Use of Opioid-Sparing Protocols and Perceived Postpartum Pain in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Prenatal Opioid Exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid-sparing protocols reduce postpartum opioid prescribing in opioid-naïve patients; however, patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and complex pain needs who may benefit from these protocols are typically excluded from them. We assessed postpartum pain experiences of patients with OUD and chronic prenatal opioid exposure after implementation of an opioid-sparing protocol. METHODS: A phone survey assessed postpartum pain experiences for people with chronic prenatal opioid exposure who delivered between January 2020 and August 2021 at an academic hospital. Analyses included descriptive statistics, qualitative content analysis, and a joint display comparing themes. RESULTS: Of 25 patients, 18 (72%) participated; most were non-Hispanic White (100%, 18/18), publicly insured (78%, 14/18), multiparous (78%, 14/18), with OUD (100%, 18/18). No patients with a vaginal birth received an opioid prescription; half (4/8) with a cesarean birth received one at discharge. Over one-third (7/18, 39%) reported poor pain control (≥ 5/10) in the hospital and one week post-discharge; scores were higher for cesarean versus vaginal birth. Qualitative sub-analyses of open-ended responses revealed patient perceptions of postpartum pain and treatment. The most effective strategies, stratified by birth type and pain level, ranged from non-opioid medications for vaginal births and minor pain to prescription opioids for cesarean births and moderate-to-intense pain. DISCUSSION: Postpartum opioid prescribing for patients with chronic prenatal opioid use was low for vaginal and cesarean birth following implementation of an opioid-sparing protocol. Patients with OUD reported good pain management with opioid-sparing pain regimens; however, many reported poorly controlled pain immediately postpartum. Future work should assess approaches to postpartum pain management that minimize the risks of opioid medication-particularly in at-risk groups.

What is already known on this subject? Opioid-sparing protocols can reduce postpartum opioid prescribing in opioid-naïve patients; however, there are currently no clear guidelines for opioid prescribing for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the postpartum period.What this study adds?Postpartum opioid prescribing for patients with chronic prenatal opioid use was less than the national average and one-third of patients reported poor pain control. Opioid-sparing protocols postpartum should be expanded to patients with OUD to improve pain control and minimize risks associated with opioid medication.

Integrating Neonatal Intensive Care Into a Family Birth Center: Describing the Integrated NICU (I-NIC).

BACKGROUND: Parent-infant separation resulting from admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is often reported as the most challenging and distressing experience for parents. Aiming to mitigate the stress of parent-infant separation, a new neonatal care model was designed to integrate NIC with delivery and postpartum care. Yet, little is known about the model and its implementation. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design with field observations, we describe the characteristics of an integrated-neonatal intensive care (I-NIC) model and examined perceptions of clinical staff (n = 8) and parents (n = 3). RESULTS: The physical layout of the I-NIC rooms required additional oxygen and suction columns and new signage to specify them as NICU-equipped. Other NICU-related equipment was mobile, thus moved into rooms when necessary. Nurses were cross-trained in labor/delivery, postpartum, neonatal care; however, nurses primarily worked within their specific area of expertise. Clinician and parent perceptions of the model were notably positive, reporting decreased anxiety related to separation, increased ability for chest feeding and skin-to-skin care, and improved interdisciplinary care. CONCLUSION: Future work is needed to understand implementation of the model in other settings, with specific attention to unit architecture, level of NICU care services, patient census, and staff and patient outcomes.

"Mourning the Experience of What Should Have Been": Experiences of Peripartum Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may significantly affect the peripartum experience; however, little is known about the perceptions of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the purpose of our study was to describe the peripartum experiences of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we collected survey data from a convenience sample of postpartum women recruited through social media. Participants were 18 years of age or older, lived in the United States, gave birth after February 1, 2020, and could read English. This study was part of the COVID-19 Maternal Attachment, Mood, Ability, and Support study, which was a larger study that collected survey data describing maternal mental health and breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents findings from the two free-text items describing peripartum experiences. Using the constant comparative method, responses were thematically analyzed to identify and collate major and minor themes. RESULTS: 371 participants responded to at least one free-text item. Five major themes emerged: (1) Heightened emotional distress; (2) Adverse breastfeeding experiences; (3) Unanticipated hospital policy changes shifted birthing plans; (4) Expectation vs. reality: "mourning what the experience should have been;" and (5) Surprising benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic to the delivery and postpartum experience. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Peripartum women are vulnerable to heightened stress induced by COVID-19 pandemic sequalae. During public health crises, peripartum women may need additional resources and support to improve their mental health, wellbeing, and breastfeeding experiences.

