The empathy project: Staff confidence and training needs in psychosocial patient care.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation Therapists (RT) must balance highly technical procedures and psychosocial patient care during their daily work practices. While RTs are in a unique position to form rapport with patients and provide support and information, many RTs lack confidence in the psychosocial care of patients, and struggle to identify and address emotional cues. This study aimed to assess the confidence, competence, and training needs of RTs regarding psychosocial patient care. METHODS: All RTs at the Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Deparmtents were invited to participate in an electronic survey in May 2021, and May 2023 via email. The survey was distributed using SurveyMonkey and utilised a series of Likert-scale and open-ended questions. RESULTS: Staff reported high confidence in addressing technical treatment issues (98 % of respondents) and communicating with anxious (78 %) and distressed (78 %) patients. However, lower confidence was indicated with managing patient conflict (58 %) and communicating with patients who were depressed (53 %) or suffering mental health conditions (74 %). Staff were concerned about saying the wrong thing and experienced stress when they couldn't adequately communicate with patients requiring psychosocial support. The most significant barriers to providing adequate psychosocial care included time, staff numbers, and workload. Staff requested training in emotional cues, communication, anxiety and depression, and understanding psychosocial and mental health conditions. CONCLUSION: While staff perceptions and motivations of psychosocial care were overwhelmingly positive, further training is required to improve patient psychosocial care. Future steps include implementing psychosocial training resources in the departments, and reassessing staff confidence post training.

Access, Relationships, Quality and Safety (ARQS): a qualitative study to cocreate an Indigenous patient experience tool for virtual primary care.

BACKGROUND: Perspectives from Indigenous peoples and their primary care providers about the quality and impacts of virtual primary care for Indigenous patients are currently limited. This study engaged Indigenous patients and their primary care providers, resulting in four domains being established for an Indigenous patient experience tool for use in virtual primary care. In this paper, we explore the development and finalisation of the Access, Relationships, Quality and Safety (ARQS) tool. METHODS: We re-engaged five Indigenous patient participants who had been involved in the semistructured interviews that established the ARQS tool domains. Through cognitive interviews, we tested the tool statements, leading to modifications. To finalise the tool statements, an Indigenous advisory group was consulted. RESULTS: The ARQS tool statements were revised and finalised with twelve statements that reflect the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous patients. DISCUSSION: The ARQS tool statements assess the four domains that reflect high-quality virtual care for Indigenous patients. By centring Indigenous peoples and their lived experience with primary care at every stage in the tool's development, it captures Indigenous-centred understandings of high-quality virtual primary care and has validity for use in virtual primary care settings. CONCLUSION: The ARQS tool offers a promising way for Indigenous patients to provide feedback and for clinics to measure the quality and safety of virtual primary care practice on the provider and/or clinic level. This is important, as such feedback may help to promote improvements in virtual primary care delivery for Indigenous patients and more widely, may help advance Indigenous health equity.

Enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease research: the consortium for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease researchers' journey.

In response to the social inequities that exist in health care, the NIH-funded Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR) recently formed a diversity committee to examine systemic racism and implicit bias in the care and research of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs). Herein, we describe our process, highlighting milestones and issues addressed since the committee's inception, which we hope will inspire other researchers to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in their fields. Our journey began by establishing mission and vision statements to define the purpose of the committee. Regular discussion of diversity-related topics was incorporated into existing meetings and web-based materials were shared. This was followed by educational initiatives, including establishing a library of relevant publications and a speaker series to address DEIA topics. We then established a research agenda focused on the following actionable items: (1) to define what is known about the demographics of EGIDs by systematic review of population-based studies; (2) to develop a practical tool for reporting participant demographics to reduce bias in EGID literature; (3) to examine health disparities in the care of individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis who present to the emergency department with an esophageal food impaction; (4) to examine how access to a gastroenterologist affects the conclusions of published research examining the prevalence of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis; and (5) to develop a model for examining the dimensions of diversity, and provide a framework for CEGIR's ongoing projects and data capture. In addition to promoting consciousness of DEIA, this initiative has fostered inclusivity among CEGIR members and will continue to inspire positive changes in EGID care and research.

