Effect of COVID-19 on Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors: A Rapid Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to describe how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown affected the self-care behaviors of people living with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic rapid review was conducted using four electronic databases. Studies reporting on the lockdown's impact on at least one of the self-care behaviors that were published from January 2020 through October 2021 were included. Findings were synthesized narratively, using the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors as a framework. The methodological level of evidence and quality ratings of the articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Checklist. Results: Fifteen articles were included. Most studies reported on at least five of the self-care behaviors. There were reported increases in diabetes-related stress, as well as in increases in dietary intake and changes in the timing of meals. Physical activity was reported to decrease. Overall, taking medications and glycemic self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) were unaffected by the lockdown. Of the studies reporting glycemic outcomes, the lockdown appeared to have little negative effect. None of the articles assessed all the self-care behaviors. The self-care behavior of SMBG was the least assessed. Most articles had a medium level of evidence and a medium to high quality rating (scores >60%). Conclusion: The findings from this review found the COVID-19 lockdown had a variable impact on diabetes self-care behaviors. Because the potential for future COVID-19 surges and/or other virulent transmissible diseases remains a concern, health care providers should continue to address the importance of self-care behaviors to mitigate the risk of poor health outcomes in people with diabetes.

Efficacy of yoga for caregivers of persons with dementia: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: The progressive nature of dementia leaves the person vulnerable and dependent on others for care. While persons with dementia often have better outcomes when cared for at home, it can lead to personal challenges and self-neglect of the caregiver. Mindfulness-based interventions such as yoga can lessen the potential negative effects encountered by caregivers of persons with dementia. AIM: The aim of this review was to synthesise available empirical research related to the role of yoga on the biopsychosocial health outcomes for caregivers of persons with dementia population. METHOD: A systematic search of the databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, Medline and PsychINFO was done using the terms "yoga" AND "caregivers or family members or informal caregivers" AND "dementia or Alzheimer's." Using the selection process outlined by the PRISMA framework, thirty-six studies met the initial criteria and were potentially relevant to the topic. A methodological check was performed using the critical appraisal tool of Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt and the GRADE system of recommendation. This process led to the inclusion of four articles. FINDINGS: Four studies were included for this review: two randomised controlled trials, a non-randomised intervention study with a waitlist and a pilot cohort study. Three studies focused on informal caregivers and one study involved professional caregivers. In all studies, yoga practices included asanas, pranayama, relaxation and meditation. This integrative review recommended that yoga may be useful in reducing stress, depression and anxiety while increasing quality of life indicators, vitality indicators, self-compassion scores, mindfulness attention, sleep quality and diastolic blood pressure. Outcomes that were not significantly changed were caregiver burden, systolic blood pressure and heart rate. However, the level of evidence was moderate with small sample sizes suggesting additional research is needed to include well-designed randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes.

Effects of Yin Yoga on Burden and Self-Compassion in Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: A Pilot Study.

Informal caregivers of persons with dementia face tremendous challenges in balancing their own needs and those of the care recipient. The aim of the current pilot study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a Yin yoga intervention on caregiver burden and self-compassion. This study used a convenience sample (N = 5) with one group pre-survey/post-survey design. Participants were asked to complete a 60-minute Yin yoga intervention via Zoom three times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were performed on caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview Scale) and self-compassion (Neff Self-Compassion Scale). Results indicated that the intervention was feasible and acceptable with slight modifications, including (a) leveraging social networks to increase the scope of recruitment efforts nationally and increase the size and diversity of the sample, (b) adding an activity log to better understand adherence, and (c) offering more live yoga sessions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(6), 22-27.].

Psychosocial Response to New-Onset Diabetes as a Long-Term Effect of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Currently, little information is available to guide health care practitioners on how to facilitate positive outcomes in individuals who develop new-onset diabetes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo HSCT) for treatment of hematological cancers. Results from this constructivist grounded theory study provide a theoretical framework explaining the psychosocial process of change that middle-age and older adults experience when developing new-onset diabetes in this context. Two predominant factors influenced this change: treatment burden and perception of diabetes. Key findings were that participants with ongoing complications, primarily graft-versus-host disease, experienced a high degree of treatment-related burden and unclear perceptions of diabetes when compared with those with no or few post-allo-HSCT complications. These factors limited their capacity to positively respond to and self-manage their condition. Implications for practice are to thoroughly consider these two factors when developing patient-centered interventions for middle-age and older adults with new-onset diabetes after allo HSCT.

