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Aim. This paper is a report of a review of the science of intervention development for type 1 diabetes in childhood and its implications for improving health outcomes in children, adolescents, and/or their families. Background. Previous reviewers have identified insufficient evidence to support the application of effective interventions for type 1 diabetes in clinical practice. The need for quality randomized controlled trials to address shortcomings in previous study designs has been highlighted as a priority for future intervention research. However, there is also a need to consider the scientific development of interventions, which to date has received little attention. Data source. A search for published randomized controlled trials over 5 years (2004-2008) was conducted in electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psychinfo, ERIC). Reference lists of papers identified from electronic searches were examined for additional papers. Methods. A systematic review was conducted. Studies were included if (i) an intervention for managing any aspect of type 1 diabetes was implemented, (ii) children, adolescents and/or their families were sampled, (iii) a randomized controlled trial, (iv) published in English. Results. Fourteen randomized controlled trials were reviewed on education (n = 7), psychosocial (n = 5) and family therapy (n = 2) interventions. Compared to education interventions, family therapy and most psychosocial interventions were developed with greater scientific rigour, and demonstrated promising effects on more health outcomes measured. Conclusion. Interventions developed within clearly-defined scientific criteria offer potential for improving health outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their families. Future reviews on interventions for type 1 diabetes in childhood need to include criteria for assessing the science of intervention development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of PainReApp, an mHealth system, based on physical exercise recommendations for patients with chronic pain (low back pain, fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathic pain) based on pain intensity, quality of life, anxiety and/or depression, and sleep quality. Design: Single‐blinded randomized controlled trial. Methods: One hundred patients from three different chronic conditions (low back pain, fibromyalgia and neuropathic diabetic pain) will be recruited and randomized into two groups to receive the intervention with a physical activity program guided by the PainReApp system (experimental group) or with the program information in paper format (control group). All patients will attend a first face‐to‐face session in which the smartphone application usage (experimental group) and exercise execution will be explained (both groups). Data will be collected at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. Nevertheless, the users of the application will have a daily registry of the exercise performed and the self‐perceived difficulty. The primary outcomes of the trial will be the intensity of pain and quality of life. Anxiety and/or depression and sleep quality will be also assessed to evaluate the influence of the physical activity at multiple levels. Discussion: Physical exercise is becoming one of the leading evidence‐based interventions to treat chronic pain. It needs to be adapted to the necessities of each pain condition. One of the major problems is the low adherence to the proposed program. New strategies that empower the patients, such as the m‐Health, are reliable and useful tools to ease this end. Impact: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first long‐term randomized controlled trial researching the impact of an m‐health system on chronic pain from different origin. The intervention is based on international physical exercise recommendations and can be performed without specific material, allowing the home‐based practice. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000783820). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe a protocol for the pilot phase of a trial designed to test the effect of an mHealth intervention on representation and readmission after adult cardiac surgery. Design: A multisite, parallel group, pilot randomized controlled trial (ethics approval: HREC2020.331‐RMH69278). Methods: Adult patients scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, or a combination of bypass grafting and valve surgery or aortic surgery) will be recruited from three metropolitan tertiary teaching hospitals. Patients allocated to the control group with receive usual care that is comprised of in‐patient discharge education and local paper‐based written discharge materials. Patients in the intervention group will be provided access to tailored 'GoShare' mHealth bundles preoperatively, in a week of hospital discharge and 30 days after surgery. The mHealth bundles are comprised of patient narrative videos, animations and links to reputable resources. Bundles can be accessed via a smartphone, tablet or computer. Bundles are evidence‐based and designed to improve patient self‐efficacy and self‐management behaviours, and to empower people to have a more active role in their healthcare. Computer‐generated permuted block randomization with an allocation ratio of 1:1 will be generated for each site. At the time of consent, and 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery quality of life and level of patient activation will be measured. In addition, rates of representation and readmission to hospital will be tracked and verified via data linkage 1 year after the date of surgery. Discussion: Interventions using mHealth technologies have proven effectiveness for a range of cardiovascular conditions with limited testing in cardiac surgical populations. Impact: This study provides an opportunity to improve patient outcome and experience for adults undergoing cardiac surgery by empowering patients as end‐users with strategies for self‐help. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000082808. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To assess the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety. Background: Many pregnant women experience mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and could benefit from additional support. Non‐pharmacological interventions have been suggested for use during pregnancy. Design: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Data sources: Randomized controlled trials published since 1990, identified from electronic databases: Medline; CINAHL; Maternity and Infant Care; PsycINFO; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; CENTRAL; EMBASE; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; Social Sciences Citation Index; ASSIA; HTA Library; Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence‐Based Practice database; Allied and Complementary Medicine. Review methods: Conducted according to the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination procedure. Papers were screened (N = 5,222), assessed for eligibility (N = 57) and selected for inclusion (N = 25). The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used. Papers were assessed for clinical and statistical heterogeneity and considered for meta‐analysis. Descriptive analysis of the data was conducted. Results: Psychological, mind‐body, educational and supportive interventions were delivered individually and to groups of pregnant women over single or multiple sessions. The State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory was the most commonly used anxiety measure. In 60% of studies there were fewer than 40 participants. Meta‐analysis of three studies indicated no observed beneficial effect in the reduction of anxiety. Conclusion: There was insufficient evidence from which to draw overall conclusions regarding the benefit of interventions. Results were predominantly based on small samples. Many papers provided an inadequate description of methods which prevented a full assessment of methodological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to critically appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions suitable for delivery by nurses, designed to enhance cardiac patients' adherence to their prescribed medications. Background Cardiac medications have statistically significant health benefits for patients with heart disease, but patients' adherence to prescribed medications remains suboptimal. Design A systematic quantitative review of intervention effects. Data Sources We conducted systematic searches for English-language, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial publications via Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar published between January 2004-December 2014. Review methods According to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies were identified and data extracted using a predefined form. Of 1962 identified papers; 14 studies met the study inclusion criteria, were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool; and included in the review. Results Study findings were presented descriptively; due to the heterogeneity of studies meta-analysis was not possible. Included papers described interventions categorized as: (1) multifaceted; and (2) behavioural and educational, comprising: (a) text message and mail message; (b) telephone calls; (c) motivational interviewing and (d) nurse-led counselling and education. Conclusions Substantial heterogeneity limited the robustness of conclusions, but this review indicated that motivational interviewing, education and phone or text messaging appeared promising as means to enhance cardiac medication adherence. Future research should integrate multifaceted interventions that target individual behaviour change to enhance adherence to cardiovascular medications, to build on the beneficial outcomes indicated by this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

