Using a co-design methodological approach to optimize perioperative nursing care for older adult patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds: a study protocol.

This article outlines the use of a co-design methodological approach aimed at optimizing perioperative care experiences for ethnically diverse older adults and their family carers. The research involved three phases. In Phase 1, the foundation was established with the formation of a Core Advisory Group comprising key informants, including health consumers. This initial phase focused on forming relationships and conducting a literature review to inform subsequent stages of the research. Phase 2 progressed to data collection, where a qualitative survey on perioperative experiences was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were held with patients, their family carers, and perioperative staff. Phase 3 advanced the co-design process through a workshop involving patients, family carers, perioperative staff, and key stakeholders. Workshop participants collaborated on potential practice changes, proposing strategies for future clinical implementation. While data analysis and reporting for Phases 2 and 3 are forthcoming, the continued involvement of the Core Advisory Group ensures ongoing consensus-building on health consumer needs. This methodology article adopts a prospective stance, with findings to be presented in subsequent scholarly works. Use of this methodology will help to determine how the use of a co-design approach may impact the development of culturally responsive perioperative nursing care for those from ethnically diverse communities.

Facilitators and barriers of appropriate and timely initiation of intravenous fluids in patients with sepsis in emergency departments: a consensus development Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency in which appropriate and timely administration of intravenous fluids to patients with features of hypotension is critical to prevent multi-organ failure and subsequent death. However, compliance with recommended fluid administration is reported to be poor. There is a lack of consensus among emergency clinicians on some of the determinant factors influencing fluid administration in sepsis. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the level of consensus among key stakeholders in emergency departments regarding the facilitators, barriers, and strategies to improve fluid administration. METHODS: The modified Delphi questionnaire with 23 statements exploring barriers, facilitators, and strategies to improve fluid administration was developed from the integration of findings from previous phases of the study involving emergency department clinicians. A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted among key stakeholders with managerial, educational, supervision and leadership responsibilities using a "Reactive Delphi technique" from March 2023 to June 2023. The statements were rated for importance on a 9-point Likert scale. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) was used to identify the level of consensus (agreement/disagreement). RESULTS: Of the 21 panellists who completed Round 1 survey, 18 (86%) also completed Round 2. The panellists rated 9 out of 10 (90%) barriers, 3 out of 4 (75%) facilitators and all 9 (100%) improvement strategies as important. Out of the total 23 statements, 18 (78%) had agreement among the panellists. Incomplete vital signs at triage (Median = 9, IQR 7.25 to 9.00) as a barrier, awareness of importance of fluid administration in sepsis (Median = 9, IQR 8.00 to 9.00) as facilitator and provision of nurse-initiated intravenous fluids (Median = 9, IQR 8.00 to 9.00) as an improvement strategy were the highest rated statements. CONCLUSION: This is the first Delphi study identifying consensus on facilitators, barriers, and strategies to specifically improve intravenous fluid administration in sepsis in Australia. We identified 18 consensus-based factors associated with appropriate and timely administration of intravenous fluids in sepsis. This study offers empirical evidence to support the implementation of the identified strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Self-efficacy, resilience and healthy ageing among older people who have an acute hospital admission: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To examine the associations between self-efficacy, resilience and healthy ageing among older people who have an acute hospital admission. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: Survey and medical record data were collected from older people on discharge from hospital. The survey measured self-efficacy with the 6-item General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE-6), resilience with the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and healthy ageing with the Selfie Ageing Index (SAI). Medical record data included potential confounders: co-morbidities, frailty items, previous falls and previous admission in the last 28 days. Multi-linear regression and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the independent associations between self-efficacy, resilience and healthy ageing. RESULTS: Responses were received from 143 older people (mean age 79). After adjusting for potential confounders, co-morbidities (ß = -0.08, p = 0.001) remained negatively associated with healthy ageing, while self-efficacy (ß = 0.03, p = 0.005) and resilience (ß = 0.05, p < 0.001) remained positively associated with healthy ageing (R2 = 0.243). Positive correlations were found between self-efficacy (ρ = 0.33, p < 0.01), resilience (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.001) and healthy ageing. Positive correlations were also found between self-efficacy and resilience (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.01). Those with lower self-efficacy and resilience were more likely to report reduced activities of daily living, mobility, physical activity and mood. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that while the number of co-morbidities have negative consequences for healthy ageing among older people who are hospitalised, the promotion of self-efficacy and resilience can potentially contribute to healthy ageing within the physical and psychological domains. IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: Nurses can promote self-efficacy, which can potentially increase resilience and help to improve self-management of chronic conditions, functional ability in daily activities, mobility and physical activity and reduce both anxiety and depressive symptoms. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: Participant feedback throughout the data collection process assisted in the evaluation of study methods and data interpretation. This included processes such as assessing selected tools and clarifying the meanings of healthy ageing factors.

