Postdischarge telephone follow-up among chronic disease patients discharged from a vascular surgery service: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES: To improve postdischarge telephone follow-up in the context of chronic disease management (peripheral artery disease), in a vascular surgery service. INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic diseases, such as peripheral artery disease, present a higher risk of complications and greater constraints regarding their adherence to treatment, leading to an increasing mortality rate and decreased functional capacity. Comprehensive discharge planning plus postdischarge telephone follow-up may reduce 30-day re-hospitalization rates. METHODS: The project used the JBI audit and feedback methodological approach to implement the best available evidence into practice. Two audit criteria were used: existence of comprehensive discharge planning and timely telephone follow-up. A baseline audit was conducted, followed by analysis of barriers, which led to the implementation of several strategies, namely, a targeted training program, the development of educational resources and standardized procedures for the discharge process, and postdischarge telephone follow-up. RESULTS: Results from the baseline and first follow-up audits showed improvement for both criteria. Compliance for criterion 1 (comprehensive discharge planning, including postdischarge telephone follow-up) increased from 0% to 40.7%, and for criterion 2 (patient is followed up by telephone within 2 weeks of discharge) increased from 0% to 44.4%. These two criteria sustained improvements in the second follow-up audit: compliance increased to 45% (criterion 1) and 60% (criterion 2). CONCLUSIONS: This implementation project contributed to the optimization of the chronic disease management, including improved compliance with discharge planning and early postdischarge telephone follow-up.

Atividades de extensão em enfermagem: Medidas excecionais em tempos de pandemia por COVID-19 / Extension activities in nursing: Exceptional measures during the COVID-19 pandemic / Actividades de extensión en enfermería: medidas excepcionales en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19

Resumo Enquadramento: A Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, ciente do valor das unidades de extensão na articulação do tripé Ensino-Investigação-Extensão tem na sua estrutura a Unidade de Prestação de Serviços à Comunidade e Coordenação das Atividades de Extensão na Comunidade (UPSCCAEC). Objetivo: Descrever o trabalho desenvolvido pela UPSCCAEC em 2019 e 2020, destacando a sua capacidade adaptativa mediante a pandemia pela COVID-19. Principais tópicos em análise: Utilizaram-se como fonte de dados os relatórios de atividades realizadas no contexto da UPSCCAEC nos anos civis de 2019 e 2020, e realizou-se a comparação com achados nos dois anos, os quais foram discutidos à luz do referencial teórico disponível, considerando a pandemia COVID-19 e o impacte a nível das Instituições do Ensino Superior (IES) em seus processos formativos, de investigação e extensão. Conclusão: A atividade da UPSCCAEC nos referidos anos contribuiu para a afirmação da instituição, do desenvolvimento académico, e constituiu recurso de excelência na resposta aos atuais desafios da sociedade, particularmente num período caracterizado por enorme turbulência resultante da pandemia COVID-19.

Abstract Background: The Nursing School of Coimbra knows the importance of extension units in the articulation between teaching, research, and extension. For this reason, the School has a Service Provision and Community Extension Activities Coordination Unit (UPSCCAEC). Objective: To describe the work developed by the UPSCCAEC in 2019 and 2020, highlighting its adaptive capacity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Main topics under analysis: The reports of activities carried out within the scope of the UPSCCAEC in 2019 and 2020 were used as a data source. A comparison was made with findings in the two years, discussed based on the available theoretical framework and considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Higher Education Institutions' training, research, and extension processes. Conclusion: The UPSCCAEC's activity in those years contributed to the institution's excellence and academic development and successful response to the current societal challenges in a time of great instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumen Marco contextual: La Escuela Superior de Enfermería de Coímbra, consciente del valor de las unidades de extensión en la articulación del trípode Enseñanza-Investigación-Extensión, cuenta en su estructura con la Unidad de Prestación de Servicios a la Comunidad y Coordinación de Actividades de Extensión Comunitaria (UPSCCAEC). Objetivo: Describir el trabajo desarrollado por la UPSCCAEC en 2019 y 2020, y destacar su capacidad de adaptación frente a la pandemia por COVID-19. Principales temas en análisis: La fuente de datos utilizada fueron los informes de las actividades realizadas en el marco de la UPSCCAEC en los años civiles de 2019 y 2020, y se realizó una comparación con los hallazgos en ambos años, los cuales se discutieron considerando el marco teórico disponible, la pandemia del COVID-19 y el impacto en las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES), en sus procesos de formación, investigación y extensión. Conclusión: La actividad de la UPSCCAEC en estos años contribuyó a la afirmación de la institución, al desarrollo académico y constituyó un recurso de excelencia para responder a los desafíos actuales de la sociedad, particularmente en un período caracterizado por enormes turbulencias derivadas de la pandemia del COVID-19.

