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Background: Normal physiologic birth has been shown to result in optimal maternal–infant outcomes, but the concept of physiologic birth is continually evolving. Midwives play an important role in advocating for normal physiologic birth; however, their perceptions of what this approach entails have not been systematically appraised. Objective: In this qualitative review, we aimed to examine midwives' perceived meanings of "normal physiologic birth" and to describe their experiences facilitating such births. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched, and 26 qualitative papers were included, representing a total of 433 midwives from different backgrounds (i.e., independent, home‐based, community‐based, and hospital‐based). Eligible papers were assessed for quality, and then data were coded and synthesized thematically. Results: Four highly connected themes were generated: (1) the midwife: fundamental beliefs; (2) the woman: empowerment and advocacy; (3) the environment: ambience and culture; and (4) the team: need for institutional support and recognition. The fundamental beliefs of midwives, such as their perceived role and definition of normal physiologic birth and their self‐confidence, influence practice styles and contribute to personal and professional development. Midwives often advocate for a person‐centered approach that encouraged women's and other birthing person's autonomy and involvement in shared decision‐making. The midwife–client relationship is also central. Most importantly, a conducive birthing environment and an inclusive workplace culture that encourages interprofessional support, collaboration, and recognizes midwifery practices were identified as crucial in providing optimal conditions for the facilitation of physiologic birth. Conclusions: This review provides healthcare policymakers and institutions fresh impetus to evaluate and revise as needed current workplace policies to be more inclusive and supportive of midwifery practices and physiologic birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the attitudes and experiences of allied health students working with older adults on residential aged care placements. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies of any design describing allied health student experience of residential aged care placements. Online databases searched to identify potentially relevant documents included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost) and Health and Medicine (ProQuest). Studies were excluded if residential aged care facilities or allied health professional students could not be extracted from the data. No restrictions were applied to methodological design, language, geographical location or year of publication. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess methodological quality. Extracted studies were analysed to identify the study design, participant and placement characteristics, study methodology and student experience measures. Data from the included studies were analysed thematically using meta‐synthesis. Results: Six studies (total number of participants, n = 308) met inclusion criteria, with four papers scoring a 5