Sustaining and Inspiring the Capacity of the Nursing Profession: The Case for Transformative Practice Education Models.

Decades of commissioned reports have pointed to solutions for nurturing nursing practice environments as essential to sustaining a nursing workforce. Beyond salary compensation and other solutions, we discuss the critical need for collaborative leadership in practice and education as a priority policy agenda aimed at confronting the shortage of nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the nursing shortage and shortage of capacity in practice education, and we explore some learning in this context. Our paper draws on two initiatives in the province of British Columbia: the development of a transformative practice education model and an expanded Collaborative Learning Unit initiative. We propose building the following learning cultures: formal collaborative governance processes, intentional supports for graduate transitions and implementation of advanced nursing practice leadership and educator roles across the system. While transformative solutions are a tough sell in crisis-oriented contexts, this paper is a call for nurse leaders in all sectors to advance deep policy solutions with lasting impact on sustainable nursing human resources.

Guideline No. 432a: Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labour - General Information.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. EVIDENCE: Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction of labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: All providers of obstetrical care.

Directive clinique no 432a : Maturation cervicale et déclenchement artificiel du travail - Information générale.

OBJECTIF: Présenter des données probantes et des recommandations sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. Fournir de l'information aux professionnels accoucheurs et aux personnes enceintes sur les soins périnataux optimaux et la prévention des interventions obstétricales inutiles. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application interprofessionnelle et cohérente de la présente directive, l'équipement adéquat et le personnel compétent améliorent la sécurité des soins per partum. Les personnes enceintes et leurs personnes de soutien doivent être informées des risques et bénéfices du déclenchement artificiel du travail. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée jusqu'en mars 2022 a été passée en revue. Une recherche a été effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Library pour répertorier des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été obtenue à l'aide de recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux.

Guideline No. 432b: Cervical Ripening.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. EVIDENCE: Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction of labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: All providers of obstetrical care.

Directive clinique no 432b : Maturation cervicale.

OBJECTIF: Présenter des données probantes et des recommandations sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. Fournir de l'information aux professionnels accoucheurs et aux personnes enceintes sur les soins périnataux optimaux et la prévention des interventions obstétricales inutiles. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application interprofessionnelle et cohérente de la présente directive, l'équipement adéquat et le personnel compétent améliorent la sécurité des soins per partum. Les personnes enceintes et leurs personnes de soutien doivent être informées des risques et bénéfices du déclenchement artificiel du travail. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée jusqu'en mars 2022 a été passée en revue. Une recherche a été effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Library pour répertorier des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été obtenue à l'aide de recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux.

Guideline No. 432c: Induction of Labour.

OBJECTIVES: This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients. BENEFITS, RISKS, AND COSTS: Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. EVIDENCE: Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized control trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: All providers of obstetrical care. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: Misoprostol OXYTOCIN: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Directive clinique no 432c : Déclenchement artificiel du travail.

OBJECTIFS: Présenter des données probantes et des recommandations sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. Fournir de l'information aux professionnels accoucheurs et aux personnes enceintes sur les soins périnataux optimaux et la prévention des interventions obstétricales inutiles. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application interprofessionnelle et cohérente de la présente directive, l'équipement adéquat et le personnel compétent améliorent la sécurité des soins per partum. Les personnes enceintes et leurs personnes de soutien doivent être informées des risques et bénéfices du déclenchement artificiel du travail. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée jusqu'en mars 2022 a été passée en revue. Une recherche a été effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Library pour répertorier des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été obtenue à l'aide de recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRESMISOPROSTOL: OCYTOCINE: RECOMMANDATIONS.

Guideline No. 432c: induction of labour

This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized control trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations).

Rapid reviews and the methodological rigor of evidence synthesis: a JBI position statement.

