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Background: While previous research has established that resilience is affected by various factors, these studies have primarily focussed on individual variables associated with resilience, without providing insights into how to influence the rate of change in resilience. Aim: To examine the trajectory of resilience and identify the factors associated with changes in resilience among spousal caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer receiving treatment during the first 6 months. Design: An observational longitudinal study. Methods: A total of 312 spousal caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer were recruited from January 2022 to December 2022 in Yancheng, China. Three data collection points were established, spanning from the first month to 6 months after initial cancer treatment. A latent growth model was employed to depict the resilience trajectory at various time points. A latent growth model with time‐invariant covariates was adopted to determine the factors influencing resilience trajectory. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist for proper reporting. Results: Throughout the follow‐up period, the participants experienced a significant increase in resilience. Gender, family income, the patient's health status, spirituality and belief in familism were significantly associated with the baseline resilience level. Moreover, family income, the patient's health status, spirituality, caregiver burden and belief in familism were significantly associated with the rate of resilience change over time. Conclusions: Spousal caregivers demonstrated a linear increase in resilience during the first 6 months after initial treatment. Meanwhile, changes in resilience were influenced by multiple factors during the early phase of cancer treatment. Thus, more attention should be paid to early identification and implementation of targeted interventions. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Healthcare professionals should understand the change in resilience among spousal caregivers and conduct timely mental health interventions to enhance the resilience of families affected by cancer. Patient or Public Contribution: The Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public‐Short Form reporting checklists were used to improve patient and public involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to (i) compare the prevalence of multidimensional frailty in middle‐aged and older people with stroke and to (ii) explore the relationship between multidimensional frailty and quality of life (QoL) in this patient population. Background: In recent years, stroke patients have become increasingly younger. As an important risk factor for stroke patients, frailty has gradually drawn research attention because of its multidimensional nature. Design: This study used a cross‐sectional design. Methods: The study included 234 stroke patients aged 45 and older. Multidimensional frailty was defined as a holistic condition in which a person experiences losses in one or more domains of human functioning (physical, psychological and social) based on the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, and QoL was based on the short version of the Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the correlation factors of QoL. STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript. Results: A total of 128 (54.7%) participants had multidimensional frailty, 48 (44.5%) were middle aged and 80 (63.5%) were older adults. The overall QoL mean score of the participants was 47.86 ± 9.04. Multidimensional frailty was negatively correlated with QoL. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that multidimensional frailty could independently explain 14.6% of the variation in QoL in stroke patients. Conclusions: Multidimensional frailty was prevalent in middle‐aged and older people with stroke, and it was a significant factor associated with QoL in stroke patients. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study emphasises the importance of the early identification of multidimensional frailty. And targeted interventions should be studied to prevent the occurrence of multidimensional frailty and thereby improve the QoL of patients. Patient or Public Contribution/s: There are no patient or public contributions to this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the trajectory, influencing factors and dynamic relationships between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and quality of life (QOL) in lung cancer patients. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Methods: Longitudinal data from 310 lung cancer patients across three hospitals in China were assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (T1–T4). Descriptive statistics characterised patient demographics, clinical characteristics, levels of FCR and QOL. A linear mixed‐effects model was employed to analyse FCR trajectories, identify influencing factors on these trajectories, and predict the impact of FCR on QOL. Results: FCR changed significantly over time, with a slight decrease during T1–T2, an increase at T3 and gradual decline at T4. Higher fear levels were associated with female sex, suburban or rural residency, being a family breadwinner, presence of comorbidities and negative coping behaviours, and low family resilience. QOL negatively correlated with FCR, and FCR predicted lower QOL. Conclusions: At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, lung cancer patients, especially women, suburban or rural residents, family breadwinners, those with comorbidities, negative coping behaviours and low family resilience, reported high levels of FCR. Healthcare providers should pay special attention to lung cancer patients especially during the period of 3–6 months post‐surgery and offer tailored interventions to improve their QOL. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: Understanding the FCR trajectories, its influencing factors and its negative impacts on QOL can guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce fear and enhance well‐being in patients with cancer. Impact: Identifying the trajectories and influencing factors of fear of lung cancer recurrence in patients at different time points informs future research on targeted interventions to improve QOL. Reporting Method: The study adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Statement on Reporting Observational Longitudinal Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Taking a dimensional view, this study aims to understand, among professional caregivers after patient deaths, the symptom distribution and development of the short‐term bereavement reaction (SBR) network and the node‐level links between the meaning of patient death (MPD) and the SBR network. Methods: A cross‐sectional secondary analysis was conducted with existing data from 220 Chinese urban hospital nurses and physicians who experienced the most recent patient death within a month. MPD was measured by the 10 formative items of the meaning of patient death model, and SBR was measured by the Short‐term Bereavement Reactions Subscale of the Professional Bereavement Scale. Both Gaussian graphical network analysis and Bayesian network analysis were applied to the SBR network, and Gaussian graphical network analysis was used to estimate the MPD‐SBR network. Results: Frustrated and guilty are central nodes in the regularized partial correlation SBR network. Meanwhile, a traumatic event and failure at work are important bridge nodes between the MPD network and the SBR network. In the Bayesian SBR network, moved by the family's understanding, moved by the family's gratitude and sad mainly drive other nodes. Conclusion: After a patient death, nurses' and physicians' SBR networks feature professional‐dimension symptoms at their core, while they follow 'personal to professional' and 'concrete to abstract' symptom development patterns. The personal meaning of a traumatic event and the professional meaning of a failure at work play key roles in bridging the MPD and SBR networks, and meanings of both the personal and the professional dimensions can link to professional‐dimension reactions. Reporting Method: The manuscript followed the STROBE checklist for reporting cross‐sectional studies. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the impact of socio‐demographic factors and job stressors on the emotional intelligence of psychiatric nurses. Background: Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in enabling nurses to effectively manage their own emotions, comprehend the emotions of others and assist individuals in dealing with diverse stressors. Nevertheless, a comprehensive conceptualization of the relationship between job stressors and emotional intelligence remains lacking. Design: This study employs a multi‐centre cross‐sectional design. Methods: A multi‐centre cross‐sectional survey involving 1083 registered nurses from 11 psychiatric hospitals across four provinces in China was conducted. Non‐probability sampling was utilised. The survey encompassed assessments of nurse job stressors, emotional intelligence using a scale and socio‐demographic characteristics using a questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was applied to identify significant variables associated with emotional intelligence based on demographic attributes and various nurse job stressors. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist. Results: The findings revealed a noteworthy negative correlation between nurse job stressors and emotional intelligence. Socio‐demographic factors and job stressors of certain nurses were able to predict emotional intelligence and its dimensions among psychiatric nurses, with percentages of 44.50%, 40.10%, 36.40%, 36.60% and 34.60%. Conclusion: Providing emotional intelligence training for psychiatric nurses could enhance their capacity to cope effectively with workplace stress, particularly among younger nurses who engage in limited physical activities. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and nurse job stressors could facilitate early detection and intervention by managers based on pertinent factors. This, in turn, could elevate the emotional intelligence level of psychiatric nurses. No Patient or Public Contribution: This study did not recruit participants, so details of participants were not be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this empirical study was to explore the current status and associated factors of lymphedema self‐management behaviours among Chinese breast cancer survivors. Background: Breast cancer‐related lymphedema is a lifetime concern for survivors and is currently incurable. Lifetime lymphedema self‐management takes a significant role in preventing development and progression of lymphedema. Understanding influencing factors of lymphedema self‐management behaviours can help to develop targeted intervention programs. Design: A multicentre cross‐sectional study. Methods: From December 2021 to April 2022, a convenience sample of 586 participants were recruited at four tertiary hospitals in four cities in China. Self‐reported questionnaires were used to measure socio‐demographic characteristics, disease‐and treatment‐related characteristics, lymphedema self‐management behaviours, lymphedema knowledge, illness perception, self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and social support. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were conducted. This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057084), and was reported followed the STROBE checklist. Results: Breast cancer survivors reported moderate level of lymphedema self‐management behaviours. Promotion of lymph reflux management was ranked the least performed self‐management behaviours, while the affected limb protection management ranked the most. 36.2% of self‐management behaviours was explained by exercise regularly, level of attention on lymphedema prevention, unclear about the tumour stage (vs. stage I), knowledge, self‐efficacy, emotional illness representation and social support. Conclusions: Lymphedema self‐management behaviours of breast cancer survivors was insufficient. Performance of lymphedema self‐management varied with different socio‐demographic characteristics, along with different levels of knowledge, self‐efficacy, perception and social support. All these identified predictors should be reckoned in assessment and intervention of lymphedema self‐management behaviours. Relevance To Clinical Practice: This study addressed that breast cancer survivors' lymphedema self‐management behaviours should be promoted. Focusing on identified predictors, further lymphedema surveillance, knowledge education or social facilitation programs are recommended to enhance their self‐management performance and adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To examine knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding postoperative delirium and the relationships among cardiac surgery nurses in China. Background: Postoperative delirium is a prevalent and devastating complication following cardiac surgery. Nurses play a part in multi‐disciplinary collaboration for preventing and managing postoperative delirium, of whom knowledge, attitude, and practice are essential. Design: A cross‐sectional multi‐centre study. Methods: Nurses from cardiac surgery wards and intensive care units of five tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China were enrolled. Data were gathered online using a self‐administered questionnaire. Student's t‐test, or analysis of variance, or non‐parametric tests were performed to compare differences across groups. Bootstrapping mediation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice. The STROBE checklist was used for the reporting of this study. Results: Of 429 nurses, a moderate level of knowledge and high levels of attitude and practice regarding postoperative delirium were revealed. Nurses with higher education, higher academic title, 5–10 years of practice in nursing and cardiac surgery nursing exhibited increased knowledge. With advanced age, practice in a specialised hospital, and training experience, nurses reported a better degree of practice. Attitude played a full mediating effect in the relationship between knowledge and practice, accounting for 81.82% of the total effects. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding postoperative delirium are promising among Chinese cardiac surgery nurses, with knowledge of screening tools and perioperative nonpharmacological interventions and practice of screening in need of enhancement. Attitudes act as an intermediary between knowledge and practice regarding postoperative delirium. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Innovative and stratified in‐service education is warranted to address knowledge enhancement. Meanwhile, organisations are suggested to make efforts to foster nurses' positive attitudes, particularly in creating a favourable culture and developing institutional protocols for postoperative delirium management to improve practice. No Patient or Public Contribution: This study is focused on cardiac surgery nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding postoperative delirium, and the research questions and design are from clinical nursing practice, literature review, and expert panel review, in which the patient or public is temporarily not involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of effort‐reward imbalance (ERI) on emergency nurses' turnover intention and the role of depressive symptoms between ERI and turnover intention. Background: Turnover intention is crucial for clinical practice due to its relationship with turnover behaviour and destructive effect on stability of nursing staff. The ERI is a mainstream model to explain job stress, which seems to be one of the key variables, but the direct evidence is not adequate. In addition, there have been only a few studies looking into the complexity of the relationship between ERI and turnover intention, and more research is needed. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional study conducted from July to August 2018, and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were followed. We employed a standardised questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information and target turnover intention. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression and mediation analyses were performed for the data analyses. Results: This study included responses from 17,582 emergency nurses in China. On turnover intention, ERI exerted both direct effect and indirect mediating effect. The results also indicate that depressive symptoms partially mediated the effect of ERI on turnover intention, and that 27.4% of this effect can be explained by mediating effects. Conclusions: To improve the turnover intention, it is necessary to consider reducing ERI and depressive symptoms of emergency nurses as powerful measures not to be ignored. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study provides important insights regarding how nursing administrators should better reduce the workload of caregivers and improve depressive symptoms to avoid turnover intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To understand key factors for shared decision‐making (SDM) and the quality improvement of nursing decisions in the orthopaedic clinical environment. Method: This study applied the consistent consistent fuzzy preference relations (CFPRs) and importance‐performance analysis (IPA) methods to explore the attribute weights and SDM performance, respectively. The dataset was collected from 16 orthopaedic clinical nurses' experiences in a third‐grade and first‐level general hospital in Taizhou, China. This study was performed according to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The results showed that "I made clear to my patient or patient's family that a nursing care decision needs to be made", "I explained the advantages and disadvantages of the nursing care options to my patient or patient's family" and "I told my patient or patient's family that there are different nursing care options for caring his/her medical condition" were key factors for affecting SDM. The statistical significance confidence and difference error of weight results were 98.321% and 1.679%, respectively. In addition, "I asked my patient or patient's family which nursing care option he/she prefers" was the key factor for improving orthopaedic clinical nursing in the case hospital. Conclusion: The hybrid CFPRs‐IPA model can help hospital managers effectively understand the key factors of SDM quality and improve the orthopaedic clinical nursing performance from nurses' perspectives. Relevance to Clinical Practice: A quantitative decision‐making model can help nurses understand the key factors affecting the quality of SDM in nursing decision‐making and promote nursing decision‐making and patient‐centred nursing service quality. A series of corresponding SDM training courses (i.e. concepts, knowledge and skills) can be provided for hospital and nursing department managers to maximise the potentially available resources. Patient or Public Contribution: The clinical care process should be committed to involving patients in their care decisions and also provide an opportunity for patients to gain a comprehensive understanding of the care decision‐making process in order to inform future patient contributions to care decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to estimate differences in health‐promoting behaviour levels throughout the pregnancy trimesters, to identify distinct patterns of health‐promoting behaviour trajectories during pregnancy and to evaluate predictors of these trajectory group memberships. Background: Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours during pregnancy could decrease devastating outcomes for the mother and foetus. However, there is currently limited insight into the dynamics of health‐promoting behaviours during pregnancy. Design: An observational longitudinal study. Methods: 158 pregnant women were recruited from June 2020 to June 2021 in Qingdao, China. The Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile was used to assess health‐promoting behaviours. Latent growth model was performed to compare health‐promoting behaviours at different time points. Group‐based trajectory model was applied to identify health‐promoting behaviour trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was adopted to determine the predictors of trajectory group memberships. We used the STROBE checklist to report this study. Results: The entire sample of pregnant women experienced a significant increase in health‐promoting behaviours during pregnancy. Three trajectories were identified including a 'low‐increase behaviour trajectory (20.1% of sample)', a 'moderate‐increase behaviour trajectory (58.0% of sample)' and a 'stable then increased behaviour trajectory (21.9% of sample)'. Low maternal sense of coherence, lack of pre‐pregnancy exercise habit, artificial insemination and low monthly family income were significantly associated with the low‐increase behaviour trajectory. High self‐efficacy and pre‐pregnancy exercise habit were significantly associated with the stable then increased behaviour trajectory. Conclusions: Pregnant women exhibit different health‐promoting behaviours throughout the pregnancy trimesters. Meanwhile, three trajectories were identified among pregnant women. Thus, more attentions should be paid on early identification and targeted intervention in a future study. Relevance of clinical practice: Healthcare providers should pay closer and earlier attention to identify women in the low‐increase trajectory subgroup at the outset of pregnancy. Similarly, increased efforts should be made to improve maternal self‐efficacy and develop good pre‐pregnancy exercise habit in future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To determine the prevalence and the associated factors of self‐perceived medical errors among Chinese emergency department nurses. Background: The emergency department is a place with a high incidence of medical errors. Studies about the occurrence and related influencing factors of medical errors