Comparing analog and digital neurocognitive tests with older adults: a study of the ISPOCD battery vs. a digital test battery from Mindmore.

BACKGROUND: Delayed neurocognitive recovery and neurocognitive disorder are common postoperative complications among older adults. The assessment of these complications traditionally relies on analog neurocognitive tests, predominantly using the test battery from the ISPOCD-study as the standard approach. However, analog tests are time-consuming and necessitate trained staff which poses limitations. The potential availability of a digital neurocognitive test as an alternative to the ISPOCD remains unknown. We conducted a comparative study between the analog test battery from ISPOCD and the self-administrated digital test battery developed by Mindmore. METHODS: We conducted a crossover study with 50 cognitively healthy older adults ≥ 60 years of age recruited in Stockholm Sweden, between February and April 2022. The primary outcome focused on measuring comparability between the two test batteries. Our secondary outcomes included assessing participants' perceptions and attitudes about the tests with qualitative interviews and their usability experiences. RESULTS: Fifty older adults, mean age 76, female 56%, with a university or college degree 48% participated in the study. The sub tests in two test batteries demonstrated a medium-large correlation (r = 0.3-0.5), except for one measure. For four out of six measures, significant differences were found with medium to large effect sizes, ranging from 0.57-1.43. Two categories were recognized in the qualitative analysis: self-competing in a safe environment, and experience with technology. Participants expressed feeling safe and at ease during the assessment, with some preferring the digital test over the analog. Participants reported a high level of usability with the digital test and a majority participants (n = 47) reported they would undergo the digital test for a potential future surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The digital test battery developed by Mindmore offers several advantages, including rapid access to test results, easy comprehension, and use for participants, thereby increased accessibility of cognitive screening. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05253612; ClinicalTrials.gov, 24/02/2022.

The Transition Between Surgery and Ward: Patients' Experiences of Care in a Postoperative Care Unit.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe adult patients' experiences of postoperative care in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after undergoing surgery in Sweden. DESIGN: Qualitative inductive study. METHODS: Individual interviews with 14 adults who had experience of being cared for in the PACU were conducted on day 14 to day 26 after surgery. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Early recovery in the PACU was described as a small step in the recovery process and as a time of transition from surgery to the ward. When patients perceived the PACU staff as competent, and as having a positive attitude, providing individualized care, and addressing symptoms or discomfort without being specifically alerted, patients felt safe and cared for. When they were not personally acknowledged, the patients felt abandoned in the highly technological environment. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance the transition from surgery to the ward, patients need to be personally acknowledged. Their symptoms need to be properly treated by competent staff with a positive and proactive attitude. This creates safe care that supports the transition from the PACU to the ward, as well as the overall recovery process.

Patient-Centerdness in the Perioperative Period-A Rapid Review of Current Research.

PURPOSE: The indication of surgery is a critical moment in a person's life implying different needs, feelings, or fears. The aim of the current literature review was to elucidate the prevailing utilization of the concepts 'patient-centerdness' and 'person-centerdness' within the perioperative period. DESIGN: A rapid review design. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus (Elsevier), American Psychological Association PsychInfo (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (Ovid), and Cochrane Library in December 2022. Rayyan software was used to assess the articles. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes across the articles. FINDINGS: The electronic database searches identified 1,967 articles. A total of 12 articles were assessed in full text against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and finally, a total of seven articles were included. The articles originated from six countries, employed disparate methodological approaches, and featured a heterogeneous array of participants representing various health care settings. Patient-centerdness held the mantle as the most prominently used concept across the seven articles, whereas person-centerdness emerged as the least frequently explored concept. One theme was identified across the articles; Preparedness. This was related to shared decision-making and information pre, peri- and postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: This rapid review suggests that patient preparedness, particularly through shared decision-making and providing information, is a recurring theme in the limited studies on patient- or person-centerdness in the perioperative context. The fact that only one single study focuses on person-centered care underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of modern perioperative care.

