Critical illness survivors' experiences of attending an intensive care unit follow-up service: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to explore critical illness survivors' experiences of attending an intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up service. INTRODUCTION: A significant proportion of critical illness survivors will require ICU follow-up care to support adverse symptoms in health domains, including cognition, mental health, and physical and social function. While there is consensus on the need for ICU follow-up services, systematic reviews to date have not identified any significant impact of ICU follow-up services on clinical health outcomes. An understanding of survivors' experiences of attending an ICU follow-up service may improve the effectiveness and design of such services. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include studies that explore the experiences of adult ( 18 years of age) critical illness survivors who attended an ICU follow-up service following discharge from an ICU, regardless of the admitting diagnosis or ICU length of stay. METHODS: This review will be conducted in line with the JBI methodological framework for qualitative systematic reviews. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection, will be searched to identify relevant studies for inclusion in the review. Studies will be screened by 2 independent reviewers. Critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will be completed by 2 independent reviewers using a meta-aggregation method for data synthesis. Confidence in the research findings will be assessed and assigned a ConQual score. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023404585.

Ambulatory outpatient venous surgery service: An examination of patient satisfaction and experiences.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to ascertain patients' experience of the out-patient venous service being provided,; identify the level of patient satisfaction with the service and identify areas for further improvement and development. METHOD: A prospective descriptive quantitative study. A questionnaire was distributed to all patients who used the service between June 2017 and March 2018. A total of 195 questionnaires was distributed with 162 valid questionnaires returned; response rate of 83%. RESULTS: This study found high satisfaction levels with endovenous ablation procedures, with concomitant phlebectomy, in the ambulatory outpatient setting and patient experiences of the service are overwhelmingly positive. CONCLUSION: Study findings support the management of ambulatory outpatient varicose vein endovenous ablation procedures as a feasible alternative to day surgery theatre settings and is the blueprint for future management of varicose vein surgery in Ireland.

The Association of Persistent Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety with Recurrent Acute Coronary Syndrome Events: A Prospective Observational Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of persistent symptoms of depression and anxiety in a second acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event. Data presented in this study were from an RCT study. A follow-up for 24 months after baseline to detect a second ACS event among 1162 patients from five hospitals. Hierarchal Cox regression analyses were used. The results showed that persistent depression only (HR 2.27; 95% CI: 1.35-3.81; p = 0.002), and comorbid persistent depression and anxiety (HR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.03-3.98; p = 0.040) were the significant predictors of a second ACS event. Secondary education level compared to primary educational level (HR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.93; p = 0.020) and college or more education level compared to primary educational level (HR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27-0.84; p = 0.011) were the only demographic variables that were significant predictors of a second event. The study reveals that attention must be paid by healthcare providers to assess and manage persistent depression; particularly when it is co-morbid with anxiety.

Prevalence of tobacco smoking among European migrants residing in EU 15 countries: a quantitative systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the prevalence of tobacco smoking in European migrants residing in EU 15 countries. INTRODUCTION: Most of the migration within the World Health Organization European Region is intracontinental. The prevalence of smoking varies greatly across the European Region. Migrants may choose to adopt the smoking behaviors of their host countries or retain the smoking behaviors of their countries of origin. Several studies have identified the high prevalence of smoking of some migrant groups in comparison to their host countries, but no systematic reviews have been completed on intracontinental migrants within the European Region. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Epidemiological studies, which include data on the prevalence of tobacco smoking in European migrants aged ≥ 15 years of age living in the following EU 15 countries host countries for ≥ 1 year: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA, and Web of Science will be searched to identify published studies. General gray literature (eg, Open Grey) as well as gray literature for migrants (Migrant Health Research Portal) and tobacco will be searched. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence will be used in this review. Data synthesis will use meta-analysis where appropriate and narrative synthesis.

Evaluating the extent of patient-centred care in a selection of ESC guidelines.