ABSTRACT: The demand for rapid reviews has exploded in recent years. A rapid review is an approach to evidence synthesis that provides timely information to decision-makers (eg, health care planners, providers, policymakers, patients) by simplifying the evidence synthesis process. A rapid review is particularly appealing for urgent decisions. JBI is a world-renowned international collaboration for evidence synthesis and implementation methodologies. The principles for JBI evidence synthesis include comprehensiveness, rigor, transparency, and a focus on applicability to clinical practice. As such, JBI has not yet endorsed a specific approach for rapid reviews. In this paper, we compare rapid reviews versus other types of evidence synthesis, provide a range of rapid evidence products, outline how to appraise the quality of rapid reviews, and present the JBI position on rapid reviews. JBI Collaborating Centers conduct rapid reviews for decision-makers in specific circumstances, such as limited time or funding constraints. A standardized approach is not used for these cases;instead, the evidence synthesis methods are tailored to the needs of the decision-maker. The urgent need to deliver timely evidence to decision-makers poses challenges to JBI's mission to produce high-quality, trustworthy evidence. However, JBI recognizes the value of rapid reviews as part of the evidence synthesis ecosystem. As such, it is recommended that rapid reviews be conducted with the same methodological rigor and transparency expected of JBI reviews. Most importantly, transparency is essential, and the rapid review should clearly report where any simplification in the steps of the evidence synthesis process has been taken.

Characteristics and processes of the dedicated education unit practice education model for undergraduate nursing students: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to review literature related to the dedicated education unit practice education model for undergraduate nursing students, and identify common characteristics and processes for implementing and sustaining this model. INTRODUCTION: Although practice education is central to undergraduate nursing education, evidence-informed practices for learning in the clinical setting remain elusive. Changes to health care over the past decades related to the role and scope of practice for nurses, gradual shifts to community- and population-based care delivery, and expectations for interprofessional practice require forward-looking education models. The dedicated education unit model was developed in 1997 as a potential solution to globally recognized challenges in nursing education amidst discourses of nursing resource scarcity. Despite more than two decades of innovation and expansion, there is still limited understanding of the effectiveness of the dedicated education unit as a solution to those challenges, or for the anticipated benefits for students and patients, through enhanced evidence-informed health care. This analysis of the characteristics and processes of the model is timely for evaluating and sustaining implementation of the dedicated education unit across nursing practice and education settings. INCLUSION CRITERIA: English-only publications related to the dedicated education unit practice education model for undergraduate nursing students in baccalaureate and associate degree programs using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research, and quality improvement, program evaluation, and opinion publications were included. METHODS: Using selected keywords including "dedicated education unit," we searched CINAHL, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Academic Premier Search, ERIC, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI EBP Database, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts against inclusion criteria. We reviewed reference lists for gray literature and additional references. Data were extracted from the included articles and categorized for characteristics and processes. Eighty-two publications from January 1997 to May 2020 were included. The findings were presented descriptively with tables and figures to support the data. RESULTS: Dedicated education unit models were based on five characteristics and four processes. Characteristics of the dedicated education unit model included effective academic-practice partnership, adaptability to diverse contexts, unit culture of educational excellence, responsive and supportive unit leadership, and clarity of roles and responsibilities. Processes included building nurse and faculty capacity, facilitating student learning, communicating regularly at systems and unit levels, and evaluating and sustaining the model. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence demonstrated that the dedicated education unit practice education model is well-established. However, there were existing gaps in this evidence, specifically evaluation and economic analyses. There was also limited attention to long-term sustainability of the model. The common characteristics and processes identified in this review may be used to support planning, implementation, and evaluation, including development and validation of evaluation tools. Although administrative infrastructure was noted as central to the dedicated education unit strategy, it was rarely acknowledged as part of management and thus also requires further study.

