Background: Global population aging poses challenges for healthcare. Digital health technologies may benefit older adults through enhanced access, monitoring, and self-care. This systematic review ...evaluates the intersection of digital health interventions and healthy aging, focusing on adoption, efficacy, and user experience. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies on digital health technologies for adults aged 50+ years. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, surveys, and qualitative studies were included. Outcomes were adoption rates, efficacy, and qualitative feedback. Study quality was assessed using standardized tools. Results: 15 studies were included. Adoption increased during COVID-19, but divisions persist. Barriers like technology challenges and distrust require addressing. Web-based programs and telerehabilitation demonstrated benefits for behaviors and balance. Users had positive attitudes but emphasized patient-centric, ethical design. Most efficacy data were preliminary; more rigorous trials are needed. Discussion: Digital health interventions show promise for supporting healthy aging, but thoughtful implementation strategies tailored to user needs and capacities are essential to realizing benefits equitably. More efficacy research and studies on real-world integration and ethics are warranted. Conclusions: Digital health has significant potential for promoting healthy aging through enhanced access, monitoring, and self-care. However, evidence-based, patient-centered solutions are imperative to maximize adoption, efficacy, and positive user experience for diverse older adult populations.
Nursing incivility, defined as disrespectful behaviour toward nurses, is increasingly recognized as a pressing issue that affects nurses' well-being and quality of care. However, research on the ...pathways linking incivility to outcomes is limited, especially in Saudi hospitals.
This cross-sectional study examined relationships between perceived nursing incivility, nurse stress, patient engagement, and health outcomes in four Saudi hospitals. Using validated scales, 289 nurses and 512 patients completed surveys on exposure to incivility, stress levels, activation, and medication adherence. The outcomes included readmissions at 30 days and satisfaction.
More than two-thirds of nurses reported experiencing moderate to severe workplace incivility. Correlation and regression analyzes revealed that nursing incivility was positively associated with nursing stress. An inverse relationship was found between stress and patient participation. Serial mediation analysis illuminated a detrimental cascade, incivility contributing to increased nurse stress, subsequently diminishing patient engagement, ultimately worsening care quality. Conclusions The findings present robust evidence that nursing incivility has adverse ripple effects, directly impacting nurse well-being while indirectly affecting patient outcomes through reduced care involvement. Practical implications advocate for systemic interventions focused on constructive nursing cultures and patient empowerment to improve both healthcare provider conditions and quality of care. This study provides compelling information to inform policies and strategies to mitigate workplace mistreatment and encourage participation among nurses and patients to improve health outcomes.
Background. The purpose of this study was to determine pediatric nurses’ knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods. We conducted a population-based online survey of 273 pediatric nurses ...in eastern Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling method. Perceived knowledge was assessed using the knowledge of childhood autism among Health Professionals Questionnaire (KCAHW) that was translated into Arabic. We used multivariate regression analysis to determine the influence of demographic factors on the perceived knowledge. Using Pearson’s correlation analysis, we assessed the correlation between the outcome variables and the predictor variables. Results. ASD knowledge is generally higher among pediatric nurses with higher academic qualifications (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). They scored higher on general knowledge (M = 21.5, SD = 5.7) and lower on signs and symptoms (M = 15.2, SD = 4.3), diagnosis (M = 13.8, SD = 3.9), and management of ASD (M = 12.4, SD = 4.1). A significant correlation was found between mean KCAHW and age (r = 0.12, p = 0.029), sex (r = 0.18, p = 0.003), years of experience (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), education level (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and hospital type (r = 0.21, p = 0.001). Predictors of knowledge and understanding were level of education (β = 0.23, p = 0.001), formal training (β = 0.16, p = 0.012), and years of experience (β = 0.19, p = 0.005). The majority could not define ASD or recognize early signs and symptoms or associated comorbidities. Lack of social and emotional reciprocity and impaired language development have been reported, as well as the perception of ASD as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Conclusion. Higher academic qualifications are associated with high general knowledge of ASD; however, nurses in this cohort performed poorly in ASD sign and symptom recognition, diagnosis, and management.
Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a significant public health concern, and understanding its determinants is crucial for developing effective interventions to support women during pregnancy and childbirth.
...Fear of childbirth (FOC) is increasingly recognized as an essential psychological health concern among pregnant women globally. However, research elucidating the prevalence and multifaceted determinants of FOC in the Egyptian context remains scarce. This knowledge is pivotal to informing maternal health practices.
