Using the Outcome and Assessment Information Set to Measure Patient Health Status in Research: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To review, evaluate, and synthesize existing literature on how health status changes were measured using the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS). DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Studies were included if they examined the health status of adult patients at 2 or more time points using OASIS, which is a comprehensive assessment tool mandated for home health (HH) patients. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1587 citations, resulting in 27 eligible studies published between 2005 and 2022. All included studies were retrospective cohort studies, with overall quality ranging from good to fair. These studies primarily targeted patients with heart failure, with sample sizes between 40 and 6,637,497 and mean ages of 61.2 to 82.4 years. OASIS version C was the most used version, comparing health status at admission and discharge. Patient health status outcomes encompassed functional (n = 24), physiological (n = 6), emotional/behavioral (n = 4), and cognitive (n = 2) outcomes. Various techniques were employed for scale standardization, compositing individual scores, measuring changes, and reporting outcomes. The predominant methods for assessing change included the corrected Likert scale for standardization, composite change scores for change calculation, and continuous outcomes for reporting. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Researchers have used OASIS to assess patient health status changes in functional, physiological, emotional/behavioral, and cognitive outcomes during the HH episode. Variations in OASIS items and assessment methods across studies have been observed. Our findings underscore the need to standardize item application in research, enabling researchers to synthesize evidence effectively and enhance understanding of patient recovery and HH services. For policymakers and health care providers, these insights could inform resource allocation, care planning, and tailored interventions, ultimately improving health care quality and efficiency.

Determining the Innovativeness of Nurses Who Engage in Activities That Encourage Innovative Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: We sought to understand the innovativeness of nurses engaging in innovative behaviors and quantify the associated characteristics that make nurses more able to innovate in practice. We first compared the innovativeness scores of our population; then we examined those who self-identified as an innovator versus those who did not to explore differences associated with innovativeness between these groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study of nurses in the US engaging in innovative behaviors was performed. We performed an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the correlates of innovative behavior. RESULTS: Three-hundred and twenty-nine respondents completed the survey. Respondents who viewed themselves as innovators had greater exposure to HCD/DT workshops in the past year (55.8% vs. 36.6%, p = 0.02). The mean innovativeness score of our sample was 120.3 ± 11.2 out of a score of 140. The mean innovativeness score was higher for those who self-identified as an innovator compared with those who did not (121.3 ± 10.2 vs. 112.9 ± 14.8, p =< 0.001). The EFA created four factor groups: Factor 1 (risk aversion), Factor 2 (willingness to try new things), Factor 3 (creativity and originality) and Factor 4 (being challenged). CONCLUSION: Nurses who view themselves as innovators have higher innovativeness scores compared with those who do not. Multiple individual and organizational characteristics are associated with the innovativeness of nurses.

Does cognitive impairment moderate the relationship between social isolation and anxiety? A 5-year longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of community residing older adults.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is common in older adults and social isolation is one of the leading factors associated with their anxiety. However, what is unknown is how the relationship between social isolation and anxiety differs by cognitive status. Therefore, this study was conducted to (1) compare the level of social isolation and anxiety in older adults who developed probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to those who maintained normal cognitive function over 5 years; and (2) determine if cognitive impairment moderates the relationship between changes in social isolation and changes in anxiety over 5 years. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP): Wave 2 (2010-2011) and Wave 3 (2015-2016). The participants were categorized into three groups: Participants who developed probable dementia over 5 years (4.3%), developed probable MCI (19.1%), or maintained normal cognitive function (76.6%). Weighted linear regression analyses with a group interaction were used to examine the moderating effect of cognitive impairment on the relationship between changes in social isolation and anxiety. RESULTS: At the 5-year follow up, there were statistically significant differences in social isolation between the three groups (p = 0.043). Regression analyses showed that increased social isolation over time was related to increased anxiety over 5 years regardless of cognitive status after controlling for covariates (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between social isolation and anxiety was a universal phenomenon regardless of cognitive status. Tailored interventions targeting both people with or without cognitive impairment are needed to lessen social isolation and anxiety.