Validity and reliability of the arabic version of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important social determinant of health and affects the ability to make decisions and take action to manage one's health. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically examine the Arabic versions of HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 and their response patterns among Arabic-speaking persons in Sweden. METHODS: By convenience sampling from a variety of settings, a total of 335 participants were invited to participate. The participants completed a self-assessment of comprehensive health literacy by answering the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, also including the six items for Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. Statistical analysis was guided by The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments. Floor/ceiling effects, construct, structural and criterion validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 320 participants were included in the psychometric evaluation. Mean age was 42.1 (SD 12.5), 63% (n = 199) were females and 53% (n = 169) had at least 10 years of education. No floor or ceiling effect were found for the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 or Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. For both instruments, construct validity was confirmed in four out of five expected correlations (weak positive correlation to educational level, self-perceived health, and years in Sweden; moderate positive correlation with higher sum score on the Arabic electronic health literacy scale, and strong positive correlation to higher Ar-HLS-EU-Q16/Ar-HLS-EU-Q6). For Ar-HLS-EU-Q16, the principal component analysis resulted in a three-factor model with all items significantly correlating to only one factor. For Ar-HLS-EU-Q6, the principal component analysis supported a one-factor solution. Criterion validity showed poor agreement between the two questionnaires with a Cohen κ 0.58 (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability showed a substantial agreement, Cohen's κ for Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 and Ar-HLS-EU-Q6 were both 0.89. The internal consistency of both versions was acceptable, Cronbach alpha for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q16 was 0.91 and for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q6, 0.79. Split-half reliability was 0.95 and 0.78, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of HLS-EU-Q16 shows good psychometric properties, validated in a Swedish setting. The findings can further inform and guide future validation studies in other settings worldwide. Furthermore, the results of the present study did not support criterion validity of Ar-HLS-EU-Q6.

Validity and reliability of the swedish versions of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Health Literacy is a crucial factor for health. In Europe, many people have limited health literacy (i.e. difficulties with accessing, understanding, appraising and using health information). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometrics of the Swedish versions of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6, instruments that aims to assess health literacy. METHODS: In this prospective psychometric study convenience sampling was used, which gave a study population of 347 Swedish-speaking adults. The psychometric evaluation included item distributional statistics, construct validity testing, and principal component analysis to assess structural validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability was also investigated. RESULTS: For the Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q16, no floor effects were detected but a ceiling effect was noted among 28% of the respondents. Construct validity was supported as four out of five expected correlations was confirmed (educational level, self-perceived health, electronic health literacy and HLS-EU-Q6). In terms of structural validity, the principal component analysis yielded a four-factor structure with most items loading significantly only to one factor. The Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q16 had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89, split-half reliability = 0.93) and test-retest reliability showed stability over time (Cohen's κ = 0.822). For the Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q6, neither floor nor ceiling effects were observed. Construct validity was supported as HLS-EU-Q6 correlated as our a priori stated hypothesis. The principal component analysis did not support the unidimensionality of the scale as a two-factor structure was identified. The Swedish version of HLS-EU-Q6 had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.77, split-half reliability = 0.80) and test-retest reliability showed stability over time (Cohen's κ = 0.812). According to the Swedish version of the HLS-EU-Q16, 71% of the participants were classified as having sufficient comprehensive health knowledge (CHL), while only 33% were classified as having this when the HLS-EU-Q6 was used. CONCLUSIONS: The Swedish versions of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 have acceptable psychometric properties, and based on the results we recommend its use to measure CHL. However, we are hesitant to use Sw-HLS-EU-Q6 in estimating different CHL levels and further studies need to be conducted to establish validity and accuracy of the thresholds of HLS-EU-Q6.

