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Aims and objectives: To identify the current state of knowledge about the use of the sit‐to‐stand intervention with older people and to identify implications for further research. Background: Many older people experience mobility challenges which can negatively affect their well‐being. Physical activities are vital to improving or maintaining mobility. Although there is evidence that mobility challenged older people benefit from the sit‐to‐stand intervention, there is a need to systematically examine the state of knowledge about this intervention. Design: Scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. Methods: A systematic search of three databases was completed. Abstracts were evaluated for relevance using predetermined inclusion criteria. Studies that met the inclusion criteria had data extracted and were appraised for internal and external validity. Narrative synthesis was based on methods described by Popay and colleagues. Results: Of 3,041 papers, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Publications provided a range of sit‐to‐stand interventions with durations varying from four weeks to six months. The frequency of each intervention fluctuated from three to seven times/week with a duration of 15–45 min. Different professionals prompted the activity. Three themes were identified the following: (a) sit‐to‐stand activity as an intervention; (b) generalisability of findings; and (c) sustainability. Conclusions: Most of the studies reviewed indicated improvements in performance of the sit‐to‐stand activity and in motor function. However, issues with studies rigour do not allow us to make generalisations. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the intervention. Implications for practice: Healthcare providers are expected to offer evidence‐based patient care. This review details current knowledge about the sit‐to‐stand intervention with older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing supportive care to long‐term care residents with complex medical conditions generates substantial amounts of health information. This information must be documented, shared and acted upon by the various care providers within the circle of care. Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review is to describe the current digital health information exchange (HIE) processes used within Canadian long‐term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: The scoping review followed Arksey and O′Malley's approach to the methodology. Electronic databases (e.g. CINAHL, MEDLINE and SCOPUS) were searched between 2010 and 2020 using terms including 'health information exchange', 'communication' and 'health information technology'. Articles were included if they were Canadian‐based and relevant to our definition of health information exchange. Results: The search yielded 2091 citations for title and abstract screening; 78 citations were selected for independent full‐text review, 42 of those met study criteria. The findings revealed gaps between the expectations of HIE for quality health care and the realities of HIE processes that impact the provision of care in long‐term care. Conclusions: We conclude that increased provider engagement and effective use of HIE processes is recommended to improve the safety and quality of health care in the long‐term care sector. Implications for Practice: HIE implementation should be preceded a review of various aspects of workflow to identify information gaps and inefficiencies that can be addressed by digitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: This scoping review explored: (i) the role of unregulated care providers in the healthcare system; (ii) their potential role on interprofessional teams; (iii) the impact of unregulated care provider’s role on quality of care and patient safety; and (iv) education and employment standards. Background: Unregulated care providers in Canada assist older adults with personal support and activities of daily living in a variety of care settings. As the care needs of an aging population become increasingly complex, the role of unregulated care providers in healthcare delivery has also evolved. Currently, many unregulated care providers are performing tasks previously performed by regulated health professionals, with potential implications for quality of care and patient safety. Information is fragmented on the role, education and employment standards of unregulated care providers. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the methods outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 2005, 19) and Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien (Implementation Science, 5, 2010, 69). An iterative search of published and grey literature was conducted from January 2000 to September 2016 using Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Google. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies published in English. Results: The search yielded 63 papers for review. Results highlight the evolving role of unregulated care providers, a lack of recognition and a lack of authority for unregulated care provider decision‐making in patient care. Unregulated care providers do not have a defined scope of practice. However, their role has evolved to include activities previously performed by regulated professionals. Variations in education and employment standards have implications for quality of care and patient safety. Conclusions: Unregulated care providers are part of an important workforce in the long‐term care and community sectors in Canada. Their evolving role should be recognised and efforts made to leverage their experience on interprofessional teams and reduce variations in education and employment standards. Implications for practice: This study highlights the evolving role of unregulated care providers in Canada and presents a set of recommendations for implementation at micro, meso, and macro policy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke survivors might perceive their quality of life (QoL) as being affected even years after onset. The purpose of this review was to go through the literature to identify factors related to QoL for persons with stroke in China and Western countries for possible similarities and differences in their respective cultural views. Method: A narrative literature review was conducted on the papers identified by searching PubMed, EBSCO/CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data that published up to November 2016. Factors predicting QoL after stroke were extracted, and