Is better readiness the key to deeper learning in distance education? A cross-sectional online study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has required teachers and students to suddenly transition from face-to-face formats to distance education (DE). The uniqueness of nursing discipline is that it requires both theoretical and skills-based learning. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influencing factors and effectiveness of DE in nursing education. This exploration can guide teaching practice and provide a basis for the future application of DE in nursing education. Aims: To describe the current distance education readiness and depth of learning among undergraduate nursing students and explore possible influencing factors. To determine the relationship between students' distance education readiness and the depth of learning. Design: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional online study. Settings: School of Nursing in a traditional Chinese medicine university, Beijing, China. Participants: A total of 222 undergraduate nursing students from a traditional Chinese medicine university were recruited. Methods: A questionnaire, which is composed of information form, the Online Learning Readiness Scale, and the Scale of Students Making Deep Learning, was used for data collection. Frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were used in the analysis of the data. Result: Undergraduate nursing students have lower averages in distance education readiness and higher averages in the depth of learning. Significant differences in distance education readiness and depth of learning between different grade groups. A positive correlation was found between distance education readiness and depth of learning (r = 0.894, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Distance education is a feasible approach to learning today. Undergraduate nursing students have exhibited poor readiness for distance education but demonstrated deeper learning conditions. Upper grades may lead to better learning outcomes. Better distance education readiness can lead to deeper learning. These conclusions prompt teachers and students to be prepared before participating in distance education to obtain better academic performance.

Trajectory of Caregiver Burden and Associated Factors in Family Caregivers of Individuals with Colorectal Cancer: A Longitudinal, Observational Multicenter Study.

Purpose: To (1) investigate the changes in 5 domains (lack of family support, impact on finance, impact on daily schedule, impact on health, and self-esteem) of family caregiver (FC) burden and overall burden for first diagnosed colorectal cancer; (2) exploring changes in FC burden for colorectal cancer patients over time and analyze the trajectory and sub-trajectories of FC burden; and (3) identify the FC-related and patient-related factors most associated with the overall FC burden and each of its sub-trajectories. Patients and methods: This study is a descriptive longitudinal study. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit patients with colorectal cancer and their primary FCs from seven hospitals. Results: A total of 185 pairs of first diagnosed colorectal cancer patient and their FC were investigated for 4 times. The results reveal the overall burden and 5 domains of burden showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, and the burden was the heaviest at the time in the middle of chemotherapy. In the course of time, the aspect that caused the greatest amount of burden on average transitioned from the "effect on daily schedule" (range= 3.3 and 3.9) to the "effect on finances" (range= 3.1 to 3.4). Conclusion: Almost 88% of FCs have a either a moderate or a high level of burden. The quality of life of patients and the self-efficacy, social support and care ability of FCs have a great impact on the overall FC burden and each sub-trajectory.

Comparative efficacy of mind-body exercise for depression in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: As pharmacotherapy often leads to adverse reactions, mind-body exercise (MBE) treatments have become a more popular option for treating depression in people living with breast cancer (BC). However, the most effective type of MBE treatment for this population remains unclear. AIMS: The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy of the different MBE modes for depression in people with BC. METHODS: A systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to March 25, 2023, was conducted in the following database: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine, OpenGrey, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A traditional meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model to directly assess the effectiveness of various MBE interventions. Stata 16.0 software was used for performing the NMA. RESULTS: The NMA was performed in 32 eligible RCTs including 2361 participants. The efficacy of MBE treatments on depression was ranked as the following: Liuzijue (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA] = 95.4%) > Tai chi (SUCRA = 76.9%) > yoga (SUCRA = 55.0%) > Baduanjin (SUCRA = 53.9%) > Pilates (SUCRA = 38.6%) > dance (SUCRA = 30.2%) > Qigong (SUCRA = 28.1%) > control (SUCRA = 21.9%). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Our research showed that Liuzijue and Tai chi might be the most significantly effective MBE intervention for mitigating depression among BC survivors. Healthcare professionals could consider recommending Liuzijue and Tai Chi as a complementary therapy for BC survivors who experience depression.

The content and effectiveness of physical activity for cancer-related fatigue among colorectal cancer survivors: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To review the content and efficacy of physical activity (PA) for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among colorectal cancer survivors. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials from inception to April 1, 2022, of the following database was performed: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and China Biology Medicine (CBM). RevMan5.4 software was used for performing meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of eight qualified randomized controlled trials that included 542 survivors were included. PA interventions significantly reduced the CRF (SMD = -0.46; 95% CI: [-0.76, -0.15], Z = 2.67, p = 0.003); Subgroup analysis showed that fatigue was significantly improved when the length of interventions was at least 6 months and the weekly duration of PA was less than 150 min/week (SMD = -0.54; 95% CI: [-0.81, -0.27], Z = 3.87 and p = 0.0001; SMD = -0.67; 95% CI: [-1.15, -0.19], Z = 2.74 and p = 0.006); PA intervention with the length of <6 months and the volume of ≥150 min/week did not reduce fatigue (p > 0.05).

