Experience of loneliness and depression due to spousal separation by long-term care residents and their spouses: a qualitative systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to describe the experiences of loneliness and/or depression for residents and their spouses who are separated by long-term care placement. INTRODUCTION: Loneliness and depression have a pernicious influence on the overall health and well-being of older adults. Older adults' mental health is significantly affected by social relationships, including those between spouses. However, research pertaining to the experience or effect of spousal separation on long-term care residents and community-dwelling spouses' feelings of loneliness and/or depression is limited. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This systematic review included studies that recruited community-dwelling spouses and long-term care residents over 50 years of age with living spouses from whom they are separated due to long-term care placement. Studies on the experiences of loneliness and/or depression due to spousal separation with one or both spouses living in long-term care were included in this review. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE(R) was used for the initial search. A full search strategy was developed for Ovid MEDLINE(R), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), and PsycINFO (Ovid). The review was conducted using the JBI approach, with 2 independent reviewers performing study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, assessment of confidence, and data synthesis. RESULTS: Eleven papers were included in this systematic review. Four synthesized findings were extracted from 10 categories and 42 findings: i) Loneliness and depression result from a lack of physical and social connection for separated long-term care residents and community-dwelling spouses; ii) Community-dwelling spouses feel unprepared and upset with spousal separation due to a lack of psychological support; iii) Behavioral strategies can prevent community-dwelling spouses and long-term care residents from developing loneliness and/or depression; and 4) Community-dwelling spouses have differing abilities to adapt and cope with feelings of loneliness and/or depression. CONCLUSION: This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the feelings of loneliness and/or depression spouses who are separated due to long-term care admission experience. This review has demonstrated that there is a lack of literature inclusive of the voices and perspectives of all spouses affected by spousal separation in long-term care. The limitations of this review include the small number of included studies and the range of quality of included studies. Recommendations include additional research on the lived experience of spousal separation from the perspectives of long-term care residents and their community-dwelling spouses. Further, additional psychological support is needed for separated spouses guided by the suggestions and experiences of long-term care residents and their community-dwelling spouses. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022333014.

Social prescribing for children and youth: A scoping review protocol.

Social prescribing is suited to all age groups, but it is especially important for children and youth, as it is well understood that this population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the social determinants of health and health inequities, and that intervening at this stage of life has the greatest impact on health and wellbeing over the life course. While this population has largely been neglected in social prescribing research, policy, and practice, several evaluations of social prescribing for children and youth have emerged in recent years, which calls for a review of the evidence on this topic. Thus, the objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence on the use of social prescribing for children and youth. This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished literature. No language or date restrictions will be placed on the search. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), AMED (Ovid), ASSIA (ProQuest), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), Global Health (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate), Epistemonikos, JBI EBP Database (Ovid), and Cochrane Library. Sources of gray literature to be searched include Google, Google Scholar, Social Care Online (Social Care Institute for Excellence), SIREN Evidence and Resource Library (Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network), and websites of social prescribing organizations and networks. Additionally, a request for evidence sources will be sent out to members of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening, retrieval and assessment of full-text evidence sources, and data extraction. Data analysis will consist of basic descriptive analysis. Results will be presented in tabular and/or diagrammatic format alongside a narrative summary.

PROTOCOL: Learner-educator co-creation of student assessment in health professional education courses: A scoping review protocol.

This is a protocol for a Campbell Review following JBI scoping review methodology. The objectives are to answer the following questions: What has been reported in the literature about collaborative learner-educator design, implementation, or evaluation of learner assessment in health professional education? (1) Where is learner-educator co-creation of assessment occurring? (i.e., which disciplines, course types, level of learner, year of study). (2) What course assessment decisions are influenced or being made together? (i.e., assessment instructions and/or grades). (3) How much influence do learners have on decision-making? (i.e., where does it fall on Bovill and Bulley's ladder of participation). (4) How do learners and educators go about making decisions together? (i.e., discussion or voting, with a whole class or portion of the class). (5) What are the perceived benefits, disadvantages, barriers, and/or facilitators reported by the authors?

Predatory journals and their practices present a conundrum for systematic reviewers and evidence synthesisers of health research: A qualitative descriptive study.

