'Sometimes You Have No Choice but to Give Them Medication': Experiences of Nurses Caring for People With Auditory Hallucinations in an Acute Unit.

The aim of this study was to explore psychiatric nurse's experiences of caring for people with auditory hallucinations in an acute unit. A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 18 acute unit nurses all of whom provided interventions to patients with auditory hallucinations. Overall, participants identified their role in the management of risk within an acute unit, the importance of their therapeutic role and a perceived over-reliance on medication administration as a primary nursing intervention. These findings thus demonstrate the personal and professional conflict that nurses face when working in an acute unit with patients who experience auditory hallucinations. Nurses are in a prime position to provide effective interventions and assistance for people with auditory hallucinations in an acute unit. The findings of this study indicate that mental health nurses may require additional support and education to provide care in a truly recovery-based manner, with training in specific interventions and engagement skills for people who hear voices. Due to an unpredictable environment and sometimes high-risk workplace, nurses may also benefit from organisational assistance in this area.

The impact of machine learning on the prediction of diabetic foot ulcers - A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, diabetes mellitus poses a significant health challenge as well as the associated complications of diabetes, such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The early detection of DFUs is important in the healing process and machine learning may be able to help inform clinical staff during the treatment process. METHODS: A PRISMA-informed search of the literature was completed via the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, CINAHL Plus and Scopus databases for reports published in English and in the last ten years. The primary outcome of interest was the impact of machine learning on the prediction of DFUs. The secondary outcome was the statistical performance measures reported. Data were extracted using a predesigned data extraction tool. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the evidence-based librarianship critical appraisal tool. RESULTS: A total of 18 reports met the inclusion criteria. Nine reports proposed models to identify two classes, either healthy skin or a DFU. Nine reports proposed models to predict the progress of DFUs, for example, classing infection versus non-infection, or using wound characteristics to predict healing. A variety of machine learning techniques were proposed. Where reported, sensitivity = 74.53-98 %, accuracy = 64.6-99.32 %, precision = 62.9-99 %, and the F-measure = 52.05-99.0 %. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of machine learning models were suggested to successfully classify DFUs from healthy skin, or to inform the prediction of DFUs. The proposed machine learning models may have the potential to inform the clinical practice of managing DFUs and may help to improve outcomes for individuals with DFUs. Future research may benefit from the development of a standard device and algorithm that detects, diagnoses and predicts the progress of DFUs.

Development and impact of a tailored eHealth resource on fibromyalgia patient's self-management and self-efficacy: A mixed methods approach.

Aim: To develop an eHealth resource to support fibromyalgia patients and explore it for usability and impact on their self-management and self-efficacy. Background: Fibromyalgia is a complex, non-progressive chronic condition characterised by a bewildering array of symptoms for patients to self-manage. International guidelines recommend patients receive illness-specific information once diagnosed to promote self-management and improve health-related quality of life. Design: A 3-phase mixed methods exploratory sequential design. Methods: Qualitative interviews explored the information and self-management needs of fibromyalgia patients attending a large tertiary hospital in Dublin. Identified themes together with an extensive review of the literature of interventions proven to be impactful by patients with fibromyalgia were utilised in the design and development of the eHealth resource. The resource was tested for usability and impact using pre and post-intervention outcomes measures. Results: Patient interviews highlighted a lack of easy accessible evidenced information to support self-management implicating the urgent need for a practical solution through development of a tailored eHealth resource. Six themes emerged for inclusion; illness knowledge, primary symptoms, treatment options, self-management strategies, practical support and reliable resources. Forty-five patients who tested the site for usability and impact demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy after 4 weeks access with a medium positive effect size. Patients with the most severe fibromyalgia impact scores pre-intervention demonstrated the most improvement after 4 weeks. Patients gave the resource a System Usability Score A rating, highly recommending it for fellow patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Conclusions: The study demonstrated how the development of a novel eHealth resource positively impacted fibromyalgia patients' self-efficacy to cope with this debilitating condition. Impact: This study suggests that access to eHealth can positively impact patients self-efficacy, has the potential to be a template for eHealth development in other chronic conditions, supporting advanced nurse practitioners working in chronic disease management.

