Nurse anaesthetists' experiences of student nurse anaesthetist learning during clinical practice: a qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND: The professional role of a nurse anaesthetist involves taking a pedagogical approach towards students, including supervision during clinical practice. Although supervisors are facilitators of student learning, they are offered little training in adult learning principles. The aim of this study was to describe supervisors' experience of student nurse anaesthetist learning during clinical practice in the operating room. METHOD: In this qualitative interview study, 12 semi-structured individual interviews were carried out with clinical supervising nurse anaesthetists. The data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results are illustrated with one theme and five sub-themes. The clinical learning situation of student nurse anaesthetists is described as a reflection of different cultures coming together. The operating room environment is a new context to students, and students enter with different clinical background and experiences. There is tension in facilitating student learning due to demands for productivity; supervisors suggest the use of separate operating rooms with a special focus on learning in the future. CONCLUSION: Clinical practice facilitates student learning and is a parallel process to routine care. Thus, it requires the cultures of higher education and healthcare organizations to co-exist. This is illustrated with the theme "Contributing to students' future professional roles by bridging the hospital and university cultures". In the operating room, student learning is challenged by a new context and time pressure as shown by subthemes. To overcome challenges and support student learning in the operating room from a supervisors' perspective, interprofessional student teams are suggested as a future approach and need to be further investigated.

Perceptions of interprofessional team collaboration among professionals working in the occupational health service in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) among professionals in occupational health (OH) services is crucial when rendering a service to clients and customers. The aim of this study was to describe and compare perceptions relating to IPC among professionals working as OH providers in Sweden. METHODS: This cross-sectional study with a descriptive and comparative design included 456 respondents representing different OH professions in Sweden. Data were collected using the Swedish short version of the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale adapted for OH ([AITCS]-SII[OH]), with its 3 subscales Partnership, Cooperation, and Coordination, and were analyzed and presented descriptively. Items and sum scores were dichotomized into inadequate and adequate and compared between sexes, workplaces, types of employment, and professions. RESULTS: According to the responses, items related to openness, honesty, and trust were perceived as adequate among the respondents. The findings show that perceptions about IPC differed among the professions. The perception of IPC also differed between different types of organizations. CONCLUSIONS: The results show diverse perceptions between professionals and organizations. The perception of IPC may be influenced by the professional's education in occupational safety and health. Study findings may be used to support further development of IPC in the OH service for the benefit of the clients. To develop IPC in the best interests of both professionals and customers/clients, further studies need to be performed to gain a deeper understanding of IPC in the OH context.

Student Nurse Anesthetists' and Supervisors' Perspectives of Learning in the Operating Room: An Integrative Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to identify supporting and hindering factors for student nurse anesthetists' (SNAs') learning in the operating room during clinical practice, from students' and supervisors' perspectives. DESIGN: An integrative review. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in Medline, Cinahl, PsycInfo, and ERIC. Search terms were related to nurse anesthetist, education, operating room context, and clinical setting. Searches were performed at three points in time and in total 1,530 unique articles were identified. After screening using Covidence and using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools, 34 articles remained. These were analyzed inductively using a constant comparison method. FINDINGS: Supporting factors include preparation before clinical practice, clearly stated expectations, a respectful relationship with the supervisor, daily planning and communication, and constructive feedback. Hindering factors include lack of time, disruptive behavior from supervisors or other team members, and environmental factors such as a high room temperature and noisy environment. CONCLUSIONS: SNAs' learning situation in the operating room resembles undergraduate nurses' learning during clinical practice. Educators and supervisors can take several actions to promote SNAs' learning. Further research is warranted on the effect of teamwork on SNAs' learning.

