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Background: Strict patient isolation in hospital is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, there is a lack of high‐quality evidence for effective interventions to improve safety and quality of care for these patients. Aims: To identify patient reported areas for improvement in the care of patients in hospital isolation and to determine the feasibility of collecting patient reported outcomes using validated tools. Methods: Design: An exploratory mixed methods study. Setting: A major metropolitan teaching hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Participants: Patients in hospital isolation for transmissible infections. Data collection: Data were collected by (1) phone interviews with patients in isolation and (2) seven validated measurement tools to assess cognition, loneliness, nutritional status, quality of life, anxiety and depression and physical activity. Data were collected between September and December 2021. Data analysis: Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively including participant characteristics and outcome data. Results: Participants identified areas for improvement including activities to decrease boredom, more contact with staff to mitigate loneliness and increase comfort care, and formalised communication about clinical treatment and discharge plan. Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were happier to be alone. There were operational challenges within the health service including delays and miscommunication. Only 70% of the participants completed all questionnaires. Conclusion: This study identified areas for improvement in care of patients in isolation and demonstrated that collecting patient reported outcomes using validated tools was feasible. The results of this research will inform development of an intervention to manage adverse effects. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Patients in hospital isolation require additional consideration to ensure that their needs are met to avoid adverse outcomes. The patient experience and comfort can be negatively affected when fundamental care is lacking. Reporting Method (EQUATOR): EQUATOR guidelines for Mixed Methods Reporting in Rehabilitation & Health Sciences (MMR‐RHS). Patient or Public Contribution: Thirteen patients in hospital isolation agreed to participate in this study, sharing their experiences through interviews and assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and internally validate risk prediction models for subsequent clinical deterioration, unplanned ICU admission and death among ward patients following medical emergency team (MET) review. Design: A retrospective cohort study of 1500 patients who remained on a general ward following MET review at an Australian quaternary hospital. Method: Logistic regression was used to model (1) subsequent MET review within 48 h, (2) unplanned ICU admission within 48 h and (3) hospital mortality. Models included demographic, clinical and illness severity variables. Model performance was evaluated using discrimination and calibration with optimism‐corrected bootstrapped estimates. Findings are reported using the TRIPOD guideline for multivariable prediction models for prognosis or diagnosis. There was no patient or public involvement in the development and conduct of this study. Results: Within 48 h of index MET review, 8.3% (n = 125) of patients had a subsequent MET review, 7.2% (n = 108) had an unplanned ICU admission and in‐hospital mortality was 16% (n = 240). From clinically preselected predictors, models retained age, sex, comorbidity, resuscitation limitation, acuity‐dependency profile, MET activation triggers and whether the patient was within 24 h of hospital admission, ICU discharge or surgery. Models for subsequent MET review, unplanned ICU admission, and death had adequate accuracy in development and bootstrapped validation samples. Conclusion: Patients requiring MET review demonstrate complex clinical characteristics and the majority remain on the ward after review for deterioration. A risk score could be used to identify patients at risk of poor outcomes after MET review and support general ward clinical decision‐making. Relevance to clinical practice: Our risk calculator estimates risk for patient outcomes following MET review using clinical data available at the bedside. Future validation and implementation could support evidence‐informed team communication and patient placement decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore adult inpatients' perceptions, understanding and preferences regarding the term 'malnutrition' and to identify the terms that adult inpatients report are used by themselves and health workers to describe malnutrition. Design: This qualitative study was conducted using data collected for a separate qualitative study that investigated factors that influence the dietary intake of long‐stay, acute adult inpatients. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of current inpatients. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: Nineteen interviews were included (mean age 64 years (standard deviation ±17), 10 female (53%), 12 malnourished (63%)). Four categories were identified. 'Variation in patients' recognition of malnutrition' represents the differing abilities of patients to understand and identify with the term 'malnutrition'. 'Recognising individuals' needs and preferences' highlights patients' varying beliefs regarding whether 'malnutrition' is or is not an appropriate term and participants' suggestion that health workers should tailor the term used to each patient. 'Inconsistencies in health workers' and patients' practice regarding malnutrition terminology' encapsulates the multiple terms that were used to describe malnutrition by health workers and patients. 'Importance of malnutrition education' summarises patients' views that health workers should provide patient education on malnutrition prevention, management and complications. Conclusion: Findings highlight variations in patients' perceptions and understanding of the term 'malnutrition' and differences in the terms used by patients and health workers to describe malnutrition. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: The terminology used by health workers to describe malnutrition risk or malnutrition to their patients can influence patients' recognition of their nutritional status and thus the multidisciplinary management of the condition. To ensure that patients receive information about their malnutrition risk or diagnosis in a way that meets their needs, health workers' practices must be revised. To do this, it is imperative to conduct further collaborative research with patients and health workers to identify optimum terms for 'malnutrition' and how health workers should communicate this to patients. Impact: There is a disparity in patients' perceptions, understanding and preferences for the term 'malnutrition' and there are inconsistencies in how health workers communicate malnutrition to patients.To support patients' recognition and understanding of their nutritional status, it is imperative for health workers to consider how they discuss malnutrition with patients. Reporting Method: Adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (Tong et al., 2007). Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to assess mental health nurses' empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis in Australian mental health settings. The research question was What is mental health nurses' empathy towards consumers with co‐existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems? Design and Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was carried out to understand mental health nurses' empathy. The convenience sample included 96 mental health nurses from various mental health settings with experience working with consumers with dual diagnosis. We assessed empathy using the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. We utilised SPSS™ software to analyse both the descriptive data and multiple‐regression. Results: The mean empathy score was 47.71 (SD 8.28). The analysis of the association between demographic variables and individual subscales showed an association between the clinical setting and empathy (p =.031) and sympathetic physiological arousal (p =.049). The work sector was associated with sympathetic physiological arousal (p =.045) and conspecific altruism (p =.008). Emotional contagion (β =.98, p <.001), emotional comprehension (β = 1.02, p <.001), sympathetic physiological arousal (β = 1.01, p <.001) and conspecific altruism (β = 10.23, p <.001) predicted mental health nurses' empathy. Conclusions: This study found that most mental health nurses showed empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis. Mental health nurses who are more empathetic towards their consumers experience emotional contagion. They understand emotions better, show sympathetic physiological responses and exhibit kind behaviour towards consumers. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: Further research is required to understand how mental health nurses adapt to consumers' emotional states in different mental health settings. This information can help clinicians make better decisions about care quality for consumers with dual diagnosis. Impact: This study addressed mental health nurses' empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis. Mental health nurses showed increased empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis. The empathy levels vary based on age, clinical setting, work sector and work experience. Mental health nurses' empathy levels were predicted by emotional contagion, emotion comprehension, sympathetic physiological arousal and conspecific altruism. Empathy enhancement among mental health nurses, particularly towards consumers with dual diagnosis, is crucial and should be regarded as a top priority by healthcare leaders and educators. Reporting Method: Outlined by the Consensus‐Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To gain an understanding of children's experiences of expressing their views and having them heard in Australian healthcare settings. Design: Child‐centred qualitative research. A deductive qualitative content analysis was undertaken. Methods: Data were collected from 20 Australian children and young people between the ages of 7 and 18 years old using the 'draw, write and tell' method. Results: Children's experiences of 'space' and 'voice', and therefore the opportunity to express their views in health care were, in the main, positive. At the same time, their experiences of 'audience' and 'influence', the situations in which those views are given due weight, were overwhelmingly described as negative. Conclusion: Australian paediatric health services appear to have responded to calls to provide children with the opportunity to express their views and thus are delivering on the elements of 'space' and 'voice', whereas the realisation of 'audience' and 'influence' has some way to go. Due weight is not always given to children's views. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: The Lundy model can be used to facilitate a better understanding of the concept of voice, and the responsibility of health organisations in implementing the rights of children and young people, as articulated in Article 12. Impact: Children and young people have a right to express their views and have them heard in health care, but their experiences in Australian health care are unknown.While children's experiences of expressing their views in health care were mostly positive, their views are not always taken seriously or given due weight.This research impacts child health professionals in Australia and internationally. Reporting Method: The study is reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Patient or Public Contribution: Members of the Youth Advisory Council of two tertiary children's hospitals were consulted and invited to become members of the research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Busyness as a construct within modern healthcare is complex and multidimensional. To date, few studies have sought to explore how busyness influences family‐centred care. This study explored the influence of busyness on the delivery of family‐centred care for nurses and parents. Design and Method: Ethnography was selected as the research design. The study site was a metropolitan tertiary hospital inpatient paediatric unit in Sydney, Australia. Semi‐structured interview and non‐participant observation techniques were used for data collection. Ten paediatric nurses and 10 parents were interviewed and 40 h of non‐participant observations were undertaken. The COREQ was used to report the study. Results: The findings are presented as three key themes: (i) 'Supporting family‐centred care' in which participants detail beliefs about the nurse‐parent relationships and how despite busyness nurses sought out moments to engage with parents; (ii) 'Being present at the bedside' identified the challenges in optimising safety and how parents adapted their way of being and interacting on the unit; and (iii) 'The emotional cost of busyness' and how this influenced nurse‐parent interactions, care delivery and family‐centred care. Conclusions: The ethnography has given shape to social understandings of busyness, the complexities of paediatric nursing and family‐centred care. The culture of care changed in moments of busyness and transformed parent and nursing roles, expectations and collaborative care that at time generated internal emotional conflict and tension. Practice implications: Given the increasing work demands across health systems, new agile ways of working need to ensure maintenance of a family‐centred approach. Strategies need to be developed during periods of busyness to better support collaborative connections and the well‐being of paediatric nurses and parents. At an organisational level, fostering a positive workplace culture that shares a vision for family‐centred care and collaboration is essential. Patient or Public Contribution: Parents of sick children admitted to an acute paediatric inpatient ward were invited to be a participant in a single interview. Parents were aware of the study through ward advertisement and informal discussions with the researchers or senior clinical staff. Engagement with parents was important as healthcare delivery in paediatrics is focused on the delivery of family‐centred care. To minimise the risk of child distress and separation anxiety, children were present during the parent interview. Whist children and young people voices were not silenced during the interview process, for this study the parent's voice remained the focus. While important, due to limited resources, parents were not involved in the design analysis or interpretation of the data or in the preparation of this manuscript. Data sharing: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore the long‐term impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurse alcohol consumption. Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused immense disruption to healthcare services worldwide, and nurses have not been immune, experiencing burnout, declining mental health and ultimately, attrition from the profession. Increases in alcohol consumption have been reported across subsections of society, including those with pre‐existing mental ill health and experiencing high stress, and exploring this phenomenon in nurses is essential for workforce well‐being and sustainability. Design: Qualitative descriptive study design. Methods: Secondary analysis of individual, semi‐structured interviews with nurses (N = 42) from diverse settings across Australia, including community, primary and hospital settings, conducted in July and August 2021. Data were analysed using structural coding and reported in accordance with the CORE‐Q guidelines. Findings Two key themes were found after analysis of the data: (1) factors influencing alcohol consumption (subthemes: workplace factors and external factors), and (2) the pandemic's influence on alcohol consumption (subthemes: increased consumption, moderation of consumption and alcohol as a reward). Conclusions: Several participants described increased alcohol consumption because of the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly due to the stress of working in an environment where resources were scarce. Workplace factors such as overtime, missed breaks and heightened workload were all described as driving stress, and in turn increased alcohol consumption. Relevance to clinical practice: Increased alcohol consumption has been associated with burnout, absenteeism and intention to leave. The nursing profession is currently undergoing significant continuing stress providing care and management to patients with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, and increased alcohol consumption is a significant threat to personal and workforce well‐being, workforce sustainability and quality nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To test the feasibility of a study protocol that compared the efficacy of neutral‐ and negative‐pressure needleless connectors (NCs). Design: A single‐centre, parallel‐group, pilot randomised control trial. Methods: Our study compared neutral‐(intervention) and negative‐pressure (control) NCs among adult patients in an Australian hospital. The primary feasibility outcome was measured against predetermined criteria (e.g. eligibility, attrition). The primary efficacy outcome was all‐cause peripheral intravenous catheter failure, analysed as time‐to‐event data. Results: In total, 201 (100 control; 101 intervention) participants were enrolled between March 2020 and September 2020. All feasibility criteria were met except eligibility, which was lower (78%) than the 90% criterion. All‐cause peripheral intravenous catheter failure was significantly higher in the intervention group (39%) compared to control (19%). Conclusion: With minor modifications to participant screening for eligibility, this randomised control trial is feasible for a large multicentre randomised control trial. The neutral NC was associated with an increased risk of peripheral intravenous catheter failure. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: There are several NC designs available, often identified by their mechanism of pressure (positive, negative and neutral). However, NCs can contribute to peripheral intravenous catheter failure. This is the first randomised controlled trial to compare neutral and negative NC designs. Negative pressure NCs had lower PIVC failure compared to neutral NCs, however the results might not be generalisable to other brands or treatment settings. Further high‐quality research is needed to explore NC design. Reporting Method: Study methods and results reported in adherence to the CONSORT Statement. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore perceived barriers and enablers to weight management among people with obesity awaiting total knee or hip arthroplasty. Design: A nested qualitative study within a multi‐centre, quasi‐experimental pilot study comparing usual care weight management to a dietitian‐led weight‐loss diet. Methods: Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with adults with end‐stage osteoarthritis and a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 waitlisted for primary total knee or hip arthroplasty. Participants with diverse sociodemographic characteristics and varied success with weight management in the pilot study were purposively sampled. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, underpinned by constructivist–interpretivist epistemology. The Patient Activation Measure and Health Literacy Questionnaire were used for context when interpreting the findings. Results: Twenty‐five participant interviews were conducted with a sociodemographically varied sample (aged 44–80 years, 9 born in Australia, 6 in paid employment and 11 lost ≥5% of their baseline weight). Four identified themes underpinned successful weight management: beliefs, adaptability, navigating healthcare and sociocultural context. Beliefs about whether weight was perceived as a problem, the expectation of weight loss and treatment‐related beliefs influenced participants' perspectives towards weight loss. Adaptability, the ability to overcome barriers to weight loss, comprised three subthemes; readiness to act, degree of independence and problem‐solving skills. Approaches towards navigating healthcare influenced uptake and adherence to weight management recommendations. Importantly, these themes were dependent on social and environmental circumstances, which influenced the type of barriers experienced and resources available to the individual. Conclusion: Differences in a person's beliefs, their ability to adapt and navigate healthcare and sociocultural context appear to explain successful weight management among people with end‐stage arthritis. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Clinicians should allow for individualisation cognisant of the identified themes when providing advice and treatment to promote adherence to weight management interventions. Impact: This study explored perceived barriers and enablers to weight management among people with obesity awaiting total knee or hip arthroplasty. Four identified themes underpinned successful weight management: beliefs, adaptability, navigating healthcare and sociocultural context. Beliefs about whether weight was perceived as a problem, the expectation of weight loss and treatment‐related beliefs influenced participants' perspectives towards weight loss. Understanding and assessing the contribution of each factor may guide weight management from clinicians treating patients with obesity and osteoarthritis. Reporting Method: The data are reported using the COREQ guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients contributed to the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore discharge planning with a range of key stakeholders in subacute care, including consumers. Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Methods: Patients (n = 16), families (n = 16), clinicians (n = 17) and managers (n = 12) participated in semi‐structured interviews or focus groups. Following transcription, data were analysed thematically. Results: The overarching facilitator of effective discharge planning was collaborative communication, leading to shared expectations by all stakeholders. Collaborative communication was underpinned by four key themes: patient‐ and family‐centred decision‐making, early goal setting, strong inter‐ and intra‐disciplinary teamwork, and robust patient/family education. Conclusion: Effective planning for discharge from subacute care is enabled by shared expectations and collaborative communication between key stakeholders. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Effective discharge planning processes are underpinned by effective inter‐ and intra‐disciplinary teamwork. Healthcare networks should foster environments that promote effective communication between and within multidisciplinary team members as well as with patients and their families. Applying these principles to discharge planning may assist in reducing length of stays and rates of preventable readmissions post‐discharge. Impact: This study addressed a lack of knowledge about effective discharge planning in Australian subacute care. It found that collaborative communication between stakeholders was an overarching facilitator of effective discharge planning. This finding impacts subacute service design and professional education. Reporting method: COREQ guidelines were followed in reporting this study. Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution in the design, data analysis or preparation of the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim(s): To explore vital sign assessment (both complete and incomplete sets of vital signs), and escalation of care per policy and nursing interventions in response to clinical deterioration. Design: This cohort study is a secondary analysis of data from the Prioritising Responses of Nurses To deteriorating patient Observations cluster randomised controlled trial of a facilitation intervention on nurses' vital sign measurement and escalation of care for deteriorating patients. Methods: The study was conducted in 36 wards at four metropolitan hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Medical records of all included patients from the study wards during three randomly selected 24‐h periods within the same week were audited at three time points: pre‐intervention (June 2016), and at 6 (December 2016) and 12 months (June 1017) post‐intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the study data, and relationships between variables were examined using chi‐square test. Results: A total of 10,383 audits were conducted. At least one vital sign measurement was documented every 8 h in 91.6% of audits, and a complete set of vital signs was documented every 8 h in 83.1% of audits. There were pre‐Medical Emergency Team, Medical Emergency Team or Cardiac Arrest Team triggers in 25.8% of audits. When triggers were present, a rapid response system call occurred in 26.8% of audits. There were 1350 documented nursing interventions in audits with pre‐Medical Emergency Team (n = 2403) or Medical Emergency Team triggers (n = 273). One or more nursing interventions were documented in 29.5% of audits with pre‐Medical Emergency Team triggers and 63.7% of audits with Medical Emergency Team triggers. Conclusion: When rapid response system triggers were documented, there were gaps in escalation of care per policy; however, nurses undertook a range of interventions within their scope of practice in response to clinical deterioration. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Medical and surgical ward nurses in acute care wards frequently engage in vital sign assessment. Interventions by medical and nurgical nurses may occur prior to, or in parallel with calling the rapid response system. Nursing interventions are a key but under‐recognised element of the organisational response to deteriorating patients. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Nurses engage in a range of nursing interventions to manage deteriorating patients, (aside from rapid response system activation) that are not well understood, nor well described in the literature to date. Impact: This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding nurses' management of deteriorating patients within their scope of practice (aside from RRS activation) in real world settings.When rapid response system triggers were documented, there were gaps in escalation of care per policy; however, nurses undertook a range of interventions within their scope of practice in response to clinical deterioration.The results of this research are relevant to nurses working on medical and surgical wards. Reporting Method: The trial was reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials extension for Cluster Trials recommendations, and this paper is reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement. Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Nurses are fundamental in presenting information to their patients to ensure understanding of information, and health directions enabling improved health outcomes. Limited research exists exploring how nurses assess patient's health literacy in Australia. Aim: To explore Australian nurses' perceptions of patients' health literacy and how nurses assess health literacy to provide patient education. Design: A qualitative study underpinned by phenomenology. Methods: Registered Nurses (N = 19) across five Queensland hospitals participated in semi‐structured interviews which explored nurses' assessment of patient's health literacy level and their practices of delivering education. The transcripts were analysed using an inductive process with interpretative analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: how we assess patient health literacy; challenges with health literacy assessment; consumer focused assessment; and building assessment strategies. Participants relied on cues from the patient to identify when information has not been understood. Participants felt that online training programs in the workplace would assist in education for assessment techniques; identification of patients with low health literacy; and how to best communicate with patients that have low health literacy. Conclusion: Formal health literacy assessments should be introduced to hospitals in Australia, but training is required to enable the nurse, the confidence and ability for health literacy assessment. Tailored education based on health literacy assessment would enhance the patient's understanding and improve discharge planning, which may reduce health service costs and readmissions. Reporting method: The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines for qualitative research were followed. Patient or public contribution: Registered Nurses (N = 19) participated in qualitative interviews, providing data for analysis. Relevance to clinical practice: This study shows that nurses are already conducting informal assessments, simply by using observation and looking for cues. More education for nurses about health literacy and how to tailor their discussions with patients will improve communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the association of postoperative delirium developed in the post‐anaesthetic care unit (PACU) with older patients' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during the first five postoperative days. Background: Previous studies have focused on the association between postoperative delirium and long‐term function decline, however the association between postoperative delirium and the ability to perform ADL, particularly in the immediate postoperative period, needs further investigation. Design: A prospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 271 older patients who underwent elective or emergency surgery at a tertiary care hospital in Victoria, Australia, participated in the study. Data were collected between July 2021 and December 2021. Delirium was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM‐5). The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (KATZ ADL) scale was used to measure ADL. ADL was assessed preoperatively and daily during the first five postoperative days. The STROBE checklist was used to report this study. Results: Results showed that 44 (16.2%) patients developed new episode of delirium. Postoperative delirium was independently associated with decline in ADL (RR = 2.83, 95% CI = 2.71–2.97; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Postoperative delirium was associated with a decline in ADL among older people during the first five postoperative days. Screening for delirium in the PACU is essential to identify delirium during the early stages of postoperative period and implement a timely comprehensive plan. Relevance to clinical practice: Delirium assessment of older patients in the PACU, and for at least the first five postoperative days, is strongly recommended. We also recommend engagement of patients in a focused physical and cognitive daily activity plan, particularly for older patients undergoing major surgery. Patient or public contribution: Patients and nurses helped in data collection at a tertiary care hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To map the pathway and service provision for pregnant women whose newborns require admission into the surgical neonatal intensive care unit at or soon after birth, and to examine the nature of continuity of care (COC) provided and the facilitators and barriers to woman‐ and family‐centred care from the perspective of women/parents and health professionals. Background: Limited research exists on current service and care pathways for families whose babies are diagnosed with congenital abnormality requiring surgery. Design: A mixed method sequential design adhering to EQUATOR guidelines for Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study. Methods: Data collection methods included: (1) a workshop with health professionals (n = 15), (2) retrospective maternal record review (n = 20), prospective maternal record review (17), (3) interviews with pregnant women given a prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomaly (n = 17) and (4) interviews with key health professionals (n = 7). Results/Findings: Participants perceived care delivered by state‐based services as problematic prior to admission into the high‐risk midwifery COC model. Once admitted to the high‐risk maternity team women described care 'like a breath of fresh air' with a 'contrast in support', where they felt supported in their decisions. Conclusion: This study highlights provision of COC, in particular relational continuity between health providers and women as essential to achieve optimal outcomes. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Provision of individualised COC offers an opportunity for perinatal services to reduce the negative consequences of pregnancy‐related stress associated with diagnosis of foetal anomaly. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public was involved in the design, analysis, preparation or writing of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives: To explore the family's experience being offered memory making during end‐of‐life care in the adult intensive care unit and its use in early bereavement. Background: Family members of individuals who develop a critical illness requiring emergency hospitalisation are unlikely to be prepared for a possible death. This places them at increased risk of poorer bereavement experiences. One potential intervention is memory making, which is an act that provides tangible objects such as a handprint, footprint, lock of hair, or teddy bear, that allows connections with and provides meaningful memories about a person. Families in the adult acute population reportedly have positive reactions regarding the objects, but it is unknown the object's effects on early bereavement experiences. Design: Descriptive qualitative study utilising inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Reporting adheres to the COREQ checklist. Methods: Between May 2019‐December 2020, a purposeful, convenience sample of 21 participants from a tertiary referral, adult intensive care unit in Australia were recruited to explore their experiences being offered memory making during end‐of‐life care and the objects use in early bereavement. Interviews were conducted using a semi‐structured format and occurred at the participants' location of choice. Results: Data analysis generated three themes: guidance during end of life by healthcare professionals that recognises the autonomy of the family; object used as a trigger to access memories; and storage and preservation of the object as an indication of its sentimental value and use in early bereavement Conclusion: Memory making objects such as handprints, locks of hair, or teddy bears received in the adult intensive care unit were valued and utilised during early bereavement by most recipients. Relevance to clinical practice: Findings inform practice evidence gaps regarding the family's experiences of memory making received as a bereavement intervention in the adult acute population. Patient or public contribution: Participants contributed through sharing their first‐hand experiences of receiving memory making in the adult intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of the implementation of a nurse‐led high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen protocol on the clinical outcomes of infants with bronchiolitis in a regional paediatric unit. Background: Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory illness and is the leading cause for hospitalisation of infants globally. Standard care involves the provision of supportive measures. Historically, supplemental oxygen was provided by low‐flow nasal cannula. High‐flow nasal cannula oxygen has been increasingly adopted despite limited evidence of its efficacy. Methods: This study employed non‐equivalent, post‐implementation only design to explore clinical outcomes of infants with bronchiolitis admitted for high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. The study compared infants in the 24 months before and after the initiation of a high‐flow nasal cannula protocol. The primary clinical outcome was length of stay, secondary outcomes included time on high flow, weaning time, escalation of care and time outside of physiological parameters. Implementation strategy evaluation was measured by compliance with applying the protocol, reported as episodes of variance, and duration of variance. The StaRI checklist was selected as the most appropriate reporting guideline. Results: A total of 80 patients were admitted with bronchiolitis and received high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy during a 48‐month period; 37 patients were prior, and 43 after, the introduction of a nurse‐led high‐flow nasal cannula protocol. Length of stay was significantly reduced in the post‐implementation group compared to the historical control group (83.8 vs. 61.3 h). Time on high flow and weaning time was decreased in the post‐implementation group compared to the control group (33.5 vs. 26.7 h and 26 vs.12.25 h, respectively); however, these did not reach statistical significance. There was varied application of the HFNC protocol. Conclusions: The implementation of a nurse‐led high‐flow nasal cannula protocol was associated with a reduced length of stay. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study demonstrated that infants with bronchiolitis that were treated with a nurse‐led high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy protocol had positive effects on clinical outcomes including a shorter length of stay than compared with those with physician‐directed care in a regional paediatric unit. A weight‐based (2 L/kg) HFNC therapy was safely administered to infants with bronchiolitis in a regional hospital paediatric ward with no paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support after perinatal death, including barriers and facilitators to support and how healthcare providers, systems and policies can best support families. Background: Many groups of culturally and linguistically diverse families in Australia are at higher risk of experiencing perinatal death. Culturally sensitive bereavement services are essential; however, there has been no previous research specifically examining culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support following perinatal death. Design: Individual semi‐structured interviews were completed with healthcare providers, community leaders and culturally and linguistically diverse men who had experienced a perinatal death in Australia (n = 16). Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis and COREQ guidelines were followed. Results: Men's need for support following perinatal death was associated with stigma, and shaped by culturally‐relevant religion and ritual, and connection to community and family. Significant barriers to men seeking and gaining support included challenges with self‐advocacy and navigating the woman‐centred nature of perinatal care in Australia. Conclusions: Culturally and linguistically diverse men's specific needs should be included in the development of policy and practice surrounding perinatal death. While perinatal bereavement care guidelines acknowledge the importance of culturally informed care following perinatal death, there remains a lack of culturally specific supports available, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse men. Relevance to clinical practice: Specific recommendations from this research include increasing community liaison officers or cultural consultants in hospitals and support organisations; providing culturally and linguistically diverse support groups; adopting family‐centred and father‐inclusive language in all perinatal death support services and ensuring clear communication and targeted assistance for culturally and linguistically diverse men to self‐advocate for their baby and access to support. Patient or public contribution: This study came out of consultation with community members and member checking of results was conducted to ensure adequate representation of participants' views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses working in intensive care units make autonomous decisions to manage high‐risk vasoactive medications in critically ill patients. Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is a vasoactive medication commonly administered to patients in intensive care units. The influence of unit culture and environment on nurse‐decision‐making on noradrenaline (norepinephrine) management is unknown. Aims: The study aimed to investigate nurses' perceptions of the impact of interpersonal interactions, socialisation, and the intensive care environment on decision‐making when managing noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Materials & Methods: An exploratory qualitative study applied thematic analysis to focus group data. A purposive sample of nineteen nurses participated in four focus groups at two intensive care units in Melbourne, Australia, from March to June 2021. The COREQ checklist was used to guide study development and no patients or members of the public were involved in focus groups. Results: Three themes were generated from the researcher's interaction with data, Nursing and Medications; Culture and Decision‐making; and a Safe Practice Environment. Nurses reported decision‐making challenges associated with learning to manage noradrenaline (norepinephrine) early in their intensive care career and discussed feelings of isolation due to staffing resources, and the configuration of the intensive care environment. Nurses developed titration and weaning strategies to support decision‐making in the absence of evidence‐based algorithms. Discussion: Empathetic patient allocation early in nurses' intensive care careers facilitated a safer learning environment, and reduced isolation inherent in single room intensive care units. Nurses developed and used titration and weaning strategies, often learnt from other clinicians to manage practice uncertainty. Conclusions: Management of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is core business for intensive care nurses worldwide. Development of titration and weaning strategies by nurses indicated unmet need for guidelines to support decision‐making. Identifying contextual elements that impact nurse management of high‐risk medications can guide development of environments, resources and policies that support nurse decision‐making, and reduce nurse anxiety and disempowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two graduate nurse programs on new graduate nurses' overall competence at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Secondary aims were to assess new nurses' job satisfaction at 12 months and explore their experiences of support. Background: Most clinical settings have implemented transition programs to help new nurses to adapt to their new environments and expand their competences. To this day, very few studies have assessed the effectiveness of these programs. Design: Longitudinal mixed‐methods study. Methods: The study was conducted at two teaching hospitals in Australia. New nurses were recruited during orientation. Data were collected at baseline (T0; n = 88), 3 (T1; n = 29), 6 (T2; n = 15), 9 (T3; n = 11) and 12 months (T4; n = 9). At each time point, the questionnaire included demographic and the Nurse Competence Scale. At T4, the questionnaire also included the Nurse Satisfaction Scale. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted from T1 to T4. This study conforms to the STROBE guidelines. Results: Competence increased significantly at T1, with participants stating that they learned by "getting out" of student mode. At T2, despite no significant difference in competence, participants expressed they were more confident and in control, because they felt supported. Again, at T3, there was no significant increase in competence. Finally, at T4, competence increased significantly, with participants acknowledging that they still had a lot to learn. Conclusion: This study supports that 12‐month transition programs are necessary for NGNs to expand their competence. One major factor influencing NGNs during their first year was how well they felt supported and encouraged to seek help when they needed it. Relevance: There is a need to understand how new NGNs enrolled in transition programs expand their competences. Their professional development depends on a supportive environment where NGNs feel confident in asking questions or for help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Safe medication management is a cornerstone of nursing practice. Nurses prepare patients for discharge which includes the ongoing safe administration of medications. Medication reconciliation at hospital discharge is an interprofessional activity that helps to identify and rectify medication discrepancies or errors to ensure the accuracy and completeness of discharge medications and information. Nurses have a role in medication safety; however, their involvement in medication reconciliation at hospital discharge is poorly described. The study's aim was to describe acute care nurses' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in medication reconciliation at hospital discharge, including barriers and enablers. Design: Using focus groups, this exploratory descriptive study gathered qualitative data from nurses working in five acute care clinical units (medical, surgical and transit/discharge lounge) at a tertiary Australian hospital. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis and reported following the COREQ checklist. Results: Thirty‐two nurses were recruited. Three themes emerged from the data: nurses' medication reconciliation role involves chasing, checking and educating; burden of undertaking medication reconciliation at hospital discharge; team collaboration and communication in medication reconciliation. Conclusions: Nurses had a minor role in medication reconciliation at hospital discharge due to a lack of organisation clinical practice guidance and specialised training. Standardising interprofessional medication reconciliation processes and increasing nurses' involvement will help to streamline this task, reduce discharge delays, workload pressure and improve patient safety. Relevance to clinical practice: Medication reconciliation at hospital discharge is an interprofessional patient safety activity, however little is known about nurse's role and responsibilities. This study reports nurses' important contribution to patient safety in terms of healthcare team coordination, medication checking and patient education. Supportive organisations and collaborative teams increased nurses' willingness to complete this activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To identify final‐year undergraduate students and new graduate nurses' behavioural intentions towards medication safety across four countries. Background: Medication errors are a common and avoidable occurrence, being costly for not only patients but also for health systems and society. Design: A multi‐site cross‐sectional study. Methods: A self‐administered survey was distributed to students and new graduate nurses in South Africa, India, Turkey and Australia. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all survey items. Multiple linear regressions were performed to predict behavioural intentions using the three Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs: attitudes, behavioural control and subjective norms. This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines. Results: Data were analysed for 432 students and 576 new graduate nurses. Across all countries, new graduate nurses reported significantly higher scores on all the TPB variables compared with student nurses. Attitudes towards medication management were found significantly and positively related to intention to practice safe medication management for both student and new graduate nurses. Total perceived behavioural control was significantly and negatively related to intention to practice safe medication management for students. Conclusion: Student and new graduate nurses showed favourable attitude, subjective norm, perceived behaviour control and intention in practising medication safety. However, differences in countries require further exploration on the factors influencing attitudes towards medication safety among student nurses and new nurse graduates. Relevance to clinical practice: Understanding student and new graduate nurses' medication administration practices is important to inform strategies aimed at improving patient safety. The findings of this study highlight the need for an internationally coordinated approach to ensure safe medication administration by student and new graduate nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While advances in healthcare mean people are living longer, increasing frailty is a potential consequence of this. The relationship between frailty among older surgical patients and hospital acquired adverse events has not been extensively explored. We sought to describe the relationship between increasing frailty among older surgical patients and the risk of hospital acquired adverse events. Methods: We included consecutive surgical admissions among patients aged 70 years or more across the SWSLHD between January 2010 and December 2020. This study used routinely collected ICD‐10‐AM data, obtained from the government maintained Admitted Patient Data Collection. The relationships between cumulative frailty deficit items and risk of hospital acquired adverse events were assessed using Poisson regression modelling. This study followed the RECORD/STROBE guidelines. Results: During the study period, 44,721 (57% women) older adults were admitted, and 41% (25,306) were planned surgical admissions. The risk of all adverse events increased with increasing number of frailty deficit items, the highest deficit items group (4–12 deficit items) compared with the lowest deficit items group (0 or 1 deficit item): falls adjusted rate ratio (adj RR) = 15.3, (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1, 19.42); pressure injury adj RR = 21.3 (95% CI 12.53, 36.16); delirium adj RR = 40.9 (95% CI 31.21, 53.55); pneumonia adj RR = 16.5 (95% CI 12.74, 21.27); thromboembolism adj RR = 17.3 (95% CI 4.4, 11.92); and hospital mortality adj RR = 6.2 (95% CI 5.18, 7.37). Conclusion: The increase in number of cumulative frailty deficit items among older surgical patients was associated with a higher risk of adverse hospital events. The link offers an opportunity to clinical nursing professionals in the surgical setting, to develop and implement targeted models of care and ensure the best outcomes for frail older adults and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore maternal and child health nurses' experiences of supporting women with postnatal depression and anxiety and the factors which impact these. Background: Maternal and child health nurses play a key role in identifying women with postnatal depression and anxiety and facilitating their access to appropriate supports. Understanding how nurses carryout this work, and the conditions which impact their ability to do so, is critical to the development of service delivery frameworks that can facilitate optimal outcomes for women and their families. Despite this, little is known about this subject. Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Methods: Participants were maternal and child health nurses practicing for at least six months and regularly seeing new mothers in Victoria, Australia. Twelve nurses were interviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns across our data. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify issues which were most emphasised by nurses. Reporting complies with the COREQ checklist. Findings: Three overarching themes were identified. Theme one pertained to steps taken by nurses following the identification of depression or anxiety symptoms and the shared challenges they encountered. Theme two concerned nurses' experiences of supporting women who required acute mental health interventions and the systemic barriers they faced. Finally, theme three related to how the existing service delivery model could be improved to better support nurses in their work. Conclusions: The complex system within which nurses operate presents barriers that can impede their ability to respond to women with postnatal mental health issues. There is a need for service delivery frameworks that better support nurses and facilitates equitable access to mental healthcare. Relevance to clinical practice: Facilitating equitable access to all perinatal mental health services and interventions must be at the heart of all future policy, funding and service delivery frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: The study investigated: (a) the usage patterns of paracetamol, and (b) the association between paracetamol use and patient outcomes such as liver and kidney functions among older people. Background: Paracetamol is a well‐known analgesic and antipyretic drug, with an excellent safety profile when used within its recommended dose. It is a commonly used drug by people aged over 65 years to treat chronic pain. Prolonged use of paracetamol in the elderly is poorly understood. As such, there is a genuine risk among older people of unintentional overdose. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records in rehabilitation wards was undertaken from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. Patients' paracetamol use, prescribing patterns and biochemical results were analysed to assess for differences in admission and discharge biochemistry results. The TREND Statement was utilised to guide study reporting (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research, 2021). Results: A total of 1119 patients were admitted for seven or more days in a metropolitan tertiary hospital in Melbourne. Almost three‐quarters (74%) of patients were administered paracetamol; 76.1% received 'Immediate‐Release Paracetamol' (IRP), and 23.9% were given 'Sustained‐Release Paracetamol' (SRP). A proportion (4.5%) of patients in both the IRP and SRP groups received more than the daily recommended dose. There were limited statistically significant differences between patients' admission and discharge biochemistry results; group or time differences were observed, which were indicative of improvements within the paracetamol group. Conclusion: Paracetamol was a commonly used medication among long‐stay elderly patients. Precaution to ensure paracetamol use does not exceed recommended daily doses is required. This study suggests that paracetamol used at a therapeutic level in older patients had limited, negative associations with liver and kidney function. Relevance to clinical practice: The clinical practice regarding prolonged use of paracetamol is ambitious. The increased risk of paracetamol toxicity among the frail elderly is a concern. Optimising the dose adjustment in the elderly is important to avoid adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives: To determine the factors influencing nurses' decisions and capacity to reduce sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients in sub‐acute hospital settings. Background: Sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is a complex issue that can be resistant to resolution. There is little research investigating factors influencing nurses' promotion of reduced levels of sedentary behaviour in sub‐acute hospital settings. Design: An explanatory sequential design was employed, comprising quantitative and qualitative phases. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 138 nurses from five Australian states. Logistic regression modelling identified demographic and behavioural characteristics of nurses who often encouraged patients to reduce their sedentary behaviour. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 11 ward nurses and nurse managers, with the content subjected to thematic analysis. STROBE and GRAMMS checklists were employed. Results: Nurses recognised their role in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour but faced a range of personal and organisational barriers in achieving this outcome for patients. Few nurses were aware of national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Five themes emerged from interviews (nursing role, care challenges, expectations of advocates, teamwork and improving the experience). Overall, many nurses experienced a lack of agency in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour and cognitive dissonance in feeling unable to undertake this role. Conclusions: The results of this study are significant in confirming that reducing sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is influenced by a range of complex and multi‐level factors. There is a fundamental need for organisational and clinical leadership in building a culture and climate in which staff feel empowered to promote reduced sedentary behaviour in their patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The results of this study highlight the importance of taking action to reduce sedentary behaviour in sub‐acute hospital settings. A co‐design approach to developing interventions in local health services is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: This study explores embedded researcher's age, qualifications, research environment and experience in healthcare and academic organisations in Australia and makes comparisons across three core professional disciplines of nursing and midwifery, medicine and allied health. Background: The embedded researcher model, where a researcher is embedded as a core member of the clinical team, offers promise to support the implementation of research evidence into practice. Currently, there is a lack of clarity about how the model has been adopted across the three largest professional disciplines in Australian health care. Design: A cross‐sectional survey was designed and reported, using the STROBE Statement. Methods: A purposive sample of embedded researchers was invited to participate in an exploratory online survey. Embedded researchers worked, or had worked, for a minimum of 30% of their time, in a healthcare organisation doing research or building research capacity. Participant responses were extracted from the survey and imported into SPSS for analysis. Results: Perspectives of 100 Australian embedded researchers were compared across nursing and midwifery (36%, n = 37), allied health (35%, n = 36) and medicine (26%, n = 27). Professional differences are reported in respondents' qualifications and experience, employment conditions and their research cultures and environments. Comparatively, most nursing and midwifery embedded researchers were older, more clinically experienced than allied health respondents, who were more research qualified. Medical‐embedded researchers are typically older, more clinically experienced and focussed on producing personally relevant clinical research. Nursing and midwifery embedded researchers reported doing clinical research within their teams, as well as research capacity building, management and clinical practice roles. Conclusions: Embedded researchers describe different career trajectories across the three largest professional disciplines in Australian health care. Relevance to clinical practice: Embedded researchers from different professional disciplines enact their work differently. It appears that when they engage in research capacity building via a range of management and networking roles, embedded researchers contribute to their organisation's research culture and receive greater recognition for their achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of stroke nurses in patient selection and administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) for acute ischaemic stroke is evolving. Objectives: To compare differences in stroke nurses' practices related to rt‐PA administration in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) and to examine whether these differences influence rt‐PA treatment rates. Methods: A cross‐sectional, self‐administered questionnaire administered to a lead stroke clinician from hospitals known to provide rt‐PA for acute ischaemic stroke. Chi‐square tests were used to analyse between‐country differences in ten pre‐specified rt‐PA practices. Non‐parametric equality of medians test was used to assess within‐country differences for likelihood of undertaking practices and association with rt‐PA treatment rates. Reporting followed STROBE checklist. Results: Response rate 68%; (Australia: 74% [n = 63/85]; UK: 65% [n = 93/144]). There were significant differences between countries for 7/10 practices. UK nurses were more likely to: request CT scan; screen patient for rt‐PA suitability; gain informed consent; use telemedicine to assess, diagnose or treat; assist in the decision for rt‐PA with Emergency Department physician or neurologist; and undergo training in rt‐PA administration. Reported median hospital rt‐PA treatment rates were 12% in the UK and 7.8% in Australia: (7.8%). In Australia, there was an association between higher treatment rates and nurses involvement in 5/10 practices; read and interpret CT scans; screen patient for rt‐PA suitability; gain informed consent; assess suitability for rt‐PA with neurologist/stroke physician; undergo training in rt‐PA administration. There was no relationship between UK treatment rates and likelihood of a stroke nurse to undertake any of the ten rt‐PA practices. Conclusion: Stroke nurses' active role in rt‐PA administration can improve rt‐PA treatment rates. Models of care that broaden stroke nurses' scope of practice to maximise rt‐PA treatment rates for ischaemic stroke patients are needed. Relevance to clinical practice: This study demonstrates that UK and Australian nurses play an important role in thrombolysis practices; however, they are underused. Formalising and extending the role of stroke nurses in rt‐PA administration could potentially increase thrombolysis rates with clinical benefits for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults living with dementia frequently transition between healthcare settings. Care transitions increase vulnerability and risk of iatrogenic harm. Aim and objective: To examine the quality of transitional care arrangements within discharge documentation for older people living with dementia. Design: Secondary analysis of cohort study data. Method: A secondary analysis of the IDEAL Study [ACTRN12612001164886] discharge documents, following the STROBE guidelines. Participants had a confirmed diagnosis of dementia and were discharged from hospital to a nursing home. An audit tool was used to extract the data. This was developed through a synthesis of existing tools and finalised by an expert panel. The analysis assessed the quality of discharge documentation, in the context of transitional care needs, and presented results using descriptive statistics. Functional ability; physical health; cognition and mental health; medications; and socio environmental factors were assessed. Results: Sixty participants were included in analyses, and half were male (52%), with a total participant mean age of 83 (SD 8.7) years. There was wide variability in the quality of core discharge information, ranging from excellent (37%), adequate (43%) to poor (20%). A sub‐group of these core discharge documentation elements that detailed the participants transitional care needs were rated as follows: excellent (17%), adequate (46%) and poor (37%). Conclusion: Discharge documentation fails to meet needs of people living with dementia. Improving the quality of discharge documentation for people living with dementia transitioning from hospital to nursing home is critical to provide safe and quality care. Relevance to clinical practice: There is a need for safe, timely, accurate and comprehensive discharge information to ensure the safety of people living with dementia and prevent adverse harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca block (FIB) insertion in patients with fractured neck of femur by trained emergency nurses with insertion by doctors. Background: The FIB is an effective and safe form of analgesia for patients with hip fracture presenting to the emergency department (ED). While it has traditionally been inserted by medical doctors, no evidence exists comparing the effectiveness and safety of FIB insertion by nurses compared with doctors. Design: A prospective cohort study. Methods: The study was conducted in an Australian metropolitan ED. Patients admitted to the ED with suspected or confirmed fractured neck of femur had a FIB inserted under ultrasound guidance by either a trained emergency nurse or doctor. A retrospective medical record audit was undertaken of consecutive ED patients presenting between January 2013–December 2017. Reporting of this study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines for cohort studies. Results: Of the 472 patients eligible for a FIB, 322 (68%) had one inserted. A majority were inserted by doctors (n = 207, 64.3%) with 22.4% (n = 72) by nurses and in 13.3% (n = 43) of patients the clinician was not documented. There were no differences between the nurse‐inserted and doctor‐inserted groups for mean pain scores 1 hr post‐FIB insertion; clinically significant reduction (≥30%) in pain score 1 hr post‐FIB insertion; pain score 4 hr post‐FIB insertion; delirium incidence; opioid use post‐FIB insertion; or time to FIB insertion. No adverse events were identified in either group. Conclusion: Insertion of FIBs by trained emergency nurses is as effective and safe as insertion by doctors in patients with fractured neck of femur in the ED. Senior emergency nurses should routinely be inserting FIB as a form of analgesia for patients with hip fracture. Relevance to clinical practice: Our study showed trained emergency nurses can safely and effectively insert fascia iliaca blocks in patients with hip fractures. Pain was significantly reduced in a majority of patients with no reported complications. Emergency nurses should be trained to insert fascia iliaca blocks in patients with hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore chronic disease education, self‐management and health literacy abilities from First Nations Australian adults with chronic disease through the integration of qualitative and quantitative findings. Background: Chronic disease management requires good health literacy abilities to manage long‐term health needs. First Nations people have a higher burden of chronic disease although little is known regarding chronic disease health literacy of First Nations people. Design: A concurrent embedded mixed methods study reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Methods: Data were collected from First Nations people with one or more chronic diseases living in remote Australia between February–November 2017. Quantitative data (n = 200) were collected using the Health Literacy Questionnaire along with demographic and health data. Qualitative data (n = 20) were collected via face‐to‐face interviews to examine chronic disease education and self‐management experiences. Data were analysed separately then integrated to develop meta‐inferences. Results: Poor communication from healthcare providers coupled with low health literacy abilities is a major barrier to both active and successful management of chronic disease. Communicating in medical jargon resulted in individuals being placed in a power differential causing lack of trust and relationship breakdowns with healthcare providers affecting active chronic disease self‐management. The perception of inevitability and ambivalence towards chronic disease and the notion of futility towards self‐management were concurred with the low level of active engagement in health care. Conclusions: Yarning is an important strategy used by First Nations people for communication. For nurses, understanding and developing skills in yarning will facilitate cultural safety, communication and understanding about chronic disease self‐management in contexts where health literacy abilities are challenged. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Using yarning, and plain language visual aids, and teach‐back will readdress the power differential experienced by First Nations people and may also improve understanding of chronic disease self‐management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives: To evaluate and examine the utility of the Violence Prevention Climate scale by generalist healthcare professionals. Background: Workplace violence in general hospital settings remains a challenge for healthcare organisations. High rates of violence are still being reported towards healthcare workers, despite organisational violence prevention strategies being implemented. There is a major challenge to healthcare organisation in the measurement of the effectiveness of these interventions, traditionally completed via the reporting and monitoring of workplace violent incidents. A novel approach to measuring workplace violence is by studying hospital atmosphere or climate. Design: A cross‐sectional survey using the STARD guidelines was used. Methods: The Violence Prevention Climate scale was completed by 194 healthcare staff working in the emergency department, medical/surgical wards, respiratory/infectious disease, spinal care, renal unit, corrections health, and rehabilitation and community services of a major Australian tertiary referral hospital. The Violence Prevention Climate scale has previously been validated and used in mental health settings, but not general hospital settings. A content analysis of an open‐ended question on violence prevention management strategies was also conducted. Results: Comprising of 14 items with two factors (patients and staff), the study revealed a 9‐item staff factor scale that can be used in the general hospital setting, the patient factor did not show adequate reliability. The content analysis revealed seven categories of staff identified violence prevention and management strategies. Conclusions: The use of the 9‐item scale across an organisation annually, or added to existing organisational workforce surveys, could prove to be practical way of measuring the social climate of violence in a general hospital setting. Relevance to clinical practice: The results of which could guide clinical practice, workplace safety, policy and educational initiatives for the prevention and management of workplace violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this paper is to explore the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of middle‐aged Australians around their health, lifestyle risks and chronic disease. Background: Health promotion and risk reduction are important to stem the rising prevalence of chronic disease. While there has been much emphasis on supporting these strategies in older Australians, there has been less attention on those in middle age. However, as this group age, their health will inevitably be impacted by lifestyle risk. Design: A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured interviews. Reporting was guided by the COREQ checklist. Methods: Thirty‐four participants aged 40–65 years were recruited across South Eastern New South Wales, Australia, using convenience sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted by four registered nurses with qualitative research experience. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Sixteen women and 18 men participated in the interviews. Four themes emerged, namely: adopting healthy lifestyles; denial; an impetus for change; and sustaining change. Perceptions about what constituted good health varied, with male participants being more ambivalent about their health. Impetus for change was mostly influenced by family history, awareness of health risks and identification of risks by health professionals. Participants found sustaining change challenging, particularly with regard to smoking cessation and dietary modifications. Conclusions: Understanding the perceptions of health of middle‐aged people is important and enables health professionals to engage in early behavioural change conversations that consider perceived barriers to lifestyle modification. Findings from this study emphasise the importance of discussions about lifestyle risk to reduce the future burden of chronic disease. Relevance to Clinical Practice: These findings illustrate the importance of understanding perceptions of health to guide primary health care nurses to develop person‐centred health promotion and chronic disease prevention strategies in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the relationship between blood sampling techniques and haemolysis. Background: Haemolysis rates of blood samples have been thought to be influenced by the method of collection. There is a lack of research evidence available to clearly show the comparative risk of haemolysis across different blood sampling methods, including venepuncture and use of peripheral intravenous cannulas. Design: A prospective cohort study. Reporting followed the STROBE checklist. Methods: A trained observer was used to record blood sampling techniques over a 10‐week period between April and June 2019. These records were then linked to pathology haemolysis results. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model patient and blood draw characteristics affecting haemolysis. Results: Most of the blood samples were not haemolysed (n = 324, 87.1%). Multivariable analysis showed haemolysis was associated with increased tourniquet duration and if the level of tube was less than half full. Univariable analysis showed haemolysis was associated with increased age of the patient, the difficulty of cannulation/ venepuncture and increased number of attempts. No difference was found in the haemolysis rate related to the qualification of the blood collector. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in haemolysis rates associated with sampling blood from a PIVC compared with venepuncture. Research should be undertaken to determine whether education on the factors influencing haemolysis is useful in decreasing haemolysis rates. Relevance to clinical practice: There was no association with increased haemolysis rates when drawing blood via venepuncture compared with a peripheral intravenous cannula. Haemolysis of blood samples was associated with increased tourniquet duration, if level of the tube was less than half‐filled, increased age of the patient and difficulty of blood draw. Awareness of the risk of haemolysis associated with specific blood sampling methods may assist clinicians to improve care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To use expert consensus to develop guidance for nurse leaders implementing e‐health tools to support nursing work in hospitals. Background: Nurse leaders are increasingly required to make decisions about the selection, development, implementation and optimisation of e‐health tools for nursing work in hospitals. Guidance in this rapidly evolving and complex space is limited. Design: A two‐phase modified Delphi study. Methods: Phase one involved in‐depth interviews with five nursing informatics experts. Analysis used the qualitative framework method, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), to develop statements for an anonymous online Delphi scoring survey. This was distributed using snowball sampling methods to Australian nurse informatics leaders and experts. Final analysis involved synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data. The study adheres to the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Results: Ten guidance statements to support nurse leaders to implement e‐health tools in hospitals were developed from the synthesis of qualitative interview data and 29 experts' responses to the 55‐item Delphi response survey. Conclusion: Implementation of e‐health tools for nursing work is complex in health settings and requires careful examination of multiple factors and interactions between clinicians, tools, service users and the health organisation. This research proposes ten statements to support nurse leaders with decisions about implementing e‐health tools to support nursing work in hospitals. Relevance to clinical practice: The ten statements developed by this research provide a resource to assist policy and practice decisions about e‐tools to ensure they are suited to supporting nursing work. Nurse leaders can use the ten statements for guidance in the selection, development, implementation and optimisation of e‐health tools to ensure suitability and adaptation for nursing work in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore patient experience of chronic wound care across diverse models of outpatient wound care delivery. Background: Chronic wounds represent a significant personal, family and healthcare system burden. Evidence suggests specialist wound clinics are more effective and less expensive, however, most outpatient wound care is delivered by general community nurses. There is little understanding of how patients experience diverse models of wound care delivery and the subsequent impact on their capacity to adapt to imbalances in their internal/external environment. Design: Descriptive, qualitative study. Methods: Eighteen patients with chronic wounds from three wound services were engaged in semi‐structured interviews. Initial inductive analysis was refined deductively using Levine's Conservation Model. Results: Chronic wounds lead to imbalances and subsequent adaptions in energy conservation and personal, social and structural integrity. Nursing process and wound care system responses suggest specialist wound clinics provide access to the right person and care at the right time, with less care variation. The community nursing model is most effective with a small team of nurses and a documented care plan, with specialist wound nurse oversight. Residential aged care facilities emerged as important sites for wound care delivery revealing higher variance in care and less specialist wound oversight. Conclusions: The application of Levine's conservation model provides a theoretical understanding and important insights into the patient experience of nurse and system elements across diverse models of wound care delivery. Specialist oversight by expert wound nurses with the capacity for medical specialist referral is the cornerstone of good wound care. A frequently reviewed wound care plan and skill development for nurses in primary, aged care and community settings are vital. Relevance to clinical practice: Shared care between specialist and primary care should include evidence‐based pain assessment, clear referral pathways, collaborative relationships, telehealth capacity, patient‐held wound plans and upskilling of frontline clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Failure of clinicians to recognise and respond to patient clinical deterioration is associated with increased hospital mortality. Emergency response teams are implemented throughout hospitals to support direct‐care clinicians in managing patient deterioration, but patient clinical deterioration is often not identified or acted upon by clinicians in ward settings. To date, no studies have used an integrative theoretical framework in multiple sites to examine why clinicians' delay identification and action on patients' clinical deterioration. Aim: To identify barriers and facilitators that influence clinicians' absent or delayed response to patient clinical deterioration using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Methods: The Theoretical Domains Framework guided: (a) semi‐structured interviews with clinicians, health consumers and family members undertaken at two sites; (b) deductive analyses of inductive themes to identify barriers and facilitators to optimal care. This study complied with the COREQ research guidelines. Findings: Seven themes identified: (a) information transfer; (b) ownership of patient care; (c) confidence to respond; (d) knowledge and skills; (e) culture; (f) emotion; and (g) environmental context and resources. Discussion: The Theoretical Domains Framework identified traditional social and professional hierarchies and limitations due to environmental contexts and resources as contributors to diminished interprofessional recognition and impediments to the development of effective relationships between professional groups. Communication processes were impacted by these restraints and further confounded by inadequate policy development and limited access to regular effective team‐based training. As a result, patient safety was compromised, and clinicians frustrated. Conclusions: These results inform the development, implementation and evaluation of a behaviour change intervention and increase knowledge about barriers and facilitators to timely response to patient clinical deterioration. Relevance to clinical practice: Results contribute to understanding of why clinicians delay responding to patient clinical deterioration and suggest key recommendations to identify and challenge traditional hierarchies and practices that prevent interdisciplinary collaboration and decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To assess primary healthcare professionals' priority for managing diabetic foot disease (DFD) over the progressive course of the condition compared to other aspects of diabetes care. Background: DFD affects up to 60 million people globally. Evidence suggests that comprehensive preventative footcare may reduce serious complications of DFD, such as amputation. Design: A cross‐sectional quantitative study reported according to STROBE statement. Methods: General Practitioners (GPs) and Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) working within Australian primary care were invited to complete an online survey, to obtain information about preventative and early intervention footcare priorities and practices. Ten GPs and 84 CDEs completed the survey. Results: On diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) review was identified to be one of the top three priorities of care by 57 (61%) of participants whilst at 20‐year history of diabetes 73 (78%) participants indicated its priority. Foot assessments became a priority for 78% (n = 73) of participants and podiatry referrals a priority for 53% (n = 50) of participants only when a "foot concern" was raised. Referrals to specialist high‐risk foot podiatrists or services were a first priority for 56% (n = 53), when the person had significant amputation risk factors. Conclusion: Diabetes‐related preventative footcare assessments and management remain a low priority amongst primary healthcare professionals. Preventative care for asymptomatic complications, such as DFD, may be overlooked in favour of monitoring HbA1c or medication management. Limited prioritisation of footcare in primary care is concerning given the risks for amputation associated with DFD. Relevance to clinical practice: This study reveals the need for primary healthcare decision makers and clinicians to ensure preventative footcare is a focused priority earlier in the diabetes care