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Aim: The aim of this work is to synthesize and interpret qualitative research examining the experiences of nurses providing care for patients with COVID‐19 in acute care settings in the early stages of the pandemic in different countries. Background: The prevalence of disasters, including the pandemic, is increasing globally. It is important to understand nurses' experiences in depth to effectively manage extraordinary events that may occur in the future. Design: This is a thematic meta‐synthesis study. Methods: Electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, and Scopus, were searched for publications from December 2019 to October 2020. The search was updated for publications to 30 May 2022. The thematic synthesis method was used to analyse and interpret the data. Findings The experiences of the nurses giving care to patients with COVID‐19 were grouped under four themes: (1) Difficulties encountered in the care of patients with COVID‐19; (2) mixed emotions experienced in the care of patients with COVID‐19; (3) coping strategies that nurses used in the management of the pandemic; (4) the benefits of the COVID‐19 to nurses. Conclusion: Nurses faced many difficulties and experienced mixed emotions while providing care for patients with coronavirus disease. Perceived social support was seen as the most important strategy for coping with these difficult situations. It is important to be aware of the difficulties and emotions experienced by nurses and support them during the COVID‐19 pandemic for the management of future pandemics. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the health sector was affected most.Nurses were on the front lines and faced many challenges. What this paper adds? Nurses perceived the COVID‐19 pandemic as a unique experience for their professional identity and personal development despite the difficulties they faced.They saw social support, which would make them feel valuable, as the most important coping strategy. The implications of this paper Lessons learned from nurse experiences in the early stages of the pandemic should be taken into account when planning for a pandemic or other disaster situations.Politicians, health‐care organizations, and nurse managers should increase social support to ensure the well‐being of nurses in busy work environments such as pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to survey the findings of phenomenological studies built up in the field of diabetes care in Sweden. This is a meta-synthesis of phenomenological studies on experiences related to diabetes in Sweden focusing on learning to live with diabetes. We proceeded by reference to the seven phases of Noblit & Hare. We examined papers from seven phenomenological studies on learning to live with diabetes in Sweden. From the papers, which describe the experience of living with diabetes, three overarching themes were selected—perception and awareness of the body; integration and responsibility; and presence of others who provide support. From those describing the expert's experience, an overarching theme emerged—encouraging reflection in persons with diabetes. We interpreted each of these themes in phenomenological terms and compared them with theories in Japan. Persons with diabetes take responsibility for coping with a range of things brought on by the illness and learn to live with diabetes. Experts support these persons so they can see their world objectively and critically scrutinize it. By building a model of diabetes care in Japan that references Scandinavian human science, it will be possible to find new approaches that support learning at the existential level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative review on how nurses prepare families for and support families during withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments in intensive care. Background End-of-life care is widely acknowledged as integral to the practice of intensive care. However, little is known about what happens after the decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatments has been made and how families are prepared for death and the dying process. Design Integrative literature review. Data sources MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Psych INFO, PUBMED, Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge were searched for papers published between 2000-May 2015. Review methods A five stage review process, informed by Whittemore and Knafl's methodology was conducted. All papers were reviewed and quality assessment performed. Data were extracted, organized and analysed. Convergent qualitative thematic synthesis was used. Results From an identified 479 papers, 24 papers were included in this review with a range of research approaches: qualitative ( n = 15); quantitative ( n = 4); mixed methods ( n = 2); case study ( n = 2) and discourse analysis ( n = 1). Thematic analysis revealed the nurses: equipped families for end of life through information provision and communication; managed the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments to meet family need; and continued care to build memories. Conclusion Greater understanding is needed of the language that can be used with families to describe death and dying in intensive care. Clearer conceptualization of the relationship between the medically focussed withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments and patient/family-centred end-of-life care is required making the nursing contribution at this time more visible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To synthesise the existing literature, which focuses on the impact of critical incidents on nurses and midwives, and to explore their experiences related to the support they received in the current healthcare environment to move on from the event. Design: Systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Data sources: The electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase and Nursing and Allied Health (ProQuest) were systematically searched from 2013–2018, and core authors and journals identified in the literature were manually investigated. Review methods: Qualitative studies of all research design types written in English were