Methods and timing in the assessment of postoperative recovery: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about the type of instrument with which to assess postoperative recovery or the time points when assessments are most appropriate. It is also unclear whether instruments measure the four dimensions of postoperative recovery, that is physical, psychological, social, and habitual recovery. This scoping review had three objectives: (1) to identify and describe instruments used in clinical trials to assess postoperative recovery; (2) to determine how, when, and the number of times postoperative recovery was measured; and (3) to explore whether the four dimensions of postoperative recovery are represented in the identified instruments. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. The search terms were related to three search strands: postoperative recovery, instrument, and clinical trials. The limits were English language and publication January 2010 to November 2021. In total, 5015 studies were identified. RESULTS: A total of 198 studies were included in the results. We identified 20 instruments measuring postoperative recovery. Different versions of Quality of Recovery represented 81.8% of the included instruments. Postoperative recovery was often assessed at one time point (47.2%) and most often on postoperative day 1 (81.5%). Thirteen instruments had items covering all four dimensions of postoperative recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing recovery is important to evaluate and improve perioperative care. We emphasise the importance of choosing the right instrument for the concept studied and, if postoperative recovery is of interest, of assessing more than once. Ideally, instruments should include all four dimensions to cover the whole recovery process.

Levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Specialized nursing care should be provided by nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units to ensure safe and successful recovery after surgery and anaesthesia. However, there is no consensus regarding the competence and education needed by nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. AIM: The aim of this study is to describe and compare levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden, as well as the education that post-anaesthesia care unit nurse managers' desire for registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden between September and December of 2019. A web-based survey was developed that included questions about the levels of education and technical skills possessed by registered nurses working in Swedish post-anaesthesia care units and desired by nurse managers for these nurses. The survey was evaluated for content validity by four experts. The survey was distributed to the nurse manager of each studied post-anaesthesia care unit. All nurse managers received written information and were informed that submitting the survey was considered as consenting to participate in the study. RESULTS: Most surveyed nurses held a postgraduate diploma in specialist nursing. Registered nurses performed many tasks autonomously; however, there was a significant difference between specialist nurses and registered nurses, with specialist nurses being more autonomous than registered nurses. Most of the nurse managers (n = 31/45) wanted the registered nurses in their units to have education in postoperative care. The relatively low overall response rate of 58% is a study limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden must have various technical skills. Some of these skills are only performed by specialist nurses, indicating that postoperative care is an advanced level of nursing care.

Beyond the monitors: Anaesthesiologists' experiences of the process of extubation.

BACKGROUND: Although extubation is a high-risk phase associated with risk of severe complications for patients undergoing general anaesthesia, there is a lack of research about this phenomenon from the perspective of anaesthesiologists' experiences of the process of extubation in the anaesthesia setting. AIM: To describe Swedish anaesthesiologists' experiences of the extubation process in the anaesthesia setting. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design study with individual semi-structured interviews was conducted in three hospitals in Sweden with a total of 17 anaesthesiologists. A qualitative manifest content analysis method was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The anaesthesiologists' experiences were described in two categories: To assemble sensibilities, where the anaesthesiologists are receptive to inputs, create tailored plans, are guided by emotions and experiences, and sense the atmosphere in the process of extubation; and To stay focused, where they understand the importance of preparation and being prepared, and of being calm and strategic, and of needing to trust the registered nurse anaesthetist in the process of extubation. CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making regarding the process of extubation does not rely solely on monitoring signs; rather, the anaesthesiologists described how, by looking beyond the monitors and by being receptive to inputs from the patient and other professionals, their experience and intuition guides them through the process of extubation.

Safeguarding the patient: a grounded theory study of registered nurse anesthetists' main concerns in the process of extubation in the anesthesia setting.

BACKGROUND: The process of extubation is complex as it takes place in the technical and challenging environment of the operating room. The extubation is related to complications of varying severity and a critical moment for the patient, who is in a vulnerable condition when emerging from anesthesia. Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RNAs) in Sweden have specialist training and performs extubations independently or in collaboration with an anesthesiologist. AIM: To obtain a deeper understanding of Registered Nurse Anesthetists' main concerns and how they resolve these in the process of extubation when caring for a patient during general anesthesia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 17 RNAs, eight male and nine female, were included in the study. Twelve RNAs in the first step of data collection (I); and five RNAs the second step of data collection (II). METHOD: A classic grounded theory approach with a qualitative design was used for this study. FINDINGS: The RNAs' main concern in the process of extubation were Safeguarding the patient in a highly technological environment, which the solved by Maintaining adaptability. Facilitators as well as challenges affected how the RNAs solved their main concern and represented the categories: 'Having a back-up plan', 'Getting into the right frame of mind', 'Evaluating the patient's reactions', 'Using one's own experience', 'Dealing with uncertainty', 'Pressure from others', and 'Being interrupted'. The theory, Safeguarding the patient in the process of extubation, emerged. CONCLUSION: To be able to safeguard the patient in a highly technological environment, the RNAs must oscillate between facilitators and challenges. By maintaining adaptability, the RNAs resolved the difficulties of oscillating, indicating a need for finding a balance between maintaining attentiveness on what is important to keep the patient safe in the process of extubation and all of the disturbances present in the OR.