Diversity in Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Research To address systemic bias in patient care and research in eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR) recently formed a diversity committee. The CEGIR diversity committee has defined its purpose through mission and vision statements and developed structured educational and research initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA) in all CEGIR activities. Here, we share the process of formation of our diversity committee, highlighting milestones achieved and summarizing future directions. We hope that this report will serve as a guide and an inspiration for other researchers to enhance DEIA in their fields.

'Just because something works doesn't mean it can't be improved': an ethnographic analysis of the health system in Black Panther's Wakanda.

The emergence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has introduced significant global challenges for healthcare systems, healthcare professionals and patients. This current climate creates an opportunity to learn from equitable health systems and move toward making fundamental changes to healthcare systems. Our ethnographic analysis of Wakanda's healthcare system in Black Panther, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offers opportunities for system-level transformation across healthcare settings. We propose four healthcare system themes within the context of Wakandan identity: (1) technology as an instrument (blending bodies and technology, blending technology with tradition); (2) reimagining medication; (3) warfare and rehabilitation; and (4) preventative approaches to health (prioritising collective health, deprofessionalisation of healthcare services). The preceding themes represent core elements of Wakandan health systems that allow the people of Wakanda to thrive. Wakandans retain a strong identity and cultural traditions while embracing modern technologies. We found that effective upstream approaches to health for all are embedded in anti-colonial philosophies. Wakandans embrace innovation, embedding biomedical engineering and continuous improvement into care settings. For global health systems under strain, Wakanda's health system identifies equitable possibilities for system change, reminding us that culturally relevant prevention strategies can both decrease pressure on health services and allow all people to thrive.

"He Sees his Autism as a Strength, Not a Deficit Now": A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study Investigating the Impact of Strengths-Based Programs on Autistic Adolescents.

Recent studies have reported that strengths-based programs, leveraging autistic adolescents' abilities and interests, could improve their skills and facilitate social engagement. However, little is known about the long-term impact of strengths-based approaches. This study aimed to explore the long-term outcomes of community strengths-based programs designed to support autistic adolescents in developing interests and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and the factors influencing their participation in these programs. A repeated cross-sectional survey study over three years recruited 52 parents in 2018, 52 parents in 2019, and 38 parents in 2020. Results highlighted the positive impact of these programs on autistic adolescents' health and well-being, social relationships and interactions, self-confidence and self-esteem, sense of belonging, and activities and participation. Five key elements influencing participation included the enthusiasm of the participants, their self-perception, the approach of the programs, the learning environment, and the attitudes of the mentors. This study implies that strengths-based approaches to intervention and support for autistic adolescents in a supported environment are a social model solution that could potentially have positive participant outcomes. Findings from this study could provide a framework underpinning future strengths-based interventions.

The Well-being and Support Needs of Australian Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children.

Caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs are known to experience challenges and hardship due to the increased needs of the child and the lack of support available. This study aimed to explore the support needs and well-being of caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs in Australia. Sixty-six caregivers participated in an online survey asking questions about support needs. The results highlighted five main themes that caregivers commonly experienced including: barriers to community engagement, impact on close relationships, negative impact on mental health and identity, financial hardship, and identified support needs. Findings identified multiple unmet needs existing amongst caregivers and further emphasises the importance of addressing these needs to improve the quality of life of caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs.

Preventing suicide in post-secondary students: a scoping review of suicide prevention programs.

Suicide among students enrolled in post-secondary education, including university or college, is a major public health concern. Previous research has examined the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs for this population. However, the effective elements of these interventions remain unknown. This study reviewed the literature on suicide prevention programs for post-secondary students, exploring and identifying those elements likely contributing to their effectiveness. A scoping review process was undertaken exploring suicide prevention programs for post-secondary students. Methodological quality of the articles was assessed, and content analysis was used to explore the programs and their effective elements. Twenty seven articles were included in this review, covering a variety of approaches. Gatekeeper training programs were the most common type of suicide prevention program. Programs for post-secondary students may be effective in improving student rates of engagement with mental health services and were associated with greater knowledge, and help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, and gatekeeper-related outcomes. While evidence was found supporting the effectiveness of some interventions such as gatekeeper programs to influence suicide-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, further and more rigorous research surrounding suicide prevention programs for post-secondary students is required, with a particular emphasis on student outcomes.