included according to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Results: A total of 7,520 potential publications were identified. After removal of duplicate citations, study selection and appraisal process, 11 qualitative primary research papers progressed to the meta‐synthesis by meta‐aggregation. The 179 findings and sub‐findings from the included studies were extracted, combined and synthesised into three statements addressing three different aspects within the context of critical incidents: the experiences of the impact, the perceptions of support and the ability to move on. Conclusion: This review illuminated that moving‐on after critical incidents is a complex and wearisome journey for nurses and midwives. More attention should to be drawn to second victims within general nursing and midwifery practice to strengthen their ability to navigate the aftermath of critical incidents and reclaim the professional confidence indispensable to remain in the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic serious condition of uncertain course and outcome. There is relatively little literature on the experiences of people who live with a person with MS. They inhabit a locus of care that spans caring for (a relational act) and caring about (a moral stance, addressing fairness, compassion and justice) the person with MS. Methods: Using the theoretical lens of personhood, we undertook a scoping review and meta‐synthesis of the qualitative literature on the experiences of people who live with a person with MS, focusing on the nature of, and constraints upon, caring. Results: Of 330 articles, 49 were included in the review. We identified five themes. One of these—seeking information and support—reflects the political economy of care. Two are concerned with the moral domain of care: caring as labour and living with uncertainty. The final two themes—changing identities and adapting to life with a person with MS—point to the negotiation and reconstitution of personhood for both the person with MS and the people they live with. Conclusion: People with MS are embedded in relational social networks of partners, family and friends, which are fundamental in the support of their personhood; the people who live with them are 'co‐constituents of the patient's identity' assisting them to make sense of their world and self in times of disruption due to illness. Support services and health care professionals caring for people with MS are currently very much patient‐centred; young people in particular report that their roles are elided in the health system's interaction with a parent with MS. There is a need to look beyond the person with MS and recognize the relational network of people who surround them and broaden their focus to encompass this network. Patient and Public Involvement: Our research team includes four members with MS and two members with lived experience of living or working with people with MS. A third person (not a team member) who lives with a partner with MS provided feedback on the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a meta-synthesis of the literature on community-based self-management to support experiences of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to synthesise findings on both formal and informal self-management support with particular reference to the relevance and influence of the social context operating at different levels. The review forms part of EU- WISE, a project financed through EU's 7th Framework Programme. The review was performed by systematically searching MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Psyc INFO and Web of Science for English language publications between 2005 and 2014 presenting research conducted in Europe on the experiences and perspectives of self-management concerns of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The search yielded 587 abstracts, which were reduced through search strategy refinement and eligibility and quality criteria to 29 papers that were included in the review. This review highlights the relevance of contextual factors operating at micro- and macro-levels. The synthesis yielded six second-order thematic constructs relating to self-management: sense of agency and identity, the significance and meaning of social networks, minimal disruption of everyday life, economic hardship, the problem of assigning patients' responsibility and structural influences of primary care. Using a line of argument synthesis, these themes were revisited, and a third-order construct, connectivity emerged which refers to how links in daily life are interwoven with peoples' social networks, local communities, economic and ideological conditions in society in a way which support self-management activities. This meta-synthesis indicates a need to heed the notion of connectivity as a means of mobilising and supporting the self-management strategies of people with type 2 diabetes in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Relational autonomy is an alternative concept of autonomy in which an individual is recognized as embedded into society and influenced by relational factors. Social context, including social location, political structure, and social forces, significantly influence an agent to develop and exercise autonomy skills. The relational approach has been applied in clinical practice to identify relational factors impacting patient autonomy and decision-making, yet there is a knowledge gap in how these factors influence the demonstration of relational autonomy in the context of medical decisions of adults. Objective: The present study targeted the existing knowledge of what and how relational factors impact individuals making medical decisions using the theoretical framework of relational autonomy. Methods: A meta-synthesis study was utilized. Four electronic databases, including Embase, OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed, were searched, along with gray literature and reference lists, to identify relevant studies. Results: 23 studies reporting 21 qualitative and two mixed-method studies were reviewed. Four themes emerged from the qualitative findings: (1) supportive relationships facilitate an individual's relational autonomy; (2) obtaining comprehensive information from