goulding l., furze g. & birks y. (2010) Randomized controlled trials of interventions to change maladaptive illness beliefs in people with coronary heart disease: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 946–961. Title. Randomized controlled trials of interventions to change maladaptive illness beliefs in people with coronary heart disease: systematic review. Aim. This paper is a report of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions to change maladaptive illness beliefs in people with coronary heart disease, and was conducted to determine whether such interventions were effective in changing maladaptive beliefs, and to assess any consequent change in coping and outcome. Background. An increasing body of evidence suggests that faulty beliefs can lead to maladaptive behaviours and, in turn, to poor outcomes. However, the effectiveness of interventions to change such faulty illness beliefs in people with coronary heart disease is unknown. Data sources. Multiple data bases were searched using a systematic search strategy. In addition, reference lists of included papers were checked and key authors in the field contacted. Review methods. The systematic review included randomized controlled trials with adults of any age with a diagnosis of coronary heart disease and an intervention aimed at changing cardiac beliefs. The primary outcome measured was change in beliefs about coronary heart disease. Results. Thirteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Owing to the heterogeneity of these studies, quantitative synthesis was not practicable. Descriptive synthesis of the results suggested that cognitive behavioural and counselling/education interventions can be effective in changing beliefs. The effects of changing beliefs on behavioural, functional and psychological outcomes remain unclear. Conclusion. While some interventions may be effective in changing beliefs in people with coronary heart disease, the effect of these changes on outcome is not clear. Further high quality research is required before firmer guidance can be given to clinicians on the most effective method to dispel cardiac misconceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the effect of a nurse support using a proactive mobile app to enhance parental self‐efficacy in symptom management for children with medical complexity. Design: A single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial with a two‐armed repeated measures design. Methods: Eligible parents and the children will be recruited from the special schools and non‐government offices. They will be randomly assigned either to the intervention or control groups. Subjects in the study group will receive nurse parental support using a symptom management mobile app for 3 months. The control group will receive the usual care that is available in the community. Data will be collected pre‐intervention (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and three‐month after intervention (T3). The primary outcome is parental self‐efficacy. The secondary outcomes include child's symptom burden and their health service utilization. Primary outcome will be compared across two groups in T2 and T3 using with control for the pre‐test value of parental self‐efficacy. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) will be used to address secondary objectives from T1 to T3 with appropriate link function. Discussion: As a result of the successful implementation of this nurse‐led symptom management, parental self‐efficacy will be enhanced. Both the symptoms reported by the children and their health service utilization will be reduced. Findings of this study will help in service delivery improvements because it maximizes the availability and accessibility of paediatric health service to parents and the children in local communities. Impact: The evidence produced in this study will enlarge the knowledge base that supports evidence‐based paediatric home nursing service with the use of health technology in symptom management. This evidence will also contribute to the development of other symptom management programs for other paediatric patient groups. Trial registration: NCT05765643 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). Patient or public contribution: Parents of children with medical complexity contributed in mobile application development by giving comments on the usability of mobile application. Impact will be generated through the following benefits: Improve health service delivery: Home nursing service may not be sustainable in a long run in Hong Kong, as the health care system has been facing a serious nursing workforce shortage in recent years. Besides, these services are affected or even suspended during the community outbreak of infectious disease, like recent coronavirus disease pandemic. Nurse parental support in symptom management for the CMC using a proactive mobile health application will help in service delivery improvements because it maximizes the availability and accessibility of paediatric health service to parents and their CMC in local communities.Improve physical and psychological health of parents and their CMC: The success of program implementation will help to increase parental self‐efficacy in symptom management for their CMC, as a result of decrease of children's symptom burden.Improve knowledge base: The evidence produced in this study will (1) enlarge the knowledge base that supports evidence‐based paediatric community nursing service related to symptom management for the CMC. This evidence will contribute to the development of other symptom management programs for other paediatric patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the impact of usual care plus a fundamental nursing care guideline compared to usual care only for patients in hospital with COVID‐19 on patient experience, care quality, functional ability, treatment outcomes, nurses' moral distress, patient health‐related quality of life and cost‐effectiveness. Design: Parallel two‐arm, cluster‐level randomized controlled trial. Methods: Between 18th January and 20th December 2021, we recruited (i) adults aged 18 years and over with COVID‐19, excluding those invasively ventilated, admitted for at least three days or nights in UK Hospital Trusts; (ii) nurses caring for them. We randomly assigned hospitals to use a fundamental nursing care guideline and usual care or usual care only. Our patient‐reported co‐primary outcomes were the Relational Aspects of Care Questionnaire and four scales from the Quality from the Patient Perspective Questionnaire. We undertook intention‐to‐treat analyses. Results: We randomized 15 clusters and recruited 581 patient and 418 nurse participants. Primary outcome data were available for 570–572 (98.1%–98.5%) patient participants in 14 clusters. We found no evidence of between‐group differences on any patient, nurse or economic outcomes. We found between‐group differences over time, in favour of the intervention, for three of our five co‐primary outcomes, and a significant interaction on one primary patient outcome for ethnicity (white British vs. other) and allocated group in favour of the intervention for the 'other' ethnicity subgroup. Conclusion: We did not detect an overall difference in patient experience for a fundamental nursing care guideline compared to usual care. We have indications the guideline may have aided sustaining good practice over time and had a more positive impact on non‐white British patients' experience of care. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: We cannot recommend the wholescale implementation of our guideline into routine nursing practice. Further intervention development, feasibility, pilot and evaluation studies are required. Impact: Fundamental nursing care drives patient experience but is severely impacted in pandemics. Our guideline was not superior to usual care, albeit it may sustain good practice and have a positive impact on non‐white British patients' experience of care. Reporting Method: CONSORT and CONSERVE. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients with experience of hospitalization with COVID‐19 were involved in guideline development and writing, trial management and interpretation of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is the report of a study to determine whether changing the needle before administering an intramuscular injection could reduce pain, and to investigate gender differences in pain perception. Background. A skilled injection technique can make the patient's experience less painful and avoid unnecessary complications, and the use of separate needles to draw up and administer medication ensures that the tip of the needle is sharp and free from medication residue. Method. A randomized controlled trial was carried out between January 2009 and May 2009 with 100 patients receiving diclofenac sodium intramuscularly in an emergency and traffic hospital in İmir, Turkey. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured on a numerical rating scale. Each patient received two injections by the same investigator using two different techniques. The two techniques were randomly allocated and the patients were blinded to the injection technique being administered. After each injection, another investigator who had no prior knowledge of which injection technique was used immediately assessed pain intensity using a numerical rating scale. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test and t-test were used to evaluate the data. Results. Findings demonstrated that changing the needle prior to intramuscular medication administration significantly reduced pain intensity. A statistical difference in pain intensity was observed between the two injection techniques. Conclusion. The results supported the hypothesis that changing the needle prior to administering the medicine significantly reduced pain intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this paper was to report the process evaluation of facilitators' delivery of a psychosocial intervention (called CONNECT), in a randomized controlled trial, to men with prostate cancer and their partners. Background There is a lack of information on the process of implementing psychosocial interventions in controlled trials and, in particular, on the role and performance of facilitators who deliver them. Yet, this information is crucial in assessing whether these interventions are effective or not and why. Design Qualitative design. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews and diaries were used to collect data (January-October 2012) from four facilitators and a co-facilitator. Data were analysed using the Miles et al. framework. Results Five themes were discernible. These were 'difficulties to keep to the structure of the intervention', 'selective coverage of topics', 'partner participation', 'overall impression of the group and telephone sessions' and 'perceived benefits to participants'. Issues such as not keeping to the aim of the intervention, deviating from the content and/or reluctance in discussing sensitive issues such as sexual health may mean that the psychosocial effects of the intervention may not have been fully realized. Conclusions These findings will be useful for further development and evaluation of the intervention. A tentative conceptual framework of factors, related to facilitators, influencing the fidelity of interventions in the context of controlled trials, is offered. This model, which requires further development and testing, will be useful for researchers worldwide who are involved in developing interventions and training facilitators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to test a moderated-mediation model, explaining how and under which circumstances a process- or an outcome-accountability focus affects performance. Design: Randomized controlled design, using screen-based simulations. Methods: Data were collected during 2021. Two screen-based simulations of medication administration (for low- and high-complexity tasks) were used. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the six experimental conditions. Nurses completed validated questionnaires on strain levels and their perceptions of the simulated task complexity and accountability focus. Performance was assessed via validated checklists assessing nurses' performance of the simulation. Results: Task complexity significantly moderated the relationship between accountabilityfocus conditions and strain. For the process-accountability-focus condition, strain levels were lower during high-complexity tasks compared with low-complexity tasks, while for the outcome-accountability-focus condition, strain levels were lower during lowcomplexity tasks compared with high-complexity tasks. The highest strain levels were observed under the no accountability-focus condition. Additionally, this interaction had an impact on performance, with nurses' strain playing a mediating role. Conclusions: Any accountability focus reduces strain levels and enhances performance compared with having no accountability focus. The choice of accountability focus should be based on task-complexity considerations. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: Managers can effectively reduce nurses' strain and improve performance by prioritizing outcome accountability focus for simpler tasks and process accountability focus for complex tasks. Impact: The study addressed previous ambiguous findings regarding the type of accountability focus that better motivates nurses' performance. By considering accountability focus, nurse managers can balance nurses' strain levels with improved performance. Reporting Method: We have adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines: CONSORT. Patient or Public Contribution: There is no patient or public contribution, as the study only concerns the providers of the service, that is the nurses themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate how NGNs perceived and applied an intervention for preventing stress‐related ill health embedded in a transition‐to‐practice programme when entering their professional life. Design: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was selected for this study to gain insights and perspectives on the adoption and utilization of the intervention. Methods: In this qualitative methodology process evaluation, semi‐structured and audio‐recorded interviews were conducted with a sample of 49 nurses. Data were collected between December 2016 and July 2017, and were sorted in NVivo 12 Plus, followed by thematic analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in three change processes stimulated by the intervention: (a) Building acceptance of being new; (b) Gaining insight into professional development and health and (c) Practical steps for skills development, healthy habits and better‐organized work. In addition to the three themes, barriers that hindered the progression of the processes were also described. Each process influenced the development of the others by stimulating a deeper understanding, motivation to change and courage to act. Several barriers were identified, including the use of cognitively demanding intervention tools, fatigue, high work demands, inconvenient work hours and a hostile social climate on the ward. Conclusion: This process evaluation showed that newly graduated nurses used knowledge from the intervention and adopted new behaviours largely in accordance with how the intervention was intended to work. Impact: When entering a new profession, it is crucial to receive a well‐thought‐out, structured and targeted introduction to the new professional role, tasks and work group. Nurses stated that the intervention increased their understanding of the role as new nurses and their insight into how to develop skills that promoted better functioning and recovery. The intervention also stimulated the development of new health behaviour and some new learning strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper presents a feasibility trial protocol the purpose of which is to prepare for a future randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of vibrating vaginal pelvic floor training balls for postpartum pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation. Background Vibrating vaginal pelvic floor training balls are available in Austria to enhance women's pelvic floor muscles and thus prevent or treat urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems following childbirth. Nonetheless, there is currently little empirical knowledge to substantiate their use or assess their relative effectiveness in comparison to current standard care, which involves pelvic floor muscle exercises. Design Single blind, randomised controlled feasibility trial with two parallel groups. Methods It is planned to recruit 56 postpartum women in Vienna, who will be randomised into one of two intervention groups to use either vibrating vaginal balls or a comparator pelvic floor muscle exercises for 12 weeks. As this is a feasibility study, study design features (recruitment, selection, randomisation, intervention concordance, data collection methods and tools) will be assessed and participants' views and experiences will be surveyed. Tested outcome measures, collected before and after the intervention, will be pelvic floor muscle performance as reported by participants and measured by perineometry. Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis will serve the preparation of the future trial. Discussion The results of this feasibility trial will inform the design and conduct of a full randomised controlled trial and provide insight into the experiences of women regarding the interventions and study participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper aims to describe the research protocol that will be used to determine the effectiveness of a health-social partnership intervention programme among community-dwelling older adults. Background Ageing in place is a preferred option for overcoming challenges of the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the risk for hospitalization associated with the ageing population. Nevertheless, our knowledge of how to implement this concept is limited. The integrated efforts of health and social services may help to enable older adults to live with a sense of control over their daily life and to be independent to the fullest extent possible in the community. Design This is a randomized, controlled trial. Methods Participants are community-dwelling older adults referred from a community centre. Sample size calculation was based on power analysis. The intervention group will receive the programme with the standard protocols guided by a comprehensive assessment-intervention-evaluation framework. Home visits and telephones follow-up will be employed as means of conducting the interventions and monitoring their progress. The customary care group will receive placebo social calls. The duration of the interventions will be 3 months. The study was funded by the School of Nursing in Hong Kong. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained in September 2014. Discussion The results of this research are expected to enable older adults to stay in the community with optimal health and well-being. Health and social sciences are integrated into the practice in this research protocol. The scarce literature on this topic means that this study can also provide an opportunity to bridge the caring gap among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to support caregivers of people with selected chronic conditions. Background Informal caregivers provide millions of care hours each week contributing to significant healthcare savings. Despite much research evaluating a range of interventions for caregivers, their impact remains unclear. Design A systematic review of systematic reviews of interventions to support caregivers of people with selected chronic conditions. Data sources The electronic databases of PubMed, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Psyc INFO, Social Science Index (January 1990-May 2014) and The Cochrane Library (Issue 6, June 2014), were searched using Medical Subject Heading and index term combinations of the keywords caregiver, systematic review, intervention and named chronic conditions. Review methods Papers were included if they reported a systematic review of interventions for caregivers of people with chronic conditions. The methodological quality of the included reviews was independently assessed by two reviewers using R- AMSTAR. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers using a pre-designed data extraction form. Narrative synthesis of review findings was used to present the results. Results Eight systematic reviews were included. There was evidence that education and support programme interventions improved caregiver quality of life. Information-giving interventions improved caregiver knowledge for stroke caregivers. Conclusion Education, support and information-giving interventions warrant further investigation across caregiver groups. A large-scale funded programme for caregiver research is required to ensure that studies are of high quality to inform service development across settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim In this paper, we describe a trial protocol used to assess feasibility related to: study administration (recruitment, randomization, retention, compliance, eligibility criteria, suitability of protocol instructions and data collection questionnaires); resource and data management (suitability of site, time and budget allocation, management of personnel and data); intervention fidelity (treatment dose, violations); and effect size. Background Pressure injury can lead to increases in hospital length of stay and cost. The sacrum is identified as one of the most common anatomical pressure injury sites for hospitalized patients. Silicone foam border dressings have been proposed as one strategy to reduce pressure injury incidence; however, rigorous testing of benefit in a general medical-surgical population is required. Design Randomized controlled trial. Methods Eighty patients will be recruited after assessment of high risk of pressure injury in a large tertiary hospital in south-east Queensland, Australia. Eligible, consenting participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (routine care) or an intervention group (routine care and a sacral prophylactic dressing). The primary outcomes comprise feasibility criteria as identified above. The secondary measure is the presence and severity of sacral pressure injury via blind assessment of digital photographs. Research ethics approval was received in October 2013. Discussion Prophylactic dressings applied to the sacrum may be an effective method for reducing pressure injury in high-risk general medical-surgical patients. However, more rigorous studies to confirm benefit are required. This pilot study will determine the feasibility and effect size to inform a larger randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To assess and synthesize the evidence of the effects and safety of non-pharmacological interventions in treating pain in patients with advanced cancer. Background Pain is a common symptom experienced by patients with advanced cancer; the treatment of such pain is often suboptimal. To manage it, non-pharmacological interventions are recommended after pharmacological treatments have been re-evaluated and modified. However, there remains a lack of knowledge about the effects and safety of such interventions. Design A systematic review was conducted based on the procedure of the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination. Data Sources Research papers published between 2000-2013 were identified from the following databases: CINAHL, MEDIC, MEDLINE (Ovid) and Psyc INFO. The references in the selected studies were searched manually. Review Methods The studies selected were reviewed for quality, using Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Review Group risk of bias assessment criteria. Results There was limited evidence that some of the non-pharmacological interventions were promising with respect to reducing cancer pain. Relatively, few adverse events were reported as a result of using such interventions. Conclusion It was not possible to draw conclusions about the effects and safety of the non-pharmacological interventions in reducing cancer pain. Some interventions showed promising short-term effects, but there is a need for more rigorous trials. Qualitative studies are required to collect information about patients' perceptions. There are several research gaps: we found no studies about music, spiritual care, hypnosis, active coping training, cold or ultrasonic stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper describes the research protocol for a study exploring if and how clinical supervision facilitates change