Non-adherence to medications is a prevalent and persistent healthcare problem, particularly for patients with a chronic disorder. Researchers have endeavoured to address poor adherence for the past ...five decades resulting in the accumulation of a vast body of literature. Despite the enormity of research conducted, interventions to date have neither been cost-effective nor predictably clinically effective in enhancing medication adherence. Though concerning, such contemporary information serves to refocus attention on the adequacy of knowledge regarding the factors influencing medication non-adherence.
Although little consensus exists regarding the optimal categorisation of these influencing factors, increasingly, the broad and ‘all encompassing’ categorisation of intentional and unintentional factors is being used to account for patient medication-taking behaviours and actions. An extensive review of the related literature provides the basis for a critical discussion on the value and comprehensiveness of this current classification in guiding future adherence research and consequent clinical interventions. An appraisal of this categorisation is important if decisions regarding interventions are not to be made in a vacuum of insufficient understanding, which would result in the continued ineffective use and distribution of valuable resources to combat non-adherence.
People with cystic fibrosis face substantial physical, psychological, and social challenges as they move into adolescence and adulthood, which are likely to impact on their health-related quality of ...life. This study sought to examine the relative importance of physical and mental health variables associated with health-related quality of life in this group.
Adults and adolescents (
= 174; ≥14 y old) from across 11 adult or pediatric cystic fibrosis clinics in the Republic of Ireland, completed a background questionnaire that contained self-reported physical health variables, pulmonary function (ie, FEV
%) and body mass index. Questionnaire packs also contained the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised, which has been specifically designed to assess health-related quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis.
HADS depression and/or anxiety scores were negatively associated with 11 of the 12 Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised domain scores. FEV
% was positively associated with 8 domains when controlling for HADS anxiety but only 4 domains when controlling for HADS depression. HADS anxiety and depression scores demonstrated larger effect sizes and explained a greater proportion of the variance than pulmonary function in 8 of the 12 Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised domain scores.
Mental health variables, depression and anxiety, were strongly associated with health-related quality of life in subjects with cystic fibrosis and demonstrated greater effect sizes and explained a higher proportion of the variance overall than the physical health indicators, FEV
% and body mass index, which highlighted the importance of screening for, and treating, depression and anxiety symptoms.
Despite the known benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, global rates remain below recommended targets, with Ireland having one of the lowest rates in the world. This study explores the efficacy of ...Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Work-Based Learning Groups (WBLGs) to enhance breastfeeding practices within Irish healthcare settings from the perspective of WBLG participants and facilitators.
Employing a PAR approach, interdisciplinary healthcare professionals across maternity, primary, and community care settings (n = 94) participated in monthly WBLGs facilitated by three research and practice experts. These sessions, conducted over nine months (November 2021 - July 2022), focused on critical reflective and experiential learning to identify and understand existing breastfeeding culture and practices. Data were collected through participant feedback, facilitator notes, and reflective exercises, with analysis centered on participant engagement and the effectiveness of WBLGs. This approach facilitated a comprehensive understanding of breastfeeding support challenges and opportunities, leading to the development of actionable themes and strategies for practice improvement.
Data analysis from WBLG participants led to the identification of five key themes: Empowerment, Ethos, Journey, Vision, and Personal Experience. These themes shaped the participants' meta-narrative, emphasising a journey of knowledge-building and empowerment for breastfeeding women and supporting staff, underlining the importance of teamwork and multidisciplinary approaches. The project team's evaluation highlighted four additional themes: Building Momentum, Balancing, Space Matters, and Being Present. These themes reflect the dynamics of the PAR process, highlighting the significance of creating a conducive environment for discussion, ensuring diverse engagement, and maintaining energy and focus to foster meaningful practice changes in breastfeeding support.
This study highlights the potential of WBLGs and PAR to enhance the understanding and approach of healthcare professionals towards breastfeeding support. By fostering reflective and collaborative learning environments, the study has contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges in breastfeeding support and identified key areas for improvement. The methodologies and themes identified hold promise to inform future practice and policy development in maternal and child health.
Chronic ulcers affect roughly 60,000 Irish people, at a total cost of €600,000,000, or €10,000 per patient annually. By virtue of their chronicity, these ulcers also contribute a significant burden ...to tertiary outpatient vascular clinics.
We propose utilizing mobile phone technology to decentralise care from tertiary centres to the community, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction, while maintaining patient safety.
Bespoke mobile software was developed for Apples iPhone 4 platform. This allowed for the remote collection of patient images prospectively and their transmission with clinical queries, from the primary healthcare team to the tertiary centre. Training and iPhones were provided to five public health nurses in geographically remote areas of the region. Data were uploaded securely and user end software was developed allowing the review and manipulation of images, along with two way communication between the teams. Establishing reliability, patients were reviewed clinically as well as remotely, and concordance analysed. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussion.