This study aimed to investigate FOC prevalence and its determinants among pregnant women in Egypt.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 low-risk pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, from February 2023 to July 2023. Data were collected using structured questionnaires on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire, the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.
The prevalence of FOC ranged from mild to severe, with 70.4% of women displaying some degree of fear and 11.3% exhibiting severe FOC. Key determinants associated with greater FOC were younger age, nulliparity, unplanned pregnancy, negative previous birth experiences, and preference for cesarean delivery. An inverse relationship was found between FOC and childbirth self-efficacy.
This study reveals a high FOC prevalence among Egyptian pregnant women, necessitating the need for systematic screening and tailored interventions to mitigate this concern, especially among high-risk groups like young, nulliparous mothers. Fostering childbirth self-efficacy may aid in reducing FOC. These findings can inform the enhancement of holistic maternal health practices in Egypt.
Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires comprehensive management. Structured nursing protocols may enhance outcomes, but evidence is limited. This study evaluated the effect of a structured ...nursing protocol on RA outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this one-group pre-post study, 30 Egyptian RA patients completed assessments before and after a 12-week nursing protocol comprising education, psychosocial support, and self-management promotion. Assessments included clinical evaluation of joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and patient-reported Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The study demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical- and patient-reported outcomes. Joint count decreased from 18.4 ± 4.2 to 14.2 ± 3.8 ( P < 0.001), ESR from 30.1 ± 6.8 mm/h to 25.5 ± 6.8 mm/h ( P < 0.01), and CRP levels from 15.2 ± 3.6 mg/L to 11.8 ± 2.9 mg/L ( P < 0.01) postintervention. Patient-reported outcomes showed a marked increase in ASES score from 140 ± 25 to 170 ± 30 ( P < 0.001) and reductions in HAQ from 1.6 ± 0.4 to 1.3 ± 0.3 ( P < 0.01), VAS pain score from 7.8 ± 1.7 to 6.2 ± 1.2 ( P < 0.001), and HADS anxiety and depression scores from 11 ± 3 to 8 ± 2 ( P < 0.05) and 10 ± 2 to 7 ± 1 ( P < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: A structured nursing protocol significantly improved clinical disease activity, physical functioning, pain, self-efficacy, and emotional well-being in RA patients. A multifaceted nursing intervention appears beneficial for optimizing RA outcomes.
Abstract Objectives This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the ethical dilemma’s nurses encounter in end-of-life care and effective palliative care practices. The objectives were to ...understand key ethical issues, evaluate communication and decision-making strategies, and identify approaches to support nurses and patients. Methods A comprehensive search of major databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies directly relating to nursing ethics, challenges in end-of-life decision-making, and palliative care practices were included. The risk of bias was assessed using ROBVIS-II. Data on ethical issues, palliative interventions, and outcomes was extracted and analyzed thematically. Results 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key themes that emerged were: (1) Effective communication and involving patients in decision-making are essential but complex. (2) Nurses face dilemmas around balancing autonomy, beneficence and relational issues. (3) Integrating palliative care principles enhances symptom management and aligns care with patient values. (4) Education and organizational support are needed to equip nurses with skills and coping strategies. Conclusion Navigating end-of-life care requires addressing interconnected ethical, communication and support needs. While studies provided insights, further research is required on cultural competence training, standardized education programs and longitudinal evaluations.
assess nurses' knowledge and performance-related safe administration of oxygen (O2) therapy; apply an intervention program for nurses about standardized protocol for oxygen; and evaluate the ...effectiveness of standardized protocol for oxygen in improving nurses' performance and patients' health outcomes.
a quasi-experimental study was used.
the current study was conducted at three hospitals in Sakaka City with totally different medical aid units (ICUs), CCUs, emergency care departments (ED), medical and surgical wards, pediatric care units (PICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric emergency care departments (PED) and pediatric inpatient\outpatient departments.
a convenience sample of 105 nurses and 105 patients was divided into 55 patients in the control group who received routine care and 50 patients in the study group who received intervention.
34.3% of studied nurses had poor knowledge pre-intervention compared with 17% post-intervention. Moreover, 33.3% of them had satisfactory knowledge pre-intervention versus 21% post-intervention. Only 5.7% of them had excellent knowledge pre-intervention, compared with 34.4% post-intervention. Concerning the complications of oxygen therapy, only 10.5% did not have complications in the control group versus 62.9% in the study group, 33.3% of the control group had cyanotic lips and fingernails pre-intervention, versus 7.6% in the study group; 10.5% had oxygen toxicity in the control group, versus 7.6% in the study group, with a highly statistically significant difference at p 0.001 for all.
the current results of this study concluded that there was improvement in nurses' knowledge and practice related to oxygen therapy post-intervention. Moreover, when the standard protocol for safe oxygen therapy was used in a positive way, it led to better health for patients and fewer problems with oxygen therapy.