AIMS: Patient-centred care (PCC) is the cornerstone for healthcare professionals to promote high quality care for patients with cardiovascular conditions. It is defined as 'Providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions'. PCC can improve patient outcomes and allow patients and healthcare professionals to manage care collaboratively using best available evidence. However, there is no clear understanding how extensively guidelines incorporate PCC recommendations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incorporation of PCC into a selection of guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a narrative literature review and expert consensus, the Science Committee within the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (ACNAP) developed a checklist to determine PCC incorporation in clinical guidelines. Nine ESC guidelines were reviewed, with committee members independently evaluating five PCC aspects: patient voice and involvement, multidisciplinary involvement, holistic care recommendations, flexibility to meet patients' needs, and provision of patient tools. The level of congruence in item ratings by experts was then compared. The incorporation of PCC using these respective five categories, ranged from 4% (patient tools) to 53% in the 'multidisciplinary involvement' category. CONCLUSION: Overall, the inclusion of PCC was low, indicating that patient perspectives and needs were less likely to be taken into account when developing, endorsing, or formulating recommendations. Future development of guidelines should ensure better incorporation of patients' perspective, in particular, and other PCC aspects highlighted in this study.

Patients' knowledge and opinions of ICDs during life, illness and at the time of death.

Use of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an established therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, at the end of life, these devices can prolong the dying experience, causing physical and psychological trauma. Patients are often unaware of their options regarding ICD management at the end of their life, which highlights the need for health professionals to have these discussions with patients. This study aimed to identify patients' knowledge and opinions about their ICD and the factors influencing their knowledge and opinions. Of the 30 participants in this study, 59% had sufficient knowledge about ICDs. There was no relationship between knowledge and time since implantation (p=0.11). A relationship existed between knowledge and age; those that were older were better informed (p=0.008). The authors conclude that patient education and communication are essential for patients with ICDs to enhance decision-making about ICD management at the end of life.

Towards prompt electrocardiogram acquisition in triage: Preliminary testing of a symptom-based clinical prediction rule for the Android tablet.

BACKGROUND: For patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, international guidelines indicate that an Electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed within 10 min of first medical contact, however success at achieving these guidelines is limited. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to develop and perform initial testing of a clinical prediction rule embedded in a tablet application, and to expedite the identification of patients who require an electrocardiogram within 10 min. METHODS: This derivation of the Acute Coronary Syndrome Application (AcSAP) comprised of three local studies, an unpublished audit and literature critique. The AcSAP was prospectively tested over four months in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of a Dublin teaching hospital. An audit form retrieved data pertaining to times of: registration to the emergency department, triage, first electrocardiogram and diagnosis. The AcSAP was subsequently evaluated by experienced triage nurses ( n=18) who had utilised it. RESULTS: The AcSAP was activated 379 times. Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) were significantly more likely to return a categorisation of 'immediate ECG' or 'ECG within 10 min' ( p<0.001). There was a significant difference in 'triage to ECG' times across categories, the 'immediate ECG' categorisation resulting in the shortest time ( p=0.002). Evaluations suggest that staff found the tool quick and easy to use and results seemed accurate. CONCLUSION: Testing of the AcSAP suggests that it accurately identifies patients who require an ECG within 10 min. As such, it has the potential to support the meeting of clinical guidelines for ECG acquisition.

A cohort study examining the factors influencing changes in physical activity levels following an acute coronary syndrome event.

BACKGROUND: Low physical activity has long been identified as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence changes in the physical activity of patients following an acute coronary syndrome event. METHODS: The prospective, inferential cohort design recruited patients admitted to hospital following an acute coronary syndrome event across five research sites. Physical activity was assessed using the short form international physical activity questionnaire. RESULTS: Data were collected at baseline and 3 months on 380 patients. The sample profile was: 21% women; body mass index 28 ± 4.6; unstable angina 36%; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction 25%; non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction 39% and a mean age of 63 ± 11.8. There was a significant improvement in physical activity at 3 months ( n=380, t=-3.704, P≤0.001). All regression models, baseline, 3 months and change in physical activity were significant ( p≤0.001). Low physical activity was associated with: at baseline not having health insurance, older age and depression; at 3 months not having health insurance, not in employment and low baseline physical activity; and improvement in physical activity was associated with low physical activity at baseline and not being in employment. CONCLUSIONS: While physical activity improved significantly, 45% did not reach guideline recommendation levels at 3 months post-event. Physical activity change was little influenced by sociodemographic, clinical, psychological and behavioural factors, suggesting the need to look elsewhere such as behavioural change and improved processes across the care divide to improve physical activity in this at-risk population.

A cluster and inferential analysis of myocardial infarction symptom presentation by age.

BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital delay time in myocardial infarction is usually longer in older than in younger patients, with symptom presentation known to be a contributing factor. AIM: The aim of this article is to examine symptom presentation differences, by age, in patients with myocardial infarction. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary analysis of a multi-site randomised controlled trial on pre-hospital delay time. Data were analysed using logistic regression and factor analysis. RESULTS: Post-myocardial infarction patients were recruited prior to discharge ( n=1211), 54% were ≥65 years and 80% male. The average number of symptoms was three, with the ≥65 years age group reporting significantly less symptoms. Logistic regression controlling for gender, diabetes and diagnosis with 11 symptoms (χ2=52.09, p<0.001) was significant. Those ≥65 years had less chest symptoms, sweating, stomach upset and left arm pain, in addition to longer pre-hospital delay time. This group also had less symptom clustering and fewer symptoms within atypical clusters. Non-chest clusters occurred in 22% and 18% of the older and younger group respectively. Of note, two clusters 'atypical' (upset stomach/sweating) and 'typical arm' (right and left arm pain symptoms), accounted for 14% and 5% of myocardial infarction presentations in the ≥65 years group, within which 25% and 24% had no chest symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that myocardial infarction symptom presentation in older patients is likely to be less recognisable and more complex. Increased awareness of the presentation profile of older patients could expedite their triage, diagnosis and, consequently, their prognosis.

Ambulance use in acute coronary syndrome in Ireland: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: As myocardial salvage is time dependent, prompt emergency department attendance is imperative in the presence of unresolved acute coronary syndrome symptoms. Although ambulance use is the recommended mode of transport during an acute coronary syndrome event, people regularly have misperceptions about its role. Consequently, many fail to use this service when warranted. AIM: To evaluate factors associated with ambulance usage among patients admitted to emergency departments with acute coronary syndrome symptoms in Ireland. METHODS: Patients (N=1947) diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome were recruited across five hospitals. The ACS Response Index was used to identify mode of transport to access the emergency department, symptom context and experience and the rationale for non-ambulance use. Using logistic regression, predictors of ambulance use were identified. RESULTS: Only 40.1% of the sample used an ambulance. The primary reason for non-ambulance use was the perception that it was unwarranted (31%). A further 23.8% thought another mode of transportation would be faster. Independent predictors of ambulance usage differed among the three sub-diagnoses of acute coronary syndrome. For each group, visiting the general practitioner with symptoms was associated with a greater likelihood of not using an ambulance. CONCLUSION: The use of ambulance services is not positively embraced by the public. Furthermore, it appears that general practitioners may not always promote its use, particularly in the early stages of acute coronary syndrome symptom onset. The findings from our study suggest that a public education drive is necessary to promote ambulance usage during an acute coronary syndrome event.

Using Action Research and Peer Perspectives to Develop Technology That Facilitates Behavioral Change and Self-Management in COPD.

Background. Behavioural change and self-management in patients with chronic illness may help to control symptoms, avoid rehospitalization, enhance quality of life, and decrease mortality and morbidity. Objective. Guided by action research principles and using mixed methods, the aim of this project was to develop peer based educational, motivational, and health-promoting peer based videos, using behavioural change principles, to support self-management in patients with COPD. Methods. Individuals (n = 32) living with COPD at home and involved in two community based COPD support groups were invited to participate in this project. Focus group/individual interviews and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. Results. Analysis revealed 6 categories relevant to behavioural change which included self-management, support, symptoms, knowledge, rehabilitation, and technology. Participants commented that content needed to be specific, and videos needed to be shorter, to be tailored to severity of condition, to demonstrate "normal" activities, to be positive, and to ensure that content is culturally relevant. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that detailed analysis of patient perspectives and needs for self-management is essential and should underpin the development of any framework, materials, and technology. The action research design principles provided an effective framework for eliciting the data and applying it to technology and testing its relevance to the user.

Improving knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome through an individualized educational intervention: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of an individualized educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: This multi-site, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 1947 patients with a diagnosis of ACS. Both groups received usual in-hospital education. Participants randomized to the intervention group received a 40-min one to one individualized education session, delivered using motivational interviewing techniques. The intervention was reinforced 1 month and 6 months later. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs were measured using the ACS Response Index. A total of 1136 patients (control, n=551; intervention, n=585) completed the questionnaire at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of the intervention on mean knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p=0.003) and belief (p<0.001) scores at 3 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Ensuring patients retain information post education has always been difficult to attain. This study demonstrated that patient education using motivational interviewing techniques and an individualized approach has the potential to alter knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about ACS among a high risk population. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This relatively short, simple and effective educational intervention could be delivered by nurses in multiple settings.

