Mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between academic self-efficacy and depression symptoms among nursing students participating in blended learning.

Background: Blended learning, which comprises a combination of online and classroom-based activities, in nursing education can cause significant academic stress and depression symptoms among students. However, self-esteem may mediate the relationship between academic self-efficacy and depression symptoms. Studies of the relationship between academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, and depression symptoms among nursing students participating in blended learning are limited. Objectives: To examine the determinants of depression symptoms and the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between academic self-efficacy and depression symptoms among nursing students who participate in blended learning. Design: Cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Settings: Ten universities across five provinces and two major Indonesian islands. Participants: A total of 534 undergraduate nursing students with a mean age of 20.30 years (standard deviation, ±1.36 years). Methods: An online survey was conducted between April and August 2022 to collect data from 10 universities applying blended learning. The study instruments included the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Data were analysed by hierarchical linear regression using PROCESS macro version 4.1. Results: Of the 534 participants, 213 (39.14 %) experienced moderate-to-severe depression symptoms. Two variables, online learning difficulties (ß = 0.10; p = .012) and self-esteem (ß = -0.40; p < .001), were significant determinants of depression symptoms. Self-esteem mediated the relationship between academic self-efficacy and depression symptoms. Conclusions: It is necessary to understand the online learning difficulties experienced by blended learning students and improve their self-esteem by maximising academic self-efficacy to prevent depression symptoms.

Integrated immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care: Competency-based entrustable professional activities for nursing.

BACKGROUND: Integrated immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care alleviates emotional distress due to losing a loved one; however, the provision of effective nursing care remains insufficient. Therefore, preparing nursing students with such skills is essential in end-of-life care education, and entrustable professional activities (EPAs) offer potential to address this gap. OBJECTIVES: To establish EPAs concerning immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care with a seven-category description for EPAs, milestones, and assessment tools. DESIGN: We used a modified Delphi method and four-step consensus-building approach to i) identifying the list of possible EPA items related to immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care based on a literature review and clinical experiences, ii) select an expert panel, iii) pool, review, and revise the EPAs, and iv) validate EPA quality using the Queen's EPA Quality rubric. Data analysis was performed via modes and quartile deviations. RESULTS: The following four major EPA components were identified: i) cultural and religious ritual assessment; ii) death preparation; iii) postmortem care; and iv) acute bereavement care. Three essential competencies were identified as highly correlated: general clinical skills, communication and teamwork capabilities, and caring. Consensus was achieved after three survey rounds. A 100 % questionnaire response rate was obtained. In the third round, all items received 4 or 5 points from >95 % of the panel members and were found to meet the quartile deviation cutoff score of <0.6, indicating that a high consensus level was established. The average Queen's EPA Quality rubric score was 62.5, with an average item score of 4.46, which was higher than the cut-off score of 4.07. Three major parts of EPAs were developed: task descriptions, milestones, and the assessment tool. CONCLUSION: The development of EPAs assessments concerning immediate postmortem and acute bereavement care may guide nursing curricula planning to bridge the gap between competencies and clinical practice.

Simulation-based education promoting situation awareness in undergraduate nursing students: A scoping review.

AIM: To examine simulation-based education (SBE) strategies on situation awareness (SA) in nursing students including the strategies of SBE, the measurement tools of SA during SBE and the effectiveness of SBE on SA. BACKGROUND: SA has been reported as an effective way to identify and manage deteriorating patients. Researchers have suggested that SBE is more effective than other instructional modalities in improving SA. However, SA among nursing students and studies regarding the effectiveness of SBE on SA are limited. DESIGN: The Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework was used to guide the review process and the PRISMA-ScR checklist was used to report on this scoping review. METHODS: The databases searched were Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCO and Google Scholar from December 2020 to November 2021. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the main findings in the literature. RESULTS: Nine eligible articles were included. Five major themes were identified: SBE situations used to teach SA to nursing students, SBE strategies to improve SA in nursing, effectiveness of SBE on SA in nursing, measurements of SA used during the SBE and experimental studies examining the effectiveness of SBE on SA. CONCLUSION: This review reveals that SBE may be useful to cultivate SA in nursing students. Future studies that use randomized clinical trials to test the effects of combining different simulation strategies on SA are suggested. Developing more reliable and valid SA global assessment queries and standardizing the query process of SA measurement is also recommended.

[Metamorphosis of Nurses: The Development and Breakthroughs of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses].

