National practice of Nursing professionals in the insertion of peripheral vascular access devices.

OBJECTIVE: to identify and compare the practice of Nursing professionals regarding the insertion of peripheral vascular access devices, according to professional category. METHOD: descriptive sectional study carried out between July 2021 and May 2022 with 2,584 Nursing professionals, using a questionnaire validated by three judges with expertise in intravenous therapy, containing variables related to catheterization and the vascular access device. Descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out. RESULTS: most professionals do not prepare the patient or perform some essential care before attempting peripheral intravenous catheterization. Regarding the preferred catheterization site, hands, arm and forearm stand out. There is no control over the tourniquet time, and the patient is punctured more than three times. The most used device materials are polyurethane and Teflon ® , more than one criterion is adopted for device selection, and Micropore ® type adhesive tape was the covering most cited by Nursing professionals. The identification of catheterization was not adequate. CONCLUSION: Nursing technicians and assistants are the professionals who least comply with what is recommended in recognized guidelines. Nurses' practice also presents deviations from scientific evidence.

Clinical Outcomes of a Nurse-Delivered, Technology-Enabled HIV Outpatient Model.

We evaluated Klick, a nurse-led, digitally enabled model of HIV outpatient care, launched in 2020. Klick's smartphone app offers online booking, remote nurse-led consultations, and results. An audit of Klick nurse-led consultations was conducted against BHIVA monitoring guidelines, and nurses were interviewed about their experience. Of 40 Klick patients audited, 4 of 5 BHIVA standards were met: 100% had documented co-medications, smoking history, blood pressure, and viral load data, and 89% received a cardiovascular risk calculation (Targets 97%-90%-90%-90%-90%). Compared to national BHIVA audit findings, Klick performed better across 22 of 24 comparable measures. Nurses safely managed a cohort comprising some complexity (eg, co-morbidities, polypharmacy); no cases were escalated off the pathway, and all were virologically suppressed. Using a digitally supported model, nurses effectively provided safe care to HIV-positive patients with predominantly stable health, enabling consultants to focus on more complex caseloads. Care was comprehensive and person-centered and obtained better outcomes compared to previous national audits.

Effect of Nurse-Led Clean Intermittent Catheterization Synchronous Health Education on Patients with Urinary Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) severely affects motor, sensory, reflex, and other functions, impacting 250,000 to 500,000 individuals globally each year. Bladder voiding dysfunction, a prevalent and serious complication of SCI, results in significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. This study examines the impact of nurse-led clean intermittent catheterization combined with synchronous health education for family members on improving compliance in patients with SCI and bladder voiding dysfunction. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with urinary dysfunction post-SCI treated in our hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected. Family members were assigned to a control group (n = 40) or an observation group (n = 44) based on their participation in nurse-led health education. Urinary tract management proficiency, satisfaction, compliance, and complications were observed and statistically analyzed in both groups on the 30th day after self-initiated intermittent catheterization. RESULTS: By the 30th day, the observation group exhibited significantly higher cognitive scores in urinary tract management than the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the observation group showed greater compliance in daily water intake (p = 0.018), proper timing (p = 0.018), and correct bladder function training (p = 0.004). The incidence of urinary tract infections was lower in the observation group (p = 0.018). Patient satisfaction in the observation group also exceeded that of the control group in all measured aspects and total scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led synchronous health education for family members during clean intermittent catheterization significantly enhances patient compliance, reduces complications, and improves patient satisfaction.

Effect of a Nurse-Led Exercise Program on Depression in Elderly Patients with Diabetes: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes often face psychological challenges, particularly depression. The coexistence of these two conditions can significantly impact both the mental and physical health of individuals. This study aims to investigate the effects of nurse-led exercise training on elderly patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbid depression through experimental research. By selecting appropriate exercise programs for patients, the study seeks to identify effective strategies for improving both their physical health and depressive symptoms. Additionally, it aims to offer tailored exercise recommendations to enhance the overall well-being of these patients. METHOD: The observation group (n = 53) and the control group (n = 53) were selected based on the interventions documented in the patients' medical records, with eligible patients identified as research participants. The control group received standard medication, while the observation group engaged in intensive exercise training in addition to their standard treatment, dedicating 60-90 min per day to exercise. Prior to and following the intervention, blood glucose indices, levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE), self-rating depression scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Generic Quality of Life Inventory (GQOLI-74) scores were assessed to evaluate the impact of the exercise training intervention. RESULT: Following the intervention, levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (PBG), and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were reduced compared to pre-intervention levels, with the exercise group exhibiting lower levels than the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, post-intervention, patients' levels of 5-HT and NE increased, with the exercise group demonstrating higher levels than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, post-intervention, SDS and SAS scores decreased, with more significant improvements observed in the observation group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention improved sleep quality and quality of life among patients in the exercise group compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nurse-guided exercise training demonstrates a significant capacity to ameliorate glycemic indexes among patients with diabetes mellitus comorbid with depression. It not only diminishes depression and anxiety levels but also enhances the expression of 5-HT and NE. Furthermore, it effectively elevates patients' sleep quality and quality of life. These findings underscore the potential of nurse-led exercise interventions for clinical promotion and widespread application.