Primary care nurses' perception of leadership and the influence of individual and work setting characteristics: A descriptive study.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to describe primary care nurses' perceptions of their formal leaders' leadership behaviours and outcomes and explore differences based upon nurses' individual and work setting characteristics. BACKGROUND: Formal nursing leadership is positively associated with patient, nurse workforce and organizational outcomes, yet no studies have examined primary care nurses' perception of formal leadership behaviours and outcomes in the United States. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey data from 335 primary care nurses were analysed to assess perceived leadership behaviours associated with transformational, transactional and passive-avoidant leadership styles, perceived leadership outcomes and individual and work setting characteristics. RESULTS: Positive leadership behaviours (transformational) were lower than those reported for other settings. There were significant differences in nurses' perceptions of their leaders' leadership behaviours and outcomes based upon individual and work setting characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed differences in perception of leadership and that individual and work setting characteristics influence nurses' perception of their leaders in primary care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Leaders must be versatile and consider the unique needs of each staff member and the influence of clinic characteristics.

Elucidating the context for implementing nonpharmacologic care for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome: a qualitative study of perinatal nurses.

BACKGROUND: Up to 95% of neonates exposed to opioids in utero experience neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome at birth. Nonpharmacologic approaches (e.g., breastfeeding; rooming-in; skin-to-skin care) are evidence-based and should be implemented. These approaches, especially breastfeeding, rely on engagement of the neonates' mothers to help deliver them. However, little is known about the structural and social dynamic context barriers and facilitators to implementing maternal-delivered nonpharmacologic care. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, perinatal nurses from a Midwest United States hospital family birthing center, neonatal intensive care unit, and inpatient pediatric unit were interviewed. These units were involved in caring for mothers and neonates affected by opioid use. Telephone interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide developed for this study, were audio-recorded, and lasted about 30-60 min. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and independently analyzed by five investigators using the constant comparative method. Themes were discussed until reaching consensus and subsequently mapped to a conceptual model adapted for this study. RESULTS: Twenty-one nurses participated in this study (family birth center, n = 9; neonatal intensive care, n = 6; pediatrics, n = 6). Analysis resulted in four major themes: 1) Lack of education and resources provided to staff and mothers; 2) Importance of interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary care coordination; 3) Flexibility in nurse staffing models for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; and 4) Unit architecture and layout affects maternal involvement. Minor themes supported each of the four major themes. All themes mapped to the conceptual model. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators affecting implementation of maternal involvement in nonpharmacologic care of newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Future efforts implementing nonpharmacologic approaches must consider the context factors affecting implementation, including structural and social factors within the units, hospital, and broader community.

Parents' pandemic NICU experience in the United States: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) frequently reported high levels of stress, uncertainty, and decreased parenting confidence. Early research has demonstrated that parents have had less access to their infants in the hospital due to restrictions on parental presence secondary to the pandemic. It is unknown how parents have perceived their experiences in the NICU since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of parents who had an infant in the NICU in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform healthcare providers and policy makers for future development of policies and care planning. METHODS: The study design was a qualitative description of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents' experiences of having an infant in the NICU. Free-text responses to open-ended questions were collected as part of a multi-method study of parents' experiences of the NICU during the first six months of the pandemic. Participants from the United States were recruited using social media platforms between the months of May and July of 2020. Data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. FINDINGS: Free-text responses came from 169 parents from 38 different states in the United States. Three broad themes emerged from the analysis: (1) parents' NICU experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were emotionally isolating and overwhelming, (2) policy changes restricting parental presence created disruptions to the family unit and limited family-centered care, and (3) interactions with NICU providers intensified or alleviated emotional distress felt by parents. A unifying theme of experiences of emotional distress attributed to COVID-19 circumstances ran through all three themes. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of infants in the NICU during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced emotional struggles, feelings of isolation, lack of family-centered care, and deep disappointment with system-level decisions. Moving forward, parents need to be considered essential partners in the development of policies concerning care of and access to their infants.