The Transition Between Surgery and Ward: Patients' Experiences of Care in a Postoperative Care Unit.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe adult patients' experiences of postoperative care in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after undergoing surgery in Sweden. DESIGN: Qualitative inductive study. METHODS: Individual interviews with 14 adults who had experience of being cared for in the PACU were conducted on day 14 to day 26 after surgery. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Early recovery in the PACU was described as a small step in the recovery process and as a time of transition from surgery to the ward. When patients perceived the PACU staff as competent, and as having a positive attitude, providing individualized care, and addressing symptoms or discomfort without being specifically alerted, patients felt safe and cared for. When they were not personally acknowledged, the patients felt abandoned in the highly technological environment. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance the transition from surgery to the ward, patients need to be personally acknowledged. Their symptoms need to be properly treated by competent staff with a positive and proactive attitude. This creates safe care that supports the transition from the PACU to the ward, as well as the overall recovery process.

Exploring the learning needs of clinicians in Belgium and Sweden regarding prone positioning and skin damage prevention: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID -19), the use of prone positioning in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) increased substantially. As a result, clinicians had to (re)learn how to treat the patient in the prone position while preventing adverse events such as pressure ulcers, skin tears and moisture-associated skin damage. AIM: The purpose of the study was to determine participants' learning needs related to patients in the prone position and the prevention of skin damage, such as pressure ulcers, and what they perceived as a positive or negative learning experience. DESIGN: This study used a qualitative methodological framework and employed an exploratory design. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample of clinicians (n = 20) with direct or indirect work experience with prone ventilated patients was recruited in Belgium and Sweden. METHODS: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in Belgium and Sweden between February and August 2022. Data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach. The COREQ guideline was utilised to comprehensively report on the study. FINDINGS: Two themes were identified: 'Adapting to a crisis' and 'How to learn', with the latter having two subthemes: 'balancing theory and practice' and 'co-creating knowledge'. Unexpected circumstances necessitated a personal adaption, a change in learning methods and a pragmatic adaptation of protocols, equipment and working procedures. Participants recognised a multifaceted educational approach which would contribute to a positive learning experience regarding prone positioning and skin damage prevention. The importance of poising theoretical teaching with practical hands-on training was highlighted with an emphasis on interaction, discussion, and networking between peers. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight learning approaches which may help inform the development of befitting educational resources for clinicians. Prone therapy for ARDS patients is not limited to the pandemic. Therefore, educational efforts should continue to ensure patient safety in this important area.

Validity and reliability of the swedish versions of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Health Literacy is a crucial factor for health. In Europe, many people have limited health literacy (i.e. difficulties with accessing, understanding, appraising and using health information). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometrics of the Swedish versions of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6, instruments that aims to assess health literacy. METHODS: In this prospective psychometric study convenience sampling was used, which gave a study population of 347 Swedish-speaking adults. The psychometric evaluation included item distributional statistics, construct validity testing, and principal component analysis to assess structural validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability was also investigated. RESULTS: For the Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q16, no floor effects were detected but a ceiling effect was noted among 28% of the respondents. Construct validity was supported as four out of five expected correlations was confirmed (educational level, self-perceived health, electronic health literacy and HLS-EU-Q6). In terms of structural validity, the principal component analysis yielded a four-factor structure with most items loading significantly only to one factor. The Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q16 had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89, split-half reliability = 0.93) and test-retest reliability showed stability over time (Cohen's κ = 0.822). For the Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q6, neither floor nor ceiling effects were observed. Construct validity was supported as HLS-EU-Q6 correlated as our a priori stated hypothesis. The principal component analysis did not support the unidimensionality of the scale as a two-factor structure was identified. The Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q6 had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.77, split-half reliability = 0.80) and test-retest reliability showed stability over time (Cohen's κ = 0.812). According to the Swedish version of the HLS-EU-Q16, 71% of the participants were classified as having sufficient comprehensive health knowledge (CHL), while only 33% were classified as having this when the HLS-EU-Q6 was used. CONCLUSIONS: The Swedish versions of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 have acceptable psychometric properties, and based on the results we recommend its use to measure CHL. However, we are hesitant to use Sw-HLS-EU-Q6 in estimating different CHL levels and further studies need to be conducted to establish validity and accuracy of the thresholds of HLS-EU-Q6.