A systematic review of the impact of compression therapy on quality of life and pain among people with a venous leg ulcer.

AIM: To gain a greater understanding of how compression therapy affects quality of life, this systematic review appraised existing published studies measuring the impact of compression therapy on health quality of life (HRQoL), and pain, among people with venous leg ulcers (VLU). METHOD: Five databases were searched, and two authors extracted data and appraised the quality of selected papers using the RevMan risk of bias tool. Due to heterogeneity in the types of compression and instruments used to evaluate HRQoL, meta-analysis was not appropriate; thus, a narrative synthesis of findings was undertaken. RESULTS: Ten studies were included, 9 RCTs and one before-after study. The studies employed nine different HRQoL tools to measure the impact of a variety of compression therapy systems, with or without an additional exercise programme, versus other compression systems or usual care, and the results are mixed. With the use of the Cardiff Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule, the SF-8 and the SF-12, study authors found no differences in QoL scores between the study groups. This is similar to one study using QUALYs (Iglesias et al., 2004). Conversely, for studies using EuroQol-5D, VEINES-QOL, SF-36 and CIVIQ-20 differences in QoL scores between the study groups were noted, in favour of the study intervention groups. Two further studies using QUALYs found results that favoured a two-layer cohesive compression bandage and the TLCCB group, respectively. Results for the five studies that assessed pain are also mixed, with one study finding no difference between study groups, one finding that pain increased over the study period and three studies finding that pain reduced in the intervention groups. All studies were assessed as being at risk of bias in one or more domains. CONCLUSION: Results were varied, reflecting uncertainty in determining the impact of compression therapy on quality of life and pain among people with a venous leg ulcer. The heterogeneity of the compression systems and the measures used to evaluate HRQoL make it a challenge to interpret the overall evidence. Further studies should strive for homogeneity in design, interventions and comparators to enhance both internal and external validity.

Assessing the healthcare costs associated with venous leg ulcer compression bandages - A scoping review.

AIM: To determine the monetary costs identified in economic evaluations of treatment with compression bandages among adults with venous leg ulcers (VLU). METHOD: A scoping review of existing publications was conducted in February 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. To place the costs of treatment into context, these are reported in conjunction with the healing rates. Three comparisons were made: 1.4 layer compression versus no compression (3 studies). One study reported that 4 layer compression was more expensive than usual care (£804.03 vs £681.04, respectively), while the 2 other studies reported the converse (£145 vs £162, respectively) and all costs (£116.87 vs £240.28 respectively). Within the three studies, the odds of healing were statistically significantly greater with 4 layer bandaging (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.54-3.15; p = 0.001).; 2.4 layer compression versus other compression (6 studies). For the three studies reporting the mean costs per patient associated with treatment (bandages alone), over the treatment period, analysis identified a mean difference (MD) in costs for 4 layer vs comparator 1 (2 layer compression, short-stretch compression, 2 layer compression hosiery, 2 layer cohesive compression, 2 layer compression) of -41.60 (95% CI: 91.40 to 8.20; p = 0.10). The OR of healing for 4 layer compression vs comparator 1 (2 layer compression, short-stretch compression, 2 layer compression hosiery, 2 layer cohesive compression, 2 layer compression) is: 0.70 (95% CI: 0.57-0.85; p = 0.004). For 4 layer vs comparator 2 (2 layer compression) the MD is: 14.00 (95% CI: 53.66 to -25.66; p < 0.49). The OR of healing for 4 layer compression vs comparator 2 (2 layer compression) is: 3.26 (95% CI: 2.54-4.18; p < 0.00001). For comparator 1 (2 layer compression, short-stretch compression, 2 layer compression hosiery, 2 layer cohesive compression, 2 layer compression) vs comparator 2 (2 layer compression) the MD in costs is: 55.60 (95% CI: 95.26 to -15.94; p = 0.006). The OR of healing with Comparator 1 (2 layer compression, short-stretch compression, 2 layer compression hosiery, 2 layer cohesive compression, 2 layer compression) is: 5.03 (95% CI:4.10-6.17; p < 0.00001). Three studies presented the mean annual costs per patient associated with treatment (all costs). The MD is 172 (150-194; p = 0.401), indicating no statistically significant difference in costs between the groups. All studies showed faster healing rates in the 4 layer study groups. 3. Compression wrap versus inelastic bandage (one study). Compression wrap was less expensive than inelastic bandage (£201 vs £335, respectively) with more wounds healing in the compression wrap group (78.8%, n = 26/33; 69.7%, n = 23/33). CONCLUSION: The results for the analysis of costs varied across the included studies. As with the primary outcome, the results indicated that the costs of compression therapy are inconsistent. Given the methodological heterogeneity among studies, future studies in this area are needed and these should use specific methodological guidelines to generate high-quality health economic studies.