A randomized controlled trial to reduce prehospital delay time in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

BACKGROUND: The literature suggests that people delay too long prior to attending emergency departments with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) symptoms. This delay is referred to as prehospital delay. Patient decision delay contributes most significantly to prehospital delay. OBJECTIVES: Using a randomized controlled trial, we tested an educational intervention to reduce patient prehospital delay in ACS and promote appropriate responses to symptoms. METHODS: Eligible patients who were admitted across five emergency departments (EDs) in Dublin were recruited to the study (n = 1944; control: 972, intervention: 972). RESULTS: Median baseline prehospital delay times did not differ significantly between the groups at baseline (Mann-Whitney U, p = 0.34) (CONTROL: 4.28 h, 25(th) percentile = 1.71, 75(th) percentile = 17.37; Intervention 3.96 h, 25(th) percentile = 1.53, 75(th) percentile = 18.51). Both groups received usual in-hospital care. In addition, patients randomized to the intervention group received a 40-min individualized education session using motivational techniques. This was reinforced 1 month later by telephone. Of the 1944, 314 (16.2%) were readmitted with ACS symptoms: 177 (18.2%) and 137 (14.1%) of the intervention and control groups, respectively. Prehospital delay times were again measured. Median delay time was significantly lower in the intervention compared to the control group (1.7 h vs. 7.1 h; p ≤ 0.001). Appropriately, those in the intervention group reported their symptoms more promptly to another person (p = 0.01) and fewer consulted a general practitioner (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in ambulance use (p = 0.51) or nitrate use (p = 0.06) between the groups. CONCLUSION: It is possible to reduce prehospital delay time in ACS, but the need for renewed emphasis on ambulance use is important.

Research in cardiovascular care: a position statement of the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals of the European Society of Cardiology.

To deliver optimal patient care, evidence-based care is advocated and research is needed to support health care staff of all disciplines in deciding which options to use in their daily practice. Due to the increasing complexity of cardiac care across the life span of patients combined with the increasing opportunities and challenges in multidisciplinary research, the Science Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals (CCNAP) recognised the need for a position statement to guide researchers, policymakers and funding bodies to contribute to the advancement of the body of knowledge that is needed to further improve cardiovascular care. In this paper, knowledge gaps in current research related to cardiovascular patient care are identified, upcoming challenges are explored and recommendations for future research are given.

Cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction: what influences patients' intentions to attend?

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes have increased their availability and expanded their eligibility criteria. This study sought to identify current predictors and reasons influencing myocardial infarction patients' pre-discharge intentions to attend CR. METHODS: Patients in this longitudinal, prospective, five site study completed questionnaires that surveyed their intentions to attend, attendance and main reasons for non-attendance at CR. RESULTS: 84% of the 1172 patients indicated that they intended to attend CR. Multivariate analyses revealed that age, employment and earlier history of myocardial infarction were significant predictors of intention to attend CR, yet contributed to only a small proportion of the variance. The main reasons given for not intending to attend CR were lack of interest and perception that the programme would not be beneficial. Other obstacles included work, transport or time. A total of 708 (60%) patients responded at 12 months, and of these, 44% who did not intend to attend CR had attended. CONCLUSION: Patient sociodemographic and clinical profile, although significant, are not major predictors of intention to attend CR. Lack of interest and misconceptions regarding CR are cited as key barriers. Some of these seem to have been addressed post discharge as a good proportion of patients who had not intended to attend CR did change their minds and attended. Motivation of patients to participate in CR, including the identification of barriers and the provision of comprehensive information about the purpose and varied formats of CR programmes, could be used to help further address barriers to attendance.

Slow-onset and fast-onset symptom presentations in acute coronary syndrome (ACS): new perspectives on prehospital delay in patients with ACS.