From October to December 2011 eight patients (61-83 yrs, mean 75.3 yrs) with chronic venous ulceration and their five public health nurses were recruited. Data were transmitted using 3 G, Edge, GPRS and WiFi, at a mean speed of 69.03 kps. Concordance was 100% for wound bed assessment, 80% for skin integrity/colour and 60% for exudate assessment. Focus group analysis explored the concept, practicalities and future applications of the system.
With an evolving national data network, the secure transmission of clinical images is a safe alternative to regular clinic appointments for patients with chronic venous ulceration. With further development, and packaged as a freely downloadable application, this has the potential to support the community care of chronic wounds.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The importance of providing evidence-based palliative care for people with dementia is increasingly acknowledged as important for patient outcomes. In Ireland, evidence-based guidance has been ...developed in order to address key features of dementia palliative care, including the management of pain, medications and hydration and nutrition. The aim of this study was to identify and explore the factors affecting the implementation of evidence-based guidance on dementia palliative care.
The Consolidated Framework for Implementation (CFIR) guided a mixed-method pre-post study. One guidance document pertaining to the management of pain, medication or hydration and nutrition was implemented in three long-term care facilities. Participatory action research in the form of work-based learning groups was used to implement the guidance, drawing on a situational analysis (pre-implementation). Staff questionnaires and audits were conducted pre- and post-implementation while champion interviews were also conducted post-implementation.
Features of the guidance, the inner setting components such as readiness to change, and the process of implementation were most frequently identified as impacting implementation. Components of the outer setting, such as external policy incentives and individual characteristics, featured less commonly. Data from qualitative interviews revealed that the guidance was perceived as advantageous or complimentary to previous care provided. Within the inner setting, leadership and support from other colleagues facilitated implementation. However, limited availability of other healthcare professionals to assist with carrying out guidance actions presented a barrier in some facilities. The external facilitators of the work-based learning groups (WBLGs) were perceived as experienced and encouraged active participation and reflection on practices. Despite the challenge of releasing staff to attend the WBLGs, quantitative data demonstrated reduced staff de-motivation amongst those who did attend was noted post-implementation (pre-Mdn = 19.50 versus post-Mdn = 22.00, U = 497.00, p = 0.07).
A situational analysis informed by the CFIR framework in conjunction with a participatory action research approach helped to advance the implementation of the guidance. The progress of implementation depended on the extent to which evidence-based care was previously being implemented at each site. Post-implementation analysis using CFIR identified challenges to address in future projects such as staff cover and timing of training to facilitate attendance for staff with different working hours. Facilitators included multidisciplinary engagement with the intervention and champions at each site to support the implementation process.
To describe the nature of teaching Shared Decision Making (SDM) within the context of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) to support development of contemporaneous EBP education programmes for healthcare ...learners.
A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance was conducted with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) used to guide reporting.
The narrative overview of 23 studies provides insight into the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of teaching SDM within the context of EBP education. A minority of studies explicitly and concurrently incorporated EBP and SDM in terms of how programme content was organised. Teaching strategies most often used regardless of learner cohort or setting included didactic, face-to-face lectures, together with role-play/modelling, small group workshops and video recordings. Programme evaluation outcomes predominantly focused on participant reactions to training and participant learning.
While a disconnect between EBP and SDM remains evident in healthcare programmes, increased recognition by educators to actively facilitate this interdependent relationship is emerging.
Intentionally structuring learning activities in a manner which demonstrates the relevance and interdependence of SDM and EBP may mitigate ‘learning silos’ and enhance learners' abilities to make connections required in practice.
•There is a disconnect between SDM and EBP teaching and learning activities.•Learning ‘silos’ can impact achievement of authentic EBP decision-making.•Curricular realignment by way of integration of EBP and SDM content is recommended.•Employing active and practice-orientated teaching strategies affects positive learner outcomes.•Inclusion of service-users in programme development/delivery should be considered.
Social support facilitates a woman's transition to motherhood. This major developmental transition can be stressful as it includes adaptation of self as well as learning new infant care practice ...skills. Although a number of instruments have been developed to measure social support, none have been developed or underpinned by theory in the context of perinatal infant care practices.
To develop a reliable and valid instrument to measure social support for new mothers in the perinatal period.
Phase 1 involved the development of instrument structure and content. Constructs to be measured were defined through an analysis of relevant theoretical and empirical literature.
Phase 2 established the psychometric properties of the functional domain of the PICSS. Exploratory factor analyses and principal Component Analyses were undertaken with a sample of first-time mothers (n = 371) from postnatal wards of a large maternity hospital. Item reduction and Cronbach's alpha reliability tests were performed. The structural social support domain was not amenable to psychometric testing.
Exploratory Factor Analyses and Principal Component Analyses of the functional domain resulted in a logically coherent 19-item, two-factor solution. The first factor ‘Supporting Presence’ has nine items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90) and the second factor ‘Practical Support’ has ten items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86).