Aggregation of cryopreserved mid-hindgut endoderm for more reliable and reproducible hPSC-derived small intestinal organoid generation.

A major technical limitation hindering the widespread adoption of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived gastrointestinal (GI) organoid technologies is the need for de novo hPSC differentiation and dependence on spontaneous morphogenesis to produce detached spheroids. Here, we report a method for simple, reproducible, and scalable production of small intestinal organoids (HIOs) based on the aggregation of cryopreservable hPSC-derived mid-hindgut endoderm (MHE) monolayers. MHE aggregation eliminates variability in spontaneous spheroid production and generates HIOs that are comparable to those arising spontaneously. With a minor modification to the protocol, MHE can be cryopreserved, thawed, and aggregated, facilitating HIO production without de novo hPSC differentiation. Finally, aggregation can also be used to generate antral stomach organoids and colonic organoids. This improved method removes significant barriers to the implementation and successful use of hPSC-derived GI organoid technologies and provides a framework for improved dissemination and increased scalability of GI organoid production.

Depression in the African American Christian Community: Examining Denominational and Gender Differences.

Depression among African American adults can diminish their daily functioning and quality of life. African American communities commonly uses religion and spirituality (R/S) to cope with life stressors; however, it is unclear whether R/S contribute to mental health risk or resilience. Since men and women differ in their R/S participation and Christian denominations have varying gender roles and expectations, it is critical to determine if they experience similar mental health effects. This study examines whether self-reported denominational affiliation predicts dissimilar odds of reporting elevated depressive symptoms among African American young adults and if these effects are different for women and men, using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Results indicate that the odds of having elevated depressive symptoms are three times higher for Catholic women compared to Baptist women, but no denominational differences were found among men. This study highlights how unique denominational and gender subcultures within African American Christian communities may predict depression outcomes. Healthcare professionals and church-based outreach programs should consider the role of denomination and gender when designing and participating in efforts to support mental health equity.

The "Talk-to-Me" MOOC intervention for suicide prevention and mental health education among tertiary students: Protocol of a multi-site cross-over randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health problems are common among tertiary education students, with concerning levels of suicide ideation frequently observed in this population. There is a need for evidence-based mental health education and suicide prevention programs designed to meet the specific needs of these students. The "Talk-to-Me" Mass Open Online Course (MOOC) is a strengths-based mental health education program underpinned by a six-phase model for managing a suicidal crisis. METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy of the "Talk-to-Me" MOOC in improving student knowledge of appropriate responses to suicide crisis via a randomised control trial (RCT) comparing tertiary education health science and education students attending the program to a waitlist control group. Overall, 170 will be screened and randomly allocated to either the "Talk-to-Me" MOOC or a waitlist control group, with data collection occurring at three-time points (baseline, 10-weeks and 24-weeks from baseline) over one year. The primary outcome will be participants' knowledge and responses to suicidal statements as measured by the Suicide Intervention Response Inventory. Secondary outcomes will be knowledge of mental health and coping skills as well as the overall utility of the program. CONCLUSIONS: This pragmatic RCT will demonstrate the efficacy of the "Talk-to-Me" MOOC in improving the students' ability to respond to suicidal and mental health concerns compared to the waitlist group. This design will enable rigorous evaluation of the "Talk-to-Me" MOOC, contributing to a greater understanding of the online-delivered safe-paced suicide prevention programs for tertiary students. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): #12619000630112.

A Qualitative Exploration of Challenges Experienced by Online MSN Nurse Educator Students.

ABSTRACT: Institutions of higher learning offer flexible online master of science in nursing education (MSN NE) programs to increase the number of available nursing faculty. Such programs are a viable option to degree completion; however, online programs create challenges that impact student success. This qualitative pilot study describes challenges experienced by seven enrolled or recently graduated MSN NE students. Technology, scheduling, group behaviors, faculty, curricula, and personal barriers emerged as themes. The results underscore the need to create an effective community of inquiry that fosters an environment online to promote student success.