Facilitators and barriers of appropriate and timely initial fluid administration in sepsis: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a medical emergency requiring prompt recognition, and early administration of intravenous fluids and antibiotics. While compliance with appropriate and timely administration of intravenous fluids has been found to be poor, the reasons are not well understood. Therefore, we have explored the experiences and perceptions of emergency nurses and medical officers from four hospitals to identify the associated facilitators and barriers. METHODS: Qualitative design incorporating six focus group discussions and thematic analysis of data. A hybrid approach using both inductive and deductive reasoning was used. FINDINGS: Four key themes were developed: 1. Overcrowding and understaffing threaten appropriate fluid management in sepsis; 2. Variations in clinical practice results in suboptimal fluid management; 3. Challenges with clinical recognition of sepsis impedes timely fluid administration; 4. Top-down approach is necessary to improve fluid management. CONCLUSION: Themes highlighted the specific challenges associated with fluid administration in sepsis in the emergency department setting providing potential strategies to be implemented to improve practice and ultimately patient outcomes.

Understanding relationships between general self-efficacy and the healthy ageing of older people: An integrative review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this integrative review was to investigate current literature exploring relationships between general self-efficacy and the healthy ageing of older people. BACKGROUND: Enhancing the health and well-being of older adults, while mitigating consequences of illness and frailty are important priorities in healthy ageing. General self-efficacy is closely associated with human behaviour and has been linked with improved health and well-being. DESIGN: An integrative review using the five-stage method described by Whittemore and Knafl (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005, 52, 546). METHODS: Academic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and APA PsycInfo were searched between 2010 and 2020 for original, peer-reviewed papers, published in English that investigated general self-efficacy and factors associated with the healthy ageing of older people. Included papers were critically appraised using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, and underwent data abstraction and synthesis via a constant comparative method. This review was also evaluated using the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-one papers were included in this review. Two main themes emerged. The first highlights positive relationships between general self-efficacy and health and ageing perceptions, with subsequent influence on health behaviours. The second includes two sub-themes, which explores general self-efficacy's role in maintaining well-being through its effects on psychological health and overcoming physical decline through adaption to changing physical and health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting general self-efficacy has potential benefits for the healthy ageing of older people through positive effects on ageing and health perceptions, health behaviours, psychological health and overcoming physical decline. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Understanding how general self-efficacy facilitates healthy ageing can guide nursing practices that reduce or mitigate consequences of illness and physical decline on the health and well-being of older people. Strategies aimed at increasing older people's general self-efficacy can help to facilitate subsequent positive effects on factors that promote healthy ageing.

Identifying factors associated with intravenous fluid administration in patients with sepsis presenting to the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate and timely administration of intravenous fluids to patients with sepsis-induced hypotension is one of the mainstays of sepsis management in the emergency department (ED), however, fluid resuscitation remains an ongoing challenge in ED. Our study has been undertaken with two specific aims: firstly, for patients with sepsis, to identify factors associated with receiving intravenous fluids while in the ED; and, secondly to identify determinants associated with the actual time to fluid administration. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study of adult ED presentations between October 2018 and May 2019 in four metropolitan hospitals in Western Sydney, Australia. Patients meeting pre-specified criteria for sepsis and septic shock and treated with antibiotics within the first 24 h of presentation were included. Multivariable models were used to identify factors associated with fluid administration in sepsis. RESULTS: Four thousand one hundred forty-six patients met the inclusion criteria, among these 2,300 (55.5%) patients with sepsis received intravenous fluids in ED. The median time to fluid administration from the time of diagnosis of sepsis was 1.6 h (Interquartile Range (IQR) 0.5 to 3.8), and the median volume of fluids administered was 1,100 mL (IQR 750 to 2058). Factors associated with patients receiving fluids were younger age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI (1.03 to 1.07), p < 0.001); lower systolic blood pressure (OR 1.11, 95% CI (1.08 to 1.13), p < 0.001); presenting to smaller hospital (OR 1.48, 95% CI (1.25 to 1.75, p < 0.001) and a Clinical Rapid Response alert activated (OR 1.64, 95% CI (1.28 to 2.11), p < 0.001). Patients with Triage Category 1 received fluids 101.22 min earlier (95% CI (59.3 to131.2), p < 0.001) and those with Category 2 received fluids 43.58 min earlier (95% CI (9.6 to 63.1), p < 0.001) compared to patients with Triage Category 3-5. Other factors associated with receiving fluids earlier included septic shock (-49.37 min (95% CI (-86.4 to -12.4), p < 0.001)); each mmol/L increase in serum lactate levels (-9.0 min, 95% CI (-15.7 to -2.3), p < 0.001) and presenting to smaller hospitals (-74.61 min, 95% CI (-94.0 to -55.3), p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, greater severity of sepsis, and presenting to a smaller hospital increased the probability of receiving fluids and receiving it earlier. Recognition of these factors may assist in effective implementation of sepsis management guidelines which should translate into better patient outcomes. Future studies are needed to identify other associated factors that we have not explored.