Stress of conscience of COVID-19 among perianaesthesia nurses having worked in a COVID-ICU during the coronavirus pandemic: an international perspective.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that working in a COVID-ICU impacted nurses' mental well-being. Yet little is known about how perianaesthesia nurses who have been working in a COVID-ICU perceived their stress of conscience. The aim of this study was to: (1) describe and compare stress related to troubled conscience among perianaesthesia nurses in three countries who have been working in a COVID-ICU during the pandemic, (2) compare their levels of troubled conscience between working in a COVID-ICU and their usual workplace, and (3) compare nurses that usually work in an ICU department with nurses who usually work outside of the ICU. METHODS: A descriptive, international cross-sectional online survey including the Stress of Conscience Questionnaire (SCQ) was distributed between organizational member countries of the International Collaboration of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses. RESULTS: A total of 246 nurses from three countries participated. Significant differences were found in stress of conscience when working in the Covid-ICU between Sweden 31.8 (8.6), Denmark 23.1 (8.6), and Netherlands 16.4 (6.5) p < 0.001. Significant differences were also found between nurses working in a COVID-ICU in contrast with their usual workplace: 23.1(5.6) versus 17.7(5.3), p < 0.001. The most stressful aspect of conscience reported was that work in the COVID-ICU was so demanding, nurses did not have sufficient energy to be involved with their family as much as they desired. No statistical differences were found between nurses that usually work in an ICU department with nurses who usually work outside of the ICU. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted stress of conscience among nurses working in the COVID-ICU. Swedish nurses were found to be more significantly impacted. This could be related to low numbers of existing ICU beds and ICU nurses prior to the pandemic necessitating a longer time required for working in a COVID-ICU. Stress of conscience also increased when working in the Covid-ICU compared to working in the usual workplace, and the most stressing aspect reported was that COVID-ICU work was so demanding that nurses did not have the energy to devote themselves to their family as they would have liked.

Nurse competence in the post-anaesthesia care unit in Sweden: a qualitative study of the nurse's perspective.

BACKGROUND: To enable safe and successful recovery for surgery patients, nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units need competence in postoperative care. No consensus defines what this specific competence includes, and it has not been studied from the perspective of nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. The aim of this study is twofold: 1) To explore and describe nurses' perception of the competence needed to work in post-anaesthesia care units. 2) To explore and describe nurses' perception of what characterizes an expert nurse in post-anaesthesia care units. METHODS: This qualitative inductive study uses individual interviews. Sixteen nurses were recruited from two post-anaesthesia care units located in different parts of Sweden. Inclusion criteria were nurses employed in the post-anaesthesia care units for ≥1 years. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted; data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The interview analysis identified six subthemes and three themes. The themes being adaptable in an ever-changing environment and creating safe care represent the overarching meaning of competence required when working as a nurse in a Swedish post-anaesthesia care unit. Nurses must possess various technical and nontechnical skills, which are core competences that are described in the sub-themes. The theme seeing the bigger picture describes the nurse's perception of an expert nurse in the post-anaesthesia care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse competence in post-anaesthesia care units entails specific knowledge, acknowledging the patient, and working proactively at a fast pace with the patient and team to provide safe, high-quality care. An expert nurse in post-anaesthesia care units can see the bigger picture, helping share knowledge and develop post-anaesthesia care. The expert competence to see a bigger picture can be used in supervising novices and creating a knowledge base for postgraduate education in order to promote safe, high-quality post-anaesthesia care.