BACKGROUND: The introduction and development of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a global trend in nursing. However, the development of APRNs in Taiwan remains uncertain and lacks necessary consensus. PURPOSE: This research study aimed to explore the views and suggestions of nursing experts in industry, government, and academia regarding the development of APRNs (clinical nurse specialists, case managers, certified clinical registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives) in Taiwan. METHODS: Data were collected from March to August 2017. Sixty-four experts participated in one of six focus group discussions held in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. These group discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim with the consent of the participants. Content analysis was used to analyze the transcribed data. RESULTS: The comments and suggestions raised during the discussions were categorized into four major themes: professional development of necessity, core competencies, accreditation, and future promotion-related issues. Each theme was further divided into several subthemes. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The opinions of relevant experts regarding the current status of development of the roles, practical scope, and management and suggestions for APRNs were summarized to facilitate the future development of APRNs in Taiwan in terms of education, core competencies, certification, and practical scope. Furthermore, the results may be referenced in the establishment of a nursing consensus model and as a basis for promoting APRNs.

Developing and validating cardiovascular emergency gamification question cards.

BACKGROUND: Learning to handle cardiovascular emergencies is complex and can cause psychological stress for nursing students. Gamification using question cards as a learning aid is one of the creative educational strategies that can help students learn in a fun way. The design of cards with valid and reliable questions is essential in gamification; however, such cards are still lacking in cardiovascular emergency learning. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate cardiovascular emergency question cards for the future use of gamification for education regarding cardiovascular emergencies among undergraduate nursing students. METHODS: The development process included two phases: designing the question cards and testing validity evidence. A table of specifications was used to select and assign questions based on three levels with six learning outcome categories. Five nurse experts assessed the evidence based on test content, including the relevance, clarity, and essentiality of the questions. Seven final-year nursing students evaluated the evidence based on the response process. After revision, 61 nursing students evaluated the internal consistency reliability of each level. RESULTS: In the design phase, ninety English question cards were categorized into three levels based on the learning outcomes expected in an undergraduate emergency nursing course. Most of the questions were multiple-choice questions, and some were short answer questions. The final item-content validity index = 1.00, the scale-content validity index/universal agreement = 1.00, and the content validity ratio = 1.00. Cronbach's α for internal structure was 0.81 for level I (n = 61), 0.92 for level II (n = 54), and 0.81 for level III (n = 46). CONCLUSION: The cardiovascular emergency question cards showed acceptable evidence based on the test content, response process, and internal structure. In the future, testing the feasibility of applying the question cards to gamification and assessing their learning effect on cardiovascular emergency knowledge retention will be necessary.

[Effect of center-based or home-based resistance training on muscle strength and VO2 peak in patients with Heart Failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Efecto del entrenamiento de resistencia en centros o domiciliario en la fuerza muscular y pico de VO2 en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the components of resistance training (RT) exercises and evaluate the effects of RT on improving muscle strength and oxygen consumption (VO2) peak based on either center-based rehabilitation or home-based rehabilitation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: According to the PRISMA guidelines, articles were searched through five databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trial studies met the study criteria, including a total of 299 respondents. In the center-based respondents (n = 81 for intervention group vs. n = 81 for control group), RT resulted in significant effects on both muscle strength of lower extremity (SDM = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.41-2.50, n = 151) and upper extremity (SDM = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.05-0.87, n = 97) and VO2 peak (MD = 1.45 ml/kg/min, 95% CI = 0.01-2.89, n = 114). In the home-based respondents (n = 71 for intervention group vs. n = 66 for control group), RT resulted in significant effects on muscle strength of both lower extremity (SDM = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.20-0.97, n = 113) and upper extremity (SDM = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.24-1.44, n = 47) and VO2 peak (MD = 5.43 ml/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.23-10.62, n = 89). CONCLUSION: The RT exercise could increase muscle strength and VO2 peak at either center-based or home-based rehabilitation and should be considered as a part of the care of patients with HFrEF.

