A Nurse-Driven Plan to Diminish First-Case Operating Room Delays.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of a nurse-driven plan to describe factors associated with delays in the 1st case on time start within the operating room. METHODS: A posttest-only quasi-experiment was conducted to examine the effect of designating specific time periods for steps in the preoperative process on 1st case operating delays. Rationale for delays was also examined. Using an audit form, data on target time, time met, delay in minutes, and reasons for delay were collected by an observer. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent (n = 31) of patient/participants (N = 99) were late to the operating room. Controllable factors, such as caregivers being late, and uncontrollable factors, such as patients' needing to use the restroom just prior to surgery, were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study support the identification and examination of steps in the preoperative process to prevent delays by adjusting activities as needed. Identifying controllable and uncontrollable factors can help in preparing to prevent delays.

The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Nurses' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Actions to be Taken, Regarding Suicide.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an educational intervention on nurses' knowledge defined as understanding, beliefs, and actions to be taken, regarding nurse suicide. BACKGROUND: Between 2007 and 2018, nurses were 18% more likely to die by suicide than the general public. As a result, an assessment of nurses' knowledge regarding suicide has become an important issue for nursing administration. METHODS: A quasi-experiment (N = 225) was conducted. Variables of interest were assessed pre and post an educational intervention on 3 domains related to suicide. RESULTS: Significant and meaningful differences were found regarding 2 domains of interest in nurses' understanding related to nurse suicide, and actions to be taken, pre and post intervention. A significant change occurred regarding beliefs; however, the difference was small and therefore not meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: Finding demonstrate that educational interventions focused on issues related to suicide can enhance nurses' knowledge of the challenges implicit when one considers taking one's own life.

Developing the Baptist Health Injury Risk Assessment Phase 1: Exploring Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore risk factors for developing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) among critically ill adult inpatients. BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries remain a priority quality focus for Magnet ® organizations. Recent studies cite medical devices as a primary cause, yet published risk assessments lack inclusion of those threats. METHODS: Nurses at a 434-bed, 4-time Magnet ® -designated hospital led a retrospective study acros 9 American Nurses Credentialing Center-designated facilities. Using a chart review tool, data were collected within 48 hours of a confirmed HAPI. RESULTS: Of 207 HAPIs reported, 54% (n = 113) involved deep tissue pressure injuries and 50.2% (n = 104) involved 19 medical devices. Individuals with a HAPI also used 1 or more of 7 distinct types of mobility-limiting medical equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings support the development of a critical care risk assessment with inclusion of a medical device and mobility-limiting medical equipment as risk factors. A secondary study is underway for specificity and sensitivity testing of this assessment.

Chief Nursing Officers: Their COVID-19 Experience.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of chief nursing officers (CNOs), including leadership strategies that they developed as they encountered the administrative challenges posed by COVID-19. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic required CNOs to make difficult decisions and to support nursing staff as they cared for critically ill and dying patients, and therefore, they experienced intense stress during a pandemic of a highly infectious disease. Understanding the challenges that CNOs faced in this crisis will help hospitals and CNOs to better prepare for the future. METHODS: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, we conducted interviews with 9 CNOs from hospitals across the United States. The goal of the interviews was to develop an understanding of the difficulties that these CNOs encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic and their emotional response to the challenging situations. RESULTS: Themes of frustration, heartbreak, and feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and helpless were revealed. In addition, pride in being a nurse was expressed. CONCLUSION: Themes revealed in this study suggested intentional leadership strategies that would be useful in future healthcare crises.

COVID-19: The Lived Experience of Critical Care Nurses.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore in-depth, critical care nurses' (CCNs) lived experience while caring for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the pandemic. BACKGROUND: CCNs play an important role during pandemics characterized by highly contagious, life-threatening disease. Understanding the experience of CCNs during a pandemic is particularly important because of the high rate of burnout within this group, as well as a shortage of these caregivers across the globe. METHODS: Using Heidegger's interpretive phenomenological approach, interviews were conducted with 10 CCNs caring for COVID-19 patients. The goal of the interviews was to access a deep layer of understanding regarding participants' lived experience. RESULTS: Themes of role frustration, emotional and physical exhaustion, and the importance of presence were revealed. CONCLUSION: Themes revealed suggest a number of actions hospital administrators could take to support CCNs as they experience the challenges of a pandemic.

Conducting a Virtual Research Symposium: Path to Success.