broader sources helps individuals exercise relational autonomy; (3) undue family pressure impedes the exercising of patient relational autonomy; and (4) healthcare providers' dominant voice hampers the demonstration of relational autonomy. Conclusions: Applying relational autonomy to assist adults in making well-considered decisions is essential. The meta-synthesis suggests establishing a supportive relationship between individuals, healthcare providers, and family. A supportive relationship will allow healthcare providers to make judgments in line with an individual's values and wishes with the aim of promoting relational autonomy. Advance care planning was proposed as the effective solution to obtain a consensus between individuals and their families while respecting an individual's values and preferences. Furthermore, it is considered crucial for healthcare providers to appreciate an individual's values and incorporate their preferences into recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of qualitative research to examine the physical and psychological needs, as well as work experiences, of patients undergoing total knee replacement and total hip replacement surgeries during their process of returning to work. Methods A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative literature was conducted. A systematic search was conducted across 8 databases to identify qualitative or mixed-methods research on the needs and experiences of individuals with total knee replacement and total hip replacement who have returned to work. The search period extended from the inception of each database to March 2023. Two researchers independently utilized a predetermined search strategy to retrieve relevant English-language studies published in any year. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program appraisal tool. Findings from the studies were then summarized and integrated using the pooled integration method. Results There were 10 studies in total. Three key themes were identified from the original research: needs during the return to work process and rehabilitation training, faith and support to return to work, and constraints and challenges at work. Conclusion Health care professionals and employers should conscientiously consider the physical and psychological requirements of patients who have undergone total knee replacement and total hip replacement when they are resuming work, taking into account the specific constraints and challenges that may arise in the workplace. To ensure a seamless transition back to work, it is essential to develop tailored occupational interventions, implement comprehensive return to work programs, and offer patients sufficient understanding and support. Impact The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the physical and psychological needs, as well as the work experiences, of patients who have undergone total knee replacement and total hip replacement during their reintegration into the workforce. These findings have the potential to assist health care professionals and employers in providing enhanced support to facilitate successful return-to-work outcomes for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies examining the perceptions and experiences of nurses who cared for patients in dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in South Korea. We searched key health databases (RISS, KISS, KMbase, NDSL, KoreaMed, DBpia, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane) from September to November 2023. We reviewed and analyzed articles using a thematic synthesis approach. The quality of the studies was ascertained using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative research. Ultimately, 13 studies involving 219 nurses were included in the final review. Six major themes and thirteen subthemes emerged. During the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were able to overcome difficult situations through their interactions with patients, sense of a professional mission, and commitment to nursing. Most importantly, they persevered through their collaboration and closeness with fellow nurses, despite confusion about their professional identity, the ethical dilemmas they faced in patient care, and the conflicting attitudes of their social support system. To prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks, a multifaceted support system should be established to enable nurses to have positive interactions with their families, colleagues, and patients, which have become central to their resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of qualitative literature describing the lived experiences of people with tic disorders (TDs). The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of this literature, synthesizing the perspectives of individuals on their experiences. Meta-synthesis methodology was utilized to review and draw together findings from 10 articles, from which key concepts were extracted, and over-arching themes generated. Six themes were identified to encompass the experience of TDs, including (1) cultural, semantic issues of the condition; (2) negative experiences in organizations and treatment; (3) the value and negative impact on interpersonal relationships; (4) personal identity in the constant presence of TDs; (5) concerns for the future; and (6) strategies to control and manage the observable presence of tics. Adaptive coping strategies were found to encompass continuous social adaptation, strategies to manage tics and social perceptions, self-acceptance, advocacy, and support from others. The results highlighted the significant role of social and cultural issues related to understanding and stigma, which underpinned many of the lived experiences. Implications for clinical practice in supporting individuals with TDs were also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To systematically examine and review relevant qualitative studies exploring the current lifestyle among individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and their awareness of the role of a healthy lifestyle in CRC prevention. Background: The increasing incidence and mortality of CRC have presented a serious threat against the health and life of people. As the major population affected