Presenteeism and mental health of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

Background: A large number of workers attend work despite being ill. Attending work during sickness can have a number of consequences for the worker (e.g., worsening of physical and mental condition), for co-workers, and for the company, and for service users. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the factors influencing presenteeism and mental health of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic review following the PRISMA format was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycInfo, and ScienceDirect electronic databases in January 2023, using the following key words: Presenteeism, Mental Health, and COVID-19. The eligibility criteria applied were original articles published in English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese, workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (data collection date: January 01, 2020 - January 01, 2023), and articles assessing at least one measure of presenteeism and mental health status. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal tools of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The followed protocol is listed in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with code CRD42023391409. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in this review recruiting a total of 164,274 participants. A number of factors influencing mental health and sickness presenteeism were identified: (1) mental health-related factors (burnout [in 4 studies], stress [in 9 studies], depression [in 1 study], fear of COVID-19 [in 1 study], no well-being [in 2 studies], etc.); (2) individual factors (health status [in 1 study], being young [in 1 study], workers who experienced interrupted medical care [in 2 studies], having a chronic disease [in 1 study], etc.); (3) factors related to the situation caused by COVID-19 (confinement, symptoms, loss of contract, risk of bankruptcy, etc. [in 1 study each one]); and (4) factors derived from working conditions (organisational support [in 1 study], patient care [in 1 study], work functioning or task performance impairment [in 4 studies], work fatigue [in 2 studies], safety climate [in 1 study], workload [in 1 study], etc.). Conclusion: Identifying the key determinants of presenteeism and understanding the phenomena and origins of sickness presenteeism will help to create a safe working environment and optimal organisational systems to protect vulnerable workers in a pandemic context. Systematic review registration: The unique identifier is CRD42023391409.

Design of Innovative Clothing for Pressure Injury Prevention: End-User Evaluation in a Mixed-Methods Study.

The global relevance of pressure injury (PI) prevention technologies arise from their impact on the quality of life of people with limited mobility and the costs associated with treating these preventable injuries. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to evaluate the design of a prototype integrating Smart Health Textiles for PI prevention based on feedback from specialist nurses who care for individuals who are prone to or have PIs. This is a mixed methods study. A structured questionnaire was conducted as part of an evaluation of a prototype garment for the prevention of PIs. This questionnaire was applied during the evaluation of the prototype and afterwards focus group discussions were held with experts. Descriptive statistics techniques were used to analyze the data and thematic and integrated content analysis was conducted through concomitant triangulation. Nineteen nurses took part, aged 30 to 39 years (52.6%) and with 12.31 ± 8.96 years of experience. Participants showed that the prototype required more manipulation and physical effort, which interfered its usefulness, in addition to presenting difficulties with the openings and the material of the closure system, which interfered with the ease of use and learning. Overall satisfaction with the product was moderate, with some areas for improvement found, such as satisfaction, recommendations to colleagues, and pleasantness of use. It is concluded that areas for improvement have been found in all dimensions, including in the design of openings and the choice of materials. These findings supply significant insights for improving clothing to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and patients.

Reliability and Validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale in a Sample of Portuguese Older Adults with Mild-to-Moderate Cognitive Impairment.