Efecto del entrenamiento de resistencia en centros o domiciliario en la fuerza muscular y pico de VO2 en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Effect of center-based or home-based resistance training on muscle strength and VO2 peak in patients with Heart Failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objetivo:Analizar los componentes de los ejercicios de entrenamiento de resistencia (ER) y evaluar los efectos de los mismos en la mejora de la fuerza muscular y el pico de consumo de oxígeno (VO2), sobre la base de la rehabilitación realizada en centros o domiciliaria en pacientes con reducción de la fracción de eyección por insuficiencia cardiaca (HFrEF).Métodos:Conforme a las directrices del Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), se realizó una búsqueda de artículos a través de cinco bases de datos, incluyendo Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro y Cochrane. Para realizar el metaanálisis se utilizó el software RevMan 5.3.Resultados:Los nueve estudios de ensayos controlados aleatorizados cumplieron los criterios del estudio, incluyendo un total de 299 respondedores. En los respondedores de los centros (n = 81 para el grupo de intervención vs. n = 81 para el grupo control), el ER produjo efectos significativos tanto en la fuerza muscular de las piernas (diferencia media estandarizada [DEM] = 1,46, IC del 95%,0,41-2,50, n = 151) como de los brazos (DEM = 0,46, IC del 95%,0,05-0,87, n = 97) y el pico de VO2 (DM = 1,45 mL/kg/min, IC del 95%, 0,01-2,89, n = 114). En los respondedores domiciliarios (n = 71 para el grupo de intervención vs. n = 66 para el grupo control), el ER produjo efectos significativos tanto en la fuerza muscular de las piernas (DEM = 0,58, IC del 95%, 0,20-0,97, n = 113) como de los brazos (DEM = 0,84, IC del 95%, 0,24-1,44, n = 47) y pico de VO2 (DM = 5,43 mL/kg/min, IC del 95%, 0,23-10,62, n = 89).Conclusión:Los ejercicios de ER podrían incrementar la fuerza muscular y el pico de VO2 tanto en la rehabilitación en centros como domiciliario, y deberían considerarse parte de los cuidados de los pacientes de HFrEF.

Objective:To analyze the components of resistance training (RT) exercises and evaluate the effects of RT on improving muscle strength and oxygen consumption (VO2) peak based on either center-based rehabilitation or home-based rehabilitation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods:According to the PRISMA guidelines, articles were searched through five databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.Results:Nine randomized controlled trial studies met the study criteria, including a total of 299 respondents. In the center-based respondents (n = 81 for intervention group vs. n = 81 for control group), RT resulted in significant effects on both muscle strength of lower extremity (SDM = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.41–2.50, n = 151) and upper extremity (SDM = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.05–0.87, n = 97) and VO2 peak (MD = 1.45 ml/kg/min, 95% CI = 0.01–2.89, n = 114). In the home-based respondents (n = 71 for intervention group vs. n = 66 for control group), RT resulted in significant effects on muscle strength of both lower extremity (SDM = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.20–0.97, n = 113) and upper extremity (SDM = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.24–1.44, n = 47) and VO2 peak (MD = 5.43 ml/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.23–10.62, n = 89).Conclusion:The RT exercise could increase muscle strength and VO2 peak at either center-based or home-based rehabilitation and should be considered as a part of the care of patients with HFrEF.

Ethical Challenges of Nonreading Older Adult Women's Autonomy in Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Under Familial Paternalism in Taiwan.

In the context of familial paternalism in Taiwan, nonreading older adult women (NOAWs) may passively disengage from treatment and submit to the decisions of their families. The purposes of this case study were to examine the ethical conflicts regarding the autonomy of hospitalized NOAWs receiving percutaneous coronary intervention in a cultural environment of familial paternalism and to propose a theoretical framework based on a literature review to resolve the ethical challenges specific to this cultural context. The proposed framework "Nursing advocacy model for engaging NOAWs with their medical treatment" was established on the basis of relational ethics, nursing advocacy, and shared decision making. Our argument does not question traditional Chinese cultural values. Instead, we advocate for NOAWs to engage with their treatment, express their preferences, and communicate with their families in a decision-making process that incorporates mutual respect and understanding within the context of Chinese culture.