in practice relating to psychosocial aspects of care for Health Professionals, who have been trained to deliver a psychosocial intervention to adults with cancer. Background There is a recognized need to implement care that is in line with clinical practice guidelines for the psychosocial care of adults with cancer. Clinical supervision is recommended as a means to support Health Professionals in providing the recommended psychosocial care. Design A qualitative design embedded within an experimental, stepped wedge randomized control trial. Methods The study will use discourse analysis to analyse audio-recorded data collected in clinical supervision sessions that are being delivered as one element of a large randomized control trial. The sessions will be attended primarily by nurses, but including physiotherapists, radiation therapists, occupational therapists. The Health Professionals are participants in a randomized control trial designed to reduce anxiety and depression of distressed adults with cancer. The sessions will be facilitated by psychiatrists experienced in psycho-oncology and the provision of clinical supervision. Discussion The proposed research is designed specifically to facilitate exploration of the mechanisms by which clinical supervision enables Health Professionals to deliver a brief, tailored psychosocial intervention in the context of their everyday practice. This is the first study to use discourse analysis embedded within an experimental randomized control trial to explore the mechanisms of change generated within clinical supervision by analysing the discourse within the clinical supervision sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To determine the effect of psychoeducational interventions on urinary and faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction in men 50 years and older after prostatectomy for prostate cancer in comparison to usual care. Background Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. The major complications of radical prostatectomy are urinary and faecal incontinence as well as sexual dysfunction, associated with significantly reduced quality of life. Design A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was undertaken to provide a narrative synthesis and critical appraisal of included studies. Data Sources The electronic databases MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched using a systematic search strategy for studies published between January 2001-December 2012. In addition, reference lists of included papers were checked. The Cochrane Database was screened for whether a review on this topic already exists. Review Methods The systematic review included randomized controlled trials in men after prostate cancer treatment and psychoeducational interventions to influence urinary or faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The quality of studies was assessed by the reviewers using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation ( GRADE) method. Results Eight trials met the inclusion criteria. Although these studies are heterogeneous and of varied quality, a descriptive synthesis of results suggests that psychoeducational interventions may improve urinary incontinence, bowel bother, sexual function and sexual bother to some extent. Conclusion The results of this systematic review indicate that it would be worthwhile to implement postprostatectomy psychoeducational interventions into nursing discharge planning. Future research is necessary to corroborate these results and define the most favourable time to implement psychoeducational interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This paper is a report on the effectiveness of a self-management programme based on the self-efficacy construct, in older people with heart failure. Background Heart failure is a major health problem worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity, making it a leading cause of hospitalization. Heart failure is associated with a complex set of symptoms that arise from problems in fluid and sodium retention. Hence, managing salt and fluid intake is important and can be enhanced by improving patients' self-efficacy in changing their behaviour. Design Randomized controlled trial. Methods Heart failure patients attending cardiac clinics in northern Taiwan from October 2006-May 2007 were randomly assigned to two groups: control ( n = 46) and intervention ( n = 47). The intervention group received a 12-week self-management programme that emphasized self-monitoring of salt/fluid intake and heart failure-related symptoms. Data were collected at baseline as well as 4 and 12 weeks later. Data analysis to test the hypotheses used repeated-measures anova models. Results Participants who received the intervention programme had significantly better self-efficacy for salt and fluid control, self-management behaviour and their heart failure-related symptoms were significantly lower than participants in the control group. However, the two groups did not differ significantly in health service use. Conclusion The self-management programme improved self-efficacy for salt and fluid control, self-management behaviours, and decreased heart failure-related symptoms in older Taiwanese outpatients with heart failure. Nursing interventions to improve health-related outcomes for patients with heart failure should emphasize self-efficacy in the self-management of their disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper is a report of a qualitative study conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial comparing a lay-facilitated angina management programme with usual care. Its aim was to explore participants' beliefs, experiences, and attitudes to the care they had received during the trial, particularly those who had received the angina management intervention. Background Angina affects over 50 million people worldwide. Over half of these people have symptoms that restrict their daily life and would benefit from knowing how to manage their condition. Design A nested qualitative study within a randomized controlled trial of lay-facilitated angina management. Method We conducted four participant focus groups during 2008; three were with people randomized to the intervention and one with those randomized to control. We recruited a total of 14 participants to the focus groups, 10 intervention, and 4 control. Findings Although recruitment to the focus groups was relatively low by comparison to conventional standards, each generated lively discussions and a rich data set. Data analysis demonstrated both similarities and differences between control and intervention groups. Similarities included low levels of prior knowledge about angina, whereas differences included a perception among intervention participants that lifestyle changes were more easily facilitated with the help and support of a lay-worker. Conclusion Lay facilitation with the Angina Plan is perceived by the participants to be beneficial in supporting self-management. However, clinical expertise is still required to meet the more complex information and care needs of people with stable angina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This article presents the results of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials on the regulation of glycaemia among adults admitted to hospital with acute stroke. Background Hyperglycaemia is commonly observed in acute stroke. International stroke guidelines recommend that hyperglycaemia is treated after stroke. Nurses have a key role in the monitoring and management of glycaemia. Design Systematic review. Data sources A search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in MEDLINE and PubMed electronic databases, and original papers published between January 1996-June 2011 were identified. The search was performed using the terms 'stroke', 'hyperglycaemia', and 'treatment' combined. Searching of citations from identified studies was also used to supplement electronic searches. The search was limited to adults and English language publications. Review methods A systematic review was conducted for eight studies, meeting the inclusion criteria that: (i) insulin protocols were subjected to randomized controlled trial; and that (ii) only adults admitted to hospital with acute stroke were sampled. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis reporting standards. Results Intensive insulin therapy regimes have been investigated in a total of eight trials. Intravenous insulin therapy significantly lowers glucose levels when compared with controls but adherence to glucose monitoring and treatment protocols appeared to pose considerable challenge on nurses in routine stroke care. Trials conducted to date have been on poor to sound quality. Conclusion There is currently no substantive evidence to support aggressive glucose lowering in the acute phase of stroke. Well-conducted, large randomized controlled trials are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Murdoch M.R. & Franck L.S. (2012) Gaining confidence and perspective: a phenomenological study of mothers' lived experiences caring for infants at home after neonatal unit discharge. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(9), 2008-2020. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a descriptive study of mothers' experiences in caring for preterm or term infants following discharge from a neonatal unit, including how they manage infant pain/discomfort. Background. Few studies have focused on the transition that parents experience after infants are discharged home and little is known about parents' caregiving experiences when their infant has pain/discomfort. Greater knowledge about these issues will help healthcare professionals to better support parents. Method. Nine mothers were interviewed in 2007-2008 about their caregiving experiences in the months following neonatal unit discharge. Interviews were conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach and analysed using Giorgi's framework. Findings. Six themes formed mothers' experiences: apprehension, confidence, responsibility, awareness, normalcy and perspective. Mothers had apprehension about their infants' fragile health, losing support of the neonatal team, and performing medical procedures. They developed confidence as infant health improved. Responsibility for performing infant medical care often dominated mothers' experiences. Awareness of infant needs was described as a learning process utilizing external resources, trial-and-error, and an internal intuitive sense; particularly in identifying and dealing with infant pain/discomfort. During the transition to prior social environments, concerns about normalcy arose. Over time, mothers' gained a philosophical perspective and saw their experiences in a positive light. Conclusion. The apprehension-confidence continuum model provides a framework for nursing assessment of mothers' needs following their infants' discharge from a neonatal unit. Factors such as infant health, medical procedures, and family or health professional support may influence the degree of apprehension or confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