among emergency nurses in China are very insufficient. Design: A nationwide cross‐sectional study. Methods: A nationwide cross‐sectional study was conducted from July 2018–August 2018. A total of 17,582 emergency department nurses from 31 provinces across China were eventually included in the analysis. Logistic regression is applied to examine the association of the independent variables with the perceived medical errors. The reporting of this study was compliant with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross‐sectional studies. Results: Of 17,582 participating nurses, 4445 (25.28%) reported self‐perceived medical errors in the past 3 months. Nurses who were serving as nurses‐in‐charge; who reported fair or bad physical health; who reported staff shortage; who were exposed to more verbal abuse at work; who experienced effort–reward imbalance; who reported more over‐commitment; or who had depressive symptoms were more likely to report medical errors. Older age and female gender were protective factors. Conclusions: In this study, a quarter of the emergency nurses reported that they had made medical errors in the past 3 months. Self‐perceived medical errors are associated with multiple domains of work‐related factors and personal distress. Feasible measures should be taken to reduce nurses' workload, improve their working environment, monitor and minimise the occurrence of medical errors among emergency department nurses. Relevance to clinical practice: Emergency nurses, who are the most frequently in contact with patients, play an important role in identifying risk factors and preventing medical errors. Identifying risk factors that may lead to medical errors in the medical environment from both internal and external aspects will help nursing practitioners, hospital administrators and policy makers to take timely preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of medical errors and reduce harm to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore the association between self‐efficacy and self‐management by modelling three types of social support as mediators among stroke high‐risk populations. Background: Self‐efficacy and social support (i.e. objective support, subjective support and support utilisation) are important for self‐management among stroke high‐risk populations. Self‐efficacy activates three types of social support, and the effect of social support on self‐management varies by types among chronic patients. Therefore, social support may act as a mediator between self‐efficacy and self‐management, and the mediating role may vary by types of social support. Disentangling the role of these different types of social support can guide tailored interventions. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted among 448 Chinese adults at high risk for stroke. Self‐efficacy, self‐management and social support were assessed using the Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Stroke Self‐management Scale and the Social Support Rating Scale respectively. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.3, model 4 was used to explore the mediating role of different types of social support in the relationship between self‐efficacy and self‐management. This study followed STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies (Appendix S1). Results: Self‐efficacy improved three types of social support, and subjective support and support utilisation promoted self‐management, but objective support hindered self‐management. The specific indirect effect of objective support and subjective support was significant but not that of support utilisation. Objective support, subjective support and support utilisation attenuated the total effect of self‐efficacy on self‐management by −23.8%, 23.8% and 7.7% respectively. Conclusions: Mediating effect of social support in the relationship between self‐efficacy and self‐management varies by type, and the positive effect of subjective support is offset by the detrimental effect of objective support. Relevance to clinical practice: Among stroke high‐risk populations, interventions should target objective support and subjective support as well as self‐efficacy to efficiently improve their self‐management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore hospital healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards dementia care in China. Background: Hospital healthcare professionals deliver most diagnosis and treatment for people with dementia in China. Literature shows that healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes are of great importance in providing optimum dementia care. However, there is limited research of healthcare professionals' dementia knowledge and attitudes within hospital contexts in China. Design: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between April and December 2019. Methods: A self‐report questionnaire composed of demographics and knowledge and attitude scales related to dementia was used for doctors and registered nurses working in settings where people with dementia are cared for in eleven public tertiary hospitals in Hebei Province, China. The STROBE checklist was adhered to in this study. Results: In total, 603 healthcare professionals completed the study. The majority of respondents were registered nurses (71.3%). The overall mean knowledge score was 20.7 (SD = 2.9) out of a maximum possible score of 30. The overall mean score for attitudes was 91.3 (SD = 15.9) out of a maximum possible score of 140. Standard multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the highest level of