Impacts of Neonatal Hospitalization on Families during the 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data are available regarding family and financial well-being among parents whose infants were hospitalized during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The study objective was to evaluate the family and financial well-being of parents whose infants were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: Parents were recruited for this online, cross-sectional survey via support groups on social media. Data collection was completed between May 18, 2020 and July 31, 2020. The final sample consisted of 178 parents, who had an infant hospitalized in an NICU between February 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020. The primary outcomes were impact on family life and financial stability, as measured by the Impact on Family scale, an instrument that evaluates changes to family life as a result of infant or childhood illness. RESULTS: Of the 178 parent respondents, 173 (97%) were mothers, 107 (59.4%) were non-Hispanic White, and 127 (69.5%) of the infants were born prematurely. Parents reported significant family impact and greater financial difficulty. Extremely premature infants, lower household income, parent mental health, and lower parental confidence were predictive of greater impacts on family life. CONCLUSION: Parents reported significant family and financial impacts during their infant's hospitalization amid COVID-19. Further studies are needed to guide clinical practice and inform family-supportive resources that can mitigate consequences to family well-being. KEY POINTS: · Impact of infant hospitalization in the context of COVID-19 is largely unknown.. · In a cohort of NICU parents during COVID-19, they reported changes to family life and finances.. · Greater impacts were reported by parents with lower income, confidence, and very premature infants..

Implementing Evidence-Informed Discharge Preparedness Tools in the NICU: Parents' Perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Few studies address preparing parents of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants for infant discharge. Inadequate or ineffective parental preparedness for discharge can result in preventable emergency department and primary care visits. Parents' perceptions are needed to inform development and implementation of effective educational tools to improve parent discharge preparedness in the NICU. PURPOSE: To describe the perceptions of parents of recently discharged NICU infants regarding discharge preparedness and implementation of the My Flight Plan for Home parent discharge preparedness tool. METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive design to collect individual interview data from 15 parents with infants discharged from a level 4 NICU in the Midwest. Individual interviews were conducted using a semistructured guide and were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: We identified 5 major themes: (1) family dynamics; (2) parenting in the NICU; (3) discharge preparedness; (4) engaging parents in infant care; and (5) implementation recommendations for the My Flight Plan for Home tool. Minor themes supported each of the major themes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To improve parents' confidence in caring for their infant after discharge, parents suggest nurses must engage parents in discharge education and infant care shortly following NICU admission and use parent-centered discharge preparedness tools. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future studies are needed to develop and test parent-tailored strategies for implementing parent discharge preparedness tools in the NICU.

Preparing Nursing Contexts for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation: Where Should We Go From Here?

BACKGROUND: Context is important to the adoption and sustainability of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Currently, most published implementation efforts address context in relation to one specific EBP or a bundle of related EBPs. Since EBP and implementation are ongoing and dynamic, more discussion is needed on preparing nursing contexts to be more conducive to implementation generally. AIM: To discuss the need to create contexts that are more adaptable to ongoing change due to the dynamic nature of EBPs and the ever-changing healthcare environment. METHODS: This paper builds on a collection of our previous work, as nursing implementation scientists representing the Canadian and American healthcare contexts, and a literature review of the implementation science, knowledge translation, and sustainability literatures from 2006 to 2019. RESULTS: We argue for a different way of thinking about the influence of context and implementation of EBPs. We contend that nursing contexts must be prepared to be more flexible and conducive to ongoing EBP implementation more generally. Contexts that embrace, facilitate, and have the capacity for change may be more likely to effectively de-implement ineffective interventions or implement and sustain new EBPs. We outline future directions to build a program of research on preparing the soil for implementation of EBPs, including building capacity among nurses, supporting organizations to embrace change, co-producing research evidence, and contributing to implementation science. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Supporting contexts to adopt and sustain evidence in nursing practice is essential for bridging the evidence to practice gap and improving outcomes for patients, clinicians, and the health system. Moving forward, we need to develop a better understanding of how to create contexts that embrace change prior to the implementation of EBPs in order sustain improvements to patient and health system outcomes.

Validation of the Implementation Climate Scale in Nursing.