Setting up a nurse-led 2-week-wait head and neck cancer diagnostic service.

The number of urgent '2-week-wait' referrals to hospital for people with suspected head and neck cancer being sent by primary care is constantly growing and it is becoming increasingly difficult for head and neck cancer services to meet this demand. In order for trusts to meet their Faster Diagnosis Standards, there needs to be an effective and efficient way to ensure there is capacity for patients to receive the appropriate assessments and diagnostic investigations without compromising the quality of care delivered. This article presents the proposal of introducing a nurse-led 2-week-wait clinic to meet the ever-growing demands on the service. There is discussion of the consultant-led training programme used to upskill an advanced nurse practitioner in a single-centre study, as well as explanation of the processes followed to maintain patient safety throughout the pilot project. There will also be consideration of clinical governance and discussion of how patient satisfaction with the novel service will be measured.

Representing Nursing Practice in EMR/EHRs.

OBJECTIVE: Review of the ISO 18104 technical standard for a Nursing Categorial structure to best represent nursing practice in EMR/EHRs and digital health ecosystems. METHODS: Application of ISO standard review guidelines in consultation with ISO member stakeholders. RESULTS: Comprehensive views of the nursing practice knowledge domain are presented as mindmaps. Groups of patients can now be identified using the 'type of subject of care' category. The collaborative role of nurses is now recognized. This high level structured information model recognises nursing diagnosis, nursing actions and nurse sensitive outcomes relative to other categories and sub-categories known to influence nursing actions and nurse sensitive outcomes. DISCUSSION: This nursing practice framework reflects the nursing process. It supports conceptual and logical analysis of patient journey related nursing practice. CONCLUSION: This updated categorial structure is a good fit with today's information technologies. Its adoption enables the value of nursing services provided to be demonstrated.

Practices developed by nurses in primary health care in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the practices developed by nurses in primary care in southern Brazil. METHOD: Qualitative study, with data collection via online interviews, conducted between October 2020 and May 2021, and recorded. 174 nurses from 24 municipalities in southern Brazil participated. Data analysis used inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The activity that stood out among nurses was the nurse consultation, for all age groups and health conditions, especially when dealing with chronic disease, prenatal care, attention to women and children, mental health, home visits, and the management of the nursing team and the health unit. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study demonstrated that an excess of responsibilities associated to care and management, added to a lack of balance in the activities common to the team make it difficult for nurses to develop clinical practices.

Effect Analysis of Nurse-Led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Patients with Urinary Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of nurse-led cognitive behavioural therapy on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Patients with urinary incontinence after undergoing radical prostatectomy in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into the observation and control groups in accordance with whether they received nurse-led cognitive behavioural therapy. The general data of the patients were collected, and the baseline data of the two groups were balanced by propensity score matching. The disease-related knowledge; Urinary catheter indwelling time; Urinary incontinence duration; And scores on the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCA), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Nursing Effect and Health Questionnaire (SF-36) were compared between the two groups after matching. RESULTS: At discharge, the ESCA, SF-36 and disease cognition scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001), and the total effective rate of the observation group (89.83%) was higher than that of the control group (76.27%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy, the implementation of nurse-led cognitive behavioural therapy can effectively improve self-care and disease cognition abilities, relieve anxiety and depression and improve quality of life.

Advancing nursing practice in Ireland: A pathway of care for nurse-led integrated venous leg ulcer management.