Predatory journals are a blemish on scholarly publishing and academia and the studies published within them are more likely to contain data that is false. The inclusion of studies from predatory journals in evidence syntheses is potentially problematic due to this propensity for false data to be included. To date, there has been little exploration of the opinions and experiences of evidence synthesisers when dealing with predatory journals in the conduct of their evidence synthesis. In this paper, the thoughts, opinions, and attitudes of evidence synthesisers towards predatory journals and the inclusion of studies published within these journals in evidence syntheses were sought. Focus groups were held with participants who were experienced evidence synthesisers from JBI (previously the Joanna Briggs Institute) collaboration. Utilising qualitative content analysis, two generic categories were identified: predatory journals within evidence synthesis, and predatory journals within academia. Our findings suggest that evidence synthesisers believe predatory journals are hard to identify and that there is no current consensus on the management of these studies if they have been included in an evidence synthesis. There is a critical need for further research, education, guidance, and development of clear processes to assist evidence synthesisers in the management of studies from predatory journals.

Characteristics of breastfeeding newborns in the first month of life with in utero selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication exposure: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the characteristics of breastfeeding newborns in the first month of life who have been exposed in utero to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications. INTRODUCTION: SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication in pregnancy. Up to 30% of newborns who are prenatally exposed to SSRIs demonstrate withdrawal signs. Poor neonatal adaptation syndrome represents a constellation of signs observed in these newborns. Little information has been studied regarding breastfeeding, as it relates to the impact of in utero SSRI exposure on the newborn. Parents have many questions regarding the safety of taking medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important for health care providers to collate evidence-based information and facilitate shared decision-making. We aim to identify the approaches researchers have used to investigate in utero SSRI exposure among breastfed newborns to determine knowledge gaps. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Primary peer-reviewed studies will be considered for inclusion according to the following criteria: newborns, 31 days of age or less, with in utero SSRI exposure in any trimester of pregnancy, who were breastfed or received breast-milk feedings. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, LactMed, the Maternity and Infant Care Database, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases will be searched. JBI methodology will be used. Abstracts will be assessed for eligibility and full texts will be retrieved if they meet the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers will independently extract the data from identified studies using a data extraction form and the results will be summarized descriptively and in tabular format. REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework osf.io/2bt39.

Mapping gender and sexual minority representation in cancer research: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Addressing the risk of people from gender and sexual minority (GSM) groups experiencing inequities throughout the cancer continuum requires a robust evidence base. In this scoping review, we aim to map the literature on cancer outcomes among adults from GSM groups and the factors that influence them along the cancer continuum. METHODS: This mixed-methods scoping review will follow the approach outlined by JBI. We will systematically search electronic databases for literature in collaboration with a health sciences librarian. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts to determine eligibility based on inclusion criteria, and then retrieve full text articles for data extraction. Results will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Quantitative data will be qualitized through a narrative interpretation and pooled with qualitative data. We will use meta-aggregation to synthesize findings. This protocol was developed in collaboration with GSM patient and public advisors. We will engage people from GSM groups, community organizations and knowledge users in disseminating results. INTERPRETATION: This review will direct future research efforts by expanding the wider body of research examining cancer disparities across the cancer continuum that GSM groups experience, identifying literature gaps and limitations, and highlighting relevant social determinants of health that influence cancer outcomes for adults from GSM groups.

Magnesium prophylaxis of new-onset atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in intensive care units (ICU) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Magnesium prophylaxis has been shown to reduce incidence of AF in cardiac surgery patients, however, evidence outside this population is limited. The objective of this study is to summarize studies examining magnesium versus placebo in the prevention of NOAF outside the setting of cardiac surgery. SOURCE: We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) from inception until January 3rd, 2023. We included all interventional research studies that compared magnesium to placebo and excluded case reports and post cardiac surgery patients. We conducted meta-analysis using the inverse variance method with random effects modelling. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Of the 1493 studies imported for screening, 87 full texts were assessed for eligibility and six citations, representing five randomized controlled trials (n = 4713), were included in the review, with four studies (n = 4654) included in the pooled analysis. Administration of magnesium did not significantly reduce the incidence of NOAF compared to placebo (OR 0.72, [95% CI 0.48 to 1.09]). CONCLUSION: Use of magnesium did not reduce the incidence of NOAF, however these studies represent diverse groups and are hindered by significant bias. Further studies are necessary to determine if there is benefit to magnesium prophylaxis for NOAF in non-cardiac surgery patients.