Strategies used to change an annual statewide research symposium from a face-to-face experience to a virtual event at a 434-bed Magnet® redesignated community hospital are described. The program met with success and increased access for attendees. For the 1st time, credited to the virtual format, representatives from all 9 hospitals in the system were able to attend. Feedback following the symposium suggested that participants who live at a distance from the hospital appreciated being able to attend the meeting without traveling, technical issues were promptly resolved, and presenters received positive evaluations.

The Baptist Health Lexington Nursing Orientation Progression Tool: A Methodological Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a tool to monitor a nursing orientee's progress to competence. BACKGROUND: The literature suggests that, during orientation, consistent documentation and communication among educators, preceptors, and nurse leaders facilitate a timely progression to independent practice for new nurses. METHODS: A 2-phase methodological study was conducted. Nurse educators clarified goals, identified essential competencies, and developed the Baptist Health Lexington Nursing Orientation Progression Tool (OPT). The tool was used to monitor orientees' progression through orientation. RESULTS: Content validity assessment of the OPT (content validity index = 0.98) demonstrated strong validity. Testing of the tool revealed 31 nurses completed orientation early, 12 completed orientation on time, and 18 nurses required extended orientation time. All requiring an extension were new graduates. CONCLUSION: The OPT guided preceptors to facilitate timely completion of orientation among newly hired nurses. Findings suggest that new graduates may need more assistance than experienced nurses.

Effect of a Parent Empowerment Program on Parental Stress, Satisfaction, and Length of Stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Parental stress is high when infants are admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in community-based hospital. This quasi-experimental study explored the effect of implementing the "Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment" (COPE) program on parental stress, postpartum depression, parental satisfaction with care, and length of stay in a community-based hospital. A cohort of nurses completed a 1-day "COPE for HOPE" parent empowerment training session. A nurse implemented the COPE parent training at the bedside soon after birth and extended throughout hospitalization. The following instruments were used to collect data: a demographic data sheet, Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and an investigator-designed parent satisfaction survey. Forty-nine parent sets participated in the study (29 in the intervention group, 20 in the comparison group). A significant difference was found between the groups related to lower parental stress. There was no difference in terms of parental depression scores or length of hospital stay. However, clear trends revealed that parents in the COPE group exhibited lower depression scores. Parents in both groups reported being greater than 95% satisfied with care across all items. These findings may motivate administrators in other community-based hospitals to implement this intervention.

A quantitative comparison of arm activity between survivors of breast cancer and healthy controls: use of accelerometry.

PURPOSE: Survivors of breast cancer (BC) on the non-dominant side have more persistent deficits than those with cancer on the dominant limb. What is not known is whether those with BC use their involved upper limbs more, less, or at the same level as women without BC. Accelerometer use offers a quantifiable method to measure activity levels of upper limbs. The purpose of this study was to quantify the activity levels of the non-dominant involved limb among survivors of BC and compare these values to their dominant limb, as well as the non-dominant limb of a control group. METHODS: Participants (n = 30) were women with unilateral BC on the non-dominant limb, diagnosed between 6 and 24 months prior to data collection, and a matched healthy group of women as controls. Participants completed the following questionnaires: medical and demographics, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Brief Pain Inventory - Short form, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and Beck Depression Index. Participants wore an accelerometer on each wrist during waking hours for 7 days. Arm activity was measured using vector magnitude activity counts extracted from the accelerometers. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in total vector magnitude activity counts between groups for either limb. Within group dominant to non-dominant comparison was significantly different (p ≤ 0.001). No significant difference in pain was present but significant differences for fatigue (p = 0.002), depression (p = 0.004), and DASH scores (p = 0.035) were present. CONCLUSIONS: Women with non-dominant BC use their involved limb similar to healthy controls but less than their dominant limb.

Incidence and predictors of axillary web syndrome and its association with lymphedema in women following breast cancer treatment: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) presents as a common postsurgical complication in individuals with breast cancer. Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) contributes to the shoulder and arm morbidity common in breast cancer survivors and often associated to cancer treatment. A paucity of literature exists evaluating the risk factors for developing AWS and the association between AWS and BCRL. The purposes of this study were (1) to identify risk factors for AWS in individuals with breast cancer, (2) to examine the association between BCRL and AWS, and (3) to determine if AWS increases the risk for developing BCRL. METHODS: A retrospective study of 354 women who underwent breast cancer treatment and received physical therapy was included. RESULTS: Axillary web syndrome developed in a third of women and predominately occurred in the first 8 postoperative weeks. The odds of AWS development were 73% greater for participants over the age of 60 (OR = 1.73, CI 95% 1.05-2.84). Women with AWS had 44% greater risk to develop lymphedema during the first postoperative year (RR = 1.44, CI 95% 1.12-1.84, p = 0.002). If AWS developed within the first postoperative month, women were almost 3 times more likely to develop lymphedema within the first 3 postoperative months compared with other women with AWS (RR = 2.75, CI 95% 1.199-6.310, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that 30% of breast cancer survivors will have AWS during the first year of survivorship. As institutions prioritize screening efforts, early postoperative prospective surveillance is needed for women over 60 due to high risk for AWS development and any women with AWS for increased risk of lymphedema development based on our findings.

