Simulation-Based Learning Supported by Technology to Enhance Critical Thinking in Nursing Students: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Critical thinking is a crucial skill in the nursing profession, so teaching strategies and methodology must be carefully considered when training and preparing nursing students to think critically. Studies on simulation-based learning supported by technology are increasing in nursing education, but no scoping reviews have mapped the literature on simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. OBJECTIVE: The proposed scoping review aims to systematically map research on the use of simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. METHODS: The proposed scoping review will use the framework established by Arksey and O'Malley and will be reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. A systematic, comprehensive literature search was performed in the LILACS, ERIC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Pairs of authors independently selected the articles by screening titles, abstracts, full-text papers, and extract data. The data will be analyzed and thematically categorized. RESULTS: The development of a comprehensive and systematic search strategy was completed in June 2021. The database searches were performed in July 2021, and the screening of titles and abstracts was completed in September 2021. Charting the data began in February 2022. Analysis and synthesis will be performed sequentially, and the scoping review is expected to be complete by May 2023. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this proposed scoping review may identify gaps in the literature and provide an overview of research on the topic of simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. The research may identify nursing students' reported barriers and enablers for learning critical thinking skills through simulation-based learning supported by technology, and the results may help educators enhance their educational approach through knowledge of students' firsthand experiences and further development of successful teaching strategies in nursing education. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/36725.

Introducing a nutritional app in supervised residences for independent living: Experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Dietary challenges are common among individuals with intellectual disability residing in supervised living in Norway, and this is a major risk factor for health problems. The aim of this study was to explore feasibility of the nutrition tablet app APPetitus, among persons with intellectual disability and their formal caregivers. METHOD: Joint dyad interviews with residents and caregivers were conducted after five individuals with intellectual disability used APPetitus for eight weeks. Seven formal caregivers and managers participated in subsequent focus group interviews. Thematic analysis informed the data analysis. The study complies with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). RESULTS: The findings were mapped into three themes: APPetitus mediating nutritional conversations, residents' strategies to control the conversation and caregiver support as a required prerequisite for overall user comprehension. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that a nutritional app can contribute to and normalize nutritional conversations, and empower residents to participate.

Older Adults' Engagement in Technology-Mediated Self-Monitoring of Diet: A Mixed-Method Study.

PURPOSE: This feasibility study explored older adults' use of a nutrition app called Appetitus (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/appetitt/id1001936854?ign-mpt=uo%3D2; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=no.nr.appetitt&hl=e) and addressed their engagement in technology-mediated self-monitoring of diet. Undernutrition is a significant challenge among older adults and is associated with poorer health experiences. Digital health for self-monitoring of diet has the potential to increase awareness of personal nutrition, and the scarcity of research reporting older adults' ability and willingness to engage in technology-mediated dietary self-monitoring warranted this study. DESIGN AND METHODS: An explorative mixed-methods design combining descriptive analysis of log data with qualitative analysis of interviews with Appetitus users was implemented. FINDINGS: Twenty-five older adults self-monitored their diet using Appetitus over an 8-week trial period. Eighty percent of the participants used the app regularly in the trial period. The most engaged users recorded their food consumption daily for 8 weeks. Personal interest in nutrition and commitment to the project facilitated regular use of Appetitus. Poor health and the perception that using a nutrition app lacked personal relevance contributed to irregular self-monitoring. For inexperienced technology users, participation in this project became a springboard to using tablet technology and the Internet beyond the Appetitus app. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the participants regularly used Appetitus for self-monitoring of diet; they found the tablet technology and Appetitus app easy to use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Older adults are able and willing to use self-monitoring tools. Nutrition apps can empower older adults to make better informed decisions about their diet. Patients' self-monitoring can provide valuable and detailed health-related information to healthcare professionals and mediate patient-centered care practices.

Promoting dietary awareness: Home-dwelling older adults' perspectives on using a nutrition application.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated older adults' experiences of using the Appetitus app with support from healthcare professionals. BACKGROUND: Good nutrition status is important for good health when ageing. However, as undernutrition remains a prevalent and persistent problem among older adults, the study explored whether technology affords innovative support for nutritional self-care among older adults. DESIGN: The study was explorative and qualitative in approach. METHODS: Appetitus was developed as a tablet-based application to prevent and alleviate undernutrition among older adults. Eighteen home-dwelling older adults used the app for 8 weeks. Older adults received home care, and local healthcare professionals introduced the app and gave support during the study. RESULTS: Appetitus served as a source of inspiration and a reminder of available, relevant food options. Appetitus encouraged some participants to eat or drink more by the end of the day while others became more aware of selecting food options to ensure sufficient protein, energy and fluids. However, some participants made no active effort to change their diet despite feedback from the app that suggested they did not eat or drink enough. Technical support from healthcare professionals facilitated participants' use of the app and tablet. Some participants also received more specific nutritional follow-up that helped to make their experience of using the app more meaningful. CONCLUSION: Older adults' awareness about the importance of keeping a diet that helps prevent undernutrition was reinforced through the use of Appetitus and discussing nutrition with healthcare professionals. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The findings affirm feasibility of using technology in nutritional interventions enhancing self-care among older adults.