Exploring the contribution of clinical placement to student learning: A sequential mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing demand and limited supply of clinical placements in nursing underscore the need to better understand the role of clinical placements in students' learning. Identifying pedagogically rich activities that support work place learning alongside factors that influence educational outcomes has the potential to optimise professional placement experiences. OBJECTIVE: To explore student nurses perceptions of the value of nursing clinical placements to their learning. DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive research design was employed using a sequential mixed method approach. A cross-sectional student survey captured students' perceptions of work integrated learning based on the perceived contribution of a pre-determined list of activities undertaken on clinical placement. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Four Australian universities took part. Participants included students undertaking entry to practice programs. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-nine students completed the survey. Thirty-eight students participated in 12 focus groups. Participants rated PRA including interacting and time with patients and performing assessments as the most useful activities. Less useful, were activities that took them away from the patient. CONCLUSIONS: To maximise workplace learning, consideration must be given to ensuring students are presented with goal directed activities that support learning and are focused on an expanding scope of practice with opportunities to discuss and engage with staff.

Early fluid bolus in adults with sepsis in the emergency department: a systematic review, meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Early intravenous fluids for patients with sepsis presenting with hypoperfusion or shock in the emergency department remains one of the key recommendations of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines to reduce mortality. However, compliance with the recommendation remains poor. While several interventions have been implemented to improve early fluid administration as part of sepsis protocols, the extent to which they have improved compliance with fluid resuscitation is unknown. The factors associated with the lack of compliance are also poorly understood. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis and narrative review to investigate the effectiveness of interventions in emergency departments in improving compliance with early fluid administration and examine the non-interventional facilitators and barriers that may influence appropriate fluid administration in adults with sepsis. We searched MEDLINE Ovid/PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS databases for studies of any design to April 2021. We synthesised results from the studies reporting effectiveness of interventions in a meta-analysis and conducted a narrative synthesis of studies reporting non-interventional factors. RESULTS: We included 31 studies out of the 825 unique articles identified in the systematic review of which 21 were included in the meta-analysis and 11 in the narrative synthesis. In meta-analysis, interventions were associated with a 47% improvement in the rate of compliance [(Random Effects (RE) Relative Risk (RR) = 1.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.25-1.74, p-value < 0.01)]; an average 24 min reduction in the time to fluids [RE mean difference = - 24.11(95% CI - 14.09 to - 34.14 min, p value < 0.01)], and patients receiving an additional 575 mL fluids [RE mean difference = 575.40 (95% CI 202.28-1353.08, p value < 0.01)]. The compliance rate of early fluid administration reported in the studies included in the narrative synthesis is 48% [RR = 0.48 (95% CI 0.24-0.72)]. CONCLUSION: Performance improvement interventions improve compliance and time and volume of fluids administered to patients with sepsis in the emergency department. While patient-related factors such as advanced age, co-morbidities, cryptic shock were associated with poor compliance, important organisational factors such as inexperience of clinicians, overcrowding and inter-hospital transfers were also identified. A comprehensive understanding of the facilitators and barriers to early fluid administration is essential to design quality improvement projects. PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID: CRD42021225417.

