Change in demand for health-related undergraduate studies in Spain during 2015-2021: a temporal series study.

Introduction: The expansion of higher education is a worldwide phenomenon. To our knowledge, there are no studies analyzing the trends in demands of enrollment in health-related studies in Spain. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the change in demand (the number of requests for enrollment divided by the number of offered places) for undergraduate health-related studies in Spain during the period 2015-2021 as well as compare the change by region in the pre (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) period. Methods: This is an observational (ecological type) study with temporal series analyses using data from public (non-for-profit) higher education institutions from the Integrated University Information System. For the analysis by region, we calculated the demand of all twelve undergraduate health-related degrees and the percentages of change between both periods using the Wilcoxon test. The Joinpoint Regression program was used to analyze the trends in demand for each degree during the 7-year period. Results: Significant (p < 0.001) increases in demand during the pandemic period were observed in all regions. During the pandemic, medicine, biomedicine, nursing, odontology and pharmacy presented a higher demand in comparison with data collected before the pandemic started. In contrast, this pattern was not confirmed in the following cases: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, psychology, social work, human nutrition and dietetics. By regions, Navarra, Asturias, and La Rioja presented the most drastic changes. In regions with the biggest number of universities, such as Catalonia, Andalusia and Madrid, the change observed was smaller.

Co-created Technological Solutions for Caregivers in Health Care: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Support interventions for caregivers can reduce their stress, possibly improving the quality of patients' care while reducing care costs. Technological solutions have been designed to cover their needs, but there are some challenges in making them truly functional for end users. Co-design approaches present important opportunities for engaging diverse populations to help ensure that technological solutions are inclusive and accessible. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify co-created technological solutions, as well as the process followed for their co-creation, in the field of health for caregivers. METHODS: The literature review was conducted in the Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Scielo, and IEEE Xplore databases. The inclusion criteria were studies written in English or Spanish and with a publication date until May 2021. The content had to specify that the caregivers actively participated in the co-creation process, which covered until the development phase of the technological solution (prototype). The level of evidence and the methodological quality were analyzed when possible, using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, version 2018, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 410 papers were identified, and 11 met the eligibility criteria. The most predominant articles were mixed methods studies and qualitative studies. The technology used in the analyzed articles were mobile or web applications (9 studies) and specific devices such as sensors, cameras, or alarm systems (2 studies) to support the health and social aspects of caregivers and improve their education in care. The most common patient profile was older people (7 studies); 6 studies used co-creation in the requirements phase, 6 studies detailed the design phase. In 9 studies, the prototype was iteratively refined in the development phase, and the validation phase was performed in 5 of the reviewed studies. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review suggests that existing co-created technological solutions in the field of health for caregivers are mostly mobile or web applications to support caregivers' social health and well-being and improve their health knowledge when delivering care to patients, especially older people. As for the co-creation process, caregivers are particularly involved during development and in the design. The scarce literature found indicates that further research with higher methodological quality is needed.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on enrollment in undergraduate health-related studies in Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the pandemic has reinforced the choice of pursuing health-related bachelor's degrees, and to identify underlying factors that could contribute to that impact. This is a cross-sectional study using an online survey of 2,344 students of nursing, physiotherapy, medicine, psychology and podiatry who started health-related bachelor's degrees after the COVID-19 outbreak in Spanish higher education institutions. The pandemic influenced the choice of these studies by increasing the desire to help others (33.2%), by increasing citizenship values (28.4%), and by increasing the desire to contribute to improving the situation of the country (27.5%). Women had a significantly greater influence on the increase in social values related to the practice of the profession produced by the pandemic, whereas men and the bachelor's degree in podiatry were more influenced by salary prospects. An increased desire to help others was significantly higher among women and nursing and medical students. Podiatry and psychology were the degrees were most influenced by the pandemic, as more students decided to pursue them, something they had previously doubted, while in nursing, psychology, and medicine the pandemic reinforced their interest in pursuing the degree the most. Students personally affected by COVID-19 reported being more influenced in reconsidering their professional path and in reinforcing their desire to pursue the health-related studies.