Self-reported maternal morbidity: Results from the community level interventions for pre-eclampsia (CLIP) baseline survey in Sindh, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: Community-based data regarding maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality are scarce in less-developed countries. The aim of the study was to collect representative community-level demographic health information to provide socio-demographic and health outcome data. METHODS: A retrospective household survey of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) living in two districts of Sindh Province, Pakistan was conducted. Pregnancy incidence over the past 12 months and during each woman's lifetime; maternal, fetal, infant and child deaths in the past 12 months; and rates of hypertension and seizures in pregnancy were calculated. RESULTS: From June to September 2013, 88,410 households were surveyed with 1.2 (±0.6) women of reproductive age per household. 19,584 women (11.9%) reported pregnancies in the preceding 12 months; 83.0% had live births, 3.5% resulting in stillbirths and 13.6% in miscarriages. 34.2% of deliveries occurred at home. Out of all women who reported a pregnancy in past 12 months, 62.1% reported high blood pressure and 11.9% reported seizures complicating her most recent pregnancy. Blood pressure was not measured during survey to confirm hypertension. The perinatal, neonatal and maternal mortality ratios were 64.7/1000, 39/1000 and 166/100,000 livebirths, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study estimated population-level mortality ratios that can be used for the planning of health interventions in these regions. Self-reported pregnancy hypertension and seizures was inaccurate, reflecting limited community understanding of these disorders. Mortality estimates are comparable to those reported by the World Health Organization for maternal mortality ratio and neonatal mortality rate of 170/100,000 and 36/1000 live births, respectively.

Characteristics of the collaborative learning unit practice education model for undergraduate nursing students: a scoping review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION: What evidence on characteristics and processes of the collaborative learning unit practice education model for undergraduate nursing students is available?

No 376 - Recours au sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale.

OBJECTIF: Fournir des directives sur l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium visant à offrir une neuroprotection aux enfants prématurés. OPTIONS: L'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale devrait être envisagée chez les femmes enceintes de 33+6 semaines ou moins étant sur le point d'accoucher prématurément; l'accouchement prématuré imminent est défini par une forte probabilité d'accouchement en raison d'un travail actif accompagné d'une dilatation du col d'au moins 4 cm, avec ou sans rupture prématurée des membranes avant le travail, ou comme un accouchement prématuré planifié pour des indications maternelles ou fœtales. Outre le sulfate de magnésium, aucun autre agent offrant une neuroprotection fœtale n'est connu. RéSULTATS: Les issues évaluées sont l'incidence de la paralysie cérébrale (PC) et du décès néonatal. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été récupérée au moyen de recherches menées dans PubMed ou Medline, CINAHL et la Bibliothèque Cochrane en décembre 2017 à l'aide d'une terminologie et de mots-clés contrôlés (« magnesium sulphate ¼, « cerebral palsy ¼, « preterm birth ¼). Les résultats retenus provenaient de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés et d'autres études observationnelles pertinentes. Aucune restriction de date ou de langue n'a été employée. Les recherches ont été refaites régulièrement, et les résultats ont été incorporés à la directive clinique jusqu'en décembre 2017. Nous avons également tenu compte de la littérature grise (non publiée) trouvée sur les sites Web d'organismes d'évaluation des technologies de la santé et d'autres organismes liés aux technologies de la santé, dans des collections de directives cliniques et dans des registres d'essais cliniques, et obtenue auprès d'associations nationales et internationales de médecins spécialistes. VALEURS: La qualité des données probantes a été évaluée au moyen des critères énoncés dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (tableau 1). AVANTAGES, DéSAVANTAGES ET COûTS: L'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale réduit le risque de « décès ou PC ¼ (risque relatif [RR] : 0,85; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,74-0,98; 4 essais; 4 446 enfants), de « décès ou PC modérée ou grave ¼ (RR : 0,85; IC à 95 % : 0,73-0,99; 3 essais; 4 250 enfants), de « PC de quelque gravité que ce soit ¼ (RR : 0,71; IC à 95 % : 0,55-0,91; 4 essais; 4 446 enfants), de « PC modérée ou grave ¼ (RR : 0,60; IC à 95 % : 0,43-0,84; 3 essais; 4 250 enfants) et de « dysfonctionnement important de la motricité globale ¼ (incapacité à marcher sans aide) à l'âge de deux ans [RR : 0,60; IC à 95 % : 0,43-0,83; 3 essais; 4 387 femmes). Les conclusions allaient dans le même sens d'une étude et d'une méta-analyse à l'autre. Aucune augmentation significative des coûts liés aux soins de santé n'est attendue, puisque les femmes admissibles à l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium seront celles dont l'accouchement prématuré est imminent. VALIDATION: Une directive clinique australienne sur l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale a été publiée en mars 2010 par l'Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate for Neuroprotection Guideline Development Panel. On y recommande la même posologie que dans la présente directive, mais seulement chez les femmes enceintes de moins de 30 semaines, pour deux raisons : premièrement, aucun sous-groupe d'âge gestationnel n'a semblé bénéficier d'un avantage clair; et deuxièmement, en raison de cette incertitude, le comité a été d'avis qu'il valait mieux limiter les répercussions que pouvait avoir leur directive clinique sur la répartition des ressources. En mars 2010, l'American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists a publié une opinion de comité sur l'administration de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale, dans laquelle on peut lire : « Les données probantes disponibles semblent indiquer que l'administration de sulfate de magnésium avant un accouchement prématuré anticipé réduit le risque de paralysie cérébrale chez les enfants survivants. ¼ On n'y mentionne aucun seuil d'âge gestationnel, mais on recommande aux médecins de rédiger des lignes directrices sur les critères d'inclusions, la posologie, la tocolyse concomitante et la surveillance à exercer, selon les résultats d'un essai de grande envergure. De même, en 2015, l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé a également indiqué que l'administration de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale faisait partie des interventions recommandées pour améliorer les issues des grossesses prenant fin prématurément, mais a précisé que d'autres études portant sur la posologie et les traitements répétés étaient nécessaires. COMMANDITAIRE: Les Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (IRSC). DéCLARATION SOMMAIRE: RECOMMANDATIONS.