BACKGROUND: One critical factor in effective implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in nursing is an organizational context that facilitates and supports implementation efforts. Measuring implementation climate can add useful insights on the extent to which the organizational context supports EBP implementation. AIMS: This study cross-validates and examines the psychometric properties of the Implementation Climate Scale (ICS), which measures nurses' perceptions of their unit's climate for EBP implementation. METHODS: This study analyzed ICS data from two cross-sectional studies, including 203 nurses from California and 301 nurses from Florida. Analyses included evaluation of internal consistency, multilevel aggregation statistics, and confirmatory factor analyses. RESULTS: The 18-item ICS demonstrated comparable psychometric properties to the original measure development paper in both samples. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the scale's factor structure in both samples. LINKING EVIDENCE TO PRACTICE: The ICS is a pragmatic measure that can be used to assess unit implementation climate in nursing contexts. Results from the ICS from nurses and nurse leaders can provide insights into implementation-specific barriers and facilitators within the organizational context.

Engaging Mothers to Implement Nonpharmacological Care for Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Perceptions of Perinatal and Pediatric Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about nurse perceptions regarding engagement of mothers in implementation of nonpharmacological care for opioid-exposed infants. PURPOSE: This study was designed to describe perinatal and pediatric nurse perceptions of (1) engaging mothers in the care of opioid-exposed infants and (2) facilitators and barriers to maternal engagement. METHODS: This study used a qualitative descriptive design to interview perinatal and pediatric nurses in one Midwest United States hospital. Interviews were conducted via telephone using a semistructured interview guide and audio recorded. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Twenty-one nurses participated in the study, representing a family birth center, neonatal intensive care unit, and pediatric unit. Five major themes resulted from analysis: (1) vulnerability and bias; (2) mother-infant care: tasks versus model of care; (3) maternal factors affecting engagement and implementation; (4) nurse factors affecting engagement and implementation; and (5) recommendations and examples of nursing approaches to barriers. Minor themes supported each of the major themes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses must engage mothers with substance use histories with empathy and nonjudgment, identify and promote maternal agency to care for their infants, and engage and activate mothers to deliver nonpharmacological care during the hospital stay and following discharge. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Findings suggest interventions are needed to improve (1) nursing education regarding maternal substance use and recovery, (2) empathy for substance-using mothers and mothers in treatment, and (3) identification and support of maternal agency to provide nonpharmacological care to withdrawing infants.

Clinical Nurse Specialists' Perceptions of Transitioning Into a Rural Community-Based Transitional Care Role.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of nurses making the role transition from clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) (hospital based) into transitional care nurse (TCN) roles (community based). BACKGROUND: The shift from fee-for-service to value-based care has led to the development of transitional care programs. However, little is known about the perceptions of nurses transitioning from a hospital- to a community-based position. Their perceptions can inform training and future recommendations for the TCN role. METHODS: Five of 6 eligible TCNs from a community rural hospital in Vermont who transitioned from a CNS role to a TCN role participated in individual, face-to-face interviews using a semistructured interview guide. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Seven major themes were identified: enhanced patient-centered care, collaboration among the other TCNs, transitioning from expert to novice, recommendations for navigating and negotiating systems, discomfort with the role transition, a level of altruism and autonomy, and recommendations for improving the TCN role. Minor themes supported the major themes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide implications to improve the transitions of CNSs into a TCN role. Transitional care nurse programs are essential in transitioning individuals from hospital to home. To achieve maximum benefit from TCN programs and ensure their sustainability, nursing leaders must address gaps in both community resources and TCN training.

EBP Implementation Leadership of Frontline Nurse Managers: Validation of the Implementation Leadership Scale in Acute Care.