The development and testing of the Predictor of Appropriate Discharge Destination among patients undergoing elective total knee or hip joint arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and test a tool, the Predictor of Appropriate Discharge Destination (PADD), used postoperative day zero by healthcare professionals to identify whether patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty should go directly home or to extended rehabilitation. A secondary objective was to examine the difference in readmissions pre and post use of the PADD. DESIGN: A two-phase methodological study. SETTING: This study was conducted in a 393-bed magnet re-designated community hospital. SUBJECTS: Adults undergoing a primary total knee or hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In Phase 1, retrospective data (n = 461) was analyzed to compare recommendations for discharge destination between the PADD and physical therapists. In Phase 2 (n = 521), the predictive validity of the PADD was assessed prospectively. RESULTS: In Phase 1, the PADD cut-off score of ⩽7 demonstrated good sensitivity (0.83) and specificity (0.68) in relation to the physical therapist's discharge destination recommendation. In Phase 2, sensitivity (0.75) and specificity (0.83) calculations were similar. Analysis of 30-day readmissions between the physical therapist's recommendation and the PADD score revealed 89.7% agreement. Readmission percentages among patients discharged to home and to rehabilitation facilities were 2.37% (n = 16) and 3.41% (n = 10), respectively. CONCLUSION: The PADD has good predictive validity in relation to appropriate discharge destination for patients undergoing a total knee or hip arthroplasty.

Evaluation of a Multisite Nurse-Led Mobility Plan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nurses' mobility plan use on patients' length of stay, discharge destination, falls, physical therapy consults, and nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding patient mobility. BACKGROUND: Functional decline due to decreased mobility during hospitalization results in diminished quality of life. Sixty-five percent of older inpatients lose the ability to ambulate during hospitalization and 30% do not regain that capability. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, nurses' use of a mobility assessment on 4 patient outcome variables was examined before (n = 2,259) and after (n = 3,649) use. Nurses' attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding mobility were also examined. RESULTS: Positive changes in patient variables occurred. Limited change occurred relative to nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a nurse-led mobility plan enhances therapy resource utilization through identification of appropriate consults and improves patients' discharge home. In addition, nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward patient mobility planning can be positively influenced.

Developing a Research Friendly Hospital-Based Environment: A Fellowship Model Focused on Graduate Students.

Magnet designation requires that nurses be actively involved in activities that lead to obtaining evidence through conducting research. Unfortunately, several barriers limit nurses' ability to engage in research activities, including insufficient resources. This article explains how a community-based hospital implemented a fellowship model to circumvent some of these barriers. Two fellowship positions are described, 1 in research and 1 in library sciences. The method, outcomes, and cost of the fellowship model are discussed.

Effectiveness of complete decongestive therapy for upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema: a review of systematic reviews.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remains a challenging condition impacting function and quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the current standard of care, necessitating a comprehensive review of its impact. This paper presents a systematic review (SR) of SRs on CDT's efficacy in BCRL, and the components of manual lymph drainage (MLD) and exercise. A literature search yielded 13 SRs published between January 2018 and March 2023 meeting inclusion criteria, with varied quality ratings based on the AMSTAR II. A sub-analysis of CDT investigated the within group effect size estimations on volume in different stages of lymphedema. While a moderate quality SR indicated support for CDT in volume reduction, other SRs on the topic were of critically low quality. Larger effect sizes for CDT were found for later stage BCRL. The impact of MLD as a component of CDT demonstrated no additional volume benefit in a mix of moderate to low quality SRs. Similarly, exercise's role in volume reduction in CDT was limited, although it demonstrated some benefit in pain and quality of life. A rapid review of trials published January 2021-March 2023 reinforced these findings. Variability in CDT delivery and outcomes remained. These findings underscore the need to standardize staging criteria and outcome measures in research and practice. Future research should focus on refining interventions, determining clinically important differences in outcomes, and standardizing measures to improve evidence-based BCRL management. Current evidence supports CDT's efficacy in BCRL. MLD and exercise as components of CDT have limited support for volume reduction.