comparisons were made between Chinese and Western studies respecting cultural aspects. Results: A total of 43 articles were included in this review, with 31 conducted in Western countries and 12 in China. Predictors of QoL included Demographic factors: age, gender, marital status, education level, socioeconomic status; Clinically related factors: severity of stroke, physical function, depression/anxiety, cognitive impairment, incontinence and other comorbidities; Environmental factors: residential status, social support, social participation; and Individual factors: coping strategies and self‐perception. Being married and resident at home might be associated with the perception of QoL differently between Chinese and Western survivors. Conclusions: Most predictors of QoL in stroke survivors were the same in China and the Western countries. However, their QoL might be predicted differently regarding to the individualistic and collectivistic cultural differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To collate and critically review international evidence on the direct health system costs of children and adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. Methods: We conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles were limited to studies involving people aged 0–39 years at cancer diagnosis and published from 2012 to 2022. Two reviewers screened the articles and evaluated the studies using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. The reviewers synthesized the findings using a narrative approach and presented the costs in 2022 US dollars for comparability. Results: Overall, the mean healthcare costs for all cancers in the 5 years post diagnosis ranged from US$36,670 among children in Korea to US$127,946 among AYA in the USA. During the first year, the mean costs among children 0–14 years ranged from US$34,953 in Chile to over US$130,000 in Canada. These were higher than the costs for AYA, estimated at US$61,855 in Canada. At the end of life, the mean costs were estimated at over US$300,000 among children and US$235,265 among adolescents in Canada. Leukemia was the most expensive cancer type, estimated at US$50,133 in Chile, to US$152,533 among children in Canada. Overall, more than a third of the total cost is related to hospitalizations. All the included studies were of good quality. Conclusions: Healthcare costs associated with cancer are substantial among children, and AYA. More research is needed on the cost of cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries and harmonization of costs across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite low patient numbers, rural emergency departments have a similar diversity of case presentations as urban tertiary hospitals, with the need to manage high‐acuity cases with limited resources. There are no consistent descriptions of the resources available to rural emergency departments internationally, limiting the capacity to compare clinical protocols and standards of care across similarly resourced units. This review aimed to describe the range of human, physical and specialist resources described in rural emergency departments in developed countries and propose a typology for use internationally. Design and setting: A systematic literature search was performed for journal articles between 2000 and 2019 describing the staffing, access to radiology and laboratory investigations, and hospital inpatient specialists. Results: Considerable diversity in defining rurality and in resource access was found within and between Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA. Discussion: A typology was developed to account for (a) emergency department staff on‐floor, (b) emergency department staff on‐call, (c) physical resources and (d) access to a specialist surgical service. This provides a valuable tool for relevant stakeholders to effectively communicate rural emergency department resources within a country and internationally. Conclusion: The proposed five‐tiered typology draws together international literature regarding rural emergency department services. Although further research is required to test this tool, the formation of this common language allows a base for effective communication between governments, training providers and policy‐makers who are seeking to improve health systems and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: (1) To review and synthesize research on the contributions of nurses to rehabilitation in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation units (GRUs), and (2) to compare these reported contributions to the domains of international rehabilitation nursing competency models. The roles and contributions of nurses (e.g. Registered Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses) in GRUs are non‐specific, undervalued, undocumented and unrecognized as part of the formal Canadian rehabilitation process. Design: Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were used. Methods: Six databases were searched for relevant literature: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Nursing and Allied Health. English articles were included if they examined nursing roles or contributions to inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. Integrated synthesis was used to combine the qualitative and quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for coding. Three sets of international competency models were amalgamated to explore how different nurse roles in geriatric rehabilitation were portrayed in the included literature. Results: Eight studies published between 1991 and 2020 were included in the review. Five main geriatric rehabilitation nursing roles were generated from synthesis of the domains of international rehabilitation nursing competency models: conserver, supporter, interpreter, coach and advocate. Conclusions: Nurses working in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation are recognized more for their role in conserving the body than their roles in supporting, interpreting, coaching and advocacy. Interprofessional team members appear to be less sure of the nurses' role in the rehabilitation unit. Nurses themselves do not acknowledge the unique rehabilitation aspects of care for older adults. Enhancing formal education, or adding continuing education courses, to facilitate role clarity for nurses in geriatric rehabilitation could improve nurses' and interprofessional healthcare team members' understandings of the possible contributions of nurses working in rehabilitation settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dual diagnosis (DD) refers to the coexistence of intellectual disability and psychiatric disorder. In order to provide individuals with DD with adequate care, it is essential for mental health workers to have adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. These may be achieved through proper training. Aims To summarise the available literature examining the knowledge, attitudes and training of psychiatrists and other professional caregivers in regard to serving people with DD. Methods A search strategy was developed to find manuscripts published in English since 1995. Results Twenty-seven studies on knowledge, attitudes and training in the field of DD were identified and reviewed in this paper. Conclusion The findings of this review stress the need to improve the knowledge, competence and attitudes of practitioners within the DD field via training and practice opportunities. In light of this review, recommendations for improving training opportunities and for conducting future research are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Successful completion of clinical education experiences is a graduation requirement for students in occupational therapy and physical therapy programmes. A scoping review was conducted to determine what is known about possible clinical experience performance predictors and to find associated research gaps. Methods: The search included one hand‐searched journal and seven databases, which were used to identify related relevant studies: CINAHL, Education Database, Education Source, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), PubMed, REHABDATA, and Web of Science. A research librarian guided the search process, and the review's reporting is structured by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) Checklist. Studies were included if they contained predictors of clinical experience success indicated by validated performance evaluation tools that were scored by clinical instructors. A multidisciplinary team reviewed the title, abstract, and full text for inclusion and conducted thematic data synthesis to categorise findings. Findings: Twenty‐six articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of articles were of correlational design and included single institutions. Seventeen articles included occupational therapy, eight included physical therapy, with only one article including both programmes. Four categories of predictors of clinical experience success were identified: pre‐admission variables, academic preparation, learner characteristics, and demographics. Each of the main categories included three to six subcategories. Key findings included the following: (a) The most common cited predictors in clinical experiences are academic preparation and learner characteristics, (b) more experimental design studies are needed to determine the causal relationship between predictors and clinical experience success, and (c) future research is needed on ethnic disparities and clinical experience success. Conclusion: Findings from this review show that possible predictors of clinical experience success include a wide range of factors when correlating success with a standardised tool. Academic preparation and learner characteristics were the most investigated predictors. There were only a small number of studies that found a correlation with pre‐admission variables. The findings of this study suggest that students' academic achievement may be a critical element of clinical experience preparation. Future research using experimental designs and across institutions is needed to determine the main predictors for student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This integrative review aimed to understand the impact of nursing on the health outcomes of people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative review methodology guided the review process. The authors searched PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and OVID databases for peer‐reviewed, English language articles describing nursing care for people receiving medications for OUD. The literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 773 articles were identified through the database searches after duplicates were removed; 15 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the final review from the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, and the Netherlands. Two themes emerged: (1) The effect of nurse‐led care on patient outcomes and (2) Nursing roles and the environment of care. Studies emphasized the aspects of nursing care that promote patient‐centeredness and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The importance of the registered nurse in providing quality care for people receiving medications for OUD is clear from the literature reviewed. The studies in the review highlighted important aspects of the registered nurses' role in affecting outcomes for people receiving medications for OUD including communication and care coordination. Clinical relevance: This review highlights the need for role delineation and further development of nurse‐sensitive indicators in the OUD treatment setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Eating disorders (ED) may be associated with an increased prevalence of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) relative to healthy (HC) and psychiatric (PC) controls. However, precise estimates of differences in prevalence between individuals with EDs and controls are unclear. We compared the prevalence of NSSI, suicidal ideation (SI), suicide attempts (SA), and deaths by suicide in controls and individuals with EDs. Method: We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL for peer‐reviewed publications reporting the prevalence of NSSI and/or STBs in EDs and HC or PC group (PROSPERO: CRD42021286754). A series of random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) for NSSI, SI, SA, and death by suicide in EDs. Results: Across 32 studies, individuals with an ED had a significantly increased prevalence of NSSI (HC: OR = 6.85 [95% CI: 3.60, 13.04]; PC: OR = 2.74 [95% CI: 1.49, 5.06]), SI (HC: OR = 3.63 [95% CI: 2.43, 5.41]; PC: OR = 3.10 [95% CI: 2.01, 4.78]), and SA (HC: OR = 5.16 [95% CI: 4.27, 6.24]; PC: OR = 1.37 [95% CI: 0.37, 4.99]) relative to HC and PC groups. A 2.93‐times increased odd of death by suicide did not achieve statistical significance. There was a high‐level of heterogeneity between studies. Discussion: Our findings indicate that ED populations have an increased prevalence of NSSI, SI, and SA but not death by suicide compared to controls and emphasize the need for effective