Validity and reliability of the arabic version of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important social determinant of health and affects the ability to make decisions and take action to manage one's health. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically examine the Arabic versions of HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 and their response patterns among Arabic-speaking persons in Sweden. METHODS: By convenience sampling from a variety of settings, a total of 335 participants were invited to participate. The participants completed a self-assessment of comprehensive health literacy by answering the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, also including the six items for Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. Statistical analysis was guided by The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments. Floor/ceiling effects, construct, structural and criterion validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 320 participants were included in the psychometric evaluation. Mean age was 42.1 (SD 12.5), 63% (n = 199) were females and 53% (n = 169) had at least 10 years of education. No floor or ceiling effect were found for the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 or Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. For both instruments, construct validity was confirmed in four out of five expected correlations (weak positive correlation to educational level, self-perceived health, and years in Sweden; moderate positive correlation with higher sum score on the Arabic electronic health literacy scale, and strong positive correlation to higher Ar-HLS-EU-Q16/Ar-HLS-EU-Q6). For Ar-HLS-EU-Q16, the principal component analysis resulted in a three-factor model with all items significantly correlating to only one factor. For Ar-HLS-EU-Q6, the principal component analysis supported a one-factor solution. Criterion validity showed poor agreement between the two questionnaires with a Cohen κ 0.58 (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability showed a substantial agreement, Cohen's κ for Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 and Ar-HLS-EU-Q6 were both 0.89. The internal consistency of both versions was acceptable, Cronbach alpha for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q16 was 0.91 and for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q6, 0.79. Split-half reliability was 0.95 and 0.78, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of HLS-EU-Q16 shows good psychometric properties, validated in a Swedish setting. The findings can further inform and guide future validation studies in other settings worldwide. Furthermore, the results of the present study did not support criterion validity of Ar-HLS-EU-Q6.

Incidence of self-harm after bariatric surgery: A nationwide registry-based matched cohort study.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the longitudinal risk of self-harm and the risk factors for self-harm after bariatric surgery in patients and control subjects without prior self-harm. This observational cohort study was based on prospectively registered data. Patients 18-70 years at time of surgery, body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 , who underwent a primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure or a primary sleeve gastrectomy between 2007 and 2019 were considered for inclusion. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were matched 1:10 to the general population in Sweden (69 492 patients vs. 694 920 controls). After excluding patients and controls with previous self-harm, a self-harm event occurred in 1408 patients in the surgical group (incidence rate (IR) 3.54/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.36-3.73) versus in 3162 patients in the control group (IR 0.81/1000 person-years, 95% CI 0.78-0.84), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.38 (95% CI 4.11-4.66, p < .001). Median follow-up time was 6.1 years. Risk factors were younger age, lower BMI, cardiovascular, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all aspects of psychiatric comorbidities (except neuropsychiatric disorder), lower socioeconomic status, RYGB, lower health-related quality of life, lower postoperative weight loss, and not attending postoperative follow-up visits. Self-harm is clearly higher after bariatric surgery than in the general population. A qualitative follow-up may be particularly important for patients at increased risk.

The General Self-Efficacy Scale in a population planned for bariatric surgery in Sweden: a psychometric evaluation study.