arts e.e.a., landewe-cleuren s.a.n.t., schaper n.c. & vrijhoef h.j.m. (2012) The cost-effectiveness of substituting physicians with diabetes nurse specialists: a randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1224-1234. Abstract Aims. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an intervention substituting physicians with nurse specialists. Background. Increasing populations of people with diabetes in most Western countries require creative solutions that give high-quality chronic care while controlling costs. Instigating nurse specialists as a substitute for physicians yields positive results in this area. Research about such interventions in a hospital-based setting is limited. Methods. This paper is a report of a study of a randomized, non-blinded clinical trial including people with diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2. In the intervention group nurse specialists were the central carers, providing care that conformed to a preset protocol. Patients were included between 2004 and 2007. Costs, quality of life and adverse events were measured, cost-effect ratios and incremental cost-effect ratios were calculated based on health-resource utilization rates, corresponding market prices and national tariffs from 2007. Results. Health related quality of life scores did not differ significantly between the control and the intervention group. In the intervention group, fewer patients were hospitalized and fewer side effects from drugs were reported compared to controls. Nurse specialists as central care givers generated a modest reduction in costs per quality adjusted life year gained compared to usual care. Conclusion. Nurse specialists give diabetes care that is similar to care provided by physicians in terms of quality of life and economic value. Instigating a nurse specialist as central carer yields opportunities to generate cost savings. Developing interventions which also focus on prevention of complications is recommended when aiming for long-term organisational cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

boase s., kim y., craven a. & cohn s. (2012) Involving practice nurses in primary care research: the experience of multiple and competing demands. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 590-599. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the experiences of practice nurses delivering a complex research intervention in an exploratory randomized controlled trial in primary care. Background. As practice nurses increasingly become involved in primary care research, it is important to understand not only what impact this may have on their existing role but also equally on what their potential contribution might be. Method. Fourteen of the 15 practice nurses involved in the delivery of a complex intervention were purposively sampled and interviewed in their workplace between June and October 2007. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using a Framework Approach and NVivo software. Findings. Time influenced the nurses' engagement with the various aspects of the trial and meant that they constantly had to make judgments and decisions in response to the multiple agendas presented to them: they had to negotiate a range of competing loyalties between their professional clinical role, their role in the research and practice teams and their relationship with patients. The nurses' accounts consequently provide insight into the active role they played both in the trial process and the delivery of the complex intervention. Conclusion. The nurses were key to the delivery of the trial. If practice nurses are to develop a research role in their professional work, it is important to understand their perceptions and the impact such involvement has on them and their practice. Consideration of these factors is consequently valuable when developing research in primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

chuang l.-l., lin l.-c., cheng p.-j., chen c.-h., wu s.-c. & chang c.-l. (2012) Effects of a relaxation training programme on immediate and prolonged stress responses in women with preterm labour. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(1), 170-180. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of an experimental study of the effects of relaxation-training programme on immediate and prolonged stress responses in women with preterm labour. Background. Hospitalized pregnant women with preterm labour experience developmental and situational stress. However, few studies have been performed on stress management in such women. Methods. An experimental pretest and repeated post-test design was used to compare the outcomes for two groups in northern Taiwan from December 2008, to May 2010. A total of 129 women were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n = 68) or control ( n = 61) group. The experimental group participants were instructed to listen daily to a 13-minute relaxation programme. Measurements involved the stress visual analogue scale, finger temperatures, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Pregnancy-related Anxiety. Two-way analysis of variance and hierarchical linear modelling were used to analyse the group differences. Results. Compared with those in the control group, participants in the experimental group showed immediate improvements in the stress visual analogue scale scores and finger temperatures. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State subscale score for the experimental group was significantly lower than that for the control group ( P = 0·03). However, no statistically significant differences for the Perceived Stress Scale and Pregnancy-related Anxiety scores were found between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusions. The relaxation-training programme could improve the stress responses of women with preterm labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

tsai m.-c., tsai y.-f., hwang f.-m. & liu c.-y. (2011) Effectiveness of a brief intervention for managing hazardous drinking problems of inpatients in Taiwan. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(9), 2038-2046. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of a randomized control trial undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the Brief Intervention for Alcohol Use in Taiwanese inpatients with hazardous drinking patterns. Background. The Brief Intervention for Alcohol Use has been found to be as effective as medical and psychological treatments for individuals with alcohol use disorders in western countries. However, few studies have examined brief alcohol interventions for a Chinese population. Methods. Patients from the medical and surgical wards of a medical centre in northern Taiwan were enrolled if they had an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score >8. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group ( n = 47), which received the Brief Intervention, and the control group ( n = 48), which received no special psychosocial intervention except routine nursing care. Data were collected from February 2005 to March 2006 on hospitalized participants' demographic characteristics and alcohol use. Scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were re-assessed over the telephone 6 months later by a trained assistant blinded to the treatment group. Results. The experimental group had a significantly higher mean improved Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score and better outcomes in all three dimensions of the test than the control group. Conclusions. The Brief Intervention for Alcohol Use is recommended for use in clinical settings to help Taiwanese inpatients with hazardous drinking patterns to improve their drinking problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper reports a study to examine the effectiveness of a 6-month dementia care programme for Chinese families living with and caring for a relative with dementia, compared with routine family support services in Hong Kong. Background. Recognizing the adverse psychosocial health effects inherent in dementia care, different psychosocial interventions provided preliminary evidence of their effectiveness in improving family members' knowledge and skills in caregiving and delaying dementia sufferers' illness deterioration and institutionalization. Little is known about the effects of such interventions for family caregivers' psychosocial health conditions, particularly in non-Western populations. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 92 Chinese families of a relative with dementia in two dementia care centres in Hong Kong. They were randomly selected from a dementia client list and then randomly assigned to receive either the dementia family care programme (n = 46), or routine care only (n = 46). Clients' symptoms and institutionalization, and caregivers' quality of life, burden and social support at recruitment, 1 week, and 12 and 18 months following intervention were measured and compared between the study groups using repeated measures MANOVAs followed by Helmert's contrast tests. Data was collected over a period of 24 months, between September 2007 and August 2009. Results. Results of the MANOVAs and contrast tests indicated that at 18-month follow-up, participants in the family programme reported significantly greater improvements in clients' symptoms and institutionalization rates, and caregivers' quality of life and burden, when compared with their counterparts in the routine care group. Conclusion. These findings provide evidence that the dementia care family programme can improve the psychosocial functioning of both clients with dementia and their family caregivers in a Chinese population. Further research is recommended to investigate whether this intervention can also apply to families with different socioeconomic backgrounds and across cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study analysing the effect of a home-based walking exercise program on symptoms and mood distress among breast cancer women receiving chemotherapy postoperatively. Background. Treatment-related symptoms, mood distress and decline in physical activity have been identified as major complaints among cancer patients. Studies on the efficacy of home-based walking exercise for symptoms and mood did not fully describe the exercise prescriptions that could be safe and beneficial for women with breast cancer, especially these receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Method. This is a prospective, randomized clinical trial. In 2008-2009, participants were recruited from the oncology outpatient clinic of a medical center in Taiwan, and were assigned to either the exercise group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 21). Women in the exercise group participated in a moderate-intensity home-based walking program for 12 weeks during their chemotherapy treatments. Symptoms, mood status and physical activity level were measured at baseline, 6- and 12-week follow-up. Data were analysed by two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results. Women in the exercise group reported significantly lower symptom severity scores and mood disturbance compared with those in the control group throughout the study period. Conclusion. Regular moderate-intensity exercise can play an important role in improving treatment-related symptoms and mood in women with breast cancer. A home-based walking exercise program can be easily incorporated into care for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of an evaluation of the effectiveness of a multimedia education program in relation to stoma knowledge, self-care attitudes and behaviour with patients with a stoma in the postoperative period. Background. Multimedia education programmes not only give patients with useful information in the absence of health professionals, but can also augment information given in traditional clinical practice. However, the literature on the effectiveness of different approaches to stoma education is limited. Method. A randomized experimental study design was used. Participants were recruited from a surgical unit in a large hospital in Taiwan. A total of 102 patients with a stoma were randomly assigned to either the multimedia education programme (n = 46) or a conventional stoma education programme (n = 56) with a follow-up of 1 week. Outcome variables measured were levels of self-care knowledge, attitudes towards self-care and self-care behaviour. Findings. Patients who received the multimedia education programme improved their overall self-care knowledge, attitudes and behaviour statistically significantly when compared with those who received the conventional stoma education programme. Conclusion. Although further, longer-term follow-up will be useful, this study demonstrates that multimedia packages can enhance patient involvement in their stoma care and can augment stoma education - particularly in resource challenged healthcare environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented, in which the editor refers to articles in the issue, which includes randomized controlled trials (RCT) for decision making, Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance on evaluating health care research, and chart on empirical evidence, theory and experiment.