Although the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a well-established instrument for the assessment of depressive symptoms in older adults, this has not been validated specifically for Portuguese older adults with cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of two Portuguese versions of the GDS (GDS-27 and GDS-15) in a sample of Portuguese older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. Clinicians assessed for major depressive disorder and cognitive functioning in 117 participants with mild-to-moderate cognitive decline (76.9% female, Mage = 83.66 years). The internal consistency of GDS-27 and GDS-15 were 0.874 and 0.812, respectively. There was a significant correlation between GDS-27 and GDS-15 with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (GDS-27: rho = 0.738, p < 0.001; GDS-15: rho = 0.760, p < 0.001), suggesting good validity. A cutoff point of 15/16 in GDS-27 and 8/9 in GDS-15 resulted in the identification of persons with depression (GDS-27: sensitivity 100%, specificity 63%; GDS-15: sensitivity 90%, specificity 62%). Overall, the GDS-27 and GDS-15 are reliable and valid instruments for the assessment of depression in Portuguese-speaking older adults with cognitive impairment.

Effectiveness of Caregiver-Provided Individual Cognitive Interventions in Older Adults with Dementia.

Background: In a society increasingly committed to promoting an active life in the community, new resources are needed to respond to the needs of citizens with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The potential of several individual cognitive interventions to be provided by caregivers has been explored in the literature. Objective: To synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of caregiver-provided individual cognitive interventions in older adults with dementia. Methods: Systematic review of experimental studies on individual cognitive interventions for older adults with dementia. An initial search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken. Another search for published and unpublished studies was performed on major healthcare-related online databases in March 2018 and updated in August 2022. This review considered studies that included older adults with dementia, aged 60 years and over. All studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality using a JBI standardized critical appraisal checklist. Data were extracted using a JBI data extraction form for experimental studies. Results: Eleven studies were included: eight randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies. Caregiver-provided individual cognitive interventions had several beneficial effects in cognitive domains, including memory, verbal fluency, attention, problem-solving, and autonomy in activities of daily living. Conclusion: These interventions were associated with moderate improvements in cognitive performance and benefits in activities of daily living. The findings highlight the potential of caregiver-provided individual cognitive interventions for older adults with dementia.

Development of Smart Clothing to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Bedridden Persons and/or with Severely Impaired Mobility: 4NoPressure Research Protocol.

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a major public health problem and can be used as quality-of-care indicators. An incipient development in the field of medical devices takes the form of Smart Health Textiles, which can possess innovative properties such as thermoregulation, sensing, and antibacterial control. This protocol aims to describe the process for the development of a new type of smart clothing for individuals with reduced mobility and/or who are bedridden in order to prevent PIs. This paper's main purpose is to present the eight phases of the project, each consisting of tasks in specific phases: (i) product and process requirements and specifications; (ii and iii) study of the fibrous structure technology, textiles, and design; (iv and v) investigation of the sensor technology with respect to pressure, temperature, humidity, and bioactive properties; (vi and vii) production layout and adaptations in the manufacturing process; (viii) clinical trial. This project will introduce a new structural system and design for smart clothing to prevent PIs. New materials and architectures will be studied that provide better pressure relief, thermo-physiological control of the cutaneous microclimate, and personalisation of care.

End-User Assessment of an Innovative Clothing-Based Sensor Developed for Pressure Injury Prevention: A Mixed-Method Study.

This study aimed to evaluate a clothing prototype that incorporates sensors for the evaluation of pressure, temperature, and humidity for the prevention of pressure injuries, namely regarding physical and comfort requirements. A mixed-method approach was used with concurrent quantitative and qualitative data triangulation. A structured questionnaire was applied before a focus group of experts to evaluate the sensor prototypes. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the discourse of the collective subject, followed by method integration and meta-inferences. Nine nurses, experts in this topic, aged 32.66 ± 6.28 years and with a time of profession of 10.88 ± 6.19 years, participated in the study. Prototype A presented low evaluation in stiffness (1.56 ± 1.01) and roughness (2.11 ± 1.17). Prototype B showed smaller values in dimension (2.77 ± 0.83) and stiffness (3.00 ± 1.22). Embroidery was assessed as inadequate in terms of stiffness (1.88 ± 1.05) and roughness (2.44 ± 1.01). The results from the questionnaires and focus groups' show low adequacy as to stiffness, roughness, and comfort. The participants highlighted the need for improvements regarding stiffness and comfort, suggesting new proposals for the development of sensors for clothing. The main conclusions are that Prototype A presented the lowest average scores relative to rigidity (1.56 ± 1.01), considered inadequate. This dimension of Prototype B was evaluated as slightly adequate (2.77 ± 0.83). The rigidity (1.88 ± 1.05) of Prototype A + B + embroidery was evaluated as inadequate. The prototype revealed clothing sensors with low adequacy regarding the physical requirements, such as stiffness or roughness. Improvements are needed regarding the stiffness and roughness for the safety and comfort characteristics of the device evaluated.

Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the Short Functional Geriatric Evaluation (SFGE) to Assess the Multidimensionality of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

The Short Functional Geriatric Evaluation (SFGE) is a multidimensional and short questionnaire to assess biopsychosocial frailty in older adults. This paper aims to clarify the latent factors of SFGE. Data were collected from January 2016 to December 2020 from 8800 community-dwelling older adults participating in the "Long Live the Elderly!" program. Social operators administered the questionnaire through phone calls. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out to identify the quality of the structure of the SFGE. Principal component analysis was also performed. According to the SFGE score, 37.7% of our sample comprised robust, 24.0% prefrail, 29.3% frail, and 9.0% very frail individuals. Using the EFA, we identified three main factors: psychophysical frailty, the need for social and economic support, and the lack of social relationships. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.792, and Bartlett's test of sphericity had a statistically significant result (p-value < 0.001). The three constructs that emerged explain the multidimensionality of biopsychosocial frailty. The SFGE score, 40% of which is social questions, underlines the crucial relevance of the social domain in determining the risk of adverse health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults.

A three step protocol for the development of an innovative footwear (shoe and sensor based insole) to prevent diabetic foot ulceration.

Background: The incidence of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is increasing worldwide. Therapeutic footwear is usually recommended in clinical practice for preventing foot ulcers in persons with diabetes. The project Science DiabetICC Footwear aims to develop innovative footwear to prevent DFU, specifically a shoe and sensor-based insole, which will allow for monitoring pressure, temperature, and humidity parameters. Method: This study presents a three-step protocol for the development and evaluation of this therapeutic footwear, specifically: (i) a first observational study will specify the user requirements and contexts of use; (ii) after the design solutions were developed for shoe and insole, the semi-functional prototypes will be evaluated against the initial requirements; (iii) and a pre-clinical study protocol will enable the evaluation of the final functional prototype. The eligible diabetic participants will be involved in each stage of product development. The data will be collected using interviews, clinical evaluation of the foot, 3D foot parameters and plantar pressure evaluation. This three-step protocol was defined according to the national and international legal requirements, ISO norms for medical devices development, and was also reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E) of the Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC). Results: The involvement of end-users (diabetic patients) will enable the definition of user requirements and contexts of use to develop design solutions for the footwear. Those design solutions will be prototyped and evaluated by end-users to achieve the final design for therapeutic footwear. The final functional prototype will be evaluated in pre-clinical studies to ensure that the footwear meets all the requirements to move forward to clinical studies. Discussion: The three-step study outlined in this protocol will provide the necessary insights during the product development, ensuring this new therapeutic footwear's main functional and ergonomic features for DFU prevention.

Foot and Ankle Disorders in Nurses Exposed to Prolonged Standing Environments: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged standing environments constitute an occupational risk factor for nurses, particularly for developing foot and ankle disorders. The definitions and potential relationship to hours spent walking or standing are poorly understood. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the main disorders found on nurses' ankles and feet, their prevalence, the influence of hours spent walking or standing, and gender differences. METHODS: This review followed a previously published protocol. Primary and secondary studies were retrieved from relevant databases from December 2020 to March 2021. Potential articles were collated to Mendeley, and two independent reviewers assessed the title and abstracts. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were included. Two researchers retrieved and reviewed the full text of these studies independently. A predetermined extraction tool was used to retrieve relevant data, summarized in a tabular and narrative format. FINDINGS: The most common disorder was pain, followed by numbness, burning feet, bunions, structural deformities, and calluses. Prevalence differed among studies, depending on settings and specific local policies. Discussion: Various foot and ankle disorders and related variables have been found, with clear gaps that may be addressed in the future. CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE:: Few studies have focused on nurses' foot and ankle disorders. Mapping signs and symptoms may contribute to the future development of preventive interventions for nurses' workplaces.

