children with ocular chemical burns.

AIM: To present the best available research evidence on eye irrigation methods for ocular chemical burns to facilitate better-informed clinical decisions. METHODS: Randomized, quasi-randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing the effectiveness of eye irrigation methods among adults or children as an active form of emergency treatment for ocular chemical burns were reviewed. Electronic databases in English and Chinese were searched from inception to June 2010. Two reviewers made independent decisions on whether to include each publication in the review and critically appraised the study quality independently. Given the clinical and methodological diversity among the studies, the review findings are presented in a narrative form. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Four studies involving 302 adults and children were identified. The results of this review indicate that patients who underwent irrigation with tap water immediately following alkali burns at the scene of injury had significantly better clinical and ocular outcomes. The evidence also suggests that in hospital settings, more patients preferred balanced saline solution (BSS) plus than other irrigation fluids. Irrigation with diphoterine was found in one study that resulted in better ocular outcomes following grade 1 and 2 ocular burns. With regard to duration of eye irrigation, patients with ocular chemical burns treated with prolonged irrigation reported shorter duration of treatment at hospital and absence from work. The results should be treated with caution, as there were significant differences between the comparison groups in some studies. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: As prompt eye irrigation with tap water immediately after alkali burns had better outcomes, it would be important to commence eye irrigation immediately after burns are sustained. In this review, irrigating fluids including normal saline, lactated Ringer's, normal saline with sodium bicarbonate added, BSS Plus, and diphoterine solutions all yielded positive ocular outcomes suggesting for its use in hospital settings.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of State Self-Esteem Scale: an analysis of data from a cross-sectional survey of patients in the first four months after stroke.

AIM: To establish the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the State Self-Esteem Scale in stroke patients. BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is seen to enhance peoples' ability to cope with disease: low self-esteem may inhibit participation in rehabilitation and thus result in poor health and social outcomes. Although the Chinese version of the State Self-Esteem Scale has been used as an outcome measure for stroke rehabilitation, no study has examined its factor structure in this patient group. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. METHODS: A convenience sample of 265 Chinese stroke patients (mean age 71·4, SD 10·3 years), with a minimum score of 18 out of a possible 30 for the Mini Mental State Exam recruited from two regional rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong. An exploratory factor analysis and an internal consistency analysis of the State Self-Esteem Scale were conducted. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between the State Self-Esteem Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale to determine convergent validity. RESULTS: The final factor solution comprised a three-factor model with correlated constructs and accounted for 49·5% of the total variance. Significant negative correlations were found between the Geriatric Depression Scale and the State Self-Esteem Scale subscale scores (r-0·31 to -0·55, p < 0·01), indicating that the State Self-Esteem Scale had acceptable convergent validity. The new three-factor structure had higher Cronbach's alphas when compared with the original three-factor structure. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The State Self-Esteem Scale appears to be a useful measure for assessing state self-esteem in stroke patients. To establish the concurrent, discriminative and construct validities, the factor structure of the SSES could be further developed and tested.

An evaluation of hospital hand hygiene practice and glove use in Hong Kong.

AIM: To identify omissions in hand hygiene practice and glove use among hospital workers in Hong Kong. BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infection is the commonest complication affecting hospitalised patients. Even though research evidence suggests that hand hygiene and proper glove use are the most important ways to prevent the spread of disease and infection, compliance with both are reported to be unacceptably low. DESIGN: An observational study of hospital workers in one acute and two convalescence and rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong was conducted. The participating clinical areas included the medical and surgical wards, accident and emergency department and intensive care unit. METHODS: Hand hygiene practice and glove use amongst 206 hospital health and support workers, stratified according to years of working experience, were observed. RESULTS: The number of observed episodes for hand hygiene was 1037 and for glove use 304. Compliance with hand hygiene was 74.7% and with glove use 72.4%. In approximately two-third of episodes, participants washed their hands after each patient contact; though, 78.5% failed to rub their hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds. The major break in compliance with glove use was failure to change gloves between procedures on the same patient. In 28.6% of observed glove use episodes, participants did not wear gloves during procedures that exposed them to blood, body fluids, excretion, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Significant differences in performance scores on antiseptic hand rub were found between the two types of hospital and on glove use between the three groups of work experience: ≤ 5, 6-10, >10 years. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Education and reinforcement of proper hand hygiene practice and glove use among hospital health and support workers is needed.