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the effect of music on the quality of life of community-dwelling older Chinese people in Hong Kong. Background. Older people's quality of life can be improved by preparing for the transition into old age. Listening to music, as a vehicle for feeling, can facilitate the non-verbal expression of emotion, reaching people's inner feelings without being threatening, and it can be a tool for emotional catharsis. Method. A randomized controlled trial design was conducted from in 2007 in a community centre in Hong Kong. A total of 66 older people (31 in music group and 35 in control group), aged from 65 to 90 years were randomly assigned to undergo either a 30-minute music intervention or a rest period for 4 weeks; quality of life outcomes were then measured. Results. Quality of life improved weekly in the music group, indicating a cumulative dose effect, and a statistically significantly better quality of life was found over time in each sub-score for those in the music group compared with the controls. However, in the music group, there were no statistically significant improvements of quality of life in each sub-score over the 4 weeks. Conclusion. Being engaged in music activities can help a person to connect with their life experiences and with other people, and to be more stimulated. Music is a non-invasive, simple and inexpensive therapeutic method of improving quality of life in community-dwelling elders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Title. Nurse-led self-management group programme for patients with congestive heart failure: randomized controlled trial. Aim. This paper reports on of the effects of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme on psychosocial attributes, self-care behaviour and quality of life among congestive heart failure patients who experienced slight to marked limitation of physical activity. Background. Most self-management programmes for congestive heart failure patients emphasize the medical aspects of this chronic condition, without incorporating psychosocial aspects of self-management. The programme has been used with various patient groups, but its effectiveness with congestive heart failure patients when led by pairs of cardiac nurse specialists and peer leaders is unknown. Method. A randomized controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up from start of the programme was conducted with 317 patients. Control group patients ( n = 131) received usual care, consisting of regular outpatient checkups. Intervention group patients ( n = 186) received usual care and participated in the six-week self-management programme. The programme teaches patients medical, social and emotional self-management skills. Twenty-one classes were conducted in six hospitals in the Netherlands, and data were collected between August 2004 and January 2007. Results. Directly after the programme, statistically significant effects were found for cognitive symptom management ( P < 0·001), self-care behaviour ( P = 0·008) and cardiac-specific quality of life ( P = 0·005). No effects were found at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Conclusion. Further research is necessary to study how long-term effectiveness of the programme with patients with congestive heart failure can be achieved, and how successful adaptations of the programme can be integrated into standard care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

salamonson y., koch j., weaver r., everett b. & jackson d. (2010) Embedded academic writing support for nursing students with English as a second language. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 413–421. Title. Embedded academic writing support for nursing students with English as a second language Aim. This paper reports a study which evaluated a brief, embedded academic support workshop as a strategy for improving academic writing skills in first-year nursing students with low-to-medium English language proficiency. Background. Nursing students who speak English as a second language have lower academic success compared with their native English-speaking counterparts. The development of academic writing skills is known to be most effective when embedded into discipline-specific curricula. Methods. Using a randomized controlled design, in 2008 106 students pre-enrolled in an introductory bioscience subject were randomized to receive either the intervention, a 4-day embedded academic learning support workshop facilitated by two bioscience (content) nursing academics and a writing and editing professional, or to act as the control group. The primary focus of the workshop was to support students to work through a mock assignment by providing progressive feedback and written suggestions on how to improve their answers. Results. Of the 59 students randomized to the intervention, only 28 attended the workshop. Bioscience assignment results were analysed for those who attended (attendees), those randomized to the intervention but who did not attend (non-attendees), and the control group. Using anova, the results indicated that attendees achieved statistically significantly higher mean scores (70·8,sd: 6·1) compared to both control group (58·4,sd: 3·4, P = 0·002) and non-attendees (48·5,sd: 5·5, P = 0·001). Conclusion. A brief, intensive, embedded academic support workshop was effective in improving the academic writing ability of nursing students with low-to-medium English language proficiency, although reaching all students who are likely to benefit from this intervention remains a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the feasibility of a nurse‐led, primary care‐based comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) intervention. Design: A feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: The trial was conducted in six general practices in the United Kingdom from May 2018 to April 2020. Participants were moderately/severely frail people aged 65 years and older living at home. Clusters were randomly assigned to the intervention arm control arms. A CGA was delivered to the intervention participants, with control participants receiving usual care. Study outcomes related to feasibility of the intervention and of conducting the trial including recruitment and retention. A range of outcome measures of quality of life, function, loneliness, self‐determination, mortality, hospital admission/readmission and number of prescribed medications were evaluated. Results: All pre‐specified feasibility criteria relating to recruitment and retention were met with 56 participants recruited in total (30 intervention and 26 control). Retention was high with 94.6% of participants completing 13‐week follow‐up and 87.5% (n = 49) completing 26‐week follow‐up. All outcome measures instruments met feasibility criteria relating to completeness and responsiveness over time. Quality of life was recommended as the primary outcome for a definitive trial with numbers of prescribed medications as a secondary outcome measure. Conclusion: It is feasible to implement and conduct a randomized controlled trial of a nurse‐led, primary care‐based CGA intervention. Impact: The study provided evidence on the feasibility of a CGA intervention for older people delivered in primary care. It provides information to maximize the success of a definitive trial of the clinical effectiveness of the intervention. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient and public representatives were involved in the study design including intervention development and production of participant‐facing documentation. Representatives served on the trial management and steering committees and, as part of this role, interpreted feasibility data. ISRCTN Number: 74345449. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the effects of couple‐based dyadic interventions on breast cancer patients and their intimate partners and compare the effects between interventions with different durations (<3 months; =3 months; >3 months). Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Data sources: Six English databases, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, the Cochrane Library, Medline, PsycINFO, and three Chinese databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Weipu (VIP), from database inception to 19 February 2022. Review Methods: The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool and the data analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15. The outcomes were categorized into five aspects: dyadic relationship, overall quality of life (QOL), physical health, psychological health and social adjustment. Results: Nineteen RCTs were included. For patients' overall effects, couple‐based dyadic interventions can improve sexual frequency, psychological health (anxiety; depression; well‐being; body image) and social adjustment (family function‐cohesion; social function‐total). In the subgroup analysis, it can adjust patients' relationship satisfaction (>3 months), sexual frequency (>3 months), depression (<3 months and >3 months), well‐being (>3 months), and body image (3 months). For intimate partners, no statistically significant overall effects were found, and all results in the subgroup analyses showed no statistical significance. Conclusions: The results revealed the different effects of couple‐based dyadic interventions on dyads. It also suggested that tailored intervention duration should be a focus in future studies to obtain the potential actor‐partner benefits. Impact: This study revealed that the overall effects of the couple‐based dyadic interventions include enhancing patients' sexual frequency, psychological health and social adjustment. Clinical practitioners should consider the intimate partners' outcomes and conduct couple‐based dyadic interventions that contain more tailored elements to achieve better effects. No Patient or Public Contribution: Registration: The systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs has been registered in PROSPERO (Number: CRD 42021286679). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the prospective registration of randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in the journal in 2019. Also cited are the benefits of registration like selective outcome reporting bias, the data collected from the trials like citations, registry used, funding sources, and trial protocol publications, and the various psychosocial interventions like health education, self-management, and early warning scores.