Trends in Telecare Use among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review was conducted to map and analyze the concept of telecare services and the trends in telecare use. This scoping review was conducted according to Arksey and O'Malley's framework. A search was conducted in CINAHL (via EBSCO), ERIC, Academic Search Ultimate, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. This scoping review considered quantitative (e.g., analytical observational studies, including prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control, analytical cross-sectional, and descriptive-observational studies), qualitative (e.g., phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and action research), and mixed-method primary studies. Forty research articles published from 1 January 2012, to 1 January 2022 were included in this review, these studies met the eligibility criteria as all were focused on telecare and targeting older adults over 65 living at home. The reviewers coded the data in an Excel spreadsheet, including the articles' title, year, author, journal information and subject, research methods, sample size, location, and summary. Then, the researchers analyzed the conceptual definitions, measurement techniques, and findings in detail and the findings were grouped into categories. The trends around the concept of telecare are independent living, remote care, aging in place, and safety. Telecare research focuses mainly on service use, chronic illness, ethics, and cost-effectiveness. Technology acceptance among older individuals is a critical factor for telecare use. The results found in the literature about the cost-effectiveness of telecare are inconsistent.

eHealth Platforms to Promote Autonomous Life and Active Aging: A Scoping Review.

New technologies, namely eHealth platforms, are being used more than ever before. These platforms enable older people to have a more independent lifestyle, enhance their participation, and improve their well-being. Information and communication technologies are expected to be linked to the triad of aging, social inclusion, and active participation, which is in line with the implementation of Smart Healthy and Age-Friendly Environments. This scoping review aimed to map eHealth platforms designed to promote autonomous life and active aging. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR checklist were used. A search was conducted on MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL Complete (via EBSCOhost), Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (via EBSCOhost), SciELO, DART-Europe, CAPES, and MedNar databases. Fourteen studies were included. This scoping review synthesized information on eHealth platforms designed to promote active living, their domains of intervention, and the outcomes assessed in those studies that have implemented and evaluated these eHealth platforms.

Assessment Tools of Biopsychosocial Frailty Dimensions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Review.

Frailty is a complex interplay between several factors, including physiological changes in ageing, multimorbidities, malnutrition, living environment, genetics, and lifestyle. Early screening for frailty risk factors in community-dwelling older people allows for preventive interventions on the clinical and social determinants of frailty, which allows adverse events to be avoided. By conducting a narrative review of the literature employing the International Narrative Systematic Assessment tool, the authors aimed to develop an updated framework for the main measurement tools to assess frailty risks in older adults, paying attention to use in the community and primary care settings. This search focused on the biopsychosocial domains of frailty that are covered in the SUNFRAIL tool. The study selected 178 reviews (polypharmacy: 20; nutrition: 13; physical activity: 74; medical visits: 0; falls: 39; cognitive decline: 12; loneliness: 15; social support: 5; economic constraints: 0) published between January 2010 and December 2021. Within the selected reviews, 123 assessment tools were identified (polypharmacy: 15; nutrition: 15; physical activity: 25; medical visits: 0; falls: 26; cognitive decline: 18; loneliness: 9; social support: 15; economic constraints: 0). The narrative review allowed us to evaluate assessment tools of frailty domains to be adopted for multidimensional health promotion and prevention interventions in community and primary care.

Diagnóstico tardio do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana e da Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida em Idosos: protocolo scoping review / Late diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in the Elderly: scoping review protocol

As pessoas idosas, diagnosticadas tardiamente, tem maior risco de desenvolver AIDS. Com a contagem de CD4 inferior a 200 células/ml3, elas apresentam em média mais chances de morrer no primeiro ano após o diagnóstico. O objetivo desta revisão de escopo é mapear evidências relativas aos fatores associados e de risco do diagnóstico tardio de HIV/AIDS em pessoas idosas, mas especificamente, esta revisão quer dar resposta às seguintes questões: Quais são os fatores associados do diagnóstico tardio de HIV/AIDS em pessoas idosas? Quais são os fatores de riscos do diagnóstico tardio de HIV/AIDS em pessoas idosas? Que contexto o diagnóstico tardio de HIV/AIDS em pessoas idosas foi realizado? Esta revisão será orientada pela metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute, que assentará na estratégia de definição dos participantes, conceito e contexto. Os resultados serão apresentados pelo resumo lógico e descritivo, apresentados, como um mapa de dados extraídos dos artigos e alinhado com o objetivo e as perguntas da revisão de escopo. Espera-se que esta revisão de escopo contribua para a análise compreensiva das práticas de cuidados à saúde das pessoas idosas.