Public health interventions to prevent adolescent vaping: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the review is to systematically examine the emerging literature related to public health interventions aimed at preventing adolescent vaping. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of vaping among adolescents is a rising concern worldwide. A thorough investigation of existing public health interventions to prevent vaping among adolescents is imperative to reduce serious and avoidable vaping-related health risks for this cohort. Many vaping-prevention interventions have been described in the literature, but their key components and outcomes have not been summarized. INCLUSION CRITERIA: All English literature related to public health interventions preventing adolescent (aged 10 to 18 years) vaping from all countries will be included. METHODS: This review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search of academic and gray literature using MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), PubMed, PsycINFO (Ovid), ProQuest (Health and Medicine and Sociology Collections), and Web of Science Core Collection will be performed. Articles will be screened for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers. Results will be extracted using customized tools and summarized in a final report using narrative synthesis and presented in table format.

Exploring usability characteristics in computer-based digital health technologies for family caregivers of people with chronic progressive conditions: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to map the literature on how usability is considered during the design and/or evaluation of computer-based digital health technologies for family caregivers of persons with chronic progressive conditions. INTRODUCTION: Computer-based digital health technologies offer convenient alternatives for delivering interventions to caregivers of people with chronic progressive conditions. Usability is a critical component of good practice in developing and implementing health and social care technologies; however, we need to determine whether usability is incorporated in the design and/or evaluation of computer-based digital health technologies for caregivers of people with chronic progressive conditions. Within this context, a broad overview of the existing literature on usability in computer-based digital health technologies is needed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: We will include studies published from 2012 to the present that describe usability characteristics of computer-based digital health technologies targeting adult (≥18 years old) family caregivers of people with chronic progressive conditions, regardless of study design or setting. METHODS: We will use the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will conduct searches of MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Web of Science Core Collection to capture eligible studies. After the results are deduplicated, 2 independent reviewers will assess each study for eligibility and extract data from the included studies. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. Data analysis will use a textual narrative synthesis approach. REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework osf.io/w4vk5.

Postpartum experiences of women, birthing people, and their families during COVID-19: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the review is to explore and understand the postpartum experiences of birthing people and their families during COVID-19. INTRODUCTION: Positive postpartum experiences are formative for the long-term health and well-being of parents and babies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the transition to parenthood and existing postpartum challenges through evolving policies and practices, including visiting limitations, masking requirements, and reduced accessibility of supports. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the postpartum experiences of women, birthing people (people who give birth but may not identify as women), and their families through the synthesis of qualitative evidence can help inform public health and government directives in comparable future contexts. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies including women, birthing people, and their families who experienced postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic will be considered. This review will include studies published after January 2020 that explore postpartum experiences up to 1 year following birth. We will examine qualitative data, including, but not limited to, research designs such as phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, feminist research, and action research. METHODS: The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), and LitCovid. PsyArXiv and Google Scholar will be searched for gray literature. Studies will be assessed and appraised independently by 2 reviewers and disagreements will be resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. Data extraction will be completed by 2 reviewers. The JBI tools and resources will be used for assessing confidence and meta-aggregation, including the creation of categories and synthesized findings. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022364030.

The use of clinical simulation in wound care education for nurses: a scoping review protocol.