Approximately 80% of patients presenting with leg ulcers are venous in origin. However, lack of standardisation of care has a human and financial impact for patients and service providers. Increases in the aging population and number of patients entering older age with co-morbidities results in increases in the demand for venous leg ulcer treatments. A joint initiative between a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in tissue viability and wound care, and a vascular consultant, identified deficits in patient care delivery and quality of life. A joint initiative Implementing the principles of the 'Sláintecare' policy was established as the Leg Ulcer Centre Ireland (LUCI) to deliver a pathway for the treatment and management of lower limb venous ulcers. The RANP provides a "one stop shop" for patients, offering a complete care package from diagnosis to surgical intervention - endovenous ablation, follow-up post operative care and discharge. Audit findings include; reduced hospital admissions and waiting times; increased patient satisfaction; and, improved interdisciplinary integrated referral pathways. The RANP offers an effective, efficient diagnosis-to-end treatment service for patients. The results demonstrate improved treatment, cost outcomes and value-based outcomes for patients. The new integrated service facilitates expansion of the service and further enhancement of the nursing skills and role.

Adopting a nurse-led model of care to advance whole-person health and health equity within Medicaid.

BACKGROUND: Medicaid payment reforms and delivery model innovations are needed to fully transform U.S. healthcare structuring and provision. PURPOSE: To synthesize nurse-led models of care and their implications for improving health care access, quality, and reducing costs for Medicaid recipients. METHODS: A critical review of the literature regarding nurse-led models and implications for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), adopting population health approaches, managing complex care, and integrating behavioral and physical health care within Medicaid. DISCUSSION: Three interrelated findings emerged (a) investing in dynamic nurse-led models is important for mitigating SDOH and adopting value-based care, (b) regulations preventing nurses from practicing at the fullest extent of their training and licensure limit clinical impact and value, and (c) directed payments can establish value-based expectations for Medicaid managed care. CONCLUSION: Adoption of a nurse-led model of care has the potential to advance the goals of reducing inequity and promoting whole-person health within Medicaid and nationally.

Quality of services in health education nurse-led clinics: an Iranian service providers and service recipients experience.

BACKGROUND: Patient education is a vital role of nurses in nurse-led clinics(NLCs). Since 2011, independent NLCs entitled health education Nurse-led clinics(HENLCs) have been established in Iran. In order for this newly developed service to be able to perform perfectly in implementation and evaluation, it should be explained based on one of the quality evaluation models. The objective of the study was to determine the dimension of service quality in HENLCs based on service providers' and service recipients' experience. METHODS: This research is a qualitative study of directed content analysis type conducted between May and November 2020. Twenty-nine participants who had rich experiences in the patient education in HENLCs were interviewed in this study. Asarroodi et al.'s (2018) qualitative content analysis method was used for data analysis, and MaxQDA software was used for data management. We used credibility, dependability, and Confirmability to confirm the trustworthiness of the study's findings. RESULTS: In this study service providers including managers, policymakers, decision-makers, nurses, physicians, and service recipients including patients and families participated. Seven generic categories, including (1) a competent and self-motivated nurse educator, (2) an easily accessible and comfortable environment, (3) informational-educational materials and health education equipment, (4) motivational facilities, (5) access to the health education support team, (6) organizational communication supporting the education process, and (7) receiving the patient education fee, constituted the main category of structure. Five generic categories, including (1) assessment and determination of the educational needs of the target group, (2) description of the nurse's duties, (3) teaching-learning methods, (4) patient referral, and (5) the process of preparing and publishing educational content, constituted the main category of process. One generic category called evaluation constituted the main category of outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested to managers to pay attention to the dimensions of the quality model of Donabedian (SPO) in setting up and developing the performance of HENLCs, it is recommended that future quantitative studies based on the categories formed in this study evaluate the observance of the dimensions of structure, process and outcome.