Swedish Registered Nurse Anesthetists' Understanding of Difficult Airway Algorithms.

PURPOSE: To explore Swedish registered nurse anesthetists' (RNAs') different ways of understanding difficult airway algorithms. DESIGN: A qualitative study design, using a phenomenographic approach, was chosen to describe variations in RNAs' understanding of difficult airway algorithms. METHODS: Individual interviews were conducted with eighteen RNAs working at three hospitals in Sweden. The data were analyzed using a qualitative method. FINDINGS: Three ways of understanding algorithms were identified: (1) Algorithms constitute a plan not communicated at the clinic; (2) Algorithms constitute a shared plan to improve teamwork; (3) Algorithms constitute a plan for how to think and work systematically. CONCLUSIONS: According to the RNAs, airway management algorithms should be discussed more openly at the workplace. RNAs expressed their desire to have a shared algorithm and to use it as a tool during team simulations. Airway algorithms were seen as constituting a plan for how to think and work systematically to improve patient safety.

Health literacy and e-health literacy among Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Health inequities arise when the public cannot access and understand health information in an easy, accessible, and understandable way. Evidence supports that health literacy (HL) is a determinant for health outcomes, and when HL is limited this may have a major impact on morbidity as well as mortality. Migrants are known to have limited HL. Therefore, this study aimed to explore comprehensive health literacy (CHL) and electronic health literacy (eHL) among Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Sweden. A total of 703 persons were invited to participate between February and September 2019. Two questionnaires - the Health Literacy Survey European Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) - and questions about self-perceived health and Internet use were distributed in Swedish and Arabic. Various statistical analyses were performed to determine the associations for limited CHL and eHL. RESULTS: A total of 681 respondents were included in the analysis. Of these, 334 (49%) were native Arabic-speaking migrants and 347 (51%) were native Swedish-speaking residents. CHL and eHL differed between the groups. The Arabic speakers had significantly lower mean sum scores in eHL 28.1 (SD 6.1) vs 29.3 (6.2), p = 0.012 and lower proportion of sufficient CHL 125 (38.9%) vs 239 (71.3%), p < 0.001 compared to Swedish speakers. Multiple regression analysis showed on associations between limited CHL and eHL and being Arabic speaking, less Internet use, and not finding the Internet to be important or useful. Furthermore, longer time spent in Sweden was associated with higher levels of CHL among the Arabic speakers, (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CHL and eHL differ between Arabic-speaking migrants and native Swedish speakers, but also between Arabic speakers who have lived different lengths of time in Sweden. Though it seems that the eHealth literacy is less affected by language spoken, the Internet is suggested to be an appropriate channel for disseminating health information to Arabic-speaking migrants.

Arabic Version of the Electronic Health Literacy Scale in Arabic-Speaking Individuals in Sweden: Prospective Psychometric Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Health information is often communicated through the internet. It is vital for the end user to have a range of digital skills as well as understand the information to promote their health. There is a valid and reliable 8-item instrument, the Electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), that evaluates these skills. The number of Arabic-speaking people migrating to Sweden and to other parts of the world is increasing due to unstable military and political situations in their countries of origin. Poor health and limited health literacy have been described in this population in Sweden. Still, to our knowledge, an Arabic version of eHEALS has not been tested for validity or reliability. Thus, Arabic-speaking populations in Sweden cannot be included in studies measuring eHealth literacy, which does not support equal treatment in health care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the original English eHEALS version into Arabic and to evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The eHEALS was rigorously translated, adapted, and evaluated for content validity. We conducted prospective psychometric evaluation with natively Arabic-speaking participants living in Sweden. Construct validity, factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Spearman correlation, principal component analysis, Cronbach α, and weighted quadratic Cohen κ, respectively. RESULTS: The study population consisted of Arabic-speaking participants (n=298; age: mean 41.8 years, SD 10.5). Construct validity was supported with weak and moderate correlations. Principal component factor analysis revealed a one-factor structure. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach α=0.92); test-retest reliability was acceptable (weighted quadratic Cohen κ=0.76). Evaluation indicated that eHealth literacy threshold values should be dichotomized (limited and sufficient) rather than trichotomized (inadequate, problematic, and sufficient). CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of eHEALS, a unidimensional scale that is valid and reliable for measuring eHealth literacy among natively Arabic-speaking people in Sweden, was found to be acceptable and feasible in a general population.