Many nurse educators consider simulation a valuable tool to supplement and augment learning due to current shortages of clinical placements. Wound care is integral to nursing practice yet many students and practicing nurses experience difficulties in securing sufficient learning opportunities or experience at the undergraduate level to feel competent in providing it. Emerging evidence supports simulation as a promising intervention to facilitate student learning in wound care, building nurses' confidence and competence in providing evidence-based wound care. OBJECTIVE: To understand how clinical simulation is being used to educate nurses about wound assessment and management, and to explore the impact of clinical simulation on learning outcomes, including knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and skills related to wound care. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria include studies of nursing students and nurses, simulation educational interventions, and learning outcomes related to wound care evaluated by any measures. Any studies that do not fit these criteria will be excluded. METHODS: Databases to be searched include PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, SciELO up to February 2022. Studies in English with a date limit of 2012 to 2022 will be included. Search results will be imported into Covidence and screened by two independent reviewers, first based on the title and abstract and then full text. Data will be extracted with a novel extraction tool developed by the reviewers and then synthesised and presented in narrative, tabular, and/or graphical forms. DISSEMINATION: The finished scoping review will be published in a scientific journal once analysis is completed.

Tools to guide clinical discussions on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep for health promotion between primary care providers and adults accessing care: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Health care providers have reported low knowledge, skill, and confidence for discussing movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep), which may be improved with the use of tools to guide movement behaviour discussions in their practice. Past reviews have examined the psychometric properties, scoring, and behavioural outcomes of physical activity discussion tools. However, the features, perceptions, and effectiveness of discussion tools for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep have not yet been synthesized. The aim of this review was to report and appraise tools for movement behaviour discussions between health care providers and adults 18 + years in a primary care context within Canada or analogous countries. METHODS: An integrated knowledge translation approach guided this review, whereby a working group of experts in medicine, knowledge translation, communications, kinesiology, and health promotion was engaged from research question formation to interpretation of findings. Three search approaches were used (i.e., peer-reviewed, grey literature, and forward searches) to identify studies reporting on perceptions and/or effectiveness of tools for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: In total, 135 studies reporting on 61 tools (i.e., 51 on physical activity, one on sleep, and nine combining two movement behaviours) met inclusion criteria. Included tools served the purposes of assessment (n = 57), counselling (n = 50), prescription (n = 18), and/or referral (n = 12) of one or more movement behaviour. Most tools were used or intended for use by physicians, followed by nurses/nurse practitioners (n = 11), and adults accessing care (n = 10). Most tools were also used or intended to be used with adults without chronic conditions aged 18-64 years (n = 34), followed by adults with chronic conditions (n = 18). The quality of the 116 studies that evaluated tool effectiveness varied. CONCLUSIONS: Many tools were positively perceived and were deemed effective at enhancing knowledge of, confidence for, ability in, and frequency of movement behaviour discussions. Future tools should guide discussions of all movement behaviours in an integrated manner in line with the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Practically, this review offers seven evidence-based recommendations that may guide future tool development and implementation.

Experience of loneliness and depression due to spousal separation in long-term care residents and their spouses: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to describe the experience of loneliness and/or depression due to spousal separation when one or both spouses are admitted into a long-term care facility. INTRODUCTION: Loneliness and depression are important concerns for the health and well-being of older adults separated from their spouses due to long-term care placement. Social relationships, specifically spousal relationships, have a significant impact on the mental health of older adults. However, there is limited research on the experience or effect of spousal separation on long-term care residents' and their spouses' experience of loneliness and/or depression. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include long-term care residents and their spouses who are over the age of 50 and have a spouse they are separated from due to long-term care placement. Studies will be included in this review if they explore the experiences of loneliness and/or depression due to spousal separation with one or both spouses living in a long-term care facility. METHODS: This review will be conducted in line with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. MEDLINE was used for the initial search. A full search strategy was then developed for MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO. The JBI approach to study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, data synthesis, and assessment of confidence will be used. Two reviewers will pilot test the screening criteria and data extraction protocol. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022333014.

Postnatal experiences of South Asian immigrant women in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review is to gain an understanding of the postnatal experiences of South Asian immigrant women in 4 English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. INTRODUCTION: The postnatal period is an important time in the lives of women and their families. Major changes take place during this time as a woman's body gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state. The postnatal period is also a time for women to adapt and transition into their new role as a mother. Immigrant women experience many challenges in accessing quality postnatal care in comparison to non-migrant populations. South Asian immigrant women, specifically, encounter unique postnatal experiences and face a myriad of hardships in accessing proper postnatal care. The presence of cultural factors and traditional norms largely influence postnatal experiences of South Asian immigrant women. Cultural factors include, but are not limited to, relationships with family and in-laws, gender-specific roles, newborn gender, mental health stigma, language barriers, acculturative stress, and expression of depression. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Qualitative studies in English reporting postnatal experiences of South Asian immigrant women published after January 2000 will be considered for this review. Research designs may include, but are not limited to, feminist research, exploratory descriptive design, or ethnography. Gray literature will be limited to theses and dissertations only. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, EthOS, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses will be searched. Disagreement resolution, data extraction, and meta-aggregation will be completed through discussion between 2 reviewers. Studies will be critically appraised and assigned a level of credibility. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42022354306.

