Prevalence and drivers of nurse and physician distress in cardiovascular and oncology programmes at a Canadian quaternary hospital network during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quality improvement initiative.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and drivers of distress, a composite of burnout, decreased meaning in work, severe fatigue, poor work-life integration and quality of life, and suicidal ideation, among nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design to evaluate distress levels of nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic between June and August 2021. SETTING: Cardiovascular and oncology care settings at a Canadian quaternary hospital network. PARTICIPANTS: 261 nurses and 167 physicians working in cardiovascular or oncology care. Response rate was 29% (428 of 1480). OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey tool to measure clinician distress using the Well-Being Index (WBI) and additional questions about workplace-related and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors. RESULTS: Among 428 respondents, nurses (82%, 214 of 261) and physicians (62%, 104 of 167) reported high distress on the WBI survey. Higher WBI scores (≥2) in nurses were associated with perceived inadequate staffing (174 (86%) vs 28 (64%), p=0.003), unfair treatment, (105 (52%) vs 11 (25%), p=0.005), and pandemic-related impact at work (162 (80%) vs 22 (50%), p<0.001) and in their personal life (135 (67%) vs 11 (25%), p<0.001), interfering with job performance. Higher WBI scores (≥3) in physicians were associated with perceived inadequate staffing (81 (79%) vs 32 (52%), p=0.001), unfair treatment (44 (43%) vs 13 (21%), p=0.02), professional dissatisfaction (29 (28%) vs 5 (8%), p=0.008), and pandemic-related impact at work (84 (82%) vs 35 (56%), p=0.001) and in their personal life (56 (54%) vs 24 (39%), p=0.014), interfering with job performance. CONCLUSION: High distress was common among nurses and physicians working in cardiovascular and oncology care settings during the pandemic and linked to factors within and beyond the workplace. These results underscore the complex and contextual aspects of clinician distress, and the need to develop targeted approaches to effectively address this problem.

A qualitative co-design-based approach to identify sources of workplace-related distress and develop well-being strategies for cardiovascular nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians.

OBJECTIVE: Clinician distress is a multidimensional condition that includes burnout, decreased meaning in work, severe fatigue, poor work-life integration, reduced quality of life, and suicidal ideation. It has negative impacts on patients, providers, and healthcare systems. In this three-phase qualitative investigation, we identified workplace-related factors that drive clinician distress and co-designed actionable interventions with inter-professional cardiovascular clinicians to decrease their distress and improve well-being within a Canadian quaternary hospital network. METHODS: Between October 2021 and May 2022, we invited nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians to participate in a three-phase qualitative investigation. Phases 1 and 2 included individual interviews and focus groups to identify workplace-related factors contributing to distress. Phase 3 involved co-design workshops that engaged inter-professional clinicians to develop interventions addressing drivers of distress identified. Qualitative information was analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one clinicians (24 nurses, 10 allied health professionals, and 17 physicians) participated. Insights from Phases 1 and 2 identified five key thematic drivers of distress: inadequate support within inter-professional teams, decreased joy in work, unsustainable workloads, limited opportunities for learning and professional growth, and a lack of transparent leadership communication. Phase 3 co-design workshops yielded four actionable interventions to mitigate clinician distress in the workplace: re-designing daily safety huddles, formalizing a nursing coaching and mentorship program, creating a value-added program e-newsletter, and implementing an employee experience platform. CONCLUSION: This study increases our understanding on workplace-related factors that contribute to clinician distress, as shared by inter-professional clinicians specializing in cardiovascular care. Healthcare organizations can develop effective interventions to mitigate clinician distress by actively engaging healthcare workers in identifying workplace drivers of distress and collaboratively designing tailored, practical interventions that directly address these challenges.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The aim of the study is to explore the feasibility and initial outcomes of a mindfulness-based group intervention (MBI) for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A mixed-methods uncontrolled study using an adapted 8-week group MBI for adolescents with IBD was conducted at a pediatric tertiary hospital. Primary outcomes focused on feasibility. Secondary outcomes focused on preliminary efficacy via quality of life, mindfulness, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of a total of 44 adolescents invited to participate, 16 adolescents completed the study. Group attendance and home meditation practice was satisfactory. There were significant differences in emotional functioning relative to IBD following MBI-A participation. Qualitative analysis rendered two themes: (1) personal interpretation and application of mindfulness and (2) the benefits of IBD-specific peer support. Several key adaptations are needed to increase feasibility of group MBIs prior to randomized controlled trials. Findings can be generalized to inform group-based therapies for adolescents with IBD.