Education, Competence, and Role of the Nurse Working in the PACU: An International Survey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this research project was to describe the education, competence, and role of nurses working in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in 11 countries having an established perianesthesia specialty nursing organization and membership on the International Collaboration of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses, Inc (ICPAN) Global Advisory Council (GAC). DESIGN: This is a descriptive international cross-sectional study. METHODS: A Web-based survey was distributed to members of the ICPAN GAC to be completed by the GAC representative or another expert perianesthesia nurse member from the organization (n = 11). The GAC has one representative from the following 11 ICPAN organizational members: ACPAN, Australian College of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses (Australia); BRV, Beroepsvereniging Recovery Verpleegkundigen (Belgium/The Netherlands); NAPANc, National Association of PeriAnesthesia Nurses of Canada (Canada); FSAIO, The Danish Association of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Recovery Nurses (Denmark); FANA, Finnish Association of Nurse Anaesthetists (Finland); Hellenic Perianesthesia Nursing Organization (Greece); IARNA, Irish Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association (Ireland); PNC of NZNO, Perioperative Nurses College of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (New Zealand); ANIVA, Swedish Association of Nurse Anesthetists and Intensive Care Nurses (Sweden); BARNA, British Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association (United Kingdom); and ASPAN, American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (USA). FINDINGS: Perianesthesia nursing was recognized as a professional nursing specialty in 6 of 11 countries, and 8 of 11 have established national guidelines or practice standards for perianesthesia nurses. The Netherlands, Ireland, and Australia are the only countries that have a formal education program for perianesthesia nurses. There were variations in nurse-to-patient ratios between the 11 countries, ranging from 2:1 to 1:3 in the Phase I recovery of critically ill patients; in Phase II recovery (day surgery) it was most common to have up to three to four patients per nurse. Perianesthesia nurses were mainly the only profession stationed in the PACU, with professions such as the anesthesiologist and surgeon on call. The nurses performed many job tasks autonomously; however, this differed between countries. CONCLUSIONS: Perianesthesia nurse education, clinical guidelines, other professions working in the PACU, and job tasks differ between countries. This knowledge can be used in international collaboration to further develop education and training for nurses working in the PACU. Continued international perianesthesia nursing partnership can only bring us closer and strengthen our specialty practice with the focus not on our differences but on our common denominators.

Managing complexity in the operating room: a group interview study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical work in the operating room (OR) is considered challenging as it is complex, dynamic, and often time- and resource-constrained. Important characteristics for successful management of complexity include adaptations and adaptive coordination when managing expected and unexpected events. However, there is a lack of explorative research addressing what makes things go well and how OR staff describe they do when responding to challenges and compensating for constraints. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how complexity is managed as expressed by operating room nurses, registered nurse anesthetists, and surgeons, and how these professionals adapt to create safe care in the OR. METHOD: Data for this qualitative explorative study were collected via group interviews with three professional groups of the OR-team, including operating room nurses, registered nurse anesthetists and operating and assisting surgeons in four group interview sessions, one for each profession except for ORNs for which two separate interviews were performed. The audio-taped transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The findings revealed three generic categories covering ways of creating safe care in the OR: preconditions and resources, planning and preparing for the expected and unexpected, and adapting to the unexpected. In each generic category, one sub-category emerged that was common to all three professions: coordinating and reaffirming information, creating a plan for the patient and undergoing mental preparation, and prioritizing and solving upcoming problems, respectively. CONCLUSION: Creating safe care in the OR should be understood as a process of planning and preparing in order to manage challenging and complex work processes. OR staff need preconditions and resources such as having experience and coordinating and reaffirming information, to make sense of different situations. This requires a mental model, which is created through planning and preparing in different ways. Some situations are repetitive and easier to plan for but planning for the unexpected requires anticipation from experience. The main results strengthen that abilities described in the theory of resilience are used by OR staff as a strategy to manage complexity in the OR.