Nursing Practice Variations in Pain Management in Older Adults With Dementia Admitted to an Acute Geriatrics Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The current retrospective descriptive study evaluated nursing practice variations on pain management in older adults with dementia admitted to an acute geriatrics unit (AGU) before (2018) and during (2021) the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were gathered from electronic health records. Pain intensity was evaluated a median of 1.9 times per day of stay in the pre-COVID-19 sample, whereas in the COVID-19 sample, the median was 0.7 times per day of stay. Median number of analgesic administrations per day of stay and mean percentage of clinical care records that mentioned pain were higher in patients admitted during the pandemic. Variations in nursing care organization in the AGU due to the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the patterns of pain management nursing practice in older adults with dementia. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(4), 173-182.].

Impacto de una investigación-acción participativa en el manejo del dolor de mayores con demencia (AU) / Impact of a participatory action research on pain management in older adults with dementia

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del uso de la investigación-acción participativa como método de investigación en la mejora del manejo del dolor de las personas mayores con demencia atendidos en una unidad de geriatría de agudos. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo-interpretativo enmarcado en las fases 3 y 4 de una investigación-acción participativa según el modelo propuesto por Kemmis y McTaggart. Las participantes fueron las enfermeras de la unidad de geriatría de agudos que habían participado en las 2 fases anteriores. Para la recolección de datos se usó un cuestionario con preguntas cerradas y preguntas abiertas. Para los datos cuantitativos se utilizó un análisis descriptivo y para los cualitativos, análisis del contenido. Resultados: El programa formativo, como intervención investigación-acción participativa, mejoró el conocimiento de las enfermeras. Este aprendizaje podría contribuir a modificar su práctica y a mejorar los resultados en los pacientes. Además, las enfermeras manifestaron que el programa les motivó a reflexionar sobre su práctica tanto a nivel individual como colectivo y les ha hecho tomar conciencia de la importancia que tiene un óptimo manejo del dolor en los mayores con demencia. El hecho de participar en las reuniones y discutir con sus compañeras sobre su práctica contribuyó a aprender nuevas formas de llevar a cabo acciones en relación con el manejo del dolor y promocionó el trabajo en equipo. Conclusiones: Un proceso de investigación-acción participativa puede ser una buena metodología para introducir y mantener cambios en la práctica enfermera para la mejora del manejo del dolor en personas mayores con demencia (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the use of participatory action-research as a research method to improve pain management in older people with dementia treated in a Geriatric Acute Unit. Methodology: Descriptive-interpretive study framed in phases three and four of a participatory action-research according to the Kemmis and McTaggart's model. Participants were the nurses from the acute geriatrics unit who had participated in the 2 previous phases. For data collection, a questionnaire with closed questions and open questions was used. Descriptive analysis was used for quantitative data and content analysis for categorical data. Results: The training program, as a participatory action research intervention, improved the nurses’ knowledge. This learning could help modify nurses’ practice and improve patient outcomes. In addition, the nurses stated that it motivated them to reflect on their practice both individually and collectively and made them aware of the importance of optimal pain management in the elderly with dementia. The fact of participating in the focus group and discussing their practice with their colleagues contributed to learning new ways of carrying out actions in relation to pain management and promoted teamwork. Conclusions: A participatory action-research process can be a good methodology to introduce and maintain changes in nursing practice to improve pain management in older people with dementia (AU)

Examining the International Palliative Care Systems in Rural Areas: Protocol for a Comparative Case Study.

BACKGROUND: The aging population in the Global North is associated with an increased prevalence of multiple chronic diseases that would benefit from integrated palliative care. In this context, it is vital to consider the effectiveness of health care systems' response to the needs of the older population residing in rural areas, including access to palliative care services. Understanding palliative care program availability and palliative care system characteristics is important in creating useful health interventions in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide an international view on palliative care in rural areas. A study exploring palliative care services offered in Southern Minnesota will be carried out, building on a previous study conducted in Osona, Spain. Findings from both studies will be compared, providing insights into the strengths of each system and identifying areas for growth. METHODS: This study will be performed using qualitative case study methodology. Using a similar methodology to the one used in the Spanish study, palliative care services will be explored in a similarly sized rural area in Southern Minnesota. This will be accomplished by (1) reviewing available literature related to the Southern Minnesota palliative care system and (2) identifying key providers in this US palliative care system who will be invited to participate in semistructured interviews. The study participants will be asked about the gaps between ideal integrated palliative care system services and the existing complementary palliative care services, and the ethical issues and dilemmas that evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Following ethical approval for this protocol, data collection is anticipated to begin in spring or summer 2022 and is expected to take 6 months. Data collection will be followed by data analysis in fall 2022. Finally, the researchers plan to disseminate the findings in spring 2023. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing 2 similarly sized but culturally different rural palliative care systems in Minnesota and Osona will provide insights into how integrated palliative care systems impact the older population and those with chronic illnesses. Study findings will contribute to enhanced patient care, organizational improvements, policy change, and an understanding of the impact of different health care system models. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/36037.