Glycaemic control mediates the relationships of employment status and self-stigma with self-care behaviours in young adults with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships of sociodemographic factors, self-stigma, glycaemic control (measured by glycated haemoglobin (A1C)) and self-care behaviours in young adults with type 2 diabetes. BACKGROUND: Young adults aged 25-44 years are in their most productive period. Once diagnosed with diabetes, this population tends to experience poor glycaemic control and perform poorly in self-care activities. Such patterns may raise perceptions of self-stigma and further decrease motivations to engage in self-care behaviours in patients with diabetes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, correlational research design. METHODS: The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies were followed. A convenience sample of 115 participants was recruited from a medical centre in southern Taiwan. Instruments included the Self-Stigma Scale-Chinese version and the Diabetes Self-Care Behaviours Scale. Data were analysed using a three-step hierarchical regression analysis and the Sobel test. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 36.7 years. Marital status, employment status, self-stigma and A1C were significantly associated with self-care behaviours, and these four variables explained 43.6% of the variance in self-care behaviours. However, A1C (ß = -.58, p < .001) was found to be the only determinant of self-care behaviours in the last regression model. The Sobel test showed that A1C had mediating effects on self-stigma and self-care behaviours as well as employment status and self-care behaviours. CONCLUSION: This study supports the interactive relationship among self-stigma, employment status, glycaemic control and self-care behaviours in young adults with type 2 diabetes. Strategies aimed at optimising glycaemic control can help reduce the effects of self-stigma perceptions and employment status on the self-care behaviours of such patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: More effective educational programmes should be designed to improve glycaemic control, lower the effects of employment and decrease perceptions of self-stigma to further motivate young adults to engage in better diabetes self-care behaviours.

Mediating effect of social support on the relationship between illness concealment and depression symptoms in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Depression symptoms are common in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Social support may mediate the effect of illness concealment on depression symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between illness concealment, dimensions of social support, and depression symptoms and the mediating effect of the dimensions of social support on depression symptoms in PAH patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional design and convenience sampling were applied. Data were collected with three questionnaires and analyzed with hierarchical regression and the PROCESS macro. RESULTS: Ninety-seven participants were enrolled (mean age 50 ± 14 years). In total, 8% had a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 score ≥15. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that education level (ß = 0.28, p < 0.05), illness concealment (ß = 0.21, p < 0.05), and emotional support (ß = 0.29, p < 0.01) were determinants of depression symptoms. Emotional support mediated the relationship between illness concealment and depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional support can help patients reduce the effect of illness concealment on depression symptoms.

[Factors Related to Prodromal Symptoms in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction].

BACKGROUND: Prior to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), patients may experience different prodromal symptoms (PSs) that may delay their seeking medical treatment prior to hospitalization. PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify the relationship between PSs and demographics, including gender and age, acute symptoms, and pre-hospital delay time, in patients with AMI. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was applied, and a convenience sampling approach was used to recruit 121 patients in the emergency room of a medical center located in southern Taiwan. Instruments, including a demographic and disease variables datasheet, acute symptoms of AMI, McSweeney Acute and Prodromal Myocardial Infarction Symptom Survey (MAPMISS), and pre-hospital delay time, were used. Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Spearman correlation coefficients tests were used to examine the respective relationships between the targeted variables and PSs. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the important determinants of PSs. RESULTS: Most (83.5%) of the participants had experienced PSs. The MAPMISS score was significantly associated with age (ρ= -.20, p < .05) and marital status (Z = 2.23, p < .05). Three prodromal symptoms, including pain or discomfort in left breast, pain or discomfort in the legs, and change in headache intensity, were significantly different between male and female participants. Only one symptom, pain or discomfort in the central high chest area, differed significantly among age groups. Binary logistic regression analysis found that participants in the 40-60 years old age group were 3.19 times more likely to develop PSs than their peers in the 65 years old and older group. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of this study suggest that PSs should be incorporated into medical education to increase the cognition and awareness of healthcare professionals toward PSs and to improve patient education overall in order to strengthen public awareness regarding the relationship between PSs and AMI and subsequently increase the timeliness of their seeking appropriate medical help.

Effect of center-based or home-based resistance training on muscle strength and VO2 peak in patients with HFrEF: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the components of resistance training (RT) exercises and evaluate the effects of RT on improving muscle strength and oxygen consumption (VO2) peak based on either center-based rehabilitation or home-based rehabilitation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: According to the PRISMA guidelines, articles were searched through five databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trial studies met the study criteria, including a total of 299 respondents. In the center-based respondents (n=81 for intervention group vs. n=81 for control group), RT resulted in significant effects on both muscle strength of lower extremity (SDM=1.46, 95% CI=0.41-2.50, n=151) and upper extremity (SDM=0.46, 95% CI=0.05-0.87, n=97) and VO2 peak (MD=1.45ml/kg/min, 95% CI=0.01-2.89, n=114). In the home-based respondents (n=71 for intervention group vs. n=66 for control group), RT resulted in significant effects on muscle strength of both lower extremity (SDM=0.58, 95% CI: 0.20-0.97, n=113) and upper extremity (SDM=0.84, 95% CI: 0.24-1.44, n=47) and VO2 peak (MD=5.43ml/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.23-10.62, n=89). CONCLUSION: The RT exercise could increase muscle strength and VO2 peak at either center-based or home-based rehabilitation and should be considered as a part of the care of patients with HFrEF.