clinical strategies to address these behaviors in ED populations. Public Significance: This review provides evidence for an increased prevalence of non‐suicidal self‐injury, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in populations with eating disorders compared to controls. Our findings emphasize the need for effective clinical strategies to address these behaviors in patients with eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Examining the emerging body of evidence investigating what drives physiotherapist's clinical decisions in the management of low back pain can guide future research into identifying barriers and facilitators of their adherence to evidence recommended interventions. Objective: To establish the body of evidence regarding factors that improve or hinder physiotherapists' adherence to high‐value interventions on the management of non‐specific low back pain. Design: Scoping review. Methods: We conducted a Scoping review by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases on 13 February 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved literature and selected articles for inclusion. We included quantitative research that investigated an association between physiotherapists' personal characteristics or setting related characteristics with their clinical management of patients with non‐specific low back pain. Results: Twelve studies reported in 13 publications were included. The majority of the studies were conducted in high‐income countries including, the United States, Canada and UK. Twenty‐six factors were investigated as potentially influencing physiotherapists' adherence to high value interventions in low back pain management. The most commonly examined physiotherapists' attributes were educational qualification that is postgraduate or certification course (58%, N = 7 studies), years of experience (41%, N = 5 studies), and beliefs and attitude about low back pain (41%, N = 5 studies). Work setting (N = 4) and workload (N = 3) were frequently investigated setting related factors. Conclusion: Currently, there is limited evidence available to understand determinants controlling practice behaviours of physiotherapists' management of nonspecific low back pain. Future researches conceptualized within contemporary theories of clinician behaviour change and models of knowledge translation are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background E-health is increasingly being identified as a cost-effective method to deliver health services and remote monitoring in rural and remote areas. There is a paucity of research that identifies successful implementation of e-health and remote monitoring in rural communities. Objective To identify the evidence relating to the impact of e-health on rural and remote communities and residents. Design A systematic, rapid review of grey and published peer-reviewed literature using CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psych Info, APAIS- Health, ATSI Health, Health Collection, Health & Society, Meditext, RURAL, Pub Med and Google Scholar. Search terms used included telemedicine, telehealth, e-health, regional, rural and remote communities; New South Wales, Australia, and other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Electronic health records and health informatics were excluded. Results The search yielded 105 articles and reports. Following removal of duplicates, initial screening and full text screening, 19 articles remained: 16 peer-reviewed publications and three grey literature. This included two systematic reviews, one literature review, six descriptive reviews of services and nine reviews of specific interventions and identification of barriers and facilitators to implementation of an intervention. There was evidence that e-health can increase access to services across a range of medical specialties without any detrimental effects and improve opportunities for professional development. Conclusion E-health has the potential to increase access to services in rural and remote communities. The evidence shows that it is as safe, effective and reliable as most conventional methods for interacting with patients while enabling people to stay within their own communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our aim was to systematically review qualitative evidence regarding the experiences and perceptions of General Practitioners and the factors influencing retention in remote areas of Canada and Australia. The objectives were to identify gaps and inform policy to improve retention of remote doctors, which should in turn reduce health inequalities for remote communities. Design: Meta‐aggregation of qualitative studies of General Practitioners and general practice registrars who had worked in a remote area of Australia or Canada for a minimum of 1 year and/or were intending to stay remote long term in their current placement. Results: Six synthesised findings were identified: peer and professional support, organisational support, uniqueness of remote lifestyle and work, burnout and time off, personal family issues and cultural and gender issues. Conclusions: Long‐term retention of doctors in remote areas of Australia and Canada is influenced by a range of negative and positive perceptions, and experiences with key factors being professional, organisational and personal. All 6 synthesised findings span a spectrum of policy domains and service responsibilities, and therefore, a central coordinating body could be well placed to implement a multifactorial retention strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in our older adult population, there is a need for dementia training for informal and formal dementia caregivers. The objective of this scoping study is to assess dementia knowledge instruments utilized in educational programs and interventions intended for formal and informal dementia caregivers. Scoping review methodology was used to search PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Web of Science with tailored database search terms. The search yielded 8101 results, with 35 studies meeting inclusion. Studies were conducted in eight countries, had varying study designs (randomized controlled trials [RCTs] = 9, non‐RCTs = 6, one‐group study design = 20) and utilized previously published (19) and author developed (16) instruments. Furthermore, the studies were internationally diverse, conducted in the United States (n = 18), Australia (n = 7), UK (n = 3), China (n = 2), Canada (n = 2), Taiwan (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1) and multi‐country (n = 1). Only two studies focused on minority populations. While author‐developed instruments may be more relevant and timesaving, studies should strive to validate instruments or use previously published instruments to help standardize findings across studies and understand better the effects of educational programs on caregiver knowledge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 397–413. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tom Kitwood's theoretical framework of person‐centred care is extensively and internationally referred to in healthcare services. However, despite the broad use of Kitwood's approach in clinical practice, the research examining experiences with the approach has not been mapped. Aim: To map the available literature on current empirical experiences in clinical practice of Kitwood's approach to person‐centred care for people with dementia, living in institutional settings in primary health care. Methods: A total of 154 studies concerning the experiences of people with dementia and their formal caregivers' use of Kitwood's framework of person‐centred care for residents living in institutional settings in primary health care were compiled from scientific databases. All three authors engaged in a systematic selection process, leading to nineteen articles being included in the review. Results: The results showed an overall tendency towards positive experiences gained from applying person‐centred approaches in clinical practice influenced by Kitwood's theoretical framework. Through the synthesis of data from the selected studies, six categories related to our research aim were identified 'Theoretical evaluation of Tom Kitwood's model of care', 'Models and frameworks', 'Interventions', 'Communication', 'Dementia Care Mapping' and 'Environment'. Conclusion: The present review included nineteen studies published from 1998 to 2016 and consisted mainly of peer‐reviewed scientific articles, followed by dissertations, conference posters and nonpeer‐reviewed articles. All studies were undertaken in Western countries. The vast majority of the studies considered Kitwood's theoretical framework to be beneficial and useful in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify published evidence to inform the development of expanded practice services in rural community pharmacies. Data sources: The search strategy was applied to the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Emcare, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Study selection: In all, 508 studies were evaluated against inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 29 eligible studies finally included in the review. Services provided needed to meet the described definition of 'expanded practice' and be applied in a rural community pharmacy setting. Expanded services were evaluated against at least one of the following: effectiveness, enablers, barriers and feasibility. Results: The studies included in this review were conducted in the US (n = 15), Australia (n = 8), Canada (n = 2), New Zealand (n = 1), England (n = 1), Croatia (n = 1) and Ghana (n = 1). All studies were conducted within the past 22 years, with 11 published since 2015. Cardiovascular disease (n = 7), diabetes/metabolic syndrome (n = 4), respiratory disease (n = 6) and vaccinations (n = 5) were the most common diseases or health service targeted in the interventions. Study design varied, reflected in the methodological quality, which included experimental studies (n = 27) and retrospective observational cohort studies (n = 2). Expanded pharmacy services identified included delivery of immunisations and the screening and management of chronic and infectious diseases, such as osteoporosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malaria, diabetes and cardiovascular and kidney disease. Conclusions: Pharmacists providing these services have an opportunity to improve health outcomes for rural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To analyze the development of the nursing method process in Spain, and compare it with the development in the United States and Canada. METHODS: This is a narrative review. FINDINGS: The teaching of the nursing process in nursing schools started in Spain as from 1977 and that it started being used in professional practice in the 1990's. The development, the difficulties, the nursing models used and its application form are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The development of the nursing process in the United States and Canada started to happen in Spain about 15–20 years later and, today, is a reality. IMPLICATIONS: Cross‐sectional studies are needed to determine the changes in the development of the nursing process in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The principles of evidence-based medicine have been critiqued by the 'caring' professions, such as nursing and social work, and evidence-informed medicine has been proposed as a more client-centred, integrative approach to practice. The purpose of this study was to explore how Canadian health science librarians who serve nurses and allied health professionals define good service and how they negotiate evidence-based principles in their searching strategies. Method Twenty-two librarians completed a 30 minute, semi-structured phone interview about strategies for providing good service and supporting evidence-based services. Participants were also asked to respond to three challenging search scenarios. Analysis of results used grounded theory methods. Results Participants' definitions of good service and strategies for supporting evidence-based practice involved discussions about types of services provided, aspects of the librarian providing the service and aspects of the information provided during the service. Analysis of search scenarios revealed four justifications librarians rely upon when providing evidence that is in opposition to what their patron hopes to receive (evidentiary, ethical, practice-based and boundaries of the profession). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that health science librarians are both constrained and enabled by the principles of evidence-based medicine and especially by understandings of 'best evidence'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creative arts can be used to support stakeholders of mental health services to communicate and share their lived experience. Digital storytelling is one method that has been used to capture people's lived experience. In this scoping review, we were interested in mapping how digital storytelling has been used in mental health, and to identify gaps in the literature. Nine databases were searched to identify peer reviewed literature published between January 2000 and August 2015; 15 articles were included in the review. The articles were categorized across four broad areas: educational interventions, learning skills, learning about other people's lived experience, and learning about personal lived experience. We identify that while digital storytelling has potential as a participatory process to promote mutual understanding of and empathy towards lived experiences in mental health, there is a dearth of research in this area. More research is needed on the use of digital storytelling in mental health to determine its effectiveness in progressing a recovery orientation in service provision that is built on solidarity and a social justice agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based interventions have been developed and used to prevent HIV infections among black men who have sex with men ( MSM) in Canada and the United States; however, the degree to which interventions address racism and other interlocking oppressions that influence HIV vulnerability is not well known. We utilize integrative antiracism to guide a review of HIV prevention intervention studies with black MSM and to determine how racism and religious oppression are addressed in the current intervention evidence base. We searched CINAHL, PsychInfo, MEDLINE and the CDC compendium of evidence-based HIV prevention interventions and identified seventeen interventions. Three interventions targeted black MSM, yet only one intervention addressed racism, religious oppression, cultural assets and religious assets. Most interventions' samples included low numbers of black MSM. More research is needed on interventions that address racism and religious oppression on HIV vulnerability among black MSM. Future research should focus on explicating mechanisms by which multiple oppressions impact HIV vulnerability. We recommend the development and integration of social justice tools for nursing practice that aid in addressing the impacts of racism and other oppressions on HIV vulnerability of black MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives Given the increasing emphasis being placed on managing patients with chronic diseases within primary care, there is a need to better understand which primary care organizational attributes affect the quality of care that patients with chronic diseases receive. This study aimed to identify, summarize and compare data collection tools that describe and measure organizational attributes used within the primary care setting worldwide. Methods Systematic search and review methodology consisting of a comprehensive and exhaustive search that is based on a broad question to identify the best available evidence was employed. Results A total of 30 organizational attribute data collection tools that have been used within the primary care setting were identified. The tools varied with respect to overall focus and level of organizational detail captured, theoretical foundations, administration and completion methods, types of questions asked, and the extent to which psychometric property testing had been performed. The tools utilized within the Quality and Costs of Primary Care in Europe study and the Canadian Primary Health Care Practice- Based Surveys were the most recently developed tools. Furthermore, of the 30 tools reviewed, the Canadian Primary Health Care Practice- Based Surveys collected the most information on organizational attributes. Conclusions There is a need to collect primary care organizational attribute information at a national level to better understand factors affecting the quality of chronic disease prevention and management across a given country. The data collection tools identified in this review can be used to establish data collection strategies to collect this important information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The number of public health degrees and programmes is growing rapidly. This means that a diverse and multidisciplinary group of students are in need of expert library services to navigate the complicated world of public health information. Objective To better understand the information needs of public health students, a group that has not previously been studied in the information needs literature. Methods An online survey. Results Of the 153 students, 38 responded (25% response rate). Their responses indicated a strong need for more tailored library instruction sessions at the point of need as opposed to general stand-alone sessions offered at the beginning of a term. It was also found that many students were unaware of public health specific resources available that could greatly aid them in their information needs. Suggestions were made on how to improve the library subject guide, specifically in the areas of more instructions related to locating hard to find resources (e.g. statistics, grey literature), and direct linking to resources (e.g. databases and relevant articles). Conclusion The information needs of public health students are diverse and complex. It is imperative that the library has a solid understanding of their needs and is able to offer them targeted and relevant library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Health interventions and practices often lag behind the available research, and the need for timely translation of new health knowledge into practice is becoming increasingly important. Objective The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic search and review of the literature on online knowledge translation techniques that foster the interaction between various stakeholders and assist in the sharing of ideas and knowledge within the health field. Methods The search strategy included all published literature in the English language since January 2003 and used the medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature ( cinahl), embase and Inspec databases. Results The results of the review indicate that online strategies are diverse, yet all are applicable in facilitating online health-related knowledge translation. The method of knowledge sharing ranged from use of wikis, discussion forums, blogs, and social media to data/knowledge management tools, virtual communities of practice and conferencing technology - all of which can encourage online health communication and knowledge translation. Conclusions Online technologies are a key facilitator of health-related knowledge translation. This review of online strategies to facilitate health-related knowledge