The short and long-term efficacy of nurse-led interventions for improving blood pressure control in people with hypertension in primary care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous systematic reviews suggest that nurse-led interventions improve short-term blood pressure (BP) control for people with hypertension. However, the long-term effects, adverse events, and appropriate target BP level are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of nurse-led interventions. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and CINAHL, as well as three Japanese article databases, as relevant randomized controlled trials from the oldest possible to March 2021. This search was conducted on 17 April 2021. We did an update search on 17 October 2023. We included studies on adults aged 18 years or older with hypertension. The treatments of interest were community-based nurse-led BP control interventions in addition to primary physician-provided care as usual. The comparator was usual care only. Primary outcomes were long-term achievement of BP control goals and serious adverse events (range: 27 weeks to 3 years). Secondary outcomes were short-term achievement of BP control goals and serious adverse events (range: 4 to 26 weeks), change of systolic and diastolic BP from baseline, medication adherence, incidence of hypertensive complications, and total mortality. RESULTS: We included 35 studies. Nurse-led interventions improved long-term BP control (RR 1.10, 95%CI 1.03 to 1.18). However, no significant differences were found in the short-term effects of nurse-led intervention compared to usual care about BP targets. Little information on serious adverse events was available. There was no difference in mortality at both terms between the two groups. Establishing the appropriate target BP from the extant trials was impossible. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led interventions may be more effective than usual care for achieving BP control at long-term follow-up. It is important to continue lifestyle modification for people with hypertension. We must pay attention to adverse events, and more studies examining appropriate BP targets are needed. Nurse-led care represents an important complement to primary physician-led usual care.

Optimising gout treatment: insights from a nurse-led cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, gout management, particularly urate-lowering therapy (ULT), is often suboptimal. Nurses successfully manage various diseases including gout. As gout prevalence is rising, and rheumatologists and general practitioners face shortages, a new approach is imperative. This real-life prospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness of nurse-led care employing a treat-to-target strategy for gout management over a 2-year period. METHODS: All consecutively confirmed gout patients were included. The nurse-led clinic provided a structured treatment plan with consultations, patient leaflets, telephone contacts and laboratory monitoring. After a year of nurse-led care, patients transitioned to continued care in general practice. Follow-up data were complete through registries. The primary outcome was achieving target p-urate levels (<0.36 mmol/L) at 2 years after diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included treatment continuation and achievement of target p-urate levels in specific subgroups. The results were compared with patients diagnosed in the same clinic but followed up in 'usual care'. RESULTS: In the nurse-led group (n=114), 83% achieved target p-urate levels and ULT was continued by 98%. This trend persisted across various patient subgroups. Only 44% of patients in usual care achieved target p-urate and with insufficient doses of allopurinol . Nurse-led care involved an average of two visits and three telephone contacts over 336 days. The 2-year mortality rate was 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led gout care, employing a targeted approach, was associated with a very high uptake of and adherence to ULT. The encouraging results were not achieved in usual care although a direct comparison might be influenced by selection bias.

Nurse-led renal cell carcinoma clinic: a single center review.

BACKGROUND: In 2015 our centre introduced a nurse-led renal cell cancer follow-up protocol and clinic for patients who have undergone partial or radical nephrectomy for organ-confined kidney tumours. The main aims of this clinic were to improve healthcare efficiency and standardize follow-up processes. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led renal cell cancer follow up clinic in regard to surveillance protocol compliance and the timely identification and appropriate management of recurrences. A secondary objective was to evaluate this locally developed follow up protocol against the current European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines surveillance protocol. PATIENT AND METHODS: All patients who underwent a partial or radical nephrectomy between 2015 and 2021 at a single Western Australia institution for a primary renal malignancy were included. Data was collected from local clinical information systems and protocol adherence, recurrence characteristics and management were assessed. The current EAU guidelines were applied to the cohort to assess differences in risk-stratification and theoretical outcomes between the protocols. RESULTS: After a mean follow up period of 31.2 months (range 0-77 months), 75.5% (185/245) of patients had all follow up imaging and reviews within 1 month of the timeframe scheduled on the protocol. 17.1% (42/245) had a delay in their follow up of more than a month at some stage, 5.7% (14/245) did not attend for follow up but had documented attempts to facilitate their compliance, and 0.4% (1/245) were lost to follow up with no evidence of attempted contact. 15.5% (38/245) of patients had recurrence of malignancy detected during follow up and these were all discussed in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting. The recurrence rate was 2.5% (3/119) for low risk, 17.7% (14/79) for intermediate risk, and 44.7% (21/47) for high risk patients when they were re-stratified according to EAU risk categories. No recurrences were detected through ultrasound (USS) or chest x-ray (CXR) in this cohort and our protocol tended to place patients in higher risk-stratification groups as compared to current EAU guidelines. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led renal cell cancer follow up is a safe, reliable and effective clinical framework that has significant benefits in regard to resource utilization. USS and CXR are ineffective in detecting recurrence and Computerized tomography (CT) should be considered the imaging modality of choice for this purpose. The EAU surveillance protocol appears superior to our protocol, and we have therefore transitioned to the EAU guideline protocol going forward.