OBJECTIVES: This study psychometrically evaluated General Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale in patients planned for bariatric surgery in Sweden. DESIGN: A cross-sectional psychometric study. The psychometric evaluation was guided by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments checklist for health-related reported-patient outcomes. SETTING: Three bariatric centres in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients≥18 years old scheduled for primary bariatric surgery (with sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEASURES: Psychometric properties of the GSE. RESULTS: In total, 704 patients were included in the analysis. Mean values for GSE items were 2.9-3.4 and the mean GSE sum score was 31.4 (SD 4.7). There were no floor or ceiling effects. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89. Men reported a higher mean GSE than did women, that is, 31.2 (SD 4.8) for women versus 32.1 (SD 4.3) for men, p=0.03. Correlation coefficients were weak or negligible: GSE and mental component summary score of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)/RAND 36, r=0.18 (p<0.00); GSE and physical component summary score of SF-36/RAND 36, r=0.07 (p=0.138); GSE and obesity-related problem scale r=-0.15 (p=0.001) and GSE and level of education, r=0.04 (p=0.35). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a one-factor construct with a satisfactory goodness of fit, that is, Comparative Fit Index=0.927, root mean square error of approximation=0.092 and standardised root mean square residual=0.045. The factor GSE explained almost half or over half of the variance of each item (0.45-0.75, p-values<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The GSE scale is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to assess general self-efficacy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Do reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery influence weight loss and health-related quality of life?-A Swedish mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: A wish for improved health or avoidance of ill health is often given as reason for wanting to undergo bariatric surgery. How such reasons relate to postoperative outcome is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore Swedish patients' reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery. Also, we wanted to analyze if there were sex and age differences and associations with weight loss and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). SETTINGS: This was a single-center study conducted at a university hospital. METHOD: Data on 688 patients (528 women and 160 men) including a free text response was analyzed inductively and deductively using predefined statements and was merged with data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. All data was analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics. RESULT: The most common reason for undergoing bariatric surgery was pain in different body parts. A wish for an improved medical condition was reported by most patients (59%, n = 408), followed by physical limitations making daily life difficult (42%, n = 288). Men and women reported similar reasons. Younger patients were more distressed about physical appearance (p = 0.001) and older patients wanted to improve their medical condition (p = 0.013). Health-related quality of life improved irrespective of reasons for undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION: The most reported reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery were a wish for improved medical condition and to make daily life easier. Factors associated with the decision for surgery showed that there were few sex differences, but age seemed to be a factor. The HRQoL trajectory showed improvement regardless of reasons for undergoing surgery.

Methods and timing in the assessment of postoperative recovery: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about the type of instrument with which to assess postoperative recovery or the time points when assessments are most appropriate. It is also unclear whether instruments measure the four dimensions of postoperative recovery, that is physical, psychological, social, and habitual recovery. This scoping review had three objectives: (1) to identify and describe instruments used in clinical trials to assess postoperative recovery; (2) to determine how, when, and the number of times postoperative recovery was measured; and (3) to explore whether the four dimensions of postoperative recovery are represented in the identified instruments. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. The search terms were related to three search strands: postoperative recovery, instrument, and clinical trials. The limits were English language and publication January 2010 to November 2021. In total, 5015 studies were identified. RESULTS: A total of 198 studies were included in the results. We identified 20 instruments measuring postoperative recovery. Different versions of Quality of Recovery represented 81.8% of the included instruments. Postoperative recovery was often assessed at one time point (47.2%) and most often on postoperative day 1 (81.5%). Thirteen instruments had items covering all four dimensions of postoperative recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing recovery is important to evaluate and improve perioperative care. We emphasise the importance of choosing the right instrument for the concept studied and, if postoperative recovery is of interest, of assessing more than once. Ideally, instruments should include all four dimensions to cover the whole recovery process.

An endeavour for change and self-efficacy in transition: patient perspectives on postoperative recovery after bariatric surgery-a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Self-efficacy plays a role in the process of making lifestyle changes. After bariatric surgery, patients must adapt to several lifelong lifestyle changes. The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of recovery after bariatric surgery in those reporting low preoperative self-efficacy. METHODS: This qualitative inductive interview study included 18 participants. Individual interviews were conducted approximately one year after the surgery. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The analysis identified one theme, and five subthemes describing recovery after bariatric surgery. Participants described being at a crossroads before surgery and having to make a change. After surgery, they had to learn to handle their new situation, which included getting to know their new body, handling thoughts about themselves, and managing social relations. To enhance their situation, support and information were essential. Social relations, support, successes, and challenges influenced their self-efficacy, and thoughts about adopting lifestyle changes, maintaining motivation, and handling setbacks. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery one year after bariatric surgery is an ongoing process that involves challenges encountered in lifestyle changes and physical and psychological transformations. Self-efficacy is not static and is influenced during the recovery process. Support and information are essential to enhance patient recovery after bariatric surgery.

Nurse competence in the post-anaesthesia care unit in Sweden: a qualitative study of the nurse's perspective.