translation can inform the development and improvement of future strategies to expedite the translation of research to practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Healthcare practitioners in Alberta and across Canada have varying levels of access to information resources depending on their institutional and professional affiliations, yet access to current health information is critical for all. Objectives To determine what information resources and services are provided by Albertan and Canadian professional health associations to their members. Methods Representatives of professional colleges and associations were interviewed regarding information resources and services offered to members and perceptions of their members' information needs. Results National-level associations are more likely to provide resources than provincial ones. There is a clear distinction between colleges and associations in terms of information offered: colleges provide regulatory information, while associations are responsible for provision of clinical information resources. Only half of the associations interviewed provide members with access to licensed databases, with cost being a major barrier. Conclusions There is considerable variation in the number of electronic resources and the levels of information support provided by professional health associations in Alberta and Canada. Access and usage vary among the health professions. National licensing of resources or creation of a portal linking to freely available alternatives are potential options for increasing access and awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to review and synthesise existing literature that investigated the experience of overseas-trained health professionals (OTHPs) in rural and remote areas of destination countries. A systematic literature review was conducted using electronic databases and manual search of studies published from January 2004 to February 2011. Data were analysed from the final 17 original report articles that met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed research studies were conducted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Overseas-trained medical practitioners were the most frequently researched (n = 14); two studies involved nurses and one study included several health professionals. Three main themes emerged from the review and these were: (i) expectations; (ii) cultural diversity; and (iii) orientation and integration to rural and remote health work environment. The OTHPs were expected to possess the appropriate professional and cultural skills while they themselves expected recognition of their previous experiences and adequate organisational orientation and support. A welcoming and accepting community coupled with a relaxed rural lifestyle and the joy of continued patient care resulted in successful integration and contributed to increased staff retention rates. Recognition of expectations and cultural diversity by all parties and comprehensive orientation with sufficient organisational support are important elements in the integration of OTHPs and subsequent delivery of quality health care to people living in rural and remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Research has only begun to examine the complexity of transition to adulthood under illness conditions. A Delphi method may be utilized to identify pertinent research priorities for academics and clinicians in adolescent healthcare transitions and prioritize a framework for an ongoing programme of research. Methods Through a comprehensive recruitment strategy throughout Canada, 114 clinicians and academics were invited to participate in this national study. Three phases were conducted until consensus could be achieved for the five most pressing research priorities. Results Thirty-eight respondents completed at least one of the three phases of the process. All responses were analysed, and five questions in phase 3 achieving a level of consensus ranging 64-80% were identified as the top five research priorities. These questions included: skills and knowledge adolescents require for the transition process, how to measure success, the factors that influence a successful transition and whether good transitions improve health outcomes. Conclusions The results of this study can inform and prioritize a framework for an ongoing programme of research in Canada. The inclusion of clinicians and academics ensures that the research agenda incorporates perspectives from the front-line work of individuals providing care to this population as well as individuals from the academic community with important knowledge and skills related to research approaches and methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically analyze evidence about the outcome and percent of newly completed ADs, focusing on the effectiveness of (a) types of educational interventions versus controls and (b) one educational intervention over another. Design: Systematic review of literature based on Cochrane review criteria. Methods: Twelve randomized and four nonrandomized studies were selected from the nursing, medical, and social work literature that met the following criteria: described educational interventions, provided information to calculate the percent of newly completed ADs as an outcome, and published between 1991 and 2009. The review focused primarily on randomized studies. Reviewers calculated the percent of newly completed ADs by determining the number of subjects per group without an AD at baseline and the percentage of those who then completed one by the end of the studies. Findings: Findings were inconsistent regarding all types of educational interventions studied versus controls. Sufficient evidence exists to conclude that combined written and verbal educational interventions were more effective than single written interventions in increasing the percent of newly completed ADs in adult clinic outpatients and hospitalized elderly. Conclusions: Calculating the percent of newly completed ADs was successful in allowing for study result comparisons. Overall, the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of single or combined educational interventions in increasing AD completion is weak. Randomized studies with diverse samples should be conducted against controls before more studies comparing interventions are undertaken. Clinical Relevance: This article provides nurses with a summary of research related to educational interventions and AD completion and identifies where future study is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]