Elderly people, diagnosed late, have a higher risk of developing AIDS. With a CD4 count of less than 200 cells / ml3, they are on average more likely to die in the first year after diagnosis. The purpose of this scope review is to map evidence regarding the associated risk factors of late diagnosis of HIV / AIDS in older people, but specifically, this review aims to address the following questions: What are the associated factors of late diagnosis of HIV / AIDS in elderly people? What are the risk factors for late diagnosis of HIV / AIDS in elderly people? In what context was the late diagnosis of HIV / AIDS in elderly people given? This review will be guided by the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute, which will be based on participant definition strategy, concept and context. Results will be presented by the logical and descriptive summary, presented as a map of data extracted from the articles and aligned with the objective and scope review questions. This scope review is expected to contribute to a comprehensive analysis of the health care practices of elderly people.

Las personas mayores, diagnosticadas tardíamente, tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar SIDA. Con un recuento de CD4 de menos de 200 células/ml3, tienen en promedio más probabilidades de morir en el primer año después del diagnóstico. El objetivo de esta revisión de alcance es mapear las evidencias relacionadas con los factores asociados y de riesgo del diagnóstico tardío del VIH/SIDA en personas mayores, pero específicamente esta revisión tiene como objetivo responder a las siguientes preguntas: ¿Cuáles son los factores asociados con el diagnóstico tardío del VIH/SIDA en las personas mayores? ¿Cuáles son los factores de riesgo para el diagnóstico tardío del VIH/SIDA en las personas mayores? ¿Cuál es el contexto del diagnóstico tardío del VIH/SIDA en las personas mayores? Esta revisión se guiará por la metodología del Joanna Briggs Institute, que se basará en la estrategia de definición, concepto y contexto de los participantes. Los resultados se presentarán mediante un resumen lógico y descriptivo, presentado como un mapa de los datos extraídos de los artículos y alineados con el objetivo y las preguntas de la revisión del alcance. Se espera que esta revisión del alcance contribuya al análisis exhaustivo de las prácticas de atención de la salud de los ancianos.

Como medir e explorar a heterogeneidade de uma meta-análise: Estratégias metodológicas fundamentais / How to measure and explore heterogeneity in a meta-analysis: Key methodological strategies / Cómo medir y explorar la heterogeneidad en un metaanálisis: Estrategias metodológicas clave

Resumo Enquadramento: As revisões sistemáticas ao incluírem diversos estudos, ainda que abordem uma questão semelhante, irão reunir inevitavelmente algum grau de diversidade. Os estudos têm diferentes desenhos, assim como participantes, intervenções/exposições ou mesmo outcomes/ resultados esperados. Essa diversidade é denominada de heterogeneidade e pela sua pertinência consideramos essencial apresentar algumas estratégias metodológicas para a medir e explorar. Objetivo: Demonstrar como se mede e explora a heterogeneidade de uma meta-análise. Principais tópicos em análise: É apresentado o conceito de heterogeneidade em meta-análise, bem como as suas tipologias, modelos de medida e condições para a sua aplicação. Adicionalmente apontamos diversas opções metodológicas que permitem explorar a heterogeneidade, recorrendo a exemplos práticos para as operacionalizar. Conclusão: A exploração da heterogeneidade de uma meta-análise assume-se como um passo imprescindível na realização de uma revisão sistemática que melhora a consistência dos seus resultados e, consequentemente, a força das suas recomendações.

Abstract Background: Systematic reviews including several studies will have some diversity, even if they address a similar topic. Studies have different designs, participants, interventions/exposures, and expected outcomes. This diversity is called heterogeneity. For its relevance, we will put forward some methodological strategies to measure and explore it. Objective: To demonstrate how to measure and explore heterogeneity in a meta-analysis. Main topics under analysis: We present the concept of heterogeneity in meta-analysis, as well as its types, measurement models, and conditions for its application. We also put forward several methodological options for exploring heterogeneity, using practical examples to operationalize them. Conclusion: Exploring heterogeneity in a meta-analysis is an essential step in the development of a systematic review to increase the consistency of its results and, consequently, the strength of its recommendations.