Association between intravenous fluid resuscitation and outcome among patients with suspected infection and sepsis: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between timing and volume of intravenous fluids administered to ED patients with suspected infection and all-cause in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of ED presentations at four metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Australia, between October 2018 and May 2019. Patients over 16 years of age with suspected infection who received intravenous fluids within 24 h of presentation were included. RESULTS: During the study period, 7533 patients with suspected infection received intravenous fluids. Of these, 1996 (26.5%) and 231 (3.1%) had suspected sepsis and septic shock, respectively. Each 1000 mL increase in intravenous fluids administered was associated with a reduction in risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.99). This association was stronger in patients with septic shock (AOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49-0.89), and those admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) (AOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.96). Patients with suspected sepsis and septic shock who received a total volume of >3600 mL had lower in-hospital mortality (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.91; AOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05-0.57) compared to those administered <3600 mL within the first 24 h of presenting to the ED. There was no association between the time of initiation of fluids and in-hospital mortality among survivors and non-survivors (2.3 vs 2.5 h, P = 0.50). CONCLUSION: We observed a reduction in risk of in-hospital mortality for each 1000 mL increase in intravenous fluids administered in patients with septic shock or admitted to ICU suggesting illness severity to be a likely effect modifier.

Developing online training in using music for carers of people with dementia: A focus group study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the core content and design issues in developing an online training course in the effective use of music for people with dementia. METHODS: A co-design approach was taken in which focus groups were conducted with aged care staff and family caregivers (n = 17; 76.5% female). A general inductive approach was taken to data analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were followed to ensure rigour in this study. RESULTS: Participants identified five core concepts for inclusion in the training program including the benefits of music, the need to assess for vulnerability to negative responses, music selection strategies, timing of use and equipment selection. Themes on design and implementation such as the need for role-specific content for care staff at all levels and scenario-based learning were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The development of online training in music use for carers of people with dementia needs to consider the demands on carers and develop training that is informative and engaging without placing large time demands on the user. Support at a management and executive level will be important to the implementation of such training in residential aged care contexts.

Benefits, Challenges and Solutions for Implementing Personalised Music Playlist Programs in Residential Aged Care in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Residential aged care facilities face the immense challenge of adapting to the increasingly high needs of their residents, while delivering personalised, holistic care. There is considerable evidence that music can provide an affordable, accessible way to reduce changes in behaviour associated with dementia, in order to meet these standards of care. However, a number of barriers exist to the effective implementation of music programs in long-term aged care facilities. METHODS: This study involved focus groups with 17 participants including staff in residential aged care facilities and family caregivers to investigate the benefits of music programs, as well as the challenges and possible solutions to them. A general inductive approach was taken to data analysis. RESULTS: A number of benefits of music programs were identified, including improvements to the wellbeing of both residents of aged care facilities and their caregivers. However, an ingrained culture within residential aged care of focusing on physical care rather than thinking holistically about wellbeing was identified as a significant barrier. DISCUSSION: These findings revealed that education is a key component of changing ingrained cultures of task-driven care at both a managerial level and in care staff, so that attention can be given to psychological and emotional needs as well as the physical.

Emergency nurses' experiences of the implementation of early goal directed fluid resuscitation therapy in the management of sepsis: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Severe sepsis can lead to organ failure and death if immediate treatment, such as intravenous fluids and antibiotics, are not commenced within the first hour. Time - critical initiation of intravenous fluids which in other words is early goal directed fluid resuscitation has not always been given its clinical priority. This qualitative study aimed at exploring the experiences of emergency nurses initiating early goal directed fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Using an exploratory approach, face - to - face semi - structured interviews were conducted with ten registered nurses working in emergency departments across New South Wales, Australia. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. FINDINGS: Participants described various factors that inhibited the timely initiation of early goal directed fluid resuscitation, some clinical practice challenges, and strategies to improve nursing practice. Most participants, particularly those practicing as Clinical Initiatives Nurses suggested the incorporation of nurse initiated early goal directed fluid resuscitation for patients with sepsis as part of their scope of practice. CONCLUSION: Our findings identified several barriers that inhibit effective nurse - initiated early goal directed fluid resuscitation. It is anticipated that these findings will provide validation for the re-evaluation of the existing protocols and practice guidelines to increase the scope of practice of emergency nurses initiating early goal directed fluid resuscitation.