The impact of healthcare assistant education on pressure ulcer prevention: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of education for healthcare assistants (HCAs) on their knowledge and skills in pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and on the incidence of PUs. A secondary aim was to evaluate education methodologies used in PU prevention programmes. METHOD: Using systematic review methodology, key databases were searched with no limitations on date of publication. The search was conducted in November 2021 using the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Wounds Group Specialist Register and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that employed the use of education as an intervention, delivered to HCAs in any setting. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Evidence-Based Librarianship (EBL) appraisal checklist. Data were analysed using narrative analysis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: The systematic search yielded an initial 449 records, of which 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcome measures of HCA knowledge scores were reported in 11 (79%) studies. Outcome measures related to PU prevalence/incidence were reported in 11 (79%) studies. An increase in knowledge scores of HCAs post-educational intervention was reported in five (38%) studies. A significant reduction in PU prevalence/incidence rates post-educational intervention was reported in nine (64%) studies. CONCLUSION: This systematic review affirms the benefits of education of HCAs on their knowledge and skills of PU prevention, and on PU incidence. The results must be treated with caution due to quality appraisal issues of included studies.

What is the prevalence of chronic venous disease among health care workers? A scoping review.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) occurs because of structural or functional disturbances to the venous system of the lower limbs. Signs and symptoms include leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes, with venous ulceration ultimately occurring in severe disease. To assess the prevalence of CVD among health care workers, a scoping review of existing publications exploring the prevalence of CVD among health care workers was conducted in July 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used. A total of 15 papers met the inclusion criteria and these formed the basis of the review. Among health care workers, the mean prevalence of CVD was 58.5% and the mean prevalence for varicose veins was 22.1%. There is an increased prevalence of CVD in health care workers when compared with the general population. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis and the use of preventative measures to protect health care workers from CVD and varicose vein development.

The Effect of Prophylactic Silicone Dressings on the Incidence of Pressure Injuries on Patients in the Acute Care Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of silicone dressings on the prevention of pressure injuries in patients cared for in the acute care setting. Three main comparisons were explored: silicone dressing versus no dressing, all anatomical areas; silicone dressing versus no dressing on the sacrum; and silicone dressing versus no dressing on the heels. METHODS: Using a systematic review methodology, published randomized controlled trials and cluster randomized controlled trials were included. The search was conducted from December 2020 to January 2021 using CINAHL, full text on EBSCOhost, MEDLINE on EBSCOhost, and Cochrane databases. The search returned 130 studies; 10 met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a predesigned extraction tool. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence was appraised using a software program specifically designed for this purpose. RESULTS: Silicone dressings probably reduce the incidence of pressure injuries compared to no dressings (relative risk [RR]: 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.53; moderate certainty evidence). Furthermore, silicone dressings probably reduce the incidence of pressure injuries on the sacrum compared to no dressings (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.31-0.62; moderate certainty evidence). Finally, silicone dressings probably reduce the incidence of pressure injuries on the heels compared to no dressings (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.31-0.62; moderate certainty evidence). CONCLUSION: There is moderate certainty evidence of the effect of silicone dressings as a component of a pressure injury prevention strategy. The main limiting factor in the study designs was a high risk of performance and detection bias. Although this is a challenge to achieve in trials such as these, consideration should be given to how the effect of this could be minimized. A further issue is the lack of head-to-head trials that limits clinicians' abilities to determine whether any of the products in this category are more effective than others.