BACKGROUND: Patient decision delay is the main reason why many patients fail to receive timely medical intervention for symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study examines the validity of slow-onset and fast-onset ACS presentations and their influence on ACS prehospital delay times. A fast-onset ACS presentation is characterized by sudden, continuous, and severe chest pain, and slow-onset ACS pertains to all other ACS presentations. METHODS: Baseline data pertaining to medical profiles, prehospital delay times, and ACS symptoms were recorded for all ACS patients who participated in a large multisite randomized control trial (RCT) in Dublin, Ireland. Patients were interviewed 2-4 days after their ACS event, and data were gathered using the ACS Response to Symptom Index. RESULTS: Only baseline data from the RCT, N = 893 patients, were analyzed. A total of 65% (n = 577) of patients experienced slow-onset ACS presentation, whereas 35% (n = 316) experienced fast-onset ACS. Patients who experienced slow-onset ACS were significantly more likely to have longer prehospital delays than patients with fast-onset ACS (3.5 h vs. 2.0 h, respectively, t = -5.63, df 890, p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis of delay revealed that, in the presence of other known delay factors, the only independent predictors of delay were slow-onset and fast-onset ACS (ß = -.096, p < 0.002) and other factors associated with patient behavior. CONCLUSION: Slow-onset ACS and fast-onset ACS presentations are associated with distinct behavioral patterns that significantly influence prehospital time frames. As such, slow-onset ACS and fast-onset ACS are legitimate ACS presentation phenomena that should be seriously considered when examining the factors associated with prehospital delay.

Multivariate analysis of predictors of pre-hospital delay in acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have had the opportunity to examine a broad range of predictors of pre-hospital delay from a multivariate perspective that includes not only sociodemographic and clinical features but also atypical symptoms, patient appraisal and behavior, across the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) spectrum. METHODS: A total of 1894 hospitalized ACS patients were recruited predischarge after an ACS event. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire and clinical details were verified with their case notes. RESULTS: The median pre-hospital delay times were, 4.06, 2.70, 4.51 and 5.50h, for all ACS, ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI and unstable angina (UA) subgroups respectively. Multiple regression models examining 33 predictors of pre-hospital delay were significant (p<0.001), accounting for 32%, 42%, 34% and 29% of the variance for all ACS, STEMI, non-STEMI and UA subgroups respectively. The predictors that were singularly significantly associated with longer pre-hospital delay within all ACS were: taking medications, visiting family physician, and symptoms that were intermittent in nature. In the MI subgroups, not using an ambulance and gradual symptom onset, were also associated with longer delay. In STEMI patients non-attribution of symptoms to heart was also associated with longer pre-hospital delay. CONCLUSIONS: Multivariable analyses found that although sociodemographic, clinical history or situational predictors contributed to the variance in pre-hospital delay, the main predictors of pre-hospital delay were behavioral and symptom presentation factors. These factors should therefore be incorporated into patient education and interventions, to further improve patient pre-hospital delay time.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome in patients diagnosed with ACS: an Irish cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To reduce mortality and morbidity associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), individuals who experience ACS symptoms should seek treatment promptly. However, for this to be possible, they must adopt appropriate attitudes and beliefs about ACS symptoms and have the prerequisite knowledge to respond to those symptoms. AIM: This paper details the results of a cross-sectional Irish study that measured knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about ACS in patients diagnosed with ACS. METHODS: A total of 1947 patients were enrolled in the study. Recruitment took place across five academic teaching hospitals in Dublin, Ireland. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about ACS were measured using the ACS Response Index questionnaire. RESULTS: Almost half the patients (n=49.5%) demonstrated high knowledge levels (i.e. >70% of correct answers) about ACS symptoms. The majority recognized chest pain/pressure (98.9%) and left arm pain (90.2%) as symptoms. Many failed to associate jaw pain, heartburn and/or indigestion (44.7%), nausea and vomiting (47.6%), and neck pain (42.5%) with a heart attack. Higher knowledge levels were independently associated with higher levels of education (p=0.007), a history of angina (p=0.001), and attitudes (p=<0.001) and beliefs (p=<0.001) that are consistent with positively decisive responses to ACS symptoms. CONCLUSION: Despite having experienced an ACS event, overall knowledge levels were poor. Higher knowledge levels were associated with better attitudes and beliefs, indicating the inextricable relationship between all three components. Educational programmes should incorporate all three components so that prompt behaviour can be initiated when symptoms arise.