Burns constitute a major global health challenge, causing not only physical trauma, but also significant psychosocial and emotional disturbances. The complexity of these injuries requires ...comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of recovery. Despite advances in medical care, there is a lack of standardized, accessible, and sustainable psychosocial interventions for burn survivors, particularly in the transition from hospital to home. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a nurse-led psychosocial empowerment intervention for early adjustment among burn survivors after hospital discharge.
The study adopted a quasi-experimental framework. A convenient sample of 80 adult burn survivors was randomly divided into an intervention group, receiving the psychosocial empowerment program, and a control group, continuing standard care from November 2022 to May 2023. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using various tools that measure satisfaction with appearance, coping abilities, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intervention focused on enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, and adaptive coping, through targeted skill building in stress management, adaptability to coping, social reintegration, emotion regulation, and problem-solving.
Participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body image satisfaction, coping abilities, and symptoms of PTSD compared to the control group.
The psychosocial empowerment program effectively addressed the psychosocial needs of burn survivors and enhanced their early adjustment after hospital discharge. The findings highlight the critical role of psychosocial support in the rehabilitation of burn survivors and underscore the need to integrate such interventions into standard post-discharge care. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of these interventions and their applicability in diverse settings.
Introduction Worldwide, healthcare systems aim to achieve the best possible quality of care at an affordable cost while ensuring broad access for all populations. The use of artificial intelligence ...(AI) in healthcare holds promise to address these challenges through the integration of real-world data-driven insights into patient care processes. This study aims to assess nurses’ awareness and attitudes toward AI-integrated tools used in clinical practice. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design captured nurses’ responses at three governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia by using an online questionnaire administered over 4 months. The study involved 220 registered nurses with a minimum of one year of clinical experience, selected through a convenience sampling method. The online survey consisted of three sections: demographic information, an assessment of nurses’ AI knowledge, and the general attitudes toward the AI scale. Results Nurses displayed “moderate” levels of awareness toward AI technology, with 70.9% having basic information about AI and only 58.2% (128 nurses) were considered “aware” of AI as they dealt with one of its healthcare applications. Nurses expressed openness to AI integration ( M = 3.51) on one side, but also had some concerns about AI. Nurses expressed conservative attitudes toward AI, with significant differences observed based on gender (χ² = 4.67, p < 0.05). Female nurses exhibited a higher proportion of negative attitudes compared to male nurses. Significant differences were also found based on age (χ² = 9.31, p < 0.05), with younger nurses demonstrating more positive attitudes toward AI compared to their older counterparts. Educational background yields significant differences (χ² = 6.70, p < 0.05), with nurses holding undergraduate degrees exhibiting the highest positive attitudes. However, years of nursing experience did not reveal significant variations in attitudes. Conclusion Healthcare and nursing administrators need to work on increasing the nurses’ awareness of AI applications and emphasize the importance of integrating such technology into the systems in use. Moreover, addressing nurses’ concerns about AI's control and discomfort is crucial, especially considering generational differences, with younger nurses often having more positive attitudes toward technology. Change management strategies may help overcome any hindrances.
Background: Integrating family-centered care (FCC) and developmental care (DC) principles in neonatal care settings may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for high-risk neonates. However, the ...combined impact of FCC and DC has been underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrated FCC and DC on neurodevelopment and length of hospital stay in high-risk neonates. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 200 high-risk neonates (<32 weeks gestation or <1500 g) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Saudi Arabia. The intervention group (n = 100) received integrated FCC and DC for 6 months. The control group (n = 100) received standard care. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III. Length of stay and readmissions were extracted from medical records. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive, motor, and language scores compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group had a 4.3-day reduction in the mean length of stay versus a 1.4-day reduction in controls (p = 0.02). Integrated care independently predicted higher cognitive scores (p = 0.001) and shorter stays (p = 0.006) in regression models. Conclusion: Integrating FCC and DC in neonatal care enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes and reduces hospitalization for high-risk neonates compared to standard care. Implementing relationship-based, developmentally supportive models is critical for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population.