BACKGROUND: To enable safe and successful recovery for surgery patients, nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units need competence in postoperative care. No consensus defines what this specific competence includes, and it has not been studied from the perspective of nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. The aim of this study is twofold: 1) To explore and describe nurses' perception of the competence needed to work in post-anaesthesia care units. 2) To explore and describe nurses' perception of what characterizes an expert nurse in post-anaesthesia care units. METHODS: This qualitative inductive study uses individual interviews. Sixteen nurses were recruited from two post-anaesthesia care units located in different parts of Sweden. Inclusion criteria were nurses employed in the post-anaesthesia care units for ≥1 years. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted; data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The interview analysis identified six subthemes and three themes. The themes being adaptable in an ever-changing environment and creating safe care represent the overarching meaning of competence required when working as a nurse in a Swedish post-anaesthesia care unit. Nurses must possess various technical and nontechnical skills, which are core competences that are described in the sub-themes. The theme seeing the bigger picture describes the nurse's perception of an expert nurse in the post-anaesthesia care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse competence in post-anaesthesia care units entails specific knowledge, acknowledging the patient, and working proactively at a fast pace with the patient and team to provide safe, high-quality care. An expert nurse in post-anaesthesia care units can see the bigger picture, helping share knowledge and develop post-anaesthesia care. The expert competence to see a bigger picture can be used in supervising novices and creating a knowledge base for postgraduate education in order to promote safe, high-quality post-anaesthesia care.

Levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Specialized nursing care should be provided by nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units to ensure safe and successful recovery after surgery and anaesthesia. However, there is no consensus regarding the competence and education needed by nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. AIM: The aim of this study is to describe and compare levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden, as well as the education that post-anaesthesia care unit nurse managers' desire for registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden between September and December of 2019. A web-based survey was developed that included questions about the levels of education and technical skills possessed by registered nurses working in Swedish post-anaesthesia care units and desired by nurse managers for these nurses. The survey was evaluated for content validity by four experts. The survey was distributed to the nurse manager of each studied post-anaesthesia care unit. All nurse managers received written information and were informed that submitting the survey was considered as consenting to participate in the study. RESULTS: Most surveyed nurses held a postgraduate diploma in specialist nursing. Registered nurses performed many tasks autonomously; however, there was a significant difference between specialist nurses and registered nurses, with specialist nurses being more autonomous than registered nurses. Most of the nurse managers (n = 31/45) wanted the registered nurses in their units to have education in postoperative care. The relatively low overall response rate of 58% is a study limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden must have various technical skills. Some of these skills are only performed by specialist nurses, indicating that postoperative care is an advanced level of nursing care.

Validity and reliability of the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Sweden: a prospective psychometric evaluation study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to psychometrically test and evaluate the Swedish functional health literacy scale and the Swedish communicative and critical health literacy scale in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional psychometric study. SETTING: Patients from three bariatric centres in Sweden were consecutively included in this study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 704 patients undergoing bariatric surgery filled in the questionnaires preoperatively. Inclusion criteria were scheduled for primary bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) and greater than 17 years, proficiency in Swedish. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEASURES: Psychometric outcomes of the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale. RESULTS: There was a higher proportion of females (74.4%, n=523) to males (25.6%, n=180). The mean age was 42 years (SD 11.5). Limited functional health literacy and limited communicative and critical health literacy (including both inadequate and problematic health literacy) was reported in 55% (n=390) and 40% (n=285), respectively. Cronbach alpha for the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale was α=0.86 and for the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale, α=0.87. Construct validity showed weak to negative correlations between the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and income, education and SF-36/RAND36 summary scores. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a one-factor solution for the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and a two-factor solution for the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale are valid and reliable to use for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a Swedish context. Measuring dimensions of health literacy can be used as a guide for the development of health literacy friendly patient information in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Health literacy and e-health literacy among Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Health inequities arise when the public cannot access and understand health information in an easy, accessible, and understandable way. Evidence supports that health literacy (HL) is a determinant for health outcomes, and when HL is limited this may have a major impact on morbidity as well as mortality. Migrants are known to have limited HL. Therefore, this study aimed to explore comprehensive health literacy (CHL) and electronic health literacy (eHL) among Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Sweden. A total of 703 persons were invited to participate between February and September 2019. Two questionnaires - the Health Literacy Survey European Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) - and questions about self-perceived health and Internet use were distributed in Swedish and Arabic. Various statistical analyses were performed to determine the associations for limited CHL and eHL. RESULTS: A total of 681 respondents were included in the analysis. Of these, 334 (49%) were native Arabic-speaking migrants and 347 (51%) were native Swedish-speaking residents. CHL and eHL differed between the groups. The Arabic speakers had significantly lower mean sum scores in eHL 28.1 (SD 6.1) vs 29.3 (6.2), p = 0.012 and lower proportion of sufficient CHL 125 (38.9%) vs 239 (71.3%), p < 0.001 compared to Swedish speakers. Multiple regression analysis showed on associations between limited CHL and eHL and being Arabic speaking, less Internet use, and not finding the Internet to be important or useful. Furthermore, longer time spent in Sweden was associated with higher levels of CHL among the Arabic speakers, (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CHL and eHL differ between Arabic-speaking migrants and native Swedish speakers, but also between Arabic speakers who have lived different lengths of time in Sweden. Though it seems that the eHealth literacy is less affected by language spoken, the Internet is suggested to be an appropriate channel for disseminating health information to Arabic-speaking migrants.