Physical function and physical activity assessment and promotion in the hemodialysis clinic: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Despite practice guidelines (KDOQI [Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative]) recommending regular assessment of physical function and encouragement of physical activity, few clinics in the United States objectively assess physical function/physical activity or provide recommendations for physical activity in their patient care. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative methods were used to develop an understanding of practice patterns related to physical function assessment and physical activity encouragement by dialysis staff. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected in one outpatient university-based hemodialysis clinic. 15 patient care staff were interviewed and 6 patients were observed. METHODOLOGY: Semistructured interviews of patient care staff were conducted, along with nonparticipant observations of the clinic environment and operations and review of archival materials. ANALYTIC APPROACH: Coding of the interviews was descriptive, followed by interpretive coding by the research team. On-site field notes were transcribed for analysis. RESULTS: There was universal unawareness of the KDOQI guideline related to physical function/physical activity; however, all staff thought their patients would benefit from physical activity. There were no objective assessments of physical function and no resources or training to facilitate physical activity encouragement. Staff described deteriorating physical function in their patients, which was frustrating and disappointing. Barriers to physical activity included clinical/disease factors, staff "overaccommodation," and a system of dialysis care that facilitates sedentary behavior and does not require or incentivize clinics to promote physical activity. The patient care technicians were interested and thought that they had time to promote physical activity, but thought that they were unprepared to do so, indicating a need for education and training and a need to develop protocols to address the issue as routine practice. LIMITATIONS: This was a single university-based center; however, because hemodialysis procedures are prescribed by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulations, it is likely that practice in this clinic is representative of nationwide practice. CONCLUSIONS: Development of strategies to implement practice change that addresses low physical function and physical activity is warranted.

Hyperglycemia and Cancer: A State-of-the-Science Review.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Hyperglycemia can increase the risk for adverse events and outcomes in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. The purposes of this state-of-the-science review were to explore the complexity of hyperglycemia in patients with cancer and to analyze physiologic mechanisms and outcomes in individuals with or at risk for cancer. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed® and the Cochrane Library databases were searched, and 95 articles were included. Findings were evaluated for their methods and analyses. Studies assessed as methodologically flawed were not included. DATA EVALUATION: The synthesis of the articles provided the evidence for describing normal and glycemic pathways. Hyperglycemia in patients with cancer was explored through chronic inflammatory mechanisms that lead to increased risks for adverse events and outcomes. SYNTHESIS: This article discusses normal glucose regulation and hyperglycemic pathways, hyperglycemia in patients with cancer, hyperglycemia and cancer-related inflammation, and outcomes (e.g., infections, mortality, symptoms). IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Understanding the contributors to and consequences of hyperglycemia can guide the development of screening tools to predict which individuals are at the greatest risk for hyperglycemic episodes prior to starting cancer therapies. Research can lead to glycemic guidelines specific to patients with cancer for better outcomes.

Controlling Malglycemia in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Cancer.

Patients with or without preexisting diabetes undergoing treatment for cancer may be at risk for malglycemic events. Malglycemia, particularly hyperglycemia and diabetes in patients with cancer, may lead to adverse outcomes. Prevention, prompt recognition, and early intervention to regulate malglycemia can optimize the effects of cancer treatment, minimize the harmful consequences, and improve quality of life for patients with cancer. The development of evidence-based standards of care and protocols are needed to guide clinical practice when caring for patients with cancer.

Guided imagery for pain control.

Evidence-based practice is integral to the delivery of effective and efficient nursing care. However, translating evidence into practice remains a challenge in health care. To overcome this challenge, the Oncology Nursing Society developed a program, the ONS Foundation Institute for Evidence-Based Practice Change, to provide nurses with the tools they need to translate evidence-based practice to their units. This article reviews the process of implementing the evidence-based practice of guided imagery for pain management on a medical oncology inpatient unit at a comprehensive cancer center.