Los efectos de tejer en grupo sobre el bienestar psicológico. Una visión desde la salud pública / The effects of group knitting on the psychological well-being. A vision from public health

Objetivos:explorar la contribución al bienestar psicológico de tejer en grupo frente a tejer individualmente y profundizar en las causas que llevan a las personas a tejer en grupo.Método: Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Un comité experto diseñó un cuestionario ad hoc para este estudio.Resultados:El cuestionario lo respondieron 644 personas tejedoras. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de las variables de bienestar psicológico fueron significativamente mayores en las personas que, además de tejer solas, tejían en grupo, en comparación con las que solo tejían de manera individual. Las principales causas de tejer en grupo fueron la oportunidad de obtener ideas del grupo y de enseñar y aprender de las demás personas. Conclusiones: Respaldando los beneficios de la prescripción social, tejer en grupo parece ser una fuente adicional de bienestar psicológico. (AU)

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the contribution to psychological well-being of knitting in a group versus doing it alone. Likewise looking into the different reasons why people knit in a group.Method: It is a retrospective descriptive observational study. A questionnaire ad hoc was designed by a group of experts.Results: the questionnaire was answered by 644 knitters. The results showed that most of the psychological well-being variables were significantly higher in people who were knitting alone as well as they knitted in a group, compared to those who only knitted alone. The opportunity to share ideas as to teach and learn from others were been the main causes for group knitting.Conclusions: Supporting the benefits of social prescribing, group knitting seems to be additional sources of psychological well-being. (AU)

High hiring rate of nurses in Catalonia and the rest of Spain hides precarious employment from 2010 to 2019: A quantitative study.

AIM: This study aims to describe the hiring of nurses in Catalonia and the rest of Spain over 10 years. BACKGROUND: Precarious employment (PE) has negative consequences for nurses' quality of life and work performance. METHODS: Quantitative study using a retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive design. We analysed publicly available employment data from Catalonia and the rest of Spain. RESULTS: Nurses are among the health professionals with the lowest proportion of open-term (permanent) contracts, 25% during the first 4 years of employment. During the study period, each nurse hired had an average of 3.44 contracts per year. The proportion of nurses with a fixed-term (non-permanent) contract shrank from 25.3% in 2006 to 20.5% in 2012 and grew rapidly to 38.7% in 2018. We estimate that 14,800 nurses signed fixed-term contracts in 2018 without ever having registered as unemployed in nursing. CONCLUSION: High rates of fixed-term hiring and the high number of contracts per nurse are evidence of a high level of PE for nurses in Catalonia. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: When policymakers and workforce planners design recruitment and retention programmes for nurses, they should consider improving working conditions by extending more open-term contracts to combat PE and, indirectly, the shortage of nurses.

Pain management nursing practice assessment in older adults with dementia.

AIM: To assess pain management nursing practice in older adults with dementia through electronic health records (EHR). DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Data were collected from EHR related to pain management in older adults with dementia treated at the Acute Geriatrics Unit (AGU) of a university hospital in early 2018. RESULTS: EHR related to the pain of 111 patients were reviewed. Pain intensity was assessed at admission in 88% of patients and a median of 1.9 times per day of stay. A disproportionate number of the assessments (39%) occurred during the late shift. A median of 1 drug per day was administered. Pain was recorded in 28% of patients' care plans, and non-pharmacological interventions were recorded in 12%. In conclusion, exist variability in pain management nursing practice in older adults with dementia. Admission diagnosis correlated with the analgesic administration schedule, the number of drugs administered and the number of pain nursing annotations.

Improving the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease through Virtual Communities of Practice: A Quasiexperimental Study.