[Effectiveness of an Online Objective Structured Video Examination in Promoting Self-efficacy of Medication Administration and Recognition of Medication Errors Among Nurses].

BACKGROUND: Failure to follow the "Five Rights" and interruptions during medication administration are the two most common factors underlying nurse-related medication errors. PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the effectiveness in terms of improving nurses' medication administration self-efficacy and recognition of medication errors of an online objective structured video examination (OSVE) intervention focused on the "Five Rights" and "management of interruptions during medication administration". METHODS: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design with a respondent-driven sampling method was employed. One hundred and twelve nurses finished the online survey. Instruments included the self-efficacy of medication administration questionnaire and four online medication error OSVEs addressing the issue of medication error recognition. The intervention was an acute medication behavior OSVE. Paired t-tests were used to assess the pre-test / post-test differences between variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the 112 survey respondents was 27.21 years, and the mean years of working experience was 4.67. The mean self-efficacy of medication administration score, which was 38.88 (SD = 4.45) at baseline, increased significantly to 41.69 (SD = 4.58) at post-test (t = 7.11, p < .001). Similarly, the mean score for recognition of medication errors was 10.71 (SD = 7.16) at pre-test and significantly higher (15.32; SD = 4.94) at post-test (t = 5.90, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The online OSVE may be used to improve the recognition of medication errors and self-efficacy of medication administration in nurses. Future research is needed to examine the effect of this intervention in enhancing the safety of medication administration in actual clinical practice settings.

The Influence of Preoperative Anxiety, Optimism, and Pain Catastrophizing on Acute Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute postoperative pain (APOP) may cause complications and delay healing. Analgesics alone cannot completely relieve APOP. Preoperative anxiety, optimism, and pain catastrophizing are predictors of APOP. No study author has examined the mediating effect of pain catastrophizing on APOP in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between preoperative anxiety, optimism, pain catastrophizing, confounding factors (age, sex, type of surgery, and preoperative pain), and APOP and to examine the mediating effect of pain catastrophizing. METHODS: The authors of this cross-sectional study used a convenience sampling method and included 100 adults undergoing cardiac surgery in a southern Taiwanese medical center. The patients were asked to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State subscale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Life Orientation Test-Revised questionnaires before surgery. Postoperatively, the patients were asked to report their pain intensity on a numerical rating scale. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Patients had a mild level of anxiety, a moderate level of optimism, and pain catastrophizing before surgery, as well as a moderate level of APOP. Men reported lower levels of APOP than women (z = -2.0, P < .05). APOP was significantly associated with preoperative anxiety (r = 0.48, P < .01), optimism (r = -0.45, P < .01), and pain catastrophizing (r = 0.65, P < .01). Only pain catastrophizing was a significant predictor of APOP (ß = 0.60, P < .001) and fully mediated the relationship between anxiety and APOP (z = 4.92, P < .001). The final model explained 42% of the variance in APOP. CONCLUSIONS: Pain catastrophizing should be assessed before surgery. Reducing pain catastrophizing would decrease APOP and improve the quality of pain management.

Effects of Predischarge Patient Education Combined With Postdischarge Follow-Ups on Self-Care, Readmission, Sleep, and Depression in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure rarely engage in adequate self-care. Greater emphasis on self-care discharge readiness is needed. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of a predischarge educational program combined with 1 year of postdischarge follow-up on self-care behaviors, readmission, sleep quality, and depression in patients with heart failure. METHODS: A longitudinal, nonequivalent two-group pretest-posttest design was used. The intervention group received tailored education and follow-ups, whereas the control group received routine predischarge heart-failure education from direct care nurses only. Measurements included the self-care maintenance and self-care management subscales of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and readmission rate. Data obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postdischarge were analyzed using linear mixed models with both intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches. The propensity score was used to adjust for the confounding effects of the New York Heart Association functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients with heart failure (28 in the intervention group and 34 in the control group) who were sampled at baseline, 47 (n = 25 vs. n = 22) provided data over the entire course of this 1-year study (76% retention rate). The per-protocol analysis did not find significant differences for any variables. However, the intention-to-treat analysis showed that the intervention group significantly improved in self-care maintenance at 6 months and self-care management at 12 months after hospital discharge, with fewer, albeit not significantly fewer, first and subsequent hospital readmissions than the control group. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The effect of this intervention was not found to be substantial, indicating a need to design more efficacious and powerful interventions. Hospitalized patients must receive patient education before discharge to foster their self-care knowledge and skills regarding self-care at home. Strategies are needed to help nurses provide patient education in a time-efficient manner.