The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the detection of early pressure ulcer development: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Pressure ulcers (PUs) commonly occur over bony prominences and are notoriously difficult to treat. Proinflammatory cytokines are substances that initiate the inflammatory process preceding PU development. The aim of this review was to assess whether the increased presence of proinflammatory cytokines could potentially be used as an early detection system for PU development. METHOD: A systematic search of publications using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was conducted in August 2020. Data were extracted and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The evidence-based librarianship (EBL) checklist assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The systematic review included original research studies, prospective design, and human studies written in English. Retrospective studies, animal studies, conference papers, opinion papers and qualitative methodology were excluded. No restrictions on the date of publication and study setting were applied. RESULTS: The six studies included were conducted between 2015 and 2019, 50% (n=3) used an experimental study design. The mean sample size was 15 participants (standard deviation=1.72). A total of seven proinflammatory cytokines were analysed. Statistically significant differences were found among inflammatory mediators. Overall results showed that the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1α significantly increased in each study. The EBL score varied between 77-88%. In total, 100% (n=6) of the studies scored ≥75%, reflecting validity. CONCLUSION: It is not yet certain that monitoring proinflammatory cytokines represents a noninvasive method that could potentially direct preventative measures to those who are identified as at high risk for developing PUs. IL-1α potentially may be elevated for other health conditions, not just PUs. Future studies are therefore recommended.

A systematic review of the association between parastomal hernia and sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial loss of muscle mass that can complicate surgical outcomes and increase morbidity and mortality. Parastomal hernias can occur after any surgery requiring stoma formation and is an area of concern as a complication as it can require a second surgery or emergency surgical intervention. AIM: To assess the impact of sarcopenia on parastomal hernia formation in the postoperative period. METHOD: A systematic search of publications using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was conducted in June 2022. Data were extracted, and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT) assessed the quality of the included studies. The systematic review included original research studies, prospective and retrospective designs, and human studies written in English. Reviews, conference papers, opinion papers, and those including participants < 18 years old were excluded. No restrictions on the date of publication and study setting were applied. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and these were conducted between 2016 and 2021; 56% (n = 5) used a retrospective study design. The mean sample size was 242.5 participants (SD = ±358.6). No consistent or standardized way of defining sarcopenia or measuring muscle mass was seen between the studies reviewed. However, 45% (n = 4) of the studies reported a significant relationship between sarcopenia and wound healing complications, including an increased incidence of parastomal and incisional hernias. The average CCAT score was 27.56 (SD = ±4.39). CONCLUSION: There is no definitive relationship between sarcopenia and hernia development; however, four studies found a significant relationship between sarcopenia and hernia formation. It must also be considered that different disease processes can cause sarcopenia either through the disease process itself, or the treatment and management. More research and consistent measurements are needed before comparable and consistent outcomes can be compiled.

A meta-review of the impact of compression therapy on venous leg ulcer healing.

This meta-review aimed to appraise and synthesise findings from existing systematic reviews that measured the impact of compression therapy on venous leg ulcers healing. We searched five databases to identify potential papers; three authors extracted data, and a fourth author adjudicated the findings. The AMSTAR-2 tool was used for quality appraisal and the certainty of the evidence was appraised using GRADEpro. Data analysis was undertaken using RevMan. We identified 12 systematic reviews published between 1997 and 2021. AMSTAR-2 assessment identified three as high quality, five as moderate quality, and four as low quality. Seven comparisons were reported, with a meta-analysis undertaken for five of these comparisons: compression vs no compression (risk ratio [RR]: 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-1.78; P < .00001; moderate-certainty evidence); elastic compression vs inelastic compression (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.96-1.08; P < .61 moderate-certainty evidence); four layer vs