BACKGROUND: Frontline nurse managers influence the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP); however, there is a need for valid and reliable instruments to measure their leadership behaviors for EBP implementation in acute care settings. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS) in acute care settings using two unique nurse samples. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of ILS data obtained through two distinct multisite cross-sectional studies. Sample 1 included 200 registered nurses from one large Californian health system. Sample 2 was 284 registered nurses from seven Midwest and Northeast U.S. hospitals. Two separate studies by different research teams collected responses using written and electronic questionnaires. We analyzed each sample independently. Descriptive statistics described individual item, total, and subscale scores. We analyzed validity using confirmatory factor analysis and within-unit agreement (awg). We evaluated factorial invariance using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses and evaluating change in chi-square and comparative fit index values. We evaluated reliability using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses in both samples provided strong support for first- and second-order factor structure of the ILS. The factor structure did not differ between the two samples. Across both samples, internal consistency reliability was strong (Cronbach's alpha: 0.91-0.98), as was within-unit agreement (awg: 0.70-0.80). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Frontline manager implementation leadership is a critical contextual factor influencing EBP implementation. This study provides strong evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the ILS to measure implementation leadership behaviors of nursing frontline managers in acute care. The ILS can help clinicians, researchers, and leaders in nursing contexts assess frontline manager implementation leadership, deliver interventions to target areas needing improvement, and improve implementation of EBP.

Unit Leadership and Climates for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation in Acute Care: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to (a) describe nurse manager (NM) leadership behaviors for evidence-based practice, NM evidence-based practice competencies, and unit climates for evidence-based practice implementation in acute care, and (b) test for differences in NMs' and staff nurses' (RNs') perceptions. DESIGN: A multisite cross-sectional design was used to collect data from a sample of 24 NMs and 553 RNs from 24 adult medical-surgical units in seven U.S. community hospitals. METHODS: Responses were collected using electronic questionnaires, inclusive of the Nurse Manager Evidence-Based Practice Competency Scale (NM only), Implementation Leadership Scale, and Implementation Climate Scale. E-mail reminders and gift card lottery drawings encouraged response. Descriptive statistics described total and subscale scores by role. Differences in perceptions were evaluated using independent t-tests with Bonferroni correction (α = .05). FINDINGS: 23 NMs and 287 RNs responded (95.8% and 51.9% response rates, respectively). NMs reported they were "somewhat competent" in evidence-based practice (M = 1.62 [SD = 0.5]; 0-3 scale). NMs and RNs perceived leadership behaviors (NM: M = 2.73 [SD = 0.46]; RN: M = 2.88 [SD = 0.78]; 0-4 scale) and unit climates for evidence-based practice implementation (NM: M = 2.16 [SD = 0.67]; RN: M = 2.24 [SD = 0.74]; 0-4 scale) as evident to a "moderate extent." RN and NM perceptions differed significantly on the Proactive (p = .01) and Knowledgeable (p < .001) leadership subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based practice competencies and leadership behaviors of NMs, and unit climates for evidence-based practice were modest at best and interventions are needed. To close the research to practice gap, future studies should investigate the interplay between social dynamic context factors and implementation strategies to promote uptake of evidence-based practices. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Critical attention is needed to build organizational capacity for evidence-based practices through development of unit leadership and climate for evidence-based practice to accelerate routine use of evidence-based practices for improving care delivery and patient outcomes. The three instruments described herein provide a foundation for nurse leaders to assess these dynamic context factors and design interventions or programs where there is opportunity for improvement.

Older Adults' Perceptions of Their Fall Risk and Prevention Strategies After Transitioning from Hospital to Home.

Falls are common adverse events following hospital discharge. However, prevention programs are not tailored for older patients transitioning home. To inform development of transitional fall prevention programs, nine older adults designated as being at risk of falls during hospitalization who were recently discharged home were asked about their perceptions of fall risk and prevention, as well as their knowledge and opinion of materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries Initiative. Using the constant comparative method, five themes were identified: Sedentary Behaviors and Limited Functioning; Prioritization of Social Involvement; Low Perceived Fall Risk and Attribution of Risk to External Factors; Avoidance and Caution as Fall Prevention; and Limited Falls Prevention Information During Transition from Hospital to Home. Limited awareness of and engagement in effective fall prevention may heighten recently discharged older adults' risks for falls. Prevention programs tailored to the post-discharge period may engage patients in fall prevention, promote well-being and independence, and link hospital and community efforts. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(1), 23-30.].