Resumen Marco contextual: Las revisiones sistemáticas, al incluir varios estudios, aunque aborden una cuestión similar, reunirán inevitablemente cierto grado de diversidad. Los estudios tienen diferentes diseños, así como participantes, intervenciones/exposiciones o incluso resultados esperados. Esta diversidad se denomina heterogeneidad y, debido a su relevancia, consideramos imprescindible presentar algunas estrategias metodológicas para medirla y explorarla. Objetivo: Demostrar cómo medir y explorar la heterogeneidad en un metaanálisis. Principales temas en análisis: Se presenta el concepto de heterogeneidad en el metaanálisis, así como sus tipologías, modelos de medición y condiciones para su aplicación. Además, señalamos varias opciones metodológicas que permiten explorar la heterogeneidad, utilizando ejemplos prácticos para operacionalizarlas. Conclusión: Explorar la heterogeneidad de un metaanálisis es un paso esencial en la realización de una revisión sistemática que mejora la consistencia de sus resultados y, en consecuencia, la fuerza de sus recomendaciones.

Nasogastric tube care and flushing in a Portuguese general medicine ward: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES: To implement evidence-based practice related to care and flushing of nasogastric tubes inserted for feeding, in a general medicine ward. INTRODUCTION: Nasogastric tube feeding is a widely used nutritional support form. Although performed by qualified professionals, it is not a harm-free intervention. Progression to the trachea during initial insertion, aspiration of gastric contents, improper position for patient feeding, and/or a blocked tube are examples of problems that can occur. METHODS: The project used JBI's methodological approach of the Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tool. A baseline audit focused on nursing procedures related to the maintenance of nasogastric tube feeding, based on 14 criteria informed by the JBI evidence summaries, was performed for a month. Education sessions and other engagement strategies and resources were used to increase nasogastric tube maintenance. This best-practice implementation was conducted in Portugal, between January 2020 and April 2021, in a 33-bed general medicine ward with a staff of 30 registered nurses. RESULTS: Different samples, for each audited procedure, were obtained from a universe of 25 nurses and 14 episodes of patients with nasogastric tube in baseline and 10 in follow-up audit. At baseline, compliance with the criteria ranged from 0 to 88%. Ten of the 14 criteria were below 50%. The follow-up audit showed significant improvement in all compliance criteria (ranging from 44.4 to 100%). Criteria 1 and 2, which were aimed at preventing adverse consequences related to wrong placement or displacement of the nasogastric tube, showed a high postimplementation compliance level (89.3 and 90%). CONCLUSION: With an integrated plan incorporating interventions, strategies, and resources, tailored for this context, we improved nurses' knowledge of nasogastric tube maintenance and achieved significantly increased compliance with nasogastric tube care best-practice. We suggest maintaining current strategies, and reinforcing clinical supervision and regular assessment.

Administration of chemotherapy in patients admitted to a haematology service: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES: To promote evidence-based practices related to the prevention of adverse events associated with medication administration (only chemotherapy) in a hospital service. INTRODUCTION: The medication management process in a hospital setting is highly complex, going through multiple stages from drug selection, procurement and storage, to prescription, validation, dispensing, preparation, administration and monitoring. METHODS: An evidence implementation project based on an audit and feedback approach was conducted from December 2019 to April 2021 using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice. RESULTS: The results of the baseline audit showed that the 10 audit criteria were mostly met; however, two of the criteria (criterion 6: the expiry date of medication is checked before use and criterion 7: the nurse who prepares the medication administers the medication to the patient) had low compliance (respectively, 0 and 67.9%). After identifying the barriers and implementing strategies to deal with the identified barriers, we verified a significant improvement in compliance with best practices (criterion 6 improved to 64.3% and criterion 7 to 78.6%). CONCLUSION: This implementation project was a success, achieving a great improvement of the implementation of evidence-based guidelines concerning the prevention of adverse events associated with medication administration in a hospital in central Portugal. More such projects should be planned to sustain the implementation of evidence-based methods to improve health outcomes, patient safety, costs and health systems.