A systematic review of the effect of early mobilisation on length of stay for adults in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: EM has been hypothesized to help prevent the development of ICU acquired weakness and may therefore result in positive outcomes for ICU patients. AIM: To establish the impact of Early mobilisation (EM) on adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in terms of ICU length of stay (LOS), as well as hospital LOS, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, and functional independence. STUDY DESIGN: A Systematic Review. EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched on 24th November 2020. Included studies and other systematic reviews were hand-searched for further includable studies. The primary outcome was ICU LOS whilst secondary outcomes were duration of MV, mortality, hospital LOS and functional independence. The PRISMA guidelines were utilized to perform the review. Ten randomized controlled trials with a combined total of 1291 patients met inclusion criteria and were scrutinized using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Systematic Reviews. Revman 5.4.1 was used to conduct meta-analysis were possible. RESULTS: Results were limited by the evidence available for inclusion, in particular small sample sizes. However, a trend towards a shorter duration of ICU LOS and duration of mechanical ventilation emerged. There was also a trend towards higher rates of functional independence for intervention groups. Mortality rates appeared unaffected and results of meta-analysis were statistically non-significant (p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: By applying a stricter time limit than previous systematic reviews a trend emerged that the commencement of EM has a positive effect on patient outcomes, in particular ICU LOS. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The evidence base surrounding EM remains poor; however on the balance of the available evidence the application of EM should not be delayed.

What is the impact of home non-invasive ventilation on the health-related quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the impact of home non-invasive ventilation (NIV) on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A preliminary search of computerised databases (CINAHL, Medline, Clinical Key, Cochrane) was conducted in June 2021, without any limitations on publication date. Inclusion criteria focused on home NIV prescribed for patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Identified papers were critically appraised for rigour and validity. Data were extracted, analysed, and a narrative synthesis completed. RESULTS: The review included eight studies, including five randomised controlled trials. Variations in the HRQL scores meant that the data were difficult to collate. Nevertheless, the studies did indicate an overall improved HRQL for those using NIV at home. CONCLUSION: This systematic review determines that home NIV does positively impact the HRQL of those with COPD. However, the limited quality of primary studies highlights the need for more in-depth research in this area to bring about optimal standardisation of clinical practice in relation to the use of NIV at home.

Sub epidermal moisture measurement and targeted SSKIN bundle interventions, a winning combination for the treatment of early pressure ulcer development.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sub epidermal moisture (SEM) measurement and targeted pressure ulcer (PU) prevention, versus visual skin assessment and usual care, on mean SEM delta scores and early pressure ulcer development in acute hospital patients. A quantitative quasi-experimental observational approach was used. A total of 149 at risk acute hospital patients took part, 78 treatment, and 71 control. SEM deltas were recorded daily for a maximum of 5 days using the SEM Scanner (Bruin Biometrics LLC, Los Angeles, California), on three sites: the sacrum, the right heel, and the left heel, with enhanced and targeted PU prevention interventions occurring in those with an elevated SEM delta scores in the treatment group. Intention to treat analysis was used to guide the final composition of results. SEM PU represents PU development as identified by 2 days of sustained abnormal SEM delta scores, ≥0.5, after day one. The mean number of days completed by participants was just under 4 days, participants had many different comorbidities, with the most common being: hypertension, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results showed that following the introduction of SEM guided targeted treatments, participants in the treatment group yielded a statistically significant reduction in mean SEM delta scores (MD: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.39; P < .0001), and in the odds of developing a SEM PU (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.00; P = .05). In the treatment group, none of the participants developed a visual PU, whereas, in the control group, 1.41% (n = 1/71) developed a visual PU. Based on all the results, the following is concluded, (1). There was a greater reduction in mean SEM delta scores among those cared for using SEM measurement and targeted PU prevention, versus those cared for using visual skin assessment and usual care, and (2). the mean SEM delta scores was statistically significantly lower at the study end for those who received targeted treatments based on abnormal SEM scores. More research is now needed in other and larger at-risk groups to further validate what was found in this study.

Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: review of the literature with regard to the TIME clinical decision support tool.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinically orientated paper is to offer an overview of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) dressings generally, and more specifically, their use in the treatment of DFUs. METHOD: The TIME clinical decision support tool (CDST) has been used as a clinical tool that can help clinicians bring together the different aspects of dressings for DFU treatment into a holistic approach to patient care. RESULTS: DFUs are often difficult to heal, are painful and impact negatively on the individual's quality of life. Most DFU dressings are designed to support the healing of hard-to-heal wounds and represent one part of the management of DFUs. Apart from providing a moist environment, absorbing increased exudate, enhancing granulation and assisting in autolysis, the dressings need to be cost-effective. Wound dressing selection is based on clinical knowledge that ensures the dressing is most appropriate for the individual and the wound, taking into account the comorbidities that the individual may have. CONCLUSION: This paper has highlighted how the use of the TIME CDST model can enhance clinical care and is a further tool clinicians should consider when developing and executing DFU treatment plans. Future research needs to focus on large multicentre studies using robust methodologies, given the current gaps in the evidence, to determine the effectiveness of dressing products for DFUs.