Transition Intervention for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence regarding the efficacy of interventions to prepare adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) to enter adult care. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of a nurse-led transition intervention on lapses between pediatric and adult care. METHODS: A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted of a nurse-led transition intervention for 16- to 17-year-olds with moderate or complex CHD versus usual care. The intervention group received two 1-h individualized sessions targeting CHD education and self-management skills. The primary outcome was excess time to adult CHD care, defined as the interval between the final pediatric and first adult cardiology appointments, minus the recommended time interval, analyzed by using Cox proportional hazards regression accounting for clustering. Secondary outcomes included scores on the MyHeart CHD knowledge survey and the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 121 participants were randomized to receive the intervention (n = 58) or usual care (n = 63). At the recommended time of first adult appointment (excess time = 0), intervention participants were 1.8 times more likely to have their appointment within 1 month (95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 2.9; Cox regression, p = 0.018). This hazard increased with time; at an excess time of 6 months, intervention participants were 3.0 times more likely to have an appointment within 1 month (95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 8.3). The intervention group had higher scores at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months on the MyHeart knowledge survey (mixed models, p < 0.001) and the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire self-management index (mixed models, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: A nurse-led intervention reduced the likelihood of a delay in adult CHD care and improved CHD knowledge and self-management skills. (Congenital Heart Adolescents Participating in Transition Evaluation Research [CHAPTER 2]; NCT01723332).

Dyslipidemia management in overweight or obese adolescents: A mixed-methods clinical trial of motivational interviewing.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle management for dyslipidemic adolescents often occurs in the context of family-centered care, which necessitates adaptation of counseling strategies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for lifestyle behavior change for dyslipidemic adolescents in a dyad with a parent versus alone. METHODS: A total number of 32 adolescents were randomized 1:1 to receive a series of motivational interviewing sessions either together with a parent or alone for a 6-month intervention, with both quantitative and qualitative assessment of outcomes. RESULTS: Both groups were similar at baseline. Following the intervention, there were no significant differences between groups in physical, laboratory, lifestyle or psychosocial measures, except for a reduction in dietary fats/sugars (p = 0.02) and in screen time (p = 0.02) in the alone group. When both groups were combined, significant reductions at 6 months were noted for body mass index (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.01), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), fasting insulin (p = 0.01), and homeostatic model (p = 0.02). Reduced screen time and increased fruit and vegetable intake were also noted for both groups combined. These changes were also reflected in self-efficacy (p = 0.004), self-esteem (p = 0.03), and improvement in quality of life measures. Interview data provided insights into the utility and acceptability of the motivational interviewing intervention. CONCLUSION: Motivational interviewing was an efficient strategy for inspiring healthy lifestyle and physiological changes among adolescents in both groups. Family centered pediatric approaches should consider the autonomy and individual preferences of the adolescent prior to counseling.

Readiness for Transition to Adult Health Care for Young Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease.