Aim. This paper is a report of the synthesis of evidence on the appropriateness of, and compliance with, telephone triage decisions. Background. Telephone triage plays an important role in managing demand for health care. Important questions are whether triage decisions are appropriate and patients comply with them. Data sources. CINAHL, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Psyc Info were searched between 1980-June 2010. Design. Literature review: Rapid Evidence Synthesis. Review methods. The principles of rapid evidence assessment were followed. Results. We identified 54 relevant papers: 26 papers reported appropriateness of triage decision, 26 papers reported compliance with triage decision, and 2 papers reported both. Nurses triaged calls in most of the studies ( n = 49). Triage decisions rated as appropriate varied between 44-98% and compliance ranged from 56-98%. Variation could not be explained by type of service or method of assessing appropriateness. However, inconsistent definitions of appropriateness may explain some variation. Triage decisions to contact primary care may have lower compliance than decisions to contact emergency services or self care. Conclusion. Telephone triage services can offer appropriate decisions and decisions that callers comply with. However, the association between the appropriateness of a decision and subsequent compliance requires further investigation and further consideration needs to be given to the minority of calls which are inappropriately managed. We suggest that a definition of appropriateness incorporating both accuracy and adequacy of triage decision should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine if smart alarm‐guided treatment of respiratory depression using the Integrated Pulmonary Index is an effective way to implement capnography during nurse‐administered sedation. Design: Parallel cluster‐randomized trial. Methods: Nurses will be randomized to use capnography with or without the Integrated Pulmonary Index enabled. Capnography alarm performance will be compared between nurses using capnography alone or with the Integrated Pulmonary Index enabled. The target sample size is 400 adult patients scheduled for elective procedures with nurse‐administered sedation. The primary outcome is the number of seconds in an alert condition state without an intervention being applied. Secondary outcomes are alarm burden, number of appropriate alarms, number of inappropriate alarms, total duration of alert conditions, choice of alarm settings and adverse sedation events. This study has been funded since April 2021. Discussion Implementing capnography into practice for respiratory monitoring during nurse‐administered sedation is considered a high priority. The Integrated Pulmonary Index shows promise as a strategy to optimize the implementation of capnography for respiratory monitoring during nurse‐administered sedation. If it is found in this study that using the Integrated Pulmonary Index improves the nursing management of physiologically abnormal states during nurse‐administered sedation, it would provide the high‐level evidence needed to support broader use of this 'smart alarm' strategy for respiratory monitoring in practice. Impact With advances in medical technology continuing to expand the indications for minimally invasive surgical techniques, the use of nurse‐administered sedation during medical procedures is likely to expand in the future. The findings may be applied to other populations receiving nurse‐administered sedation during medical procedures. Results from this study will help translate the usage of smart alarm‐guided treatment of respiratory depression during procedural sedation. Trial registration: NCT05068700. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe a nurse‐led multicentre randomized controlled trial protocol developed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of a Chinese iSupport for Dementia program in Australia and Greater China including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Design: A multicentre randomized controlled trial following the SPIRIT checklist. Methods: Participants in the study will be recruited from Australia and Greater China and will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the usual care group. Interventions will include self‐learning of the iSupport program, virtual peer support and nurse program facilitator support for 6 months. Primary outcome measures will be the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey. Secondary outcome measures will include: Revised Scale for Caregiving Self‐efficacy; Quality of Social Support Scale; Revised Memory and Behaviour Problem Checklist; the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease‐Proxy; usages of care services; and cost‐effectiveness of the intervention. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6 months and 9 months from the baseline. Caregivers' experiences of the peer support will be explored. This project was funded by the National Foundation for Australia‐China Relations, Australian Government (Project ID: NFACR216). The total amount is $440,000 Australian dollars (or £ 236,231). Discussion: Approximately, 20% of people living with dementia in the world live in Australia and Greater China. Older Chinese are usually cared for by family caregivers at home due to the influence of Confucianism. However, free and online psychoeducation programs for this large cohort of caregivers are not available or accessible. The World Health Organization iSupport for Dementia is an evidence‐based online psychoeducation program for caregivers. Implementing a culturally adapted Chinese iSupport program will address this gap in supporting caregivers. Impact This study will provide research evidence on effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of an online psychoeducation program for caregivers. Findings will inform policy and practice development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate and summarize the current evidence on the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of low back pain and/or pelvic pain in pregnancy. Background International research demonstrates that 25-30% of women use complementary and alternative medicine to manage low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy without robust evidence demonstrating its effectiveness. Design A systematic review of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine for low back and/or pelvic pain in pregnancy. Data sources Cochrane library (1898-2013), PubMed (1996-2013), MEDLINE (1946-2013), AMED (1985-2013), Embase (1974-2013), Cinahl (1937-2013), Index to Thesis (1716-2013) and Ethos (1914-2013). Review methods Selected studies were written in English, randomized controlled trials, a group 1 or 2 therapy and reported pain reduction as an outcome measure. Study quality was reviewed using Risk of Bias and evidence strength the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations and Development Evaluation Tool. Results Eight studies were selected for full review. Two acupuncture studies with low risk of bias showed both clinically important changes and statistically significant results. There was evidence of effectiveness for osteopathy and chiropractic. However, osteopathy and chiropractic studies scored high for risk of bias. Strength of the evidence across studies was very low. Conclusion There is limited evidence supporting the use of general CAM for managing pregnancy-related low back and/or pelvic pain. However , the restricted availability of high-quality studies, combined with the very low evidence strength, makes it impossible to make evidence-based recommendations for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to test the feasibility of the PainChek app to assess pain for people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). It will also identify the optimal dosage and efficacy of a social robot (personal assistant robot [PARO]) intervention on chronic pain for people with dementia. Design: This is a feasibility randomized controlled trial with three groups. Methods: Forty‐five residents living with dementia and chronic pain will be recruited from one RACF. The intervention consists of an individual 15‐min non‐facilitated session with a PARO robot twice a day (Group 1), a PARO robot once a day (Group 2), or a Plush‐Toy (non‐robotic PARO) once a day (Group 3) from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. Participants will be followed at 4 and 8 weeks after baseline assessments. The primary outcome will be the feasibility of using the PainChek app to measure changes in pain levels before and after each session. Secondary outcomes include staff‐rated pain levels, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life and changes in psychotropic and analgesic medication use. Participants, staff and family perceptions of using PARO and the PainChek app will be collected after the 4‐week intervention. Discussion: This study will test the use of the PainChek app and PARO to improve pain management for people with dementia. Results from this study will help determine its usefulness, feasibility and acceptability for pain management in people with dementia living in RACFs. Impact: As pain is a significant problem for people with dementia, this project will generate evidence on the use of the PainChek to measure the efficacy of a social robot intervention that has the potential to improve the quality of pain care in people with dementia. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number (ACTRN12621000837820) date registered 30/06/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ling c.c., lui l.y.y. & so w.k.w. (2012) Do educational interventions improve cancer patients' quality of life and reduce pain intensity? Quantitative systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 511-520. Abstract Aims. This paper reports a quantitative systematic review of the effects of educational interventions on quality of life, pain intensity and pain interference in cancer patients. Background. Cancer pain has a marked negative impact on quality of life, and this has become an important issue in discussions of treatment options. Patient education seems to be effective in pain management, but no review has been published with quality of life as an outcome measure. Data sources. Relevant publications from 2000 to 2010 were identified in six databases (Medline, CIHAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and DARE) and by means of hand-searches. All randomized controlled trial studies of pain-education programmes for cancer patients were considered, and a quantitative review of effectiveness carried out. Review methods. Studies were critically appraised by three independent reviewers, and the Jadad score was used to assess the quality of those included. Results. Four studies meeting the inclusion criteria were used, after methodological quality assessment. Pain intensity and pain interference were significantly reduced after education, but statistical change in quality of life was not found in any of the studies. Conclusions. Pain and quality of life are complex matters, and quality of life might not be a sensitive indicator of the effectiveness of pain education. To improve quality of life and reduce the severity of pain in cancer patients, individualized care, recognition of variations in patient experience, and a multi-disciplinary approach are required. Further research is recommended into patients' preferences of any educational intervention, and into the quality of existing education programmes and the expertise of the healthcare professionals concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