Práticas de enfermeiros na prevenção e rastreio do câncer de mama e de colo uterino / Practices performed by nurses in the prevention and screening of breast and cervical cancer / Prácticas de enfermería en la prevención y detección del cáncer de mama y cervicouterino

Objetivo: Identificar como ocorrem as práticas de prevenção e de rastreio do câncer de mama e de colo uterino realizadas por enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa e de natureza analítica e compreensiva. Realizou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo do tipo temática proposta por Minayo. Os colaboradores foram 58 enfermeiros atuantes na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Resultados: Os resultados apontam que as práticas se desenvolvem em um contexto de crescente autonomia profissional e de protagonismo da Enfermagem. Aspectos como proximidade e vínculo com a comunidade, outros procedimentos e ações ofertadas nos atendimentos, incluindo a condução clínica/terapêutica, na vigência de sinais e sintomas de infecção, condizem com uma atenção mais ampla às necessidades de saúde e de cuidado às mulheres. Conclusão: O estudo evidencia a importância do respaldo de protocolos para a atuação segura das práticas dos enfermeiros da Atenção Básica, visando a prevenção e rastreio do câncer de mama e de colo uterino. Esses instrumentos devem ser de fácil acesso e constantemente atualizados a fim de garantir a padronização preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. (AU)

Objective: To identify how the breast and cervical cancer prevention and screening practices performed by nurses working in Primary Health Care in the state of Rio Grande do Sul occurs. Methods: This is a qualitative study with an analytical and comprehensive nature. The collaborators were 58 nurses working in Primary Health Care. Results: The results indicate that the practices are developed in a context of increasing professional autonomy and the role of Nursing. Aspects such as proximity and bonding with the community, other procedures and actions offered in the consultations, including clinical/therapeutic management in cases of signs and symptoms of infection, are consistent with a broader attention to women's health and care needs. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of supporting protocols for the safe performance of Primary Care nurses' practices, aiming at the prevention and screening of breast and cervical cancer. These documents must be easily accessible and constantly updated in order to guarantee the standardization recommended by the Ministry of Health. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar cómo las prácticas de prevención y detección del cáncer de mama y cervicouterino son realizadas por enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo de carácter analítico y comprensivo. Los colaboradores fueron 58 enfermeros que actuaban en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Resultados: Los resultados indican que las prácticas se desarrollan en un contexto de aumento de la autonomía profesional y del papel de la Enfermería. Aspectos como la proximidad y el vínculo con la comunidad, otros procedimientos y acciones que se ofrecen en las consultas, incluido el manejo clínico/terapéutico en casos de signos y síntomas de infección, son consistentes con una atención más amplia a las necesidades de salud y cuidado de las mujeres. Conclusión: El estudio destaca la importancia de protocolos para la actuación segura de las prácticas de los enfermeros de Atención Primaria, con el objetivo de la prevención y el tamizaje del cáncer de mama y de cuello uterino. Estos instrumentos deben ser de fácil acceso y constantemente actualizados para garantizar la estandarización recomendada por el Ministerio de Salud. (AU)

Effect of Intensive Nurse-Led Optimization of Heart Failure Medications in Patients With Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Prescribing of recommended medications for heart failure (HF) is suboptimal, leaving patients at a high risk of death or rehospitalization post discharge. Nurse-led titration (NLT) clinics are one strategy that could potentially improve the prescription of these medications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to determine the effect of NLT clinics on all-cause mortality, all-cause or HF rehospitalizations, and adverse effects in patients with HF. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials comparing NLT of ß-blocking agents, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and/or angiotensin receptor blockers to optimization by another health professional in patients with HF. We used the fixed-effects Mantel-Haenszel method or meta-analyses. We assessed heterogeneity between studies using χ 2 and I2 . RESULTS: Eight studies with 2025 participants were included. Participants in the NLT group experienced a lower rate of all-cause rehospitalizations (relative risk, 0.76, 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.85; moderate quality of evidence) and less HF-related rehospitalizations (relative risk, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.66; high quality of evidence) compared with the usual care group. All-cause mortality was lower in the NLT group (relative risk, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.92; moderate quality of evidence) compared with the usual care group. Authors of one study reported no adverse events, and another study found one adverse event. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that NLT clinics may improve optimization of guideline-recommended medications with the potential to reduce rehospitalization and improve survival in a cohort of patients known for their poor outcomes.