Arabic Version of the Electronic Health Literacy Scale in Arabic-Speaking Individuals in Sweden: Prospective Psychometric Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Health information is often communicated through the internet. It is vital for the end user to have a range of digital skills as well as understand the information to promote their health. There is a valid and reliable 8-item instrument, the Electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), that evaluates these skills. The number of Arabic-speaking people migrating to Sweden and to other parts of the world is increasing due to unstable military and political situations in their countries of origin. Poor health and limited health literacy have been described in this population in Sweden. Still, to our knowledge, an Arabic version of eHEALS has not been tested for validity or reliability. Thus, Arabic-speaking populations in Sweden cannot be included in studies measuring eHealth literacy, which does not support equal treatment in health care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the original English eHEALS version into Arabic and to evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The eHEALS was rigorously translated, adapted, and evaluated for content validity. We conducted prospective psychometric evaluation with natively Arabic-speaking participants living in Sweden. Construct validity, factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Spearman correlation, principal component analysis, Cronbach α, and weighted quadratic Cohen κ, respectively. RESULTS: The study population consisted of Arabic-speaking participants (n=298; age: mean 41.8 years, SD 10.5). Construct validity was supported with weak and moderate correlations. Principal component factor analysis revealed a one-factor structure. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach α=0.92); test-retest reliability was acceptable (weighted quadratic Cohen κ=0.76). Evaluation indicated that eHealth literacy threshold values should be dichotomized (limited and sufficient) rather than trichotomized (inadequate, problematic, and sufficient). CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of eHEALS, a unidimensional scale that is valid and reliable for measuring eHealth literacy among natively Arabic-speaking people in Sweden, was found to be acceptable and feasible in a general population.