How should we handle predatory journals in evidence synthesis? A descriptive survey-based cross-sectional study of evidence synthesis experts.

Synthesizers of evidence are increasingly likely to encounter studies published in predatory journals during the evidence synthesis process. The evidence synthesis discipline is uniquely positioned to encounter novel concerns associated with predatory journals. The objective of this research was to explore the attitudes, opinions, and experiences of experts in the synthesis of evidence regarding predatory journals. Employing a descriptive survey-based cross-sectional study design, these experts were asked a series of questions regarding predatory journals to explore these attitudes, opinions, and experiences. Two hundred and sixty four evidence synthesis experts responded to this survey. Most respondents agreed with the definition of a predatory journal (86%), however several (19%) responded that this definition was difficult to apply practically. Many respondents believed that studies published in predatory journals are still eligible for inclusion into an evidence synthesis project. However, this was only after the study had been determined to be 'high-quality' (39%) or if the results were validated (13%). While many respondents could identify common characteristics of these journals, there was still hesitancy regarding the appropriate methods to follow when considering including these studies into an evidence synthesis project.

A systematic review examining associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep duration with quality of life in older adults aged 65 years and above.

This systematic review examined the associations between movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep duration) and quality of life (QOL) in adults ≥65 years of age. Four databases were searched in June 2021. Studies were eligible for inclusion if published within the last 20 years, peer-reviewed, examined apparently healthy older adults, and analysed ≥2 movement behaviours together. QOL was represented by the World Health Organization Quality of Life measure which conceptualizes QOL by distinct domains. Study results were categorized and presented by domain. Risk of bias was completed for all included studies using methods described in the Cochrane Handbook. Thirty-one studies with 307 292 participants were included that examined QOL outcomes across seven domains: superdomain (composite measures), perceived physical health, mental and psychological states, level of independence, social relationships, environment, and general health. Findings indicated that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was favourably associated with QOL. Time re-allocation studies that showed moving time into physical activity from sedentary behaviour were associated with favourable QOL changes. The evidence regarding sedentary behaviour and sleep duration was inconsistent. The quality of evidence was very low for all domains. In conclusion, there is consistent evidence that physical activity improves QOL in adults ≥65 years of age. International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration No.: CRD42021260566.

Diabetes self-management education for older adults in Western countries: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review will map the available evidence on diabetes self-management education programs for older adults in Western countries. INTRODUCTION: Self-management and education are crucial for controlling diabetes and its associated complications. The successful uptake of diabetes self-management education programs is not straightforward, and little is known about diabetes programs for older adults. Within this context, a broad overview of diabetes self-management education for older adults, considering all types of related evidence, is needed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: All studies in English concerning diabetes self-management education for older adults (aged 65 years and older) living with type 1 or 2 diabetes will be included. This review will not be specific to gender, sex, ethnicity, frailty, or other demographic variables. The review will be restricted to Western countries (North America, Western and Northern Europe, and Australasia), where approaches to diabetes self-management education will be similar. Studies including older adults with or without diabetes will not be considered unless they provide separate analyses for the 2 cohorts. METHODS: This scoping review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will conduct searches of electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed, from January 1, 2000, to the present to capture eligible articles. The review will consider all study designs, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods designs, as well as text and opinion papers, and systematic reviews that meet the inclusion criteria. After duplicates are removed, titles and abstracts will be screened independently by 2 reviewers, and the full texts will be reviewed. The screening criteria and data extraction protocol will be pilot-tested by the research team. The results will be summarized in tables accompanied by narrative text.