li x.-m., zhou k.-n., yan h., wang d.-l. & zhang y.-p. (2011) Effects of music therapy on anxiety of patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1145-1155. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a clinical trial of the effects of music therapy on anxiety of female breast cancer patients following radical mastectomy. Background. There is insufficient evidence on the effects of music therapy on state anxiety of breast cancer patients following radical mastectomy. Methods. A Hall's Core, Care, and Cure Model-based clinical trial was conducted in 120 female breast cancer patients from March to November 2009. A randomized controlled design was utilized. The patients were randomly allocated to the experimental group ( n = 60) received music therapy in addition to routine nursing care, and the control group ( n = 60) only received routine nursing care. A standardized questionnaire and the State Anxiety Inventory were applied. The primary endpoint was the state anxiety score measured at pretest (on the day before radical mastectomy) and at three post-tests (on the day before patients were discharged from hospital, the second and third time of admission to hospital for chemotherapy respectively). Results. The pretest score revealed that the majority of the patients had a moderate level (77·5%) and 15% had severe level of state anxiety. The repeated-measure ancova model analysis indicated that the mean state anxiety score was significantly lower in the experimental group than those in the control group at each of the three post-test measurements. The mean difference between the experimental and control group together with 95% confidence intervals were −4·57 (−6·33, −2·82), −8·91 (−10·75, −7·08) and −9·69 (−11·52, −7·85) at the 1st post-test, 2nd post-test and 3rd post-test respectively. Conclusion. Music therapy is found to have positive effects on decreasing state anxiety score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

radhakrishnan k. (2012) The efficacy of tailored interventions for self-management outcomes of type 2 diabetes, hypertension or heart disease: a systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 496-510. Abstract Aim. To evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of tailored interventions on self-management behaviours in individuals with heart disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Background. Tailored interventions are designed for individuals based on their unique characteristics, related to the outcome of interest, and derived from an individual assessment. Recognizing the differences between individuals and delivering interventions tailored to the individual could increase the likelihood of sustained self-management of long-term conditions. Review methods. A review of randomized controlled trials published between 2001 and 2010 was undertaken using the following databases: Pubmed, WOS, CINAHL, ERIC, ASP, PsychInfo and SSA. The search terms included tailored intervention(s), and self-management of chronic diseases included in the aim. Reference lists from relevant articles were also examined for additional references. Results. Ten studies were included in the review. Tailored interventions had no impact on self-management activities such as medication adherence, self-monitoring, exercise, smoking, or diet control. However, tailored interventions were modestly successful in improving specific self-management behaviours of dietary fat intake, levels of physical activity or screening. Studies included in the review generally suffered from compromised methodological issues of inadequately powered sample size, non-blinding of data collection or intervention delivery and inadequate reporting of the randomization process. Conclusion. When cost and resource utilization is taken into consideration, tailored interventions may not be more effective than standard interventions in improving self-management behaviours in individuals with long-term conditions. Future research should explore the effect of robust and resource-optimized tailored interventions on self-management outcomes for long-term conditions with high-quality trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The present study examines the efficacy of a scalp cooling system to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia in people with cancer. Background. Alopecia has been established as the most distressing aspect of chemotherapy to such an extent that some patients even refrain from cytotoxic treatment. Methods. Using a quasi-experimental approach in 2007, a total number of 63 patients aged 16-59 years (mean 35 ± 5·5 years) participated in the study and were treated with an intravenous regimen of chemotherapy drug. Thirty-one patients accepting the scalp-cooling system were compared for alopecia with 32 participants who refused it. Hair loss in the participants was evaluated by nurses using World Health Organization criteria at each cycle of chemotherapy. Results. Using chi-square test differences between the two groups were statistically significant at cycles 2-6 ( P < 0·05). Twenty-four participants (77·4%) of the study group were assessed as first and second grade of alopecia in the second cycle, whereas seven participants (22·6%) of this group exhibited third and fourth grade of alopecia. However, in the control group at the same cycle, 19 participants (61·3%) were assessed with third and fourth grade of alopecia. In the Sixth cycle 15 participants (50%) of the study group and 24 participants (75%) of the control group demonstrated third and fourth grade alopecia. Conclusion. A penguin cap can be an effective method to avoid alopecia in patients receiving chemotherapy drugs. However, it is important to bear in mind that because of individual characteristics, liver function and drug regimens it is not successful in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a self‐care education programme on clinical outcomes, self‐care behaviour and knowledge on heart failure (HF) among peoples with HF. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The participants (N = 160) will be randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention and the control arms using block randomization. The participants assigned to the intervention arm will receive educational intervention on HF self‐care comprising video‐assisted teaching with teach‐back technique, tailored teaching at discharge and a guide on self‐care followed by telephonic calls and text messages after discharge for 6 months along with standard care. The participants in the control arm will receive only a guide on self‐care with standard care. The clinical outcomes such as health‐related quality of life, hospital readmissions, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels, symptom perception, functional status, left ventricular ejection fraction, Seattle HF score, self‐care behaviour and knowledge on HF will be measured at the baseline, after 1 and 6 months of the intervention. Discussion: Several studies conducted on self‐care education interventions have shown positive effects, whereas few studies have shown no effect on the people outcomes. Providing the printed self‐care guide alone may not improve behaviour associated with self‐care and clinical outcomes. These peoples need continuous reinforcement on self‐care. If this self‐care educational intervention shows beneficial effects, it will contribute to the clinical practice and improve clinical outcomes. Impact: This research will contribute to the evidence on the effectiveness of an educational intervention on self‐care among peoples with HF. The results would assist the nurses caring for peoples with HF. They can also implement this intervention for improving the peoples' self‐care behaviour. Trial registration: The trial is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry India and the reference ID number CTRI/2019/10/021724. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the protocol for the pilot phase of a complex intervention, designed to address primary care nurses' role confusion in health promotion. Design: A pilot clustered randomized controlled trial, with control and intervention groups. Methods: The study will be conducted in a primary care setting. Participants will be nurses from the primary care health service working in a primary care team (PCT, 15 control group; 15 intervention group). Nurses in the experimental group will receive the ROLE‐AP programme over a 3‐week period. The control group will continue with the normal routine. The pilot will help determine the intervention's feasibility, acceptability, fidelity and quality of the programme components. Data collected preintervention, postintervention and 3 months after intervention will provide estimates of the intervention's preliminary effects on the main variable, nurses' degree of agreement concerning their expected role in health promotion. The study received funding from the local government in December 2019. Discussion: Role confusion is promoting primary care nurses' omissions in their health‐promoting practice, which is far from the ideal portrayed by the Ottawa Charter. Interventions are needed that reveal the most appropriate mechanisms for addressing role confusion, which requires reaching an intraprofessional agreement about the expectations for role activities. Healthcare organisations could benefit from the incorporation of a programme of these characteristics into standard practice. Impact: This study will produce a novel and comprehensive complex intervention that is expected to build nurses' capacity in primary healthcare organizations for health promotion, which is key to increasing the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the National Health System. The programme evaluation and feasibility study will reveal how to better use existing resources in a full‐scale clinical trial. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04726696). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]