This study evaluates transition readiness, medical condition knowledge, self-efficacy, and illness uncertainty in young adolescents (ages 12 to 15 years) with congenital heart disease (CHD), and medical, patient, and parental factors associated with transition readiness. We enrolled 82 patients with moderate or complex CHD (n = 36, 44% male; mean age 13.6 ± 1.3 years), and their parents. Patients completed standardized self-report measures: Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), MyHeart scale, General Self-Efficacy scale, and Children's Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Parents completed the MyHeart scale and demographic information. Many young adolescents had not discussed transfer with a health care provider (n = 20, 24%) or parent (n = 34, 41%). Transition readiness was higher among patients who were older, more knowledgeable about their condition, had a history of primary cardiac repair and greater self-efficacy, and was lower for boys and patients on cardiac medications. Transition readiness was unrelated to CHD diagnosis and patients' illness uncertainty. Patients' self-advocacy skills were superior to their chronic disease self-management skills. Increased parental medical condition knowledge was positively correlated with patient knowledge, and patient-parent discussion of transfer was associated with increased patient's self-management skills. Transition is not uniformly discussed with young adolescent CHD patients. Parental involvement is correlated with increased transition readiness and patient disease self-management skills. Young adolescent transition programs should focus on education around improving patient medical condition knowledge, promote chronic disease self-management skills development, and include parental involvement.

Kawasaki Disease With Coronary Artery Aneurysms: Psychosocial Impact on Parents and Children.

INTRODUCTION: For those living with Kawasaki disease and coronary artery aneurysms, little is known about the psychosocial burden faced by parents and their children. METHODS: Exploratory, descriptive, mixed-methods design examining survey and interview data about health-related uncertainty, intrusiveness, and self-efficacy. RESULTS: Parents' uncertainty was associated with missed diagnosis, higher income, and maternal education. Higher uncertainty scores among children were associated with absence of chest pain and lower number of echocardiograms. High intrusiveness scores among parents were associated with previous cardiac catheterization, use of anticoagulants, lower parent education and income, and missed diagnosis. High intrusiveness scores among children were associated with high paternal education. Children's total self-efficacy scores increased with chest pain and larger aneurysm size. Qualitative analysis showed two central themes: Psychosocial Struggle and Cautious Optimism. DISCUSSION: Negative illness impact is associated with a more intense medical experience and psychosocial limitations. Timely assessment and support are warranted to meet parents' and children's needs.

A cluster randomized trial of a transition intervention for adolescents with congenital heart disease: rationale and design of the CHAPTER 2 study.

BACKGROUND: The population of adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is growing exponentially. These survivors are at risk of late cardiac complications and require lifelong cardiology care. However, there is a paucity of data on how to prepare adolescents to assume responsibility for their health and function within the adult health care system. Evidence-based transition strategies are required. METHODS: The Congenital Heart Adolescents Participating in Transition Evaluation Research (CHAPTER 2) Study is a two-site cluster randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of a nurse-led transition intervention for 16-17 year olds with moderate or complex CHD. The primary endpoint is excess time to adult CHD care, defined as the time interval between the final pediatric cardiology appointment and the first adult CHD appointment, minus the recommended time interval between these appointments. Secondary endpoints include the MyHeart score (CHD knowledge), Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire score, and need for catheter or surgical re-intervention. Participants are enrolled in clusters based on week of attendance in the pediatric cardiology clinic. The intervention consists of two one-hour individualized sessions between a cardiology nurse and study participant. Session One focuses on knowledge of the participant's CHD, review of their cardiac anatomy and prior interventions, and potential late cardiac complications. Session Two focuses on self-management and communication skills through review and discussion of videos and role-play. The study will recruit 120 participants. DISCUSSION: Many adolescents and young adults experience a gap in care predisposing them to late cardiac complications. The CHAPTER 2 Study will investigate the impact of a nurse-led transition intervention among adolescents with CHD. Fidelity of the intervention is a major focus and priority. This study will build on our experience by (i) enrolling at two tertiary care programs, (ii) including a self-management intervention component, and (iii) evaluating the impact of the intervention on time to ACHD care, a clinically relevant outcome. The results of this study will inform pediatric cardiology programs, patients and policy makers in judging whether a structured intervention program provides clinically meaningful outcomes for adolescents and young adults living with CHD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01723332.