by CRC, the lifestyle of individuals at a high risk of CRC is attracting increasing attention. Design: A qualitative evidence synthesis using the Thomas and Harden method and the PRISMA 2020 checklist provided by the EQUATOR network were used. Data Sources: Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO from the inception to December 2021. Review Methods: Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts and identified the eligible studies. Critical appraisals of each included study were performed. Thematic analysis was used to guide the data synthesis. Results: The data from nine articles were analysed. Three interpretive themes were extracted that formed an overarching synthesis of the experience with healthy lifestyles among high‐risk individuals of CRC. The findings suggested that these individuals with limited awareness of CRC and personal risks lacked sufficient knowledge about the relationship between lifestyle and CRC, and their attitudes and practices towards the role of a healthy lifestyle in CRC prevention were also diversified. Conclusion: Professionals can potentially provide personalised guidance for healthy lifestyles based on knowledge of prevention, the actual background and social support of individuals at high risk of CRC. Impact: Considering that knowledge gaps and health beliefs among these individuals are the premise blocking their adoption of a healthy lifestyle, the findings of this review may make contributions to the design and content of public health policy and prevention programs. No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aims and objectives This review examined the literature across 12 years that explored nurses' perceptions of their role when communicating with families in adult intensive care units ( ICUs). The objectives were: (1) to describe how ICU nurses facilitated communication with families; (2) the perceived barriers to that communication; (3) strategies to improve their skills. Background Evidence demonstrates that effective communication by health care providers can improve families' understanding of their situation and decrease their psychological burden. The continuous presence of ICU nurses, combined with the use of effective empathic communication skills, can impact on families' ICU experience in a positive way. Nevertheless, research continues to demonstrate that communication with families in ICU is inadequate and of poor quality. Search strategies and design Eight databases were systematically searched to identify peer reviewed studies published in English between 2002 and 2014. The results are presented via a thematic literature review. Findings Four major themes emerged from a synthesis of the review findings: 'Nurses as information and communication facilitators', 'Nurses as family support providers', 'Nurses' non-supportive behaviours' and 'Improving nurses' communication skills'. Conclusions Most ICU nurses considered communicating with families a vital part of their role, and described supportive behaviours. However, they perceived significant barriers to effective communication; some as a result of active decisions on their part, and some beyond their control. These barriers often resulted in nurses believing that families received suboptimal information and support. Peer support and formal training were identified as key strategies to overcome inadequacies. Relevance to clinical practice This review summarizes nurses' perceptions of the means and barriers for communicating with families in ICUs. Intensive care nurses need skills and knowledge in how to communicate effectively with families. This skill can be learnt formally, or acquired from role modelling of more experienced peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is increasing at concerning rates for Hispanics. Researchers have attempted to understand why through quantitative or qualitative studies. This meta-synthesis examines qualitative studies concerning barriers and facilitators that Hispanics face while managing their diabetes. Method: Noblit and Hare's (1988) defined method of analysis was used to synthesize 15 qualitative studies on Hispanics' diabetes self-management. Results: Findings revealed two themes: (a) famalismo primero and (b) puerta cerrada, translating to family first and closed door, respectively. In famalismo primero, Hispanics with T2D prioritize family, and receive support, motivation, and knowledge from them first; puerta cerrada is tied to barriers such as cost of services and patient–provider relationships. Discussion: Inclusion of family in diabetes self-management provides support and motivation for Hispanics. Hispanics experience barriers to access health care that may interfere with diabetes self-management, which need to be addressed to promote health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the experiences and perspectives of the combined use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on parents of children with TIDM on their daily life. Design: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies. Methods: A systematic literature search of English studies published in seven databases between 2006–2021: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Scopus. All included studies underwent the process of thematic interpretive integration by the author team. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six derived themes were generated which contained interacting with devices, interacting with glycaemic information, improving quality of life for parents of children with T1DM, burden of living with CSII therapy and CGM, impact on the parent–child relationship, requirement and expectation to advanced diabetes technology. Advanced diabetes technologies affect physical, emotional and relationship between the daily life of parents and their children with T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate attendance to antenatal care has been associated with negative maternal and fetal outcomes, including stillbirth. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to antenatal care attendance. A systematic search was conducted in March 2019 and updated in January 2021. Qualitative studies involving pregnant or post‐partum women up to 12 months from high‐income countries that provided data about facilitators and barriers to antenatal care attendance were sought. Meta‐ethnography was used to inform this meta‐synthesis. Fifteen studies were included in the analysis. Findings indicate that inadequate antenatal care attendance is influenced at different levels. Aspects like sociodemographic factors, difficulties navigating the health system, administrative delays, lack of flexibility and tailored care, constant change of carer and communication issues also act as barriers. These issues affect women's access to knowledge and the formation of women's beliefs and feelings towards seeking care. On the contrary, having a positive attitude towards the pregnancy, encountering empathetic healthcare professionals and availing of social support acted as facilitators. The reasons why women seek or delay attending antenatal care are multifactorial and can be explained using the Social Determinants of Health Framework. Any response needs to be taken across all levels of influence and not just focused on the individual. A better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to antenatal care might contribute to informing intervention or policy development addressing this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialist nurses are one way of providing support for family carers of people with dementia, but relatively little is known about what these roles achieve, or if they are more effective than roles that do not require a clinical qualification. The aim of this review was to synthesise the literature on the scope and effectiveness of specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, and set this evidence in the context of other communitybased initiatives to support family carers of people with dementia. We undertook a systematic review of the literature relating to the scope and effectiveness of Admiral Nurses and a review of reviews of interventions to support the family carers of people with dementia. To identify studies, we searched electronic databases, undertook lateral searches and contacted experts. Searches were undertaken in November 2012. Results are reported narratively with key themes relating to Admiral Nurses identified using thematic synthesis. We included 33 items relating to Admiral Nurses (10 classified as research) and 11 reviews evaluating community-based support for carers of people with dementia. There has been little work to evaluate specific interventions provided by Admiral Nurses, but three overarching thematic categories were identified: (i) relational support, (ii) co-ordinating and personalising support and (iii) challenges and threats to the provision of services by Admiral Nurses. There was an absence of clearly articulated goals and service delivery was subject to needs of the host organisation and the local area. The reviews of community-based support for carers of people with dementia included 155 studies but, in general, evidence that interventions reduced caregiver depression or burden was weak, although psychosocial and educational interventions may reduce depression in carers. Community support for carers of people with dementia, such as that provided by Admiral Nurses, is valued by family carers, but the impact of such initiatives is not clearly established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As places of both residence and work, what constitutes "good quality care" in residential aged care requires consideration of staffs' perspectives. Objective: A meta‐synthesis of the qualitative literature was conducted exploring residential aged care staff perspectives on "quality of care." Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for articles that met the screening inclusion criteria. This meta‐synthesis was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, and included studies were critically appraised using JBI SUMARI. Two independent reviewers conducted thematic network mapping and analysis of included articles, with oversight from three additional reviewers. Results: Forty‐seven articles were included, with findings summarised into four organising themes and nine basic themes. The four organising themes about quality care from staff perspectives include direct care, professional values and competence, the care environment and organisational/regulatory factors. Conclusion: Staff describe a wide range of factors that they perceived to influence the quality of care. Some may feel motivated to leave employment in aged care, due to organisational pressures that make staff unable to uphold what they perceive as an acceptable standard of care. There is tension between professional values and organisation/regulatory factors—regulation should be enacted at a level that supports good practice and staff's moral integrity. Relevance to clinical practice: This review found that while person‐centred care is now well established as the benchmark of quality care in residential aged care homes, achieving it in reality remains challenged by limitations on staff members' time, resources and sometimes their competencies and the regularity of their employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To synthesize qualitative evidence on nurses' and midwives' experiences in the provision of surgical abortion care. We address three specific questions: (a) what are the experiences of nurses and midwives in surgical abortion care? (b) what are their responses and coping strategies? (c) what are the deficiencies in surgical abortion care? Design: Qualitative studies were synthesized using Thomas and Harden's qualitative thematic synthesis method. Data sources: Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science were searched. Grey literature using ProQuest was searched. The databases were searched from inception to 5 August 2020. Review methods: The SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type) search tool was used in the literature search. Data synthesis was conducted using the three‐stage thematic synthesis method described by Thomas and Harden. Results: 966 studies were identified in the initial search and 18 studies were included. Four analytical themes were generated: 'Providing abortion care requires high emotional labour'; 'Professionalism of abortion care providers'; 'Initiatives in