No. 376-Magnesium Sulphate for Fetal Neuroprotection.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to provide guidelines for the use of antenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection of the preterm infant. OPTIONS: Antenatal magnesium sulphate administration should be considered for fetal neuroprotection when women present at ≤33 + 6 weeks with imminent preterm birth, defined as a high likelihood of birth because of active labour with cervical dilatation ≥4 cm, with or without preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes, and/or planned preterm birth for fetal or maternal indications. There are no other known fetal neuroprotective agents. OUTCOMES: The outcomes measured are the incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) and neonatal death. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in December 2017, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (magnesium sulphate, cerebral palsy, preterm birth). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and relevant observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to December 2017. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Antenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection reduces the risk of "death or CP" (relative risk [RR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.98; 4 trials, 4446 infants), "death or moderate-severe CP" (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.99; 3 trials, 4250 infants), "any CP" (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.55-0.91; 4, trials, 4446 infants), "moderate-to-severe CP" (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43-0.84; 3 trials, 4250 infants), and "substantial gross motor dysfunction" (inability to walk without assistance) (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43-0.83; 3 trials, 4287 women) at 2 years of age. Results were consistent between trials and across the meta-analyses. There is no anticipated significant increase in health care-related costs because women eligible to receive antenatal magnesium sulphate will be judged to have imminent preterm birth. VALIDATION: Australian National Clinical Practice Guidelines were published in March 2010 by the Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate for Neuroprotection Guideline Development Panel. Antenatal magnesium sulphate was recommended for fetal neuroprotection in the same dosage as recommended in these guidelines. However, magnesium sulphate was recommended only at <30 weeks gestation, based on 2 considerations. First, no single gestational age subgroup was considered to show a clear benefit. Second, in the face of uncertainty, the committee felt it was prudent to limit the impact of their clinical practice guidelines on resource allocation. In March 2010, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a Committee Opinion on magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection. It stated that "the available evidence suggests that magnesium sulfate given before anticipated early preterm birth reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in surviving infants." No official opinion was given on a gestational age cut-off, but it was recommended that physicians develop specific guidelines around the issues of inclusion criteria, dosage, concurrent tocolysis, and monitoring in accordance with 1 of the larger trials. Similarly, the World Health Organization also strongly recommends use of magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection in its 2015 recommendations on interventions to improve preterm birth outcomes but cites further researching on dosing regimen and re-treatment. SPONSORS: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). SUMMARY STATEMENT: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Health equity-oriented approaches to inform responses to opioid overdoses: a scoping review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this scoping review is to systematically identify and describe literature that uses a health equity-oriented (HEO) approach for preventing and reducing the harms of stigma or overdose for people who use illicit drugs or misuse prescription opioids.The question of the review is: What is currently known about the use of an HEO approach for preventing the harms of stigma or overdose when people use illicit or street drugs, or use prescription opioids for other than their intended purposes?Specifically, the review objectives are.