The PICSS is a coherent and valid measure of social support for new mothers in the postnatal period in the context of infant care practices.
•The PICSS is a coherent and valid measure of social support for new mothers in the postnatal period.•The first social support instrument that was developed underpinned by theory in the context of the perinatal period.•The PICSS can be used to assess for maternal social support needs in the postnatal period.
To understand advanced nurse and midwife practitioners' experience of interprofessional collaboration in implementing evidence-based practice into routine care.
A qualitative interpretative ...phenomenological analysis.
A purposeful sample of 10 Registered Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners from a range of practice settings in the Republic of Ireland participated in semi-structured interviews over a 10-month timeframe. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed using a multi-stage approach in line with guidance for interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Six superordinate themes emerged: Understanding of advanced practice; 'Treated as an equal and as a "nurse"'; Nursing management support; 'A voice to implement anything new'; Confidence and Emotional intelligence. These factors impacted interprofessional relationships and the extent to which advanced practitioners could implement evidence-based practice.
There is scope to improve advanced practitioners' ability to collaborate with the interprofessional team in implementing evidence-based practice into routine care.
The study findings demonstrate that enhancing understanding of the advanced practice role; increasing organizational support for advanced practitioners and augmenting specific practitioner skills and attributes will increase their ability to collaborate effectively and implement evidence-based practice. Supporting advanced practitioners in this important aspect of their role will positively influence health outcomes for patients.
As numbers of both nurse and midwife practitioners increase globally, this study provides timely evidence from a range of practice settings to guide the design of education programmes and policies governing advanced practice. Study recommendations have broad applicability to all healthcare professionals who are engaged in implementing evidence-based practice into routine care.
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).
No patient or public contribution.
There is now a growing body of evidence to suggest that patients with chronic disease experience their symptoms as a burden. Although symptoms are a principal focus for diagnosis and treatment of ...chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there has been little research to date on symptom burden with reference to frequency, severity, and distress of symptoms.
A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used. Symptom burden was measured using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). A sample of 214 patients with COPD, recruited from one of the major teaching hospitals in Ireland.
Patients experienced a median of 13 symptoms. Patients with ‘very severe’ COPD experienced the greatest number, with a median of 15 symptoms, followed by those with ‘severe’ COPD, with a median of 14 symptoms. Patients with ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ COPD reported a median of 10 symptoms each. The most burdensome symptoms were shortness of breath, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, worrying, dry mouth, feeling nervous, and feeling irritable. Total symptom burden was found to be low. Patients with ‘very severe’ COPD had the greatest symptom burden, followed by those with ‘severe’, ‘moderate’, and ‘mild’ COPD. Symptom burden was higher for psychological symptoms, with a mean score of 1.60 compared to the physical symptoms (mean = 0.87).
Patients with COPD experience a remarkably high number of symptoms, and significant symptom burden of both physical and psychological symptoms. There is a need for early assessment and management of both physical and psychological symptoms in all patients with COPD.
•Patients with COPD experience problematic symptoms in their day-to-day lives.•The most problematic symptoms identified as a burden are not just the ‘cardinal’ symptoms of COPD. Patients experience symptom burden beyond these symptoms.•Patients with COPD not only experience physical symptom burden, but also psychological symptom burden. Psychological symptom burden was greater than physical symptom burden.•Symptom burden increases as COPD progresses.
Background
Implementation of evidence‐based practice (EBP) is essential for ensuring high‐quality health care at minimum cost. Although all nurses have a responsibility to implement EBP at an ...individual patient level, nurse practitioners (NPs) as clinical leaders have additional responsibilities in leading and collaborating with transdisciplinary teams to implement EBP across patient groups and embed practice change into routine care.
Aim
To explore the factors affecting the implementation of EBP into routine care by NPs. Specifically, to examine NP beliefs, levels of EBP implementation, and barriers and enablers to EBP implementation into routine care.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 2005, 19) framework. The electronic databases CINAHL, Medline, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published between 2009 and 2018 along with gray literature and reference lists of included articles. s and studies were screened using predefined eligibility criteria. Data extraction was undertaken using a standardized framework and data synthesis completed.
Results
Seven studies were included in the review. Findings indicated NPs valued EBP and believed it to be important in standardizing patient care. NPs’ implementation of EBP was found to be relatively low overall. It was not possible to fully determine the extent to which NPs implemented EBP into routine care. NPs experienced similar barriers to EBP implementation as do nurse generalists such as lack of time, lack of EBP competence, lack of support from colleagues and managers, and inadequate resources. In particular, NPs identified collaborative practice issues as factors affecting EBP implementation. Identified barriers included physician‐driven practice and the need to maintain professional and political boundaries. Supportive collaborative relationships and having professional confidence were identified facilitators.
Linking Evidence to Action
An exploration of NPs’ experience of interprofessional collaboration when implementing EBP into routine care is needed to identify requirements for support in this area.
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