professional development' and 'Improving directions for high‐quality abortion care'. Conclusion: Nurses and midwives indicated that they require support to enhance psychological health and improve professional skills. Hospital managers should organize regular debriefing or structured group workshops for exchange of practical experiences and strengthening emotional support. More research is required to establish comprehensive training related to abortion care for nurses and midwives. The findings demonstrate that optimization of abortion services should start from hospital management models, pain management and bereavement care. Impact: Understanding the experiences of nurses and midwives in abortion provision will inform future clinical practice in surgical abortion care, which would be helpful in improving the professionalism and confidence of abortion providers. Our findings have implications for the training, development of policies and standards for surgical abortion care for nurses and midwives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents who give birth to an unexpected preterm infant not only suffer a psychological impact, but, in addition, their roles as parent are full of uncertainty. As part of family‐centered care, kangaroo care is an important way to support premature infants and their family. This review synthesizes qualitative studies on the experiences of parents who have used kangaroo care for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units. English and Chinese databases were searched for relevant studies from 1970 to July 2018. The findings of qualitative studies were extracted and pooled using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. A total of 731 studies were screened, and 9 were included. Five synthesized findings were identified: sense of emptiness of the parent's role, barriers in the translation of parental roles in kangaroo care, preparation enhances parental role expectations, kangaroo care enhances parental competency, and encouragement and support from family and friends. Through the implementation of kangaroo care, nurses are able to help prepare and guide parents, fit parents' needs, and help improve their ability and self‐confidence in their parental roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To explore the needs of and support given to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sex parents within the Nordic child health field. Background The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sex parents is growing around the world. However, they face fear, discrimination and heteronormativity within the child health field. The Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) rank as the most gender equal countries in the world; therefore, they may support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sex parents to a greater extent. Design Systematic literature review and meta-synthesis. Method A systematic search was conducted for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sex parents' experiences in the child health field, which consists of prenatal, labour and birth, postnatal and child health clinics, using PubMed, PsychInfo, Sociological Abstracts and CINAHL, as well as searching the grey literature, from 2000-2015. Ten articles were included. A quality assessment and a meta-synthesis of the articles were performed. Results Nearly all studies were qualitative, and most articles had at least one area of insufficient reporting. Only two countries, Sweden and Norway, had lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sex parents reporting on the child health field. However, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex parents' perspectives were nonexistent in the literature; therefore, the results all relate to same-sex mothers. Five themes were found: Acceptance of Same-sex Mothers, Disclosing Sexual Orientation, Heteronormative Obstacles, Co-mothers are Not Fathers, and Being the Other Parent. Conclusions Same-sex mothers are generally accepted within the Nordic child health field, but they still face overt and covert heteronormative obstacles, resulting in forms of discrimination and fear. Co-mothers feel invisible and secondary if they are not treated like an equal parent, but feel noticed and important when they are given equal support. Relevance to clinical practice Changes at the organisational and personnel levels can be made to better support same-sex mothers and co-mothers. Recognising both parents benefits the whole family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many women from socially disadvantaged groups discontinue breastfeeding in the early postnatal period before lactation is fully established. This suggests that existing health service practices do not adequately meet the breastfeeding support needs of this population. The aim of this meta-synthesis is to review the literature exploring how women from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds experience breastfeeding establishment and to identify factors associated with supportive practice. Methods: The meta-synthesis includes qualitative studies exploring the perception of women from disadvantaged groups of in-hospital and professionally led interventions to support the establishment of breastfeeding. Searches were conducted for studies published between 1992 and 2013; after critical appraisal, eight studies were retained. Results: Three overarching themes of the influences on maternal perception of the efficacy of breastfeeding support were identified. These included practical skill and knowledge of the breastfeeding process, the influence of psychological factors on perceived breastfeeding ability, and the provision of a person-centered approach to infant feeding support. Conclusions: The findings illustrate that the factors associated with supportive breastfeeding practice are extensive, complex, and interrelated. Strategies which enable mothers to gain confidence in their ability to successfully breastfeed by acquiring technical expertise, which offer positive encouragement, and which are culturally specific are more likely to be perceived as supportive by women from socially disadvantaged groups. (BIRTH 42:4 December 2015) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]