Factors influencing management of agitation in aged care facilities: A qualitative study of staff perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Agitation in older people is commonly associated with cognitive decline, complex medical diagnoses and polypharmacy. Impaired communication and comprehension within a dementia trajectory adds complexity to assessment and management. Despite high prevalence, agitated behaviours remain challenging to manage in residential aged care settings. AIM: To explore staff perceptions of agitation in residents of aged care facilities, including the influence of dementia, when selecting management strategies to reduce agitated behaviour. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 11 aged care staff were conducted at two aged care sites. Transcripts were examined using content analysis to identify common issues and categories. The study complied with COREQ guidelines (see. Appendix S1). RESULTS: Participants reported managing resident agitation at least once per shift; most frequently manifesting as wandering, restlessness or aggression. Management strategies included distraction, providing space, knowing the resident, identifying causative factors, spending individual time and if necessary medication administration. Agitation management was more challenging for residents with dementia due to impaired communication or comprehension of instruction. CONCLUSIONS: While participants strived to deliver individualized person-centred care, this was difficult given time and resource constraints. Contemporary management of agitation therefore remains variable in everyday practice, with resident preference used when causative factors were known. Conversely, for residents with impaired communication and/or comprehension, distraction and chemical restraint were commonly used. Nuanced education for assessment and management is recommended to better address this unmet need for some residents. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: For optimal care, appropriate allocation of time and resources is necessary to identify causative and contextual factors for individual residents. Recommendations are for additional staff training in communication and attitude, and collaborating with frontline staff to develop a practical guide for management of agitation in aged care. These simple initiatives may help to improve consistency of care delivery and resident outcomes.

The application and tailoring of Colaizzi's phenomenological approach in a hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Husserl's descriptive phenomenology is a popular methodology in health research as it provides a way to understand people's experiences. Positioned in Husserl's phenomenology, Colaizzi's approach offers a way to analyse data and develop trustworthy findings. However, it can pose methodological and practical challenges. AIM: To present a discussion of the application and tailoring of Colaizzi's phenomenological approach to a study conducted in a hospital. DISCUSSION: Applying Colaizzi's approach to interview data concerning health professionals' decisions about transferring older people in hospital to residential care provided a decision trail. However, Colaizzi's final step - member-checking - is controversial so was tailored to enhance the development of trustworthy findings. CONCLUSION: Validating findings is an important part of conducting research. Tailoring the final step of member-checking in Colaizzi's approach supports trustworthy findings while staying connected to phenomenological epistemology. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Phenomenology is a popular methodology for nurse researchers. Tailoring Colaizzi's approach provides strategies to augment phenomenological methods, ensuring dependable findings. Nurse researchers conducting phenomenological research can use these strategies.

Holding momentum: a grounded theory study of strategies for sustaining living at home in older persons.

Purpose: Government strategies are putting increasing emphasis on sustaining the capacity of older persons to continue living independently in their own homes to ease strain on aged care services. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences and strategies that older people utilize to remain living at home from their own perspective. Methods: A grounded theory methodology was used to explore the actions and strategies used by persons over the age of 65 to enable them to remain living in their own homes. Data were collected from 21 women and men in three focus group discussions and 10 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: The data revealed that the central process participants used to hold momentum and sustain living at home involves a circular process in which older people acknowledge change and make ongoing evaluations and decisions about ageing at home. Conclusion: These findings have implications for informing policy and service provision by identifying appropriate resources and services to promote successful ageing at home.

Exploring the Perspectives of Older People on the Concept of Home.

OBJECTIVES: Continuing to live at home is arguably one of the most important challenges older persons face as they age. The aim of this study was to clarify how older adults conceptualise home through age-related lifestyle changes. METHODS: Principles from grounded theory were used to examine the perspectives of 21 older adults obtained from three focus group discussions and 10 in-depth semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Four major categories were developed: "anchoring self," "enabling freedom," "being comfortable," and "staying in touch." Discussion. For the participants in this study remaining at home enabled a sense of independence and freedom, self-worth and identity, comfort, and an ongoing active role in the community. However, some aspects of home could be renegotiated despite changes to living location, with new social connections able to be forged and personal comforts being transferrable. This holds important implications for supporting older persons to both sustain living at home and to adjust to changing circumstances, suggesting the importance of drawing on the experiences of older persons themselves in developing strategies to promote successful aging.

Student perceptions, experiences and support within their current Bachelor of Nursing.