Effects of illness representation-focused patient education on illness representations and self-care in patients with heart failure: A randomised clinical trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of an illness representation-focused patient education intervention on illness representations and self-care behaviours in patients with heart failure 3 months after discharge from the hospital. BACKGROUND: Few intervention studies have examined the effect of illness representation-focused interventions on illness representations and self-care in patients with heart failure. DESIGN: A randomised clinical trial based on the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials-CONSORT 2010-guidelines was employed. The Clinical Trial Registry number is TCTR20190903002. METHODS: One hundred and seven participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups, and 62 participants (n = 30 in the intervention group and n = 32 in the usual care group) completed the baseline and one- and three-month postdischarge follow-up assessments. The instruments included the Survey of Illness Beliefs in Heart Failure and the Self-care of Heart Failure Index. The intervention group received illness representation-focused patient education while hospitalised and telephone follow-ups after discharge. Data were analysed with linear mixed-effects model analysis. RESULTS: The 107 participants had a mean age of 62.17 years and a mean left ventricular ejection of 53.03%. At baseline, the two groups tended to have accurate illness beliefs but insufficient self-care confidence and self-care maintenance. The analysis showed no significant differences between groups in the illness representation total scores, dimension scores or self-care maintenance scores but did show a significant difference in the self-care confidence scores (F = 3.42, p < .05) over the three months. CONCLUSION: The study did not show an effect of the intervention on illness representations or self-care maintenance behaviours. However, the intervention did maintain participants' self-care confidence three months after discharge. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is necessary to conduct long-term follow-ups of patients' illness representations, discuss the implementation of self-care behaviours with patients, enhance patients' self-care confidence, and involve family members or caregivers in self-care practices when needed.

Determinants of Workplace Bullying Types and Their Relationship With Depression Among Female Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying is commonly experienced by nurses worldwide. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the determinants of different types of workplace bullying and their relationship to depression in female nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational study was employed, and 484 female nurses from a large medical center in southern Taiwan completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Being unmarried and working in medical/surgical units were found to be the major determinants of work-related bullying, whereas being unmarried was found to be the single determinant of person-related and physical-intimidation bullying. Moreover, work-related and person-related bullying were both found to be significant determinants of depression. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nursing administrators should establish workplace-bullying prevention and management strategies by setting reasonable and equal workloads for nurses, assigning tasks equitably, and building depression-related support and consultation groups.

Gender differences? Factors related to quality of life among patients with Heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive disease that substantially decreases patients' quality of life. Few studies have compared quality of life and its related factors across genders in patients with HF. To explore gender differences in quality of life and related factors among adult patients with HF. A comparative study was conducted with 245 HF patients recruited from a medical center and a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan from February 2009 to February 2011. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including stepwise multiple regressions. The mean quality of life scores of males were significantly higher than those of females (87.78 ± 13.99 vs. 84.49 ± 11.85). The factors significantly related to quality of life for the male HF patients, in descending order of strength of association were depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and monthly family income-less than USD 1,000; for the females, the significantly related factors were physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, and monthly family income-less than USD 1,000. The amount variance for which quality of life accounted for male and female HF patients was similar (60% vs. 64%). The results could be used for health professionals to provide more appropriate assessments and care according to gender in the future.

Thermotherapy Combined With Therapeutic Exercise Improves Muscle Strength and Depression in Patients With Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE: The study examined the effect of home-based thermotherapy combined with therapeutic exercise on muscle strength and depression in patients with ischemic stroke via a weekly evaluation over 4 weeks. DESIGN/METHODS: A quasi-experimental, pre-/posttest research design without a control group was employed. A total of 22 patients participated. Self-reported daily logs were used to evaluate intervention adherence over the study period. The manual muscle testing and Aphasic Depression Rating Scale were administered at baseline and weekly for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Muscle strength in both the upper and lower limbs significantly increased (p < .05), whereas the depression score significantly decreased (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The intervention increased muscle strength and decreased depression during the first 3 months after stroke onset. The significant effects were found beginning during the third week of the intervention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This intervention is inexpensive and can be easily applied by caregivers at home.