The feasibility of task-sharing the identification, emergency treatment, and referral for women with pre-eclampsia by community health workers in India.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders are the second highest direct obstetric cause of maternal death after haemorrhage, accounting for 14% of maternal deaths globally. Pregnancy hypertension contributes to maternal deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to a scarcity of doctors providing evidence-based emergency obstetric care. Task-sharing some obstetric responsibilities may help to reduce the mortality rates. This study was conducted to assess acceptability by the community and other healthcare providers, for task-sharing by community health workers (CHW) in the identification and initial care in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. METHODS: This study was conducted in two districts of Karnataka state in south India. A total of 14 focus group discussions were convened with various community representatives: women of reproductive age (N = 6), male decision-makers (N = 2), female decision-makers (N = 3), and community leaders (N = 3). One-to-one interviews were held with medical officers (N = 2), private healthcare OBGYN specialists (N = 2), senior health administrators (N = 2), Taluka (county) health officers (N = 2), and obstetricians (N = 4). All data collection was facilitated by local researchers familiar with the setting and language. Data were subsequently transcribed, translated and analysed thematically using NVivo 10 software. RESULTS: There was strong community support for home visits by CHW to measure the blood pressure of pregnant women; however, respondents were concerned about their knowledge, training and effectiveness. The treatment with oral antihypertensive agents and magnesium sulphate in emergencies was accepted by community representatives but medical practitioners and health administrators had reservations, and insisted on emergency transport to a higher facility. The most important barriers for task-sharing were concerns regarding insufficient training, limited availability of medications, the questionable validity of blood pressure devices, and the ability of CHW to correctly diagnose and intervene in cases of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Task-sharing to community-based health workers has potential to facilitate early diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and assist in the provision of emergency care. We identified some facilitators and barriers for successful task-sharing of emergency obstetric care aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Availability and use of magnesium sulphate at health care facilities in two selected districts of North Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Magnesium sulphate is accepted as the anticonvulsant of choice in these conditions and is present on the WHO essential medicines list and the Indian National List of Essential Medicines, 2015. Despite this, magnesium sulphate is not widely used in India for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. In addition to other factors, lack of availability may be a reason for sub-optimal usage. This study was undertaken to assess the availability and use of magnesium sulphate at public and private health care facilities in two districts of North Karnataka, India. METHODS: A facility assessment survey was undertaken as part of the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Feasibility Study which was undertaken prior to the CLIP Trials (NCT01911494). This study was undertaken in 12 areas of Belagavi and Bagalkote districts of North Karnataka, India and included a survey of 88 facilities. Data were collected in all facilities by interviewing the health care providers and analysed using Excel. RESULTS: Of the 88 facilities, 28 were public, and 60 were private. In the public facilities, magnesium sulphate was available in six out of 10 Primary Health Centres (60%), in all eight taluka (sub-district) hospitals (100%), five of eight community health centres (63%) and both district hospitals (100%). Fifty-five of 60 private facilities (92%) reported availability of magnesium sulphate. Stock outs were reported in six facilities in the preceding six months - five public and one private. Twenty-five percent weight/volume and 50% weight/volume concentration formulations were available variably across the public and private facilities. Sixty-eight facilities (77%) used the drug for severe pre-eclampsia and 12 facilities (13.6%) did not use the drug even for eclampsia. Varied dosing schedules were reported from facility to facility. CONCLUSIONS: Poor availability of magnesium sulphate was identified in many facilities, and stock outs in some. Individual differences in usage were identified. Ensuring a reliable supply of magnesium sulphate, standard formulations and recommendations of dosage schedules and training may help improve use; and decrease morbidity and mortality due to pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The CLIP trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01911494 ).