Use of end-tidal carbon dioxide detection to determine correct placement of nasogastric tube: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnostic accuracy of end-tidal carbon dioxide detection in detecting inadvertent airway intubation and verifying correct placement of nasogastric tubes. DESIGN: We undertook a meta-analysis of diagnostic studies. STUDY SELECTION: All clinical trials that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the colorimetric capnometry or capnography in detecting inadvertent airway intubation and differentiating between respiratory and gastrointestinal tube placement in adults were included. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, All EBM Reviews, WanFang Data, China Journal Net, Chinese Medical Current Contents, and Index to Chinese Periodical Literature were searched from inception to July 2009. DATA EXTRACTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT: Data were extracted using a form piloted prior to use. Two reviewers independently extracted data relating to purpose of the trial, sample, measurements used, index test results and reference standard. Methodological quality of eligible trials was assessed independently by two reviewers using a modified version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies for assessing studies of diagnostic accuracy. The accuracy of diagnostic tests is presented in terms of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine clinical trials were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Eight trials were undertaken in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients and two trials also involved participants who were alert or awake. Eight involving a total of 456 nasogastric feeding tube placements investigated the diagnostic accuracy of either colorimetric capnometry or capnography to detect feeding tube placement. One trial involving 195 gastric tube insertions compared the diagnostic accuracy of simultaneous use of a colorimetric carbon dioxide detector and capnography to detect feeding tube placement. The use of colorimetric capnometry or capnography had a sensitivity ranging from 0.88 to 1.00, specificity 0.95 to 1.00, positive likelihood ratio 15.22 to 283.35, negative likelihood ratio 0.01 to 0.25. A summary receiver operator characteristics (SROC) curve was constructed and showed an area under the curve was 0.9959. Three trials reported significant cost savings using end-tidal carbon dioxide detectors. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence to support the use of capnography or colorimetric capnometry for the identification of nasogastric feeding tube placement in mechanically ventilated patients.

Depression among Chinese stroke survivors six months after discharge from a rehabilitation hospital.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to examine the prevalence of poststroke depression in Chinese stroke survivors six months after discharge from a rehabilitation hospital. A second aim was to determine whether six-month poststroke depression was associated with psychological, social and physical outcomes and demographic variables. BACKGROUND: There has been increasing recognition of the influence of depression on poststroke recovery. While some previous studies report associations between depression and social, psychological, physical and clinical outcomes, few studies had sufficient sample sizes for regression analysis thereby limiting the clinical applicability of their findings. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used. METHOD: Data were collected from 124 male and 86 female stroke survivors (mean age 71.7, SD 10.2 years). The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure depression, the State Self-esteem Scale to measure state self-esteem, the London Handicap Scale to measure participation restriction, the Social Support Questionnaire to measure satisfaction with social support and the Modified Barthel Index to measure functional ability. RESULTS: Forty-two survivors (20.5%) reported mild and 33 (16.1%) reported severe depression. The presence of depression was associated with low levels of state self-esteem, social support satisfaction and functional ability. Logistic regression analysis revealed that these variables were statistically significant in predicting the probability of having depression (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Analyses in the present study revealed distinct patterns of correlates of depression, and the results were in agreement with prior studies that depression has a consistent positive association with physical disability, living arrangements and social support and no significant association with the different types of brain lesion. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There is a need, routinely, to assess stroke survivors for depression and, where necessary, to intervene with the aim of enhancing psychological and social well-being.

A survey of registered nurses' perceptions of the code of professional conduct in Hong Kong.

AIM: To examine the perceptions of the code of professional conduct among practising registered nurses in Hong Kong. BACKGROUND: A code of professional conduct is intended to guide nurses in their practice and to ensure congruence with nursing goals and objectives. Such a code for nurses in Hong Kong has been in effect for two decades but, to date, no study has examined the perceptions of it among practising nurses. DESIGN: A survey of 320 practising registered nurses working in a hospital cluster in Hong Kong (mean postregistration experience=11.8 years). METHODS: A questionnaire developed to assess nurses' perceptions of the Code of Professional Conduct devised by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. RESULTS: Providing safe and competent care, practising in accordance with the law and maintaining agreed standards were ranked in order as the three most important aspects. Safeguarding informed decision-making for patients who were mentally incapacitated or unable to speak for themselves, participating in continuing nursing education and raising objections to practices that compromise safe and appropriate care were considered the most challenging aspects to achieve in professional nursing practice. CONCLUSIONS: To educate nurses to become more assertive in safeguarding patients' rights and to encourage and support lifelong learning remains a major challenge in professional nursing practice. The profession and statutory bodies need to consider how best to enable practising nurses to address these issues. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Examining the perceptions of practising nurses about the professional code is necessary to ensure that the profession is prepared to meet the ever-changing demands and expectations of the public whom it claims to serve.