Absorptive capacity in the adoption of innovations in health: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review was to explore how absorptive capacity has been conceptualized and measured in studies of innovation adoption in health care organizations. INTRODUCTION: Current literature highlights the need to incorporate knowledge translation processes at the organizational and system level to enhance the adoption of new knowledge into practice. Absorptive capacity is a set of routines and processes characterized by knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and application. A key concept in organizational learning theory, absorptive capacity is thought to be critical to the adoption of new knowledge and innovations in organizations. To understand how absorptive capacity was conceptualized and measured in health care organizations, it was appropriate to conduct a scoping review to answer our research question. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This scoping review included published and unpublished primary studies (ie, experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, and qualitative study designs), as well as reviews that broadly focused on the adoption of innovations at the organizational level in health care, and framed innovation adoption as processes that rely on organizational learning and absorptive or learning capacity. METHODS: Searches included electronic databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) and gray literature, as well as reference scanning of relevant studies. Study abstracts and full texts were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Data extraction of relevant studies was also done independently by two reviewers. All discrepancies were addressed through discussion or adjudicated by a third reviewer. Synthesis of the extracted data focused on descriptive frequencies and counts of the results. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). RESULTS: The search strategies identified a total of 7433 citations. Sixteen papers were identified for inclusion, including a set of two companion papers, and data were extracted from 15 studies. We synthesized the objectives of the included studies and identified that researchers focused on at least one of the following aspects: i) exploring pre-existing capacity that affects improvement and innovation in health care settings; ii) describing factors influencing the spread and sustainability of organizations; iii) identifying measures and testing the knowledge application process; and iv) providing construct clarity. No new definitions were identified within this review; instead existing definitions were refined to suit the local context of the health care organization in which they were used. CONCLUSIONS: Given the rapidly changing and evolving nature of health care, it is important to understand both current best practices and an organization's ability to acquire, assimilate, transform, and apply these practices to their specific organization. While much research has gone into developing ways to implement knowledge translation, understanding an organization's internal structures and framework for seeking out and implementing new evidence as it relates to absorptive capacity is still a relatively novel concept.

Effectiveness of intra-operative topical amiodarone for prevention of postcardiac surgery new-onset atrial fibrillation: A review of current evidence.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications following cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity. Intraoperative topical amiodarone application on epicardial tissue has been shown to reduce systemic concentrations while maintaining therapeutic myocardial concentrations, thereby, lowering the risk of extracardiac adverse effects associated with oral and intravenous amiodarone therapy. However, the efficacy and safety of topical amiodarone in preventing POAF is unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study summarizes the clinical studies to-date that have investigated the efficacy and safety of topical amiodarone administration in preventing POAF following cardiac surgery. METHODS: A database search was conducted using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. Abstracts were screened and data were extracted from relevant full-text articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The search returned four studies with variable findings on the effect of topical amiodarone therapy on the incidence of POAF, cardiac effects, extracardiac effects, and hospital length of stay. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic topical application of amiodarone may be effective and safe for preventing post-operative new-onset atrial fibrillation. Further investigation is required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical amiodadrone therapy before it can be widely integrated into current practice.

Access to health and social services by women living on a low income in Canada: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to map the current evidence about access to health and social services for women living on a low income in Canada. INTRODUCTION: Women, especially those living on a low income, are disproportionately likely to suffer inequities in access to health and social services. There is insufficient understanding of how the interaction of socioeconomic factors and gender can affect women's access to these services. This review will provide an initial picture of what exists in the literature about access to health and social services for women living on a low income in Canada. The results of this scoping review may be used to inform subsequent qualitative and quantitative reviews on this subject. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Literature addressing access to health and social services by women who are 18 years or older and living on a low income in Canada will be considered for inclusion. Health services will include health promotion and disease prevention; treatment of medical conditions; and rehabilitation, palliative, and end-of-life care. Social services are non-medical services designed to help members of a society who may need extra support or are considered to have social or behavioral risk factors. METHODS: We will search relevant electronic databases (eg, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) and gray literature. The review will include all study designs, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods methodologies (excluding economic analyses or clinical practice guideline development documents). Two reviewers will test the screening criteria and data extraction protocol.