Education, Competence, and Role of the Nurse Working in the PACU: An International Survey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this research project was to describe the education, competence, and role of nurses working in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in 11 countries having an established perianesthesia specialty nursing organization and membership on the International Collaboration of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses, Inc (ICPAN) Global Advisory Council (GAC). DESIGN: This is a descriptive international cross-sectional study. METHODS: A Web-based survey was distributed to members of the ICPAN GAC to be completed by the GAC representative or another expert perianesthesia nurse member from the organization (n = 11). The GAC has one representative from the following 11 ICPAN organizational members: ACPAN, Australian College of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses (Australia); BRV, Beroepsvereniging Recovery Verpleegkundigen (Belgium/The Netherlands); NAPANc, National Association of PeriAnesthesia Nurses of Canada (Canada); FSAIO, The Danish Association of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Recovery Nurses (Denmark); FANA, Finnish Association of Nurse Anaesthetists (Finland); Hellenic Perianesthesia Nursing Organization (Greece); IARNA, Irish Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association (Ireland); PNC of NZNO, Perioperative Nurses College of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (New Zealand); ANIVA, Swedish Association of Nurse Anesthetists and Intensive Care Nurses (Sweden); BARNA, British Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association (United Kingdom); and ASPAN, American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (USA). FINDINGS: Perianesthesia nursing was recognized as a professional nursing specialty in 6 of 11 countries, and 8 of 11 have established national guidelines or practice standards for perianesthesia nurses. The Netherlands, Ireland, and Australia are the only countries that have a formal education program for perianesthesia nurses. There were variations in nurse-to-patient ratios between the 11 countries, ranging from 2:1 to 1:3 in the Phase I recovery of critically ill patients; in Phase II recovery (day surgery) it was most common to have up to three to four patients per nurse. Perianesthesia nurses were mainly the only profession stationed in the PACU, with professions such as the anesthesiologist and surgeon on call. The nurses performed many job tasks autonomously; however, this differed between countries. CONCLUSIONS: Perianesthesia nurse education, clinical guidelines, other professions working in the PACU, and job tasks differ between countries. This knowledge can be used in international collaboration to further develop education and training for nurses working in the PACU. Continued international perianesthesia nursing partnership can only bring us closer and strengthen our specialty practice with the focus not on our differences but on our common denominators.

Swedish Web Version of the Quality of Recovery Scale Adapted for Patients Undergoing Local Anesthesia and Peripheral Nerve Blockade (SwQoR-LA): Prospective Psychometric Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: The frequency and timing of assessing patient symptoms and discomfort during postoperative recovery are goals. Therefore, real-time recovery evaluation has been suggested to identify specific deficits in patient recovery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the Swedish Web Version of the Quality of Recovery (SwQoR) Scale adapted for patients undergoing local and peripheral nerve block (SwQoR-LA). METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a psychometric evaluation of 107 patients aged ≥18 years undergoing day surgery under local or peripheral nerve block anesthesia at 4 different day surgery departments in Sweden. The SwQoR-LA, available through a mobile app called Recovery Assessment by Phone Points (RAPP), was completed daily on postoperative days 1-7. RESULTS: Some evidence of construct validity was supported, and discriminant validity was found in 7 of 8 items related to general anesthesia. The internal consistency was acceptable (.87-.89), and the split-half reliability was 0.80-0.86. Cohen d effect size was 0.98, and the percentage of change from baseline was 43.4%. No floor nor ceiling effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The SwQoR-LA is valid, reliable, responsive, and clinically feasible for digital real-time recovery assessment of patient recovery to identify specific deficits in patient recovery and detect those patients who might benefit from a timely intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02492191; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02492191. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009901.

A journey to a new stable state-further development of the postoperative recovery concept from day surgical perspective: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to further develop the concept analysis by Allvin et al in 2007 and Lundmark et al in 2016 from the perspective of day-surgery patients. Also, to describe how patients experience postoperative recovery in relation to the identified dimensions and subdimensions and to interpret the findings in order to get a deeper understanding of the concept postoperative recovery. DESIGN: Descriptive qualitative design with a theoretical thematic analysis. SETTING: Six day-surgery departments in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight adult participants who had undergone day surgery in Sweden. Participants were purposively selected. RESULTS: Four dimensions-physical, psychological, social and habitual-were confirmed. A total of eight subdimensions were also confirmed, two from Allvin et al's study and six from Lundmark et al's study. Recovery included physical symptoms and challenges coping with and regaining control over symptoms and bodily functions. Both positive and negative emotions were present, and strategies on how to handle emotions and achieve well-being were established. Patients became dependent on others. They coped with and adapted to the recovery process and gradually stabilised, reaching a new stable state. CONCLUSION: Postoperative recovery was described as a process with a clear starting point, and as a dynamic and individual process leading to an experience of a new stable state. The recovery process included physical symptoms, emotions and social and habitual consequences that challenges them. To follow-up and measure all four dimensions of postoperative recovery in order to support and understand the process of postoperative recovery is, therefore, recommended.