Measuring subepidermal moisture to detect early pressure ulcer development: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess evidence related to the measuring of subepidermal moisture (SEM) to detect early, nonvisible development of pressure ulcers (PUs). METHOD: Using systematic review methodology, all quantitative animal and human research studies written in English were considered. In January 2021, PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane and EMBASE databases were searched. The primary outcome of interest was the validity of SEM measurement to detect early PU development. The secondary outcome was time to PU detection, sensitivity and specificity of SEM measurement, and the impact of SEM measurements on PU prevention. Data analysis was undertaken using RevMan and narrative synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. In all studies, a consistent abnormal deviation in SEM measurements corresponded with evidence of visual PU development. Time to PU development, explored in four studies, showed earlier detection of PU development using SEM measurement. RevMan analysis identified the mean difference in time to PU development (SEM measurement versus visual skin assessment, VSA) was 4.61 days (95% confidence interval: 3.94-5.28; p=0.0001) in favour of SEM measurements. The sensitivity of SEM measurements was reported in four studies, and scores varied from 48.3% to 100.0%. Specificity was also reported in four studies and scores ranged from 24.4% to 83.0%. The impact of the detection of abnormal SEM measurements on PU prevention was explored by one study. Results showed a 93% decrease in PU rates when staff acted on the results of the SEM readings. CONCLUSION: The findings of this review identified that SEM measurement detects PU development earlier than VSA. Furthermore, when staff responded to abnormal SEM measurements, prevention strategies were enhanced, with a subsequent reduction in visible PU development. SEM measurement may therefore be a useful addition to PU prevention strategies. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The School of Nursing & Midwifery, RCSI has a research agreement with Bruin Biometrics. Funding for the study was through an Irish Research Council PhD Enterprise Partnership Scheme with Bruin Biometrics. The authors have no other conflicts of interest.

The impact of specialist community palliative care teams on acute hospital admission rates in adult patients requiring end of life care: A systematic review.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the impact that specialist community palliative care teams (SCPCT) have on acute hospital admission rates in adult palliative care (PC) patients who require End of Life Care (EOLC). METHOD: Using systematic review methodology, eight studies were obtained from thorough searching of CINAHL, Medline and Embase databases. The review question was formulated using the PICO mnemonic - Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome. PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the review and record the database searches. Data were extracted using a pre-designed extraction tool and all included studies were quality appraised using the checklist. The results are presented as a narrative review. RESULTS: For the purposes of this review SCPCT is a minimum of one specialist doctor and one specialist nurse. The eight selected studies reported that when SCPCT's cared for patients requiring EOLC there was a reduction in the admission rates to acute hospital settings in comparison to those who received standard care only. Some studies showed this reduction to be as high as 33% and 34% in the last year of life. With regards to secondary outcomes the studies that evaluated the impact of SCPCT's on emergency department usage and hospital death rates all found that SCPCT's had a positive influence in both areas. With regards to emergency department usage, one study reported the most significant reduction of 51% for patients who had SCPCT compared with those who had not. With regards to hospital death rates, the most significant results found that 39% of patients receiving SCPCT died in hospital compared to 74.8% who did not receive SCPCT. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that SCPCT's have a positive impact in reducing acute hospital admissions in adult patients requiring EOLC, however, these results may not be conclusive. Palliative care is a complex intervention with a very diverse population. It is vital therefore that further research and investigation, accounting for the confounding factors that may affect the accuracy of the results, is undertaken.

What is the impact of patient violence in the emergency department on emergency nurses' intention to leave?