Assessment of consistency between peer-reviewed publications and clinical trial registrations in nursing journals.

BACKGROUND: The inconsistencies between randomized clinical trials (RCTs) registrations and peer-reviewed publications may distort trial results and threaten the validity of evidence-based medicine. Previous studies have found many inconsistencies between RCTs registrations and peer-reviewed publications, and outcome reporting bias is prevalent. AIMS: The aims of this review were to assess whether the primary outcomes and other data reported in publications and registered records in RCTs of nursing journals were consistent and whether discrepancies in the reporting of primary outcomes favored statistically significant results. Moreover, we reviewed the proportion of RCTs for prospective registration. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed for RCTs published in the top 10 nursing journals between March 5, 2020, and March 5, 2022. Registration numbers were extracted from the publications, and registered records were identified from the registration platforms. The publications and registered records were compared to identify consistency. Inconsistencies were subdivided into discrepancies and omissions. RESULTS: A total of 70 RCTs published in seven journals were included. The inconsistencies involved sample size estimation (71.4%), random sequence generation (75.7%), allocation concealment (97.1%), blinding (82.9%), primary outcomes (60.0%) and secondary outcomes (84.3%). Among the inconsistencies in the primary outcomes, 21.4% were due to discrepancies and 38.6% resulted from omissions. Fifty-three percent (8/15) presented discrepancies in the primary outcomes that favored statistically significant results. Additionally, although only 40.0% of the studies were prospective registrations, the number of prospectively registered trials has trended upward over time. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: While not including all RCTs in the nursing field, our sample reflected a general trend: inconsistencies between publications and trial registrations were prevalent in the included nursing journals. Our research helps to provide a way to improve the transparency of research reports. Ensuring that clinical practice has access to transparent and reliable research results are essential to achieve the best possible evidence-based medicine.

Relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity among colorectal cancer patients: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To investigate the current status of self-efficacy and physical activity among Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and explore the relationship between them. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted on 282 CRC patients in China. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic and clinical information, self-efficacy (Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale [ESES]) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form [IPAQ-SF]). RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) total self-efficacy score for patients with CRC was 52.78 (42.08-61.11), and the median (interquartile range) total physical activity score was 1776.00 (1142.25-2812.05). Only 28.37% of CRC patients met the guideline recommendations for physical activity. The total self-efficacy score was significantly positively correlated with the total physical activity score (r = 0.123, p = 0.040). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: CRC patients contributed to the data of this study. Hospital administrators facilitated the implementation of the study.

Quality Assessment of the Clinical Practice Guidelines of Ostomy Care Based on the AGREE II Instrument.

Objectives: To assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) of ostomy care, and to analyze the status quo and challenges of guideline development. Methods: CPGs of ostomy care were systematically searched in relevant guideline websites and electronic databases, including PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, and SinoMed, from January 1, 2012, to November 24, 2021. Two appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition (AGREE II) instrument to assess the quality of the included CPGs independently and objectively. The consistency of assessment was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: A total of 5 CPGs relevant to ostomy care were assessed by AGREE II and the general quality of them was good. There were two CPGs of grade A and three CPGs of grade B. The domain scope and purpose (87.78%) had the highest scores, followed by the clarity of presentation (87.22%), the rigor of development (69.17%), stakeholder involvement (68.33%), and editorial independence (65.00%), and the lowest was applicability (55.42%). The overall assessment score was 5.40. All the ICCs for the AGREE II appraisal conducted by the two appraisers were >0.75. Conclusions: The five CPGs of ostomy care have the potential to be adopted in clinical practice. However, they still have some room for improvement, especially in the applicability domain. The development of ostomy care CPGs should follow the evidence-based progress and methodology of guideline formulation specifications while considering the effects of the CPGs and the practical issues.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ). METHODS: The HaNiQ was translated into a Chinese version using internationally recognized forward- and back-translation procedures. The reliability and validity of the HaNiQ were measured using Cronbach's α coefficient, split-half reliability, exploratory factor analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients in different head and neck cancer (HNC) stages and 174 caregivers completed the Chinese version of the HaNiQ. Internal consistencies varied between good and very well (Cronbach's α coefficient 0.74-0.90); the split-half coefficient and the content validity index (CVI) of the questionnaire were 83.5% and 83.33%, respectively. The cumulative contribution rates of the 5 subscales in patients with HNCand their caregivers were 62.41% and 61.19%, respectively. However, there are some differences between the Chinese questionnaire for caregiver and the original questionnaire regarding the attribution of items. Items 22, 23, and 27 in the Psychosocial subscale of the English version were assigned to the Survivorship subscale in the Chinese version for caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the Chinese version of the HaNiQ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the information needs of patients with HNC and that of their caregivers. Though the structure of the Chinese version was different from the English version for caregivers of HNC patients, the Chinese version of the HaNiQ appears to be reliable and would benefit from further testing.