Process evaluation of an autism-specific workplace tool for employers.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies exist exploring employers' capacity in hiring and supporting employees on the autism spectrum, and even fewer have considered interventions targeting employers' skills and knowledge in enhancing employment opportunities. In response to this need, the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IESTTM) was developed and its effectiveness established in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Furthermore, a process evaluation was conducted to determine the usability and implementation of the IESTTM. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The process evaluation was conducted to determine employers' perceived usability, implementation, and perceived barriers and facilitators in using the IESTTM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Employers (N = 29) provided their feedback via an online questionnaire. Of these, 11 participants were interviewed, further exploring their experiences. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: While employers' frequency and usage of the IESTTM varied across workplaces, it was predominantly used to increase employers' knowledge of autism and implement workplace strategies. A major barrier was the paper-based format of the intervention, with more than 60% of employers indicating the need for an online version. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The process evaluation was a critical step in understanding why the IESTTM was effective, and how it could be further optimized for prospective employers.

Student Perspectives: Discussion Boards as Learning Strategies in Online Accelerated Nursing Courses.

BACKGROUND: Discussion boards are frequently used as learning strategies in online nursing courses. Student perceptions of this strategy have not been fully explored. This study aimed to determine student perspectives and preferences of discussion boards as learning strategies in online accelerated nursing courses. METHOD: This mixed-method pilot study described RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) (n = 27) and Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator (MSN-NE) (n = 37) student perceptions and preferences for discussion boards as learning strategies. RESULTS: Students had an overall positive perception about using discussion boards as learning strategies. RN-to-BSN students preferred a discussion summary over faculty participation. MSN-NE students preferred faculty participation but also found a summary to be helpful. CONCLUSION: A well-designed discussion can enhance student engagement and contribute to successful online learning experiences. Faculty should use a combination of real-time feedback through active participation and provide a discussion summary. Deciding how faculty should engage may depend on the complexity of course content being explored. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(7):419-421.].

Enhancing the Relevance and Use of Information Literacy in Future Nurse Educators.

ABSTRACT: Nurse educators require information literacy (IL) to use evidence-based practices to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate education; to participate in research and scholarship of teaching and learning; and to disseminate new practices and evidence to the nursing education community. A needs assessment of students and faculty revealed knowledge deficits with IL for master of science in nursing-nurse educator students. A multidisciplinary team, guided by relevant theories, created an online applied learning and reflective tutorial to address the identified needs. Evaluation of students' participation indicated the tutorial served as an engaging resource and provided foundational knowledge of IL skills.

Improving Human Health in China Through Alternative Energy.

In this study, we estimate the health benefits of more stringent alternative energy goals and the costs of reducing coal-fired power plant pollution in China projected in 2030. One of our two overarching alternative energy goals was to estimate the health benefits of complete elimination of coal energy, supplemented by natural gas and renewables. The second was a policy scenario similar to the U.S. 2013 Climate Action Plan (CAP), which played a pivotal role leading up to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. We used the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model created by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis for our model simulations. We found that 17,137-24,220 premature deaths can be avoided if coal energy is completely replaced by alternative energy, and 8,693-9,281 premature deaths can be avoided if coal energy is replaced by alternatives in a CAP-like scenario. A CAP-like scenario using emission-controls in coal plants costs $11-18 per person. Reducing coal energy in China under a CAP-like scenario would free up $9.4 billion in the annual energy budget to spend on alternatives, whereas eliminating the cost of coal energy frees up $32 billion. This study's estimates show that more stringent alternative energy targets in China are worth the investment in terms of health.