ArtSpective™ for Perinatal Substance Use: Feasibility of an Arts-Based Intervention Addressing Stigma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this proof-of-concept pilot study was to test the initial feasibility and limited efficacy of ArtSpective™ for perinatal substance use (PSU), a novel, arts-based intervention designed to decrease stigmatizing attitudes toward PSU. METHODS: Using a pre-post mixed methods quasi-experimental design, ArtSpective™ for PSU was pilot tested for proof of concept among a convenience sample of 11 undergraduate and graduate students with experience in maternal-infant nursing from a Midwestern U.S. nursing school. As a proof-of-concept pilot study, we evaluated feasibility (acceptability, demand, and implementation) and limited efficacy. Participants completed presurveys and postsurveys that included satisfaction items, demographic items, and an adapted version of the Attitudes About Drug Use in Pregnancy Scale and participated in a focus group. Focus group data were analyzed using constant comparative methods, and survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS: Participants reported high demand and satisfaction with the intervention and provided recommendations to improve scalability. ArtSpective™ demonstrated significant improvement in stigma toward PSU (pre vs. post: p = .003; d = .633). CONCLUSION: ArtSpective™ for PSU demonstrated initial feasibility and limited efficacy for improving nurse attitudes toward PSU. Efforts are needed to further test this novel intervention, adapt it to augment existing educational interventions, and improve its scalability.

Perceptual differences in nursing implementation leadership and climate: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The literature on perceptual differences between managers and staff regarding social dynamic factors (e.g., leadership, climate) in nursing settings is sparse. Addressing this gap in knowledge is critical for informing implementation efforts and improving patient and organizational outcomes. The purpose of this study was to test the perceptual differences regarding implementation leadership and implementation climate between nursing staff and their managers. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected in 2016-2017. The setting included 22 adult medical-surgical units nested in 7 acute care hospitals in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. Participants were registered nurses (N = 261) and nurse managers (N = 22) who completed an electronic survey consisting of the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS), the Implementation Climate Scale (ICS), and demographic items. Differences in perception were analyzed at the unit level using structural equation modeling to develop latent difference score models (LDS). We assessed associations of the LDSs with manager ILS and ICS scores, years of nursing experience, and years of experience working on the current unit. The association of ILS LDS with the observed nursing staff ICS scores was also analyzed. RESULTS: Higher manager scores on the ILS and ICS were associated with greater perceptual differences in implementation leadership and implementation climate. Greater years of experience as a nurse were associated with greater perceptual differences in ILS and ICS scores. Greater tenure on the unit was associated with smaller differences on the ILS knowledge domain. Greater perceptual differences regarding implementation leadership were associated with worse staff ratings of implementation climate. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study observed significant relationships among manager ILS and ICS scores, staff-manager perceptual differences, and staff ratings of implementation climate in nursing settings, it is still unclear why perceptual differences in implementation leadership and climate exist and how to address them. Future studies are warranted to test the effect of perceptual differences on implementation and patient outcomes.

Effectiveness of take ACTION online naloxone training for law enforcement officers.

BACKGROUND: Training law enforcement officers (LEOs) to administer naloxone is a recommended strategy to reduce overdose deaths in the United States. To achieve this, an evidence-based and scalable naloxone training curriculum that is easy to use and readily scalable is needed. Convenient web-based training is a flexible method for delivering educational interventions particularly for LEOs who have irregular or shifting schedules. This study examined the effectiveness of a comprehensive web-based naloxone training that was created in partnership with LEOs on their knowledge, confidence, and attitudes regarding naloxone. METHODS: From May 2019 to September 2020, five law enforcement departments from Michigan participated in web-based naloxone training. A total of 182 LEOs (77% male) were in the final sample based on matching pre-and post-test surveys. LEOs were assessed on knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards naloxone. Negative binomial and Poisson regression was conducted to assess associations between knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards naloxone before and after training. RESULTS: Significant improvements in overdose knowledge and confidence were revealed across all departments with median (IQR) total composite scores for knowledge increasing from 35 (32, 37) to 40 (39, 42) (p < 0.01) and confidence increasing from 18.5 (15, 20) to 20 (20, 25) (p < 0.01). Median (IQR) attitude scores did not change. CONCLUSION: Our web-based naloxone training was effective in improving knowledge and confidence for LEOs but did not significantly improve LEOs attitudes towards naloxone across most departments. The web-based format is readily scalable and quickly disseminated and meets the immediate need for LEO overdose training. Additional intervention is needed to address the negative attitudes of LEOs regarding naloxone.