education, the experience of searching for dementia‐related information and willingness to receive dementia training or education were significant predictors of knowledge scores. The department, the experience of working with people with dementia, length of dementia care, interest in dementia care and training type were significant predictors of attitude scores. Conclusions: Deficits in the knowledge of dementia and a low level of positive attitude were identified among the healthcare professionals who work in hospital settings where people with dementia are cared for in China. Relevance to clinical practice: Education and training in dementia care should be integrated into undergraduate nursing and medical programmes and provided for healthcare professionals after commencing employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To translate 25‐item Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale into Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties amongst Chinese healthcare providers. Background: The prevalence of dementia is increasing in China, but development of relevant training for healthcare providers is still in its infancy stage. A comprehensive, valid and reliable Chinese knowledge‐of‐dementia measure is needed to identify training needs and evaluate the effect of educational interventions. Design: A cross‐sectional survey. Methods: The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale was translated into Chinese following the modified Brislin's translation model. Content and face validity were established by an expert panel in dementia care and healthcare providers. A convenience sample of 290 healthcare providers in care homes and hospitals was recruited. Construct validity was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis, concurrent validity and known groups' comparisons method. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency reliability and 2‐week test–retest reliability. This study used the STROBE checklist for reporting. Results: The content validity index was 0.98. The confirmatory factor analysis model revealed that the four‐factor model was partly supported in the present study. The moderate correlation between Chinese version of Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale and Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale indicated acceptable concurrent validity. The mean score of the scale and subscale scores showed significant differences between health professionals and care assistants, except for the subscale of "Care Considerations." The reliability was demonstrated with Cronbach's alpha of.77 and intra‐class correlation coefficients of each subscale between.74 and.92 among 56 respondents. Conclusions: The Chinese version of Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale demonstrated acceptable concurrent validity but marginal factorial validity and satisfactory reliability amongst Chinese healthcare providers. Therefore, applying the four‐factor structure of Chinese version scale should be considered. Relevance to clinical practice: Chinese version of Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale can be used to understand the training needs of healthcare providers in dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolism is a severe preventable complication among orthopaedic surgical patients. Integrating therapeutic guidelines into clinical practice can help improve patient safety and reduce the burden of this pathology. Improving the quality of patient care is important for bridging the gap between the prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism and therapeutic guidelines. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and venous thromboembolism and prophylaxis practices of Chinese orthopaedic nurses to guide quality care improvements. Methods: The data used in this study are secondary data obtained from a multicentric survey. An anonymous questionnaire was used to measure the attitude and knowledge of venous thromboembolic prophylaxis among orthopaedic nurses. VTE prophylactic practices were extracted from medical records within the electronic case report form immediately after the nurses' investigations. The STROBE statement for observational studies was applied. Results: Results indicated that although 94.0% of the responding nurses had attended training courses in their wards, a majority of them (68.9%) achieved a median knowledge score of 7 points or below (range 0–9). Knowledge regarding the proper use of prophylaxis, identification of risk factors, signs and symptoms for pulmonary embolism was limited. Self‐reported attitudes underestimate the relationships between venous thromboembolism and low‐quality nursing care. Pharmacological prophylaxis was highly used (90.9%), while the utilisation of mechanical prophylaxis and its proper use was relatively low. Conclusions: Chinese orthopaedic nurses demonstrated enthusiasm for venous thromboembolism and prophylaxis. Their knowledge needs to be improved, including the proper use of prophylaxis, identification of risk factors, signs and symptoms. Mechanical prophylaxis practice for VTE prevention after THA and TKA surgical procedures is not optimistic. Further studies should analyse the causes from multiple perspectives, including the availability of resources, the knowledge and attitude of doctors, nurses and patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The findings from this study can be used to develop and implement interventions for venous thromboembolism after orthopaedic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]