Outbreak of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections associated with a cardiology clinic, West Virginia, 2012-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To stop transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in association with myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) at a cardiology clinic. DESIGN: Outbreak investigation and quasispecies analysis of HCV hypervariable region 1 genome. SETTING: Outpatient cardiology clinic. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing MPI. METHODS: Case patients met definitions for HBV or HCV infection. Cases were identified through surveillance registry cross-matching against clinic records and serological screening. Observations of clinic practices were performed. RESULTS: During 2012-2014, 7 cases of HCV and 4 cases of HBV occurred in 4 distinct clusters among patients at a cardiology clinic. Among 3 case patients with HCV infection who had MPI on June 25, 2014, 2 had 98.48% genetic identity of HCV RNA. Among 4 case patients with HCV infection who had MPI on March 13, 2014, 3 had 96.96%-99.24% molecular identity of HCV RNA. Also, 2 clusters of 2 patients each with HBV infection had MPI on March 7, 2012, and December 4, 2014. Clinic staff reused saline vials for >1 patient. No infection control breaches were identified at the compounding pharmacy that supplied the clinic. Patients seen in clinic through March 27, 2015, were encouraged to seek testing for HBV, HCV, and human immunodeficiency virus. The clinic switched to all single-dose medications and single-use intravenous flushes on March 27, 2015, and no further cases were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This prolonged healthcare-associated outbreak of HBV and HCV was most likely related to breaches in injection safety. Providers should follow injection safety guidelines in all practice settings.

Advice for aspiring nurse leaders.

ABSTRACT: Advice from current nurse leaders can offer valuable insight for aspiring leaders. This article discusses how the collective wisdom of practicing nurse leaders can assist new leaders as they transition into the role.

Denominational and Gender Differences in Hypertension Among African American Christian Young Adults.

Hypertension, a major cardiovascular disease risk factor, is disproportionately prevalent among African American young adults. Religion and spirituality (R/S) have been studied for their potential effect on blood pressure (BP) outcomes. Despite their disproportionate hypertension risk and high levels of R/S engagement, limited research explores BP differences among religious African Americans. This study investigates whether denominational affiliation predicts within-group differences in odds of having hypertension among African American Christian young adults. Data from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were used to examine hypertension differences between 1932 African American young adults based on self-reported religious denomination. Gender-separated logistic regressions included religious service attendance and coping measures, as well as personal characteristics and health behaviors to adjust for potential effects on BP. The odds of having hypertension were higher for Pentecostal women compared to Baptist and Catholic women. Hypertension odds for women who reported attending services more than once weekly were lower than those who never attended church. For women, frequent use of religious coping predicted higher odds of having hypertension than seldom or never using religious coping. R/S variables did not predict significant differences among men. The health benefits of R/S do not appear to be consistent within African American Christian young adults. Religion may be viewed as a source of BP risk and resilience, especially among African American young women.

Motivations, Barriers, and Outcomes of Patient-Reported Shared Decision Making in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about patient choice in treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). AIM: Determine motivators and barriers to using common EoE therapies and describe patient-reported shared decision making (SDM) and satisfaction with treatment. METHODS: We developed and administered a Web-based survey on factors influencing EoE treatment choice, SDM, and satisfaction. Adults with EoE and adult caregivers of pediatric EoE patients were recruited via patient advocacy groups and at two centers. Descriptive statistics of multiple response questions and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of SDM and satisfaction with treatment. RESULTS: A total of 243 adults (mean age 38.7 years) and 270 adult caregivers of children (mean age 9.5 years) completed the survey. Preventing worsening disease was the most common motivator to treat EoE. Barriers to topical steroids were potential side effects, cost, and preferring a medication-free approach. Inconvenience and quality of life were barriers to diet. Potential adverse events, discomfort, and cost were barriers to dilation. Nearly half (42%) of patients experienced low SDM, but those followed by gastroenterologists were more likely to experience greater SDM compared to non-specialists (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.03-3.15). Patients receiving more SDM were more satisfied with treatment, regardless of provider or treatment type (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.76-3.92). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EoE pursue treatment mostly to prevent worsening disease. Common barriers to treatment are inconvenience and financial costs. SDM is practiced most by gastroenterologists, but nearly half of patients do not experience SDM, indicating a substantial area of need in EoE.

Nursing Leadership Role Development: Preparing to Lead Through Ethical Conundrums.

New nurse leaders may lack the foresight to understand ethical dilemmas encountered in their leadership practice. Two sets of ethical dilemmas faced by nurse leaders were identified as part of a leadership class: patient care and work environment, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional development opportunities for new and evolving leaders should include robust opportunities to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(1):8-10.].