BACKGROUND: This study was developed to assist academics and curriculum designers to understand the perspectives and expectations of students when designing a program of study and inclusive of students as partners. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing (BN). SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, METHODS: The setting is a multi-campus university in Australia. Participants were currently enrolled and recruited from the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Advanced and Bachelor of Nursing Graduate Entry. Semi-structured focus group interviews and thematic analysis was used to collect and analyse the data. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified from the focus group interviews: 1. Expectations; 2. Interesting and stimulating; and 3. Preparedness for study and clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Students held strong personal reasons for pursuing a nursing degree. The geographic location and international rankings were factors for choosing the university in this study. Student's perceptions and experiences of the curriculum and support identified that their BN program was interesting and adequately prepared them for clinical practice. Some areas for improvement were more detail during program orientation related to clinical practice requirements and more assistance with engaging with learning and teaching technologies.

A randomised controlled trial of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oils for the treatment of agitated behaviour in older people with and without dementia.

OBJECTIVE: Lavender and Lemon Balm essential oils are popular in the management of older person agitation due to their ease of application, minimal side effects and low interaction with concurrent medications. This study addressed limitations in the literature to evaluate and compare effectiveness of Lavender and Lemon Balm essential oils on the agitated behaviour of older people with and without dementia living in residential aged care facilities [RACFs]. METHODS: Forty-nine nursing home residents with dementia (n=39) and without dementia (n=10) exhibiting agitation participated in this study. Participants were randomised to a counterbalanced, repeated measures design experiment that tests the treatments Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Placebo (Sunflower oil). Treatments were administered once daily for two-weeks followed by a two-week washout period before commencing the subsequent treatment. All participants trialed all three treatments over a 10-week period. Data were collected on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). RESULTS: A significant difference was shown when essential oils effect were compared between the cognitive groups. Post hoc analysis reports Lemon Balm more effective in reducing NPI agitation (p = .04) and CMAI physical non-aggressive behaviour (PNAB) (p = .02) in residents without dementia. Lemon Balm less effective in reducing NPI irritability (p = 0.01) and Lavender more effective in reducing CMAI PNAB (p = 0.04) in dementia. CONCLUSION: The findings support an opposing effect of Lemon Balm and Lavender in reducing agitated behaviour between the participant cognitive groups. There was no reduction in agitation with treatments when compared to placebo independent of cognitive groups.

Developing Person-Centered Care Through the Biographies of the Older Adult.

BACKGROUND: A lack of specialized knowledge about providing health care to older people decreases their health outcomes and quality of life. This article presents an innovative learning strategy for preregistration nursing students to raise awareness of person-centered care of the older adult. METHOD: This report is based on the authors' own experience and includes comments from students to the authors who taught the unit of study from 2010 to 2015, supported by current literature and theory discussing contemporary educational strategies. RESULTS: Students came to value the older adult as a person to whom they could relate and the learning promoted person-centered care delivery. Although many students found this approach to learning to be challenging, student feedback demonstrated that the overall reception of the strategy was very positive. CONCLUSION: This strategy facilitated learning to improve person-centered care and addressed negative attitudes toward older adults, which improved health outcomes and their quality of life. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(12):742-746.].

Australian student nurse's knowledge of and attitudes toward primary health care: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nurses have a pivotal role in changing the focus of the health system toward a primary health care approach, yet little is known about the effectiveness of nursing students' educational preparation for this role. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate undergraduate Australian nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes toward the primary health care approach. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was applied. SETTING: Two Australian universities, one with a rural base and one in the metropolitan area of Sydney, were involved. Both universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses on multiple campuses. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 286 undergraduate nursing students, each of whom had completed a unit of study on PHC. All provided consent to participate in the study. METHODS: Data was collected using the Primary Health Care Questionnaire via online survey platform SurveyMonkey for a period of three weeks in June 2015. RESULTS: Total knowledge scores ranged from 19.68 to 95.78 with the mean knowledge score being 69.19. Total attitude scores ranged from 33.12 to 93.88 with a mean score of 70.45. Comparison of knowledge scores showed mean scores of students born in Australia were significantly higher than those of students who were born overseas (p=0.01), and mean scores of students enrolled in the metropolitan university were also significantly higher than mean scores of students' enrolled in the rural university (p=0.002). In terms of attitudes scores, mean scores of Australian-born students were significantly higher than those of students born overseas (p=0.001), and older students' mean attitude scores were shown to be significantly higher than younger students' (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Student's age, country of origin and university location were shown to be significant influences on student's knowledge of and attitudes toward primary health care.