Correlates of Physical Activity in Colorectal Cancer Patients Based on Health Promotion Model.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention is being given to physical activity in colorectal cancer patients. Some studies have explored a few correlates of physical activity separately. A contemporary study based on the Health Promotion Model may systematically broaden the understanding of physical activity in colorectal cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: To understand the status of physical activity in Chinese colorectal cancer patients and to explore the correlated factors. METHODS: A total of 168 adults with colorectal cancer were recruited at 3 tertiary hospitals in China. Participant data were collected on demographics, physical activity, biological factors, anxiety and depression, benefits/barriers to physical activity, self-efficacy, and social support. SAS 8.2 was used for statistical analysis, including descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, single factor analysis, and multiple stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: Only 25.60% of colorectal cancer survivors reached the requirements of the Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines. Employment states, number of complications, fatigue, body image, depression, perception of benefits/barriers, and self-efficacy were closely correlated with physical activity in Chinese colorectal cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: The physical activity status of patients with colorectal cancer is not optimal. The correlated factors that nurses can take measures to improve are fatigue, body image, depression, perception of benefits/barriers, and self-efficacy, which may improve physical activity in colorectal cancer patients in China. Additional research is needed to determine if improving factors correlated with physical activity will assist with directly increasing physical activity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses should evaluate physical activity of colorectal cancer patients timely and play an active role in health promotion programs to improve colorectal cancer patients' physical activity.

Empirical evidence for outcome reporting bias in randomized clinical trials of acupuncture: comparison of registered records and subsequent publications.

BACKGROUND: Outcome reporting bias has received widespread recognition and been considered to pose two threats to the validity of clinical decision making because they overestimate the effect of treatments or distort the results of trials. However, the problem of outcome-reporting bias has not been systematically studied among randomized clinical trials of acupuncture. Our objectives were to evaluate the consistency between the registered records and subsequent publications with respect to outcomes and other data as well as to determine whether outcome-reporting bias favors significant primary outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search of 15 registries was conducted from their inception to January 2014 to identify randomized clinical trials on acupuncture for which the status was listed as 'completed.' The subsequent publications were retrieved by searching PubMed and three Chinese databases. Basic characteristics and the registration information were extracted from the registered records and publications. We performed comparisons regarding primary outcomes and other data between the registered records and subsequent publications to assess the consistency and selective outcome reporting. RESULTS: Eighty-eight trials on acupuncture with 96 published reports were identified. Only 19.3% (17/88) were registered before the start of the trial, suggesting prospective registration. The trial registration number was unavailable in 36 published reports (37.5%). A comparison of registered and published primary outcomes could be conducted in 71 publications (74.0%), and the inconsistency of the primary outcomes was identified in 45.1% (32 of 71); 71.4% (15 of 21) had a discrepancy that favored statistically significant primary outcomes, while 28.6% (6 of 21) favored nonsignificant primary outcomes. Furthermore, the other inconsistencies between the registry records and subsequent publications involved the inclusion criteria (54.7%), exclusion criteria (47.9%) and controls (22.9%). CONCLUSIONS: We find that prospective registration for randomized clinical trials on acupuncture is insufficient, selective outcome reporting is prevalent, and the change of primary outcomes is intended to favor statistical significance. These discrepancies in outcome reporting may lead to biased and misleading results of randomized clinical trials on acupuncture. To ensure publication of reliable and unbiased results, further promotion and implementation of trial registration are still needed.

Effects of a nurse-led acupressure programme for stroke patients in China.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a nurse-led acupressure programme on the recovery of motor function and daily activities of stroke patients. BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the main causes of death and permanent physical disability in the world. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with stroke in China. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy cannot be performed several times a day. Therefore, researchers and healthcare providers have been seeking effective and efficient alternative strategies for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Acupressure, non-invasive and widely accessible to any healthcare professionals, is one of the promising alternatives. METHODS: Seventy-eight stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned into an intervention or control group, with 39 patients in each. The intervention group received acupressure plus routine care, while the control group received only routine care only. The acupressure treatment was carried out by nurses. Patient's activities of daily living (ADL) and motor function from both groups were evaluated at the point of recruitment, and at the end of the first and third month after stroke. RESULTS: The ADL and the Fugl-Meyer motor scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the end of the third month (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Nurse-led acupressure programme had positive effects on the recovery of motor function and daily activities of stroke patients. Our study suggests that nurse-led acupressure programmes play an important role in the recovery of stroke patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare providers need to think about alternative care methods including acupressure for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Acupressure is one of the promising alternatives nursing intervention for stroke patients in practice.