Low Preoperative Mental and Physical Health is Associated with Poorer Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Day Surgery: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Day surgical procedures are increasing both in Sweden and internationally. Day surgery patients prepare for and handle their recovery on their own at home. The aim of this study was to investigate patients' preoperative mental and physical health and its association with the quality of their recovery after day surgery. METHOD: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected at four-day surgery units in Sweden. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey, and postoperative recovery was assessed using the Swedish web version of the Quality of Recovery (SwQoR) scale. RESULT: This study included 756-day surgery patients. A low, compared with a high, preoperative mental component score was associated with poorer recovery as shown by responses to 21/24 and 22/24 SwQoR items, respectively, on postoperative days (PODs) 7 and 14. A low compared with a high preoperative physical component score was associated with poorer recovery in 18/24 SwQoR items on POD 7 and 13/24 on POD 14. CONCLUSION: A clear message from this study is for surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to consider the fact that postoperative recovery largely depends on patients' preoperative mental and psychical status. A serious attempt must be made, as a part of the routine preoperative assessment, to assess and document not only the physical but also the mental status of patients undergoing anaesthesia and surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT0249219.

Postoperative Recovery After General and Regional Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Day Surgery: A Mixed Methods Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate differences and describe experiences of postoperative recovery after day surgery between patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA) versus regional anesthesia (RA). DESIGN: A mixed methods design. METHODS: Day surgery patients (N = 401) were included. Postoperative recovery was assessed daily for 14 days using the Swedish Web Version of the Quality of Recovery questionnaire included in a mobile application. In addition, qualitative interviews were completed with 20 day surgery patients. Quantitative and qualitative data were first analyzed separately and then merged. FINDINGS: There were significant differences in Swedish Web Version of the Quality of Recovery between GA and RA on days 1 to 13 (P < .05). These findings could not be confirmed in the qualitative findings, except for psychological issues as well as tiredness and fatigue. Unexpected issues contributed to a greater extent to the theme not feeling well. Pain in the surgical wound was overall the biggest problem. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a poorer recovery after GA compared with RA. Tiredness or fatigue is present also after minor surgery in RA. Unexpected issues affect recovery negatively, and therefore should be addressed by health care.

Swedish Operating Room Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists' Perceptions of Competence and Self-Efficacy.

PURPOSE: To compare perceived competence and self-efficacy (SE) among Swedish operating room (OR) nurses and registered nurse anesthetists (RNAs), and to evaluate the relationship between SE and competence, gender, age, and years of experience. DESIGN: Comparative cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Two validated questionnaires, Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised and General Self-Efficacy Scale, were sent to members of the Swedish Association of Health Professionals (n = 2,902). FINDINGS: The response rate was 39% (n = 1,033). OR nurses showed significantly higher scores on Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised subscale foundational knowledge and leadership as well as General Self-Efficacy Scale scores compared with RNAs. The RNA group showed significantly higher empathy scores compared with OR nurses. Among the OR nurses professional development made the strongest contribution to SE and proficiency among the RNAs. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there are differences in perceived competence and SE between OR nurses and RNAs. Gender may be an independent factor affecting SE.

The Art Is to Extubate, Not to Intubate-Swedish Registered Nurse Anesthetists' Experiences of the Process of Extubation After General Anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To describe Registered Nurse Anesthetists' (RNA's) experiences of the process of extubation of the endotracheal tube in patients undergoing general anesthesia. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative design. METHODS: This study was conducted in two hospitals with 20 RNAs in total. Data were generated from focus group interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze data. FINDINGS: The RNAs' experiences were described within four categories and eight subcategories. The category To be a step ahead includes assessment and preparation, and To be on my toes, their ability to recognize patterns and build a connection. To use situation awareness relates to their use of experience and feelings, and To be alone in a critical moment, to feeling alone in the team and protecting the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The RNAs make decisions when to extubate by combining theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and intuition with the uniqueness of each patient.