continuum. Collaborative and widespread promotion of the importance of proactive rather than reactive footcare practices is required to support prevention of foot ulcers and amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To outline the development and effect of an audit with feedback implementation strategy that intended to increase the rate of voluntary medication error reporting by nurses. Background: Medication errors are a serious global health issue. Audit with feedback is a widely used implementation strategy that has potential to modify nurses' reporting behaviour and improve medication error reporting rates. Design: Quasi‐experimental implementation study (fulfilling the TIDieR checklist) with two pairs of matched wards at a private hospital in Australia was conducted from March 2015–September 2016. One ward from each pair was randomised to either the intervention or control group. Method: Nurses within intervention wards received audit with feedback on a quarterly basis over a 12‐month implementation period. Control wards underwent quarterly audits only (without feedback). Feedback consisted of a one‐page infographic poster, with content based on medication error data obtained from audits and the hospitals' risk management system (RiskMan). The primary outcome—rate of medication errors reported per month—was determined in both groups at pre‐implementation, implementation and postimplementation phases. Differences between groups were compared using generalised linear mixed models with Poisson distribution and log link. Results: A nonsignificant intervention effect was found for rate of medication errors reported per month. Interestingly, when combining data from both groups, a significant increasing time trend was observed for medication errors reported per month across pre‐implementation and implementation phases (80% increase). Conclusions: The audit with feedback strategy developed in the present study did not effectively influence the voluntary reporting of medication errors by nurses. Relevance to clinical practice: Despite the lack of intervention effects, the use of a published checklist to optimise the reporting quality of this study will contribute to the field by furthering the understanding of how to enhance audit with feedback implementation strategies for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To determine the baseline levels of training, knowledge and confidence working in the area of family violence in staff at a public child and maternal health service in Melbourne, Australia, as well as perceived staff barriers to working effectively in this area. This study also aimed to explore the client perception of existing screening practices. Background: Family violence is a global concern with pregnancy and the postnatal period times of particularly high risk. Child and maternal health services are well placed to screen for violence, yet clinician and client perceptions of screening remain poorly characterised. Design: Thirty‐five staff and 15 mothers participated in this cross‐sectional, mixed‐method study, via an online survey. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) cross‐sectional guidelines were used. Results: The majority of staff screened clients for family violence, at least some of the time, with over 50% often or always screening. However, only half of staff respondents indicated that they believed they knew how to screen appropriately. Screening occurred most often over the phone or at the first service visit. The most commonly reported barriers to screening were suspected perpetrators being present during consultations and language barriers. Most clients reported being screened for physical violence and safety in the home with few being asking about financial and sexual abuse, or psychological violence and coercive control. Clients who disclosed violence reported being well supported. Conclusion: While some baseline staff knowledge and skills have been identified, further support for clinicians is needed to ensure best practice and improve services and outcomes, particularly in regard to screening for different types of violence across the spectrum. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study helps to inform clinical screening practices in maternal health services through an exploration of facilitators and barriers in the screening process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To understand the attitudes and perceptions of older people with limited English proficiency (LEP) and healthcare workers to using mobile translation technology for overcoming language barriers in the healthcare setting. Background: Australia's cohort of people aged 65 and over has a sizeable population with LEP. In healthcare settings, difficulties with communication may potentially result in inadequate care. Mobile language translation applications have been identified as a potential way to improve communication between patients and healthcare staff when used as an adjunct to professional interpreters in low‐risk scenarios; however, the perceptions of the use of mobile translation applications for such communication is unknown. Methods: A multi‐method design was used. Focus group discussions were conducted with older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and nursing and allied health professionals to understand their perceptions of translation technology. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Qualitative findings were reported using the Standards for Reporting of Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist. Participants also appraised three existing translation apps via survey and results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Overall, older people from CALD backgrounds (n = 12) and healthcare staff (n = 17) agreed that translation technology could play a role in reducing communication barriers. There was enthusiasm amongst older people to learn and use the technology, while healthcare staff saw the potential to address communication barriers in their own work. Barriers identified by older people and healthcare staff included: accuracy of translation and phrases, possible technological learning curves, risk of mistranslation in high‐risk conversation and inability to check accuracy of translation. Fixed‐phrase translation apps were seen as more favourable than real‐time voice‐to‐voice mobile translation applications. Conclusions: Older people from CALD backgrounds and healthcare staff were open to the use of mobile translation applications for everyday healthcare communications. Relevance to clinical practice: Translation applications may have a role in reducing language barriers in everyday healthcare communication but context, accuracy and ease of use need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge, perceptions and factors influencing pain assessment and management practices among Australian emergency nurses. Background: Pain is the most commonly reported symptom in patients presenting to the emergency department, with over half rating their pain as moderate‐to‐severe. Patients unable to communicate, such as critically ill intubated patients, are at greater risk of inadequate pain management. Design: This cross‐sectional exploratory study used survey methodology to explore knowledge, perceptions and factors influencing pain management practices among Australian emergency nurses. Methods: Australian emergency nurses were invited to complete an online survey comprising 91 items. The response rate was 450 of 1,488 (30.2%). STROBE guidelines were used in reporting this study. Results: Variations in level of acute pain management knowledge, especially in older, cognitively impaired or mechanically ventilated patients were identified. Poor interprofessional communication, workload and staffing negatively impacted on nurses' intention to administer analgesia. For intubated patients, validated observation pain assessment instruments were rarely used, although respondents recognised the importance of pain management in critically ill patients. Conclusions: Emergency nurses recognise the importance of pain relief. The ability to nurse‐initiate analgesia, education and training in pain management education is variable. Little education is provided on assessing and managing acute pain in elderly, cognitively impaired or mechanically ventilated patients. Use of validated pain assessment instruments to assess pain in critically ill patients is poor. Relevance to clinical practice: While pain management is the responsibility of all healthcare professionals, in the emergency department, it is a core role of emergency nursing. This study highlights the variation in ability to nurse‐initiate analgesia, level of acute pain knowledge, education and training, and use of validated pain assessment instruments to guide pain management in critically ill intubated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore the healthcare professionals (HCP) experience of providing care coordination to people living with multimorbidity. Background: There is increasing interest in improving care of people living with multimorbidity who need care coordination to help manage their health. Little is known about the experiences of HCP working with people living with multimorbidity. Design: Phenomenological approach to understanding the experiences of HCP. Methods: We interviewed 18 HCP, including 11 registered nurses, working in care coordination in Melbourne, Australia. We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify themes from descriptions of providing care, identifying and responding to a person's needs, and the barriers and facilitators to providing person‐centred care. Results: We identified four themes as follows: (a) Challenge of focusing on the person; (b) "Hear their story," listening to and giving time to clients to tell their story; (c) Strategies for engagement in the programme; and, (d) "See the bigger picture," looking beyond the disease to the needs of a person. Our results are reported using COREQ. Conclusions: The HCP experienced challenges to a traditional approach to care when focusing on the person. They described providing care that was person‐centred, and acknowledged that optimal, guideline‐oriented care might not be achieved. They took the necessary time to hear the story and see the context of the person's life, to help the person manage their health. Relevance to clinical practice: For registered nurses in care coordination programmes, focusing on the client may challenge traditional approaches to care. Providing care involves developing a relationship with the client to optimise health outcomes. Experienced registered nurses appear to use skills in reflective practice and accept the parameters of care to improve the client's health and well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate healthcare practitioners' perceptions of the feasibility and acceptability of a communication tool, entitled the TRANSITION tool, to communicate with older patients during transition from acute care to a community setting. Background: Transitional care for older patients is challenging due to their complex care needs and rapid care transitions. Research has identified effective models of transitional care. However, optimal communication between healthcare practitioners and older patients remains under‐investigated. Design: Exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Methods: The methods are reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies checklist. The setting comprised two acute medical wards in an urban hospital in Australia. Twenty‐two nursing and allied healthcare practitioners used the TRANSITION tool to guide communication about transitional care with an older patient and then participated in an interview about their experience of using the tool. All data were thematically analysed. Findings: Healthcare practitioners reported their perceptions that the TRANSITION tool was feasible and acceptable, and that they perceived the tool supported them to know what to ask and to find out information regarding their patient's transitional care needs. Some ward‐based nurses reported their perception that transitional care was not their role. Conclusions: Findings emphasise transitional care as a continuing care process that requires effective communication between nurses and older patients in acute medical wards. Relevance to clinical practice: Given shorter lengths of stay, complex care needs and slow recovery, ward‐based nurses are vital in communicating with older patients about their transitional care needs. The TRANSITION tool may support communication between ward‐based nurses and older patients to improve assessment and planning. Implementation of the tool will require a planned strategy to facilitate translation of the tool into routine practice of ward‐based nurses to support their roles during older patients' care transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore and describe nurses' role in the rehabilitation and care of patients in one subacute care facility in Melbourne, Australia. Background: The role of nurses in subacute care and within the rehabilitation team is evolving and remains unclear. Design: Mixed methods. Methods: Fourteen nurses from seven rehabilitation and geriatric evaluation and management wards in one subacute facility in Melbourne, Australia, were observed in practice for two hours and then interviewed. Activities were recorded electronically. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using content analysis. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results: Three main themes are as follows: (a) Nurses as rehabilitators; (b) Teamwork in rehabilitation; and (c) The changing context of subacute care. Nurses prioritised patient personal and clinical care above other responsibilities. They were largely excluded from team decision‐making because clinical responsibilities precluded them from attending team meetings. Unsuitable buildings, increased patient acuity and time constraints were further challenges. Conclusions: Nurses have a multifaceted role in patient rehabilitation that is poorly understood. An evaluation of the nursing role within the interdisciplinary team, skills and processes of care may increase understanding, and improve communication and relationships between disciplines potentially benefiting patients. Role clarity and differentiation in nursing skills are required within the nursing workforce. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses have a unique role in both clinical care and rehabilitation of patients, and as part of the interdisciplinary team.Respectful professional relationships need fostering within the interdisciplinary team to achieve optimal patient outcomes.The way that team meetings and decision‐making occur in the subacute wards requires adjustment to ensure that the valuable contribution of nurses, both to the interdisciplinary team and to the rehabilitation of patients, is used and acknowledged to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To examine the relationship between resuscitation status and (i) patient characteristics; (ii) transfer characteristics; and (iii) patient outcomes following an emergency inter‐hospital transfer from a subacute to an acute care hospital. Background: Patients who experience emergency inter‐hospital transfers from subacute to acute care hospitals have high rates of acute care readmission (81%) and in‐hospital mortality (15%). Design: This prospective, exploratory cohort study was a subanalysis of data from a larger case–time–control study in five Health Services in Victoria, Australia. There were 603 transfers in 557 patients between August 2015 and October 2016. The study was conducted in accordance with the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Methods: Data were extracted by medical record audit. Three resuscitation categories (full resuscitation; limitation of medical treatment (LOMT) orders; or not‐for‐cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) orders) were compared using chi‐square or Kruskal–Wallis tests. Stratified multivariable proportional hazard Cox regression models were used to account for health service clustering effect. Findings.: Resuscitation status was 63.5% full resuscitation; 23.1% LOMT order; and 13.4% not‐for‐CPR. Compared to patients for full resuscitation, patients with not‐for‐CPR or LOMT orders were more likely to have rapid response team calls during acute care readmission or to die during hospitalisation. Patients who were not‐for‐CPR were less likely to be readmitted to acute care and more likely to return to subacute care. Conclusions: Two‐thirds of patients in subacute care who experienced an emergency inter‐hospital transfer were for full resuscitation. Although the proportion of patients with LOMT and not‐for‐CPR orders increased after transfer, there were deficiencies in the documentation of resuscitation status and planning for clinical deterioration for subacute care patients. Relevance to Clinical Practice: As many subacute care patients experience clinical deterioration, patient preferences for care need to be discussed and documented early in the subacute care admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To validate the ability of factors to predict infection in adults with chronic leg ulcers over a 12‐week period. Background: Leg ulcers affect ~3% of older adults and are often hard to heal. Infection is a leading contributor for delayed healing, causing delayed wound healing, increased hospitalisation, increased healthcare costs and reduced patient quality of life. The importance of early identification of infection has been highlighted for decades, yet little is known about factors that are associated with increased risk of infection in this specific population. Design: A longitudinal, prospective observational study in a single centre. Methods: Between August 2017 and May 2018, a total of 65 adults with chronic leg ulcers were prospectively observed for a 12‐week period. Patients were recruited from an outpatient wound clinic at a tertiary hospital in Australia. Data were collected from recruitment (baseline) and each visit (weekly or fortnightly) up until 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictive factors for infection. The TRIPOD guidelines for reporting were followed (See Data S1). Results: The sample consisted of 65 adults with chronic leg ulcers, and 9.2% of these had their ulcer infected at baseline. Two predictive factors, using walking aids and gout, were found to be significantly related to increased likelihood of developing infection within 12 weeks. Conclusion: The present study showed that patients who either used walking aids or were diagnosed with gout were at greater risk of infection compared to those without these factors. Relevance to clinical practice: These findings provide new information for clinicians in early identification of patients at risk of infection, and for patients in enhancing their awareness of their own risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inpatient falls continue to be a significant clinical issue, and while malnutrition is a known risk factors for falls, few studies have investigated its association with inpatient falls. This study aimed to explore the independent association between malnutrition and fall risk as well as harm from falls in hospital inpatients. Methods: Malnutrition identified in annual malnutrition audits was combined with inpatient fall data captured through the electronic patient incident reporting system in the 12 months following audit days. Audit data were available for 1,849 inpatients across 2011–2015, and covariate associations between age, gender, BMI, malnutrition, falls and harmful falls were analysed. The reporting of this paper is in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations (see Appendix S1). Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 32.4% (n = 543), and 171 (9.2%) inpatients experienced a fall with 0.7% (n = 13) categorised as harmful. In bivariate analysis, patients who fell were more likely to be older (median 79.0 vs. 70.0 years; p <.0001) or malnourished (40.9% vs. 31.5%; p =.021). Malnutrition (p <.0001) and having a lower BMI (p =.026) were significant predictors of harmful falls. Regression modelling demonstrated that only increasing age increased the likelihood of having an inpatient fall (OR 1.022 95% CI 1.021–1.046; p <.0001). Malnourished inpatients were almost 8 times more likely to have a harmful fall than those not malnourished (OR 7.94 95% CI 1.457–43.338; p =.017), independent of age and BMI. Conclusions: Malnourished patients are more likely to experience a harmful fall. Assessment of malnutrition should be incorporated into fall risk assessments as a way of highlighting those patients at greater risk and to link to nutritional care pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To present an ethnographic insight into the older hospitalised person (those aged over 65 years) perceptions and experiences of pain care provision by nurses in acute care. Background: Pain care provision by nurses remains less than optimal for the older hospitalised person despite numerous evidence‐based guidelines. There is a paucity of research providing input from the experiences of the older hospitalised person in relation to their perspectives of pain care provision by nurses in acute care. Pain care research needs more involvement from those older persons with documented diagnoses of dementia, delirium or cognitive impairment, and intellectual disabilities and those in their end stage of palliation. Design: A focused ethnographic study. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used to report the findings of this study. Methods: A focused ethnographic study was conducted in 8 acute care units within 2 large tertiary referral hospitals on the east coast of Australia. Consisting of semi‐structured interviews (n = 12) of cognitively intact older persons (11 hr). Twenty‐three (23) semi‐structured interviews with nine (9) RN participants (12 hr and 38 min). Participant observation period totalled 1,041 hr. Results: The older persons' experiences of receiving pain care were based on a formulaic assessment process focusing on intensity of pain and pain management options provided often lacked their input. The older persons often did not perceive their pain care provision as being of benefit to themselves. The nurses lacked insight and understanding on the nature of pain for the older person. Conclusion: Understanding was gained into how the older persons' pain care was hampered due to the lack of appropriate, and meaningful pain care provision and provides insight into why the older hospitalised person continues to experience a less than optimal experience. Relevance to clinical practice: Older hospitalised persons can gain continuity of pain care when nurses negotiate with them to repattern or restructure their nursing routines for pain care provision. Older people need inclusion into pain care decisions. All vulnerable older persons require nurses to use an evidence‐based pain assessment tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objective: To describe the prevalence and predictors of pressure injuries among older adults with limited mobility, within the first 36 hr of their hospital admission in Australia. Background: Pressure injuries are significant health, safety and quality of care issues for patients and healthcare organisations. The early implementation of the recommended pressure injury prevention international clinical practice guidelines is a way to reduce hospital‐acquired pressure injuries. There is a paucity of evidence on the number of older persons who are admitted hospital with a pre‐existing pressure injury. Design: Prospective correlational study conducted in eight tertiary referral hospitals across Australia. Our sample comprised of 1,047 participants aged ≥65 years with limited mobility, drawn from a larger Australian pragmatic cluster randomised trial. Methods: Using the STROBE statement, observational data were collected on participants' age, gender, presence of a pressure injury, Body Mass Index score, number of comorbidities and place of residence. These variables were analysed as potential predictors for pressure injuries within the first 36 hr of hospitalisation. Results: From our sample, 113/1047 (10.8%) participants were observed to have a pressure injury within the first 36 hr of hospital admission. Age, multiple comorbidities and living in an aged care facility predicted the prevalence of pressure injury among older people within the first 36 hr of hospitalisation. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that older adults, those with multiple comorbidities and individuals living in aged care facilities are more likely to come to hospital with a pre‐existing pressure injury or develop one soon after admission. Relevance to clinical practice: Many older patients come to hospital with a community‐acquired pressure injury or develop a pressure injury soon after admission. This highlights the importance of the early detection of pressure injuries among older persons so that timely management strategies can be implemented along with the potential to reduce unnecessary financial penalties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on the Australian health system is growing. Efforts to reverse this trend have not been successful. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a targeted asynchronous web based e‐learning module on general practice nurses' behavioural intentions in relation to opportunistic screening practices for people at risk of CKD. Design: Double blinded pre‐post interventional randomised control design. Methods: Participants were nurses working in general practice settings in Australia. Participants were randomised to a knowledge based active control or targeted behavioural based intervention which were delivered using asynchronous e‐learning modules. The intervention was designed to influence the behavioural constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB): attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control (PBC). Results: Of the 420 participants, we analysed the primary and secondary outcomes for 212 (50.47%) who had complete follow up data. There were no significant differences (p 0.424, [d] 0.04) in behavioural intention between the intervention and control groups at follow‐up, when controlling for baseline values. However, regression models assessing the relationship between the change in the TPB constructs and behavioural intention at follow‐up for all participants, regardless of study arm, demonstrated a significant change in intention to initiate a kidney health check. Although these changes could not be attributed to the effect of the intervention. Attitude (r2 = 0.3525, p 0.0004) and PBC (r2 = 0.3510, p 0.0005) models accounted for approximately 35% of the explained variance in behavioural intentions and social norm (r2 = 0.3297, p 0.0171) accounted for approximately 33% of the variance. When all TPB constructs were included in the model, 37% of the variance in intention was explained. Conclusion: A targeted behavioural online intervention was no more effective than a knowledge based online program to improve primary health care nurses' intention to initiate a kidney health check in people at risk of chronic kidney disease. Relevance to clinical practice: Collaborative efforts are required by all staff working in general practice to develop models of care to improve screening practices for chronic kidney disease. Future research should focus on interventions that improve collaboration between health care professionals in the primary care setting and public health campaigns to increase awareness of risks of CKD and the importance of screening in the primary care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]