Relationships Among Mode of Birth, Onset of Labor, and Bishop Score.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate mode of birth in relation to onset of labor and Bishop score. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort design. SETTING: A 434-bed Magnet redesignated community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Nulliparous women, 18 years of age or older, who gave birth at 37 to 41 weeks gestation to live, singleton fetuses in the vertex presentation (N = 701). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review and used chi-square analysis to measure the associations among mode of birth, onset of labor, and Bishop score. We used logistic regression to test the probability of cesarean birth for women undergoing elective induction of labor. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 531, 75.7%) gave birth vaginally. Significant findings included the following relationships: spontaneous onset of labor and vaginal birth (χ2 = 22.2, Ø = 0.18, p < .001) and Bishop score of greater than or equal to 8 and vaginal birth (χ2 = 4.9, Ø = .14, p = .028). Induction of labor was a significant predictor in cesarean birth when controlling for age and body mass index (OR = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [1.5, 3.1], p < .001). CONCLUSION: Reducing elective induction of labor in women with low-risk pregnancies may help lower the risk of cesarean birth. Clinically, Bishop score and mode of birth have a weak association, particularly when induction includes cervical ripening.

Complete decongestive therapy phase 1: an expert consensus document.

This document was drafted by interdisciplinary experts informed by the evidence and guided by their extensive lymphedema clinical experience at the 2023 American Cancer Society (ACS) Lymphedema Summit: Forward Momentum: Future Steps in Lymphedema Management hosted by the ACS, Lymphology Association of North America, and the Washington School of Medicine  in St. Louis, Missouri. Consensus statements were derived from a facilitated workshop and multiple follow-up discussions and meetings combining available evidence and clinical expertise. The consensus statements find that the essential components of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) are examination, compression, manual techniques (this may include but is not limited to manual lymph drainage), exercise, skin care, education, and self-management. Adjunctive interventions and alternatives may complement CDT. CDT should be provided by specifically trained healthcare practitioners in lymphedema management, preferably a certified lymphedema therapist. The individual's lymphedema etiology and presentation, comorbidities, and other pertinent clinical information will determine the components of CDT applied and the frequency and duration of care.

Rehabilitation interventions for the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: developing a patient-centered, evidence-based plan of care throughout survivorship.

PURPOSE: A work group from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy developed and published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) to aid clinicians in identifying interventions for individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). This guideline reviewed the evidence for risk mitigation and volume reduction beginning at cancer diagnosis and continuing through survivorship. Application of CPGs can be challenging due to the variability of clinical settings, heterogeneous patient populations, and range of rehabilitation clinician expertise. The purpose of this paper is to assist these clinicians in implementing the recommendations from the CPG to develop a patient-centered, evidence-based plan of care. METHODS/RESULTS: This publication presents important considerations for the implementation of recommended rehabilitation interventions across the trajectory of BCRL. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports specific interventions to treat or mitigate the risk for the various stages of BCRL. As clinicians implement these recommendations into practice, they also need to address other impairments that may exist in every individual. Continued collaboration between clinicians and researchers is necessary to further develop optimal treatment modalities and parameters. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: By implementing evidence-based interventions as outlined in the CPG, clinicians can improve the quality of care for survivors of breast cancer.

Breakthrough Cancer Pain: What Outpatient Oncology Nurses Need to Know.

Breakthrough cancer pain (BCP) is a devastating symptom that can occur in individuals with cancer throughout the disease trajectory, particularly in those with advanced cancer. Oncology nurses have a critical role in treating.

Educating Nurses During a Pandemic to Manage Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Providing care for critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19 presented a number of challenges. Initially, few treatment strategies were available; however, evidence of pulmonary complications led to patients' need for ventilators. This article describes the rapid development and implementation of a mechanical ventilation cross-training program for acute care nurses.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline Revision: Reduction Mammaplasty.

SUMMARY: A multidisciplinary work group involving stakeholders from various backgrounds and societies convened to revise the guideline for reduction mammaplasty. The goal was to develop evidence-based patient care recommendations using the new American Society of Plastic Surgeons guideline methodology. The work group prioritized reviewing the evidence around the need for surgery as first-line treatment, regardless of resection weight or volume. Other factors evaluated included the need for drains, the need for postoperative oral antibiotics, risk factors that increase complications, a comparison in outcomes between the two most popular techniques (inferior and superomedial), the impact of local anesthetic on narcotic use and other nonnarcotic pain management strategies, the use of epinephrine, and the need for specimen pathology. A systematic literature review was performed, and an established appraisal process was used to rate the quality of relevant scientific research (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology). Evidence-based recommendations were made and strength was determined based on the level of evidence and the assessment of benefits and harms.