The impact of hyperglycemia on hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes: an integrative review.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Many patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematologic malignancies experience hyperglycemic events during treatment, leading to adverse outcomes. Understanding how hyperglycemia during the acute HCT treatment phase impacts outcomes is vital for preventing and mitigating adverse events. This integrative review evaluates the impact of hyperglycemia on adult patients undergoing HCT. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed, MEDLINE®, and CINAHL® electronic databases were used to identify relevant articles.Data Evaluation: The final sample for this integrative review included 12 empirical quantitative reports of clinical patient outcomes. Of the 12, 10 are retrospective, 1 is case-control, and 1 is prospective. DATA ANALYSIS: Content analysis was used to synthesize and summarize findings.Presentation of Findings: A review of published literature found associations between hyperglycemia and infection, time to engraftment, development of acute graft-versus-host disease, length of stay, and overall survival. Patient-related risk factors for hyperglycemia included older age, preexisting diabetes, and insulin resistance (i.e., prediabetes). Patients of normal weight experiencing hyperglycemia had worse outcomes than patients who were overweight or obese. Treatment-related risk factors for hyperglycemia include dose and duration of immunosuppressants, specifically corticosteroids, treatment with antihyperglycemic medications, and use of total parenteral nutrition. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: HCT is one of the most complex treatments for hematologic disorders. The transplantation nurse, as part of an interdisciplinary team, plays an essential role in glycemic control during the acute phase of HCT. Understanding the effects of hyperglycemia, as well as factors that place the patient at risk for hyperglycemia, allows the nurse to make well-informed, proactive interventions aimed at glycemic control.

Hyperglycemic-inducing neoadjuvant agents used in treatment of solid tumors: a review of the literature.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the literature regarding the development of hyperglycemia associated with neoadjuvant agents used in the treatment of solid tumor cancers. DATA SOURCES: Research articles were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL®, and Cochrane Reviews. The following search terms were used alone and in combination: diabetes, glycemic control, chemotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, interferon-alpha, immunosuppressants, cancer, neoplasms, and hyperglycemia. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-two studies were identified reporting the development of hyperglycemic events in patients who received a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest patients are at risk for the development of hyperglycemia from certain chemotherapeutic agents. Docetaxel, everolimus, and temsirolimus alone or in combination with other agents can promote hyperglycemia. Androgen-deprivation therapy commonly used in prostate cancer, increases the risk for the development of hyperglycemia and diabetes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses play an important role in the identification and treatment of hyperglycemia in patients receiving chemotherapy. Future research is needed that focuses on the association between glycemic control and adverse outcomes in patients with a solid tumor cancer who are at risk for treatment-induced hyperglycemia.

Awaiting diagnosis of breast cancer: strategies of enduring for preserving self.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explicate the emotional experiences of women undergoing breast cancer diagnosis who are waiting for the results of breast biopsy. RESEARCH APPROACH: Glaserian Grounded Theory. SETTING: Urban area in western Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 37 women aged 32-76 years. The breast cancer diagnosis was positive for 11 women, negative for 24 women, and two results were unclear. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Unstructured, recorded telephone interviews. FINDINGS: Undergoing breast cancer diagnosis is a profoundly distressing experience dictated by diagnostic processes and procedures. Women rapidly transitioned from wellness to frightening phases of facing cancer to continuing terror during the testing phase. While waiting to hear results, women controlled their emotions, which enabled them to get through the experience and highlighted the protective function of enduring and its necessity for survival. The basic social psychological process, preserving self, is the outcome of enduring. CONCLUSIONS: A mid-range theory, Awaiting Diagnosis: Enduring for Preserving Self, was developed. This theory explicates the emotional responses of women who were undergoing diagnosis for breast cancer and provides a theoretical behavioral basis for responding to cues and signals of suffering. INTERPRETATION: The Praxis Theory of Suffering enables nurses to recognize and respond according to the behaviors of suffering, and to endure with healthy, adaptive, and normalizing behaviors that enable preserving self.

Care of the body after death.

Care of the body after death is an important nursing function that occurs in a wide variety of contexts. After a patient dies, nursing care continues as physical care of the body as well as care of the family members. In this descriptive, qualitative study, the authors explored nurse perceptions of what it means to care for the body after death. Narratives describing this care were collected and analyzed. The descriptions were coded and two overarching themes emerged: giving respectful and dignified after-death care (ADC) that is sensitive to the needs of the family and ADC providing nurses with a mechanism for coping with care of dying patients. To ensure patient and family ADC needs are not superseded by nurses' own coping needs, comprehensive patient and family-centered ADC planning is recommend. Grief resolution opportunities, end-of-life education, and mentoring should be available to support nurses with post-death experiences.