Caring for a person with dementia burdens family caregivers, and there is a close negative relationship between this burden and their quality of life (QoL). Research suggests that caregivers' main needs are information and training about the disease and support from others experiencing the same situation, and Internet interventions hold considerable promise for meeting these needs. Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) are Internet frameworks to share knowledge where members collaborate and achieve a sense of trust in the community. This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of participating in a VCoP (developed through an App) on the QoL of caregivers to people with Alzheimer's. Results show QoL before and after the intervention changed significantly. The impact of VCoP on caregivers' overall QoL is moderated by age and relation with the person with Alzheimer's, specifically those over 65, and spouses. VCoPs allow interaction and knowledge sharing among caregivers which provide them mainly with information and support from peers helping them to meet their needs. Furthermore, caregivers' QoL did not decrease when their relative deteriorated functionally, which could be due to the participation in VCoP. Although we found significant pre- and post differences in caregivers' health literacy, we must report the ambiguous result that this variable only impacts on QoL's physical domain. Participants also reported that they had a positive experience because the App was perceived to be a useful tool, because they could manage their own participation and they met peers and felt less lonely. Results suggest that participation in a VCoP impacts positively on caregivers' QoL.

Nursing students' first experience of death: Identifying mechanisms for practice learning. A realist review.

OBJECTIVES: Many studies regarding nursing student's first experience of facing the death of a patient have focused on classroom methods or exploring attitudes towards death and related fears or anxieties. This review is the first to identify the mechanisms that facilitate practice learning as a result of students' first time experience of handling a patient's death. DESIGN: A realist review as a form of a systematic review of the literature. DATA SOURCES: The literature search focused on the earliest death experience of baccalaureate nursing students and end-of-life care, using databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, PSYCINFO. REVIEW METHODS: Three research questions were addressed following a five-step process of (1) defining the scope of review and developing a theoretical framework, (2) conducting a theory-driven purposive search for evidence, (3) appraising evidence and extracting data, (4) synthesizing data and drawing conclusions, and (5) disseminating findings; with iterative expert consultation and discussion to answer the five questions of any realist review: 'what works, for whom, in what circumstances, how and why'. RESULTS: Thirteen publications were included. Practice learning involves both changes and context improvements to be assessed and discussed by managers, leaders, nurse educators-facilitators and students. The environment and nursing role models are an inherent part of practice learning. Further work is needed to theorize the twelve key outcomes laid out in this review. These proposals require further consensus and the inclusion of inputs from both students and nurses. CONCLUSION: The student nurse receives contradictory messages during the first experience of facing the death of a patient under their care. Considering the importance of this experience, specific indicators should be developed to track and guarantee and the optimal achievement of required competencies.

Designing virtual communities of practice for informal caregivers of Alzheimer's patients: An integrative review.

The main aim of this study is to review the literature to show how ideas around virtual communities of practice (VCoP) offer a model for supporting informal caregivers of Alzheimer's patients (caregivers) to learn how to deal with caregiving demands. Caregivers are individuals who have a significant personal relationship with and provide a broad range of unpaid assistance to an older person or an adult with a chronic or disabling condition outside of a professional or formal framework. This review will examine the current evidence on the needs of caregivers, identify dimensions to be considered in VCoP design and suggest further directions of research. The investigation is an integrative review that builds a bridge between different areas of work. The outcome is eleven dimensions for the design of successful VCoPs for caregivers: Network Structure, Technology, Moderator, Scale, Alignment, Community Design, Sense of Trust, Knowledge Sharing, Sustainability, Ethics and Evaluation. In addition, we propose a Tree Metaphor to present our research results. Well-designed interventions based on VCoP principles have the potential of addressing caregivers' needs.

Facilitators, Barriers, and Solutions in Pain Management for Older Adults with Dementia.

BACKGROUND: Although qualitative studies have been conducted to identify barriers and facilitators that influence the pain management of older adults with dementia, as far as we know, only a very recent study (Andrews et al., 2019) has used participatory action research (PAR) as a methodology for studying pain management. It allows nurses to examine and improve their practice based on their realities and within their context. AIM: To reflect on nursing practice and identify facilitators and barriers in the management of pain in older adults with dementia and to propose actions for improvement. DESIGN: We used qualitative participatory action research. PARTICIPANTS/SETTINGS: Ten nurses from the geriatric acute care unit of a university hospital in Spain were recruited through convenience sampling. METHODS: Data were generated through a written questionnaire and three focus groups. RESULTS: One of the main facilitators the participants identified was professional experience. The main barriers they identified were lack of knowledge and skills and lack of time. The participants proposed two main improvements: (1) a training program consisting of three courses (pain evaluation and management, dementia and pain, and pharmacology) and (2) the creation of a specific register for nurses to record patients' pain. CONCLUSIONS: Involving nurses directly in research on their practices can result in precise proposals for improvements based on their needs and oriented toward improving the quality of care. Moreover, our results confirm previous findings in other countries.