Hospitalizations, Emergency Department Visits, and Home Health Use Among Older Adults With Sensory Loss.

Objectives: This study examines healthcare resource use (hospitalizations, emergency department [ED] visits, and home health episodes) among adults 65 and older diagnosed with hearing, vision, or dual sensory loss (SL) seen in the primary care setting of an academic health system. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between SL (identified using ICD-10 codes) and healthcare resource use for 45,000 primary care patients. Results: The sample included 5.5% (N = 2479) with hearing loss, 10.4% (N = 4697) with vision loss, and 1.0% with dual SL (N = 469). Hearing loss increased the likelihood of having an ED visit (OR = 1.22, CI: 1.07-1.39), and home health services (OR = 1.27, CI: 1.07-1.51) compared to older adults without any SL. Vision loss reduced the likelihood of having a hospitalization (OR = .81, CI: .73-.91). Discussion: Findings support research into the drivers of healthcare use among older adults with sensory loss.

Nurse, Provider, and Emergency Department Technician: Perceptions and Experiences of Violence and Aggression in the Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION: Patient/visitor violence and aggression (V&A) in the emergency department occurs daily. Few interventions exist to decrease V&A. Research describing prevalence, severity, and perceived safety among ED clinicians is limited. METHODS: A descriptive survey explored V&A against ED clinicians in one urban emergency department. A sample of nurses, ED technicians, physicians and advanced practice providers participated. Participants completed a demographic survey, Personal Workplace Safety Instrument for Emergency Nurses (PWSI-EN), and ENA V&A frequency checklist. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for unadjusted and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) for adjusted associations were used to assess differences in the PWSI-EN survey composite score and "feeling safe in the ED" among ED roles. ANCOVA was adjusted for potential confounders: sex, race, years working in emergency department, and shift worked. RESULTS: Sixty-five (46.4%) of the 140 ED clinicians returned surveys, which were almost evenly distributed between ED clinician roles and sex. Mean age was 37.2 (range: 21-64) years. All (100%) nurses and providers reported being verbally abused. More nurses reported physical violence (n = 21, 87.5%) than providers (n = 7, 36.8%) and ED technicians (n = 11, 55%). Nurses and ED technicians reported experiencing greater prevalence of physical violence than providers (P < .05). Nurses (mean 3.29, range 2.95 to 3.63) were more fearful for their personal safety than ED technicians (mean 3.88, range 3.48 to 4.28) (P < .03). DISCUSSION: V&A are common creating a fearful environment. However, little research regarding clinician perceptions exists. Our study aids in identifying areas for clinician-targeted strategies to prevent ED V&A.

A Pilot Mixed-Methods Study of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To describe symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare cancer associated with a poor prognosis and significant symptoms, via a pilot mixed-methods study, because it is unclear whether MPM symptom assessment tools accurately characterize these symptoms. SAMPLE & SETTING: Participants with MPM were recruited from a large northeastern U.S. academic medical center with an interprofessional MPM program. METHODS & VARIABLES: A mixed-methods pilot approach was employed using the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale for Mesothelioma (LCSS-Meso) to quantitatively describe MPM symptoms and semistructured interviews to qualitatively capture these symptoms. RESULTS: Seven participants with MPM completed the LCSS-Meso and qualitative interviews. The five symptoms evaluated by the LCSS-Meso were confirmed as symptoms of MPM in participant interviews. However, the presence and severity of some symptoms were either under- or overestimated by the scale. Two additional symptoms, distress and sleep disturbance, also emerged from the qualitative interviews. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses caring for people with MPM should have a thorough understanding of common symptoms, but they must also explore additional symptoms that are meaningful to each patient.