AIM: To examine the impact that patient violence, experienced in the emergency department, has on emergency nurses' intention to leave their job. BACKGROUND: Emergency departments have become known for their overcrowding, chaos, unpredictability and violence. Emergency nurses are at high risk of experiencing workplace violence, which is cited in the literature as having a direct effect on general nurses' intention to leave. A high rate of nursing turnover may lead to short staffing, jeopardize the quality of patient care and increase overcrowding and wait times. EVALUATION: A systematic review was undertaken in CINAHL, Medline and Psych INFO databases using published data until November 2021. Six articles were included, and PRISMA guidelines were adhered it. KEY ISSUES: Workplace violence in the emergency department had a direct impact on emergency nurses' intention to leave and decreased their job satisfaction. Verbal abuse is the most experienced form of workplace violence. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace violence experienced by emergency nurses in the emergency department had a direct positive impact on their intention to leave and subsequently negative impact on their job satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This review may inform clinical decision-making and aid in the development of clinical practice guidelines for a workplace violence prevention programme, specific to the emergency department.

Psychiatric nurse's perceptions of their interactions with people who hear voices: A qualitative systematic review and thematic analysis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is no qualitative systematic review of nurses' perceptions of their interactions with people hearing voices. There are some studies exploring the interventions provided by community psychiatric nurses to people hearing voices; these give a sense of what interactions may contain. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO THE EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Nurses across both community and inpatient mental healthcare settings feel uncertain about how to interact with people hearing voices, sometimes feeling like they can do little to help. Their interactions are affected by the workplace culture, education and training and concern for their own safety. Nurses rely on a therapeutic relationship for all interactions. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This is an under investigated area of mental healthcare. None the less this qualitative systematic review highlights that nurses are unclear about how to interact with service users hearing voices with the resultant outcome that service users in great distress may only be receiving minimal benefit from their interactions with the nurses caring for them. ABSTRACT: Aims and Objectives The aim of this qualitative systematic review and thematic analysis was to identify and synthesize results from studies that explored psychiatric nurses' perceptions of their interactions with service users experiencing auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). Method Qualitative systematic review and thematic analysis. Results Five studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Nurses reported that they felt uncertain about what to do for service users hearing voices, struggled to have interactions with voice hearers, but greatly valued the therapeutic relationship with service users. Nurses also reported that they required more education and training on how to interact effectively with people hearing voices. Finally, various workplace challenges were identified as an important factor mediating nurse interaction with service users hearing voices. Discussion Existing evidence shows that nurses lack clarity about how they can interact effectively and in a way that helps service users who are hearing voices. Significant barriers that they must overcome in order to be more certain of their role in caring for people hearing voices are difficult to engage service users and workplace challenges that were not conducive to helpful interactions and conversations. Implications for Practice Nurses caring for people hearing voices require more and better education and training with a view to them becoming more confident and competent when interacting with this service user group. Furthermore, healthy workplace cultures and maintaining a safe environment are necessary for effective caring interactions with people hearing voices.

What is the impact of skincare bundles on the development of skin tears in older adults? A systematic review.

AIM: This review explores the impact of skincare bundles on the development of skin tears in older adults (≥65 years). METHOD: A systematic search of publications using MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was conducted in July 2020. The evidence-based librarianship (EBL) checklist assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Data were extracted using a pre-designed extraction tool, and a narrative analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Following the search, 71 records were returned, with seven satisfying the inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted between 2003 and 2015, and 57% (n = 4) of these employed a pre-post study design. The mean sample size was 155 participants (SD = ±117.6). All the included studies (100%, n = 8) identified that there was a direct relationship between the use of skincare bundles and the reduction in the incidence of skin tears in the elderly. The EBL scores varied between 65% and 91%. In total, 85.7% (n = 6) of the studies scored ≥75%, reflecting validity. CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights the connection between skincare bundles and the reduction of the number of skin tears in the older population (≥65 years). Further research with larger sample sizes and longer study duration to validate these findings, which will provide a comprehensive insight into the prevention of the incidence of skin tears. Further studies are justified given that skin tear bundles can reduce the rate of injuries that are easily acquired by the elderly due to the nature of their frail skin, they also can help prevent skin tears from turning into chronic wounds and can decrease hospital admissions associated with hospital-acquired infections.