An integrative review of human-centered design and design thinking for the creation of health interventions.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, we have a healthcare system crisis with high rates of dissatisfaction among patients and providers. To transform health and healthcare, clinical providers must be proficient in the human-centered approach of design thinking (DT). OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the human-centered design (HCD) and DT literature for the creation of health interventions. METHODS: We performed an integrative literature review focused on how HCD and DT are used in the clinical healthcare setting. Four research databases were searched from inception through November 6, 2020. We analyzed the methodology used, who is using the frameworks, and the DT phases included. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles were included in the final analysis. Of the 24 manuscripts, 6 (25%) were nurse-led and 15 (63%) had interdisciplinary first and last authors (e.g., Nursing and Medicine). Overall, 10/24 (42%) included all DT method. When analyzing the articles by approach or methodology, 12 (50%) stated they were using the HCD approach, 5 (21%) the DT methodology, and 7 (29%) stated they were using both the HCD approach and DT methodology. CONCLUSION: There are inconsistencies in who uses DT and the phases used to create healthcare interventions.

The relationship between sensory loss and health literacy in older adults: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: As sensory loss may impact the ability to receive and apply health information, a relationship between sensory loss and health literacy may exist. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the relationship between hearing, vision and dual sensory loss and health literacy in older adults. METHODS: Studies examining the relationship between sensory loss and health literacy in older adult populations using a validated health literacy instrument were included. The search was conducted in the CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, AgeLine and REHABdata databases in May-June 2021. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. Findings revealed a positive association between hearing and vision loss and low health literacy. DISCUSSION: This review highlights a relationship between hearing and vision loss and low health literacy. The small number of studies and overall heterogeneity of study methods limits strength of this evidence. Individuals with sensory loss may benefit from additional clinician support in receiving and applying health information.

Geropsychiatric Nursing Leadership in Long-Term Care.

Geropsychiatric nursing (GPN) leaders in long-term care settings have a 25-year tradition of innovation that has strikingly improved mental health and quality of life for older adult residents. The impact of the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental health of older adult residents and today's evolving health care systems requires additional GPN leaders well-prepared to advocate, plan, and deliver care for this vulnerable population. In this article, the authors discuss GPN leadership in the context of its history, the role of professional organizations, and educational competencies. A leadership exemplar is provided as well as recommendations for clinical practice and research.

Patient Extrication Process for Urban Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVES: This project aimed to create and implement a safe and efficient role-based process to rapidly extricate traumatically injured persons transported to the emergency department via police transport or private vehicle. METHODS: A simulation exercise was conducted with an interdisciplinary team of ED personnel, Philadelphia Police Department, and University of Pennsylvania police officers to identify the necessary steps to rapidly extricate traumatically injured individuals. RESULTS: The simulation exercise identified several new processes needed to complete rapid extrications of traumatically injured individuals from private and police vehicles. These included a safe drop-off location, ED personnel role identification, proper personal protective equipment donning, 2 rapid extrication techniques, and a hard stop for weapon check by security before entering the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: Through simulation, the ED interdisciplinary team was able to develop a role-based safe and efficient rapid extrication process. Educating new ED personnel, security, and Pennsylvania police continues to facilitate ongoing safe rapid extrication practices in the emergency department.

The Intersections of Structural Racism and Ageism in the Time of COVID-19: A Call to Action for Gerontological Nursing Science.

The health consequences of systemic racism and ageism have received growing attention as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has illuminated long-standing inadequacies and injustices that are structurally engrained in our health systems. The current State of the Science Commentary addresses the intersecting influences of systemic racism and ageism, and other "-isms" that conspire to create disparate health outcomes for older adults from historically excluded and marginalized backgrounds. We focus specifically on the long-term care sector as a representative microcosm of structural inequities, while recognizing that these unjust barriers to health are widespread, endemic, and pervasive. We present a call to action for gerontological nursing science to engage deeply and robustly in these realities, and the ethical and scientific imperative they present to ensure that all older adults encounter just conditions for maximizing their health and well-being. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15(1), 6-13.].

International consensus-based policy recommendations to advance universal palliative care access from the American Academy of Nursing Expert Panels.

The purpose of this consensus paper was to convene leaders and scholars from eight Expert Panels of the American Academy of Nursing and provide recommendations to advance nursing's roles and responsibility to ensure universal access to palliative care. On behalf of the Academy, these evidence-based recommendations will guide nurses, policy makers, government representatives, professional associations, and interdisciplinary and community partners to integrate palliative nursing services across health and social care settings. Through improved palliative nursing education, nurse-led research, nurse engagement in policy making, enhanced intersectoral partnerships with nursing, and an increased profile and visibility of palliative care nurses worldwide, nurses can assume leading roles in delivering high-quality palliative care globally, particularly for minoritized, marginalized, and other at-risk populations. Part II herein provides a summary of international responses and policy options that have sought to enhance universal palliative care and palliative nursing access to date. Additionally, we provide ten policy, education, research, and clinical practice recommendations based on the rationale and background information found in Part I. The consensus paper's 43 authors represent eight countries (Australia, Canada, England, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, South Africa, United States of America) and extensive international health experience, thus providing a global context for the subject matter.

Systematic Debriefing for Critical Events Facilitates Team Dynamics, Education, and Process Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Debriefing is used in clinical settings to support interprofessional staff, improve processes, and identify educational needs. Nurses who lead debriefing sessions are empowered to improve processes. PROBLEM: Nurse leaders identified the need for debriefing outside the critical care areas due to the rising acuity levels. APPROACH: Two nurse leaders developed a debriefing initiative in one urban teaching hospital following rapid responses, codes, and stressful situations. Nurses developed a Debriefing Facilitation Guide to collect qualitative aspects of clinical emergencies to improve processes, education, and team dynamics. OUTCOMES: Following each debriefing session, we deductively purposively coded the qualitative data into 3 a priori themes: the American Heart Association's team dynamics, process improvement, and educational opportunities. We identified opportunities for improvement for these themes during our first 54 debriefing sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Following each debriefing session, the debriefing nurse leader intervened on all educational and process improvement opportunities identified and facilitated positive team dynamics.

American Academy of Nursing Expert Panel consensus statement on nursing's roles in ensuring universal palliative care access.

The purpose of this consensus paper was to convene leaders and scholars from eight Expert Panels of the American Academy of Nursing and provide recommendations to advance nursing's roles and responsibility to ensure universal access to palliative care. Part I of this consensus paper herein provides the rationale and background to support the policy, education, research, and clinical practice recommendations put forward in Part II. On behalf of the Academy, the evidence-based recommendations will guide nurses, policy makers, government representatives, professional associations, and interdisciplinary and community partners to integrate palliative nursing services across health and social care settings. The consensus paper's 43 authors represent eight countries (Australia, Canada, England, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, South Africa, United States of America) and extensive international health experience, thus providing a global context for the subject matter. The authors recommend greater investments in palliative nursing education and nurse-led research, nurse engagement in policy making, enhanced intersectoral partnerships with nursing, and an increased profile and visibility of palliative nurses worldwide. By enacting these recommendations, nurses working in all settings can assume leading roles in delivering high-quality palliative care globally, particularly for minoritized, marginalized, and other at-risk populations.

Teaching Evidence-Based Sepsis Care: A Sepsis Escape Room.

BACKGROUND: Using evidence-based sepsis guidelines, nurse educators identified the nursing skills required to recognize and treat sepsis. METHOD: Nurse educators created an innovative, interactive sepsis escape room to provide sepsis education. The escape room included a manikin, puzzles, distractors, riddles, and props. Participants were given 20 minutes to solve four puzzles/riddles to treat the sepsis patient and escape the room. RESULTS: All but two (N = 16) groups solved the clues and riddles to prioritize treatment in the allotted time. Evaluations were excellent. Mean score (1 = poor to 5 = outstanding) for overall escape room experience was 4.92. Adherence data improved on the Surviving Sepsis Campaign sepsis performance measure intervention bundles (SEP 1-3 care bundles) 2 months following the escape room. Bundles are a group of interventions that improve care. CONCLUSION: The escape room engaged nurses in educational gaming, stimulating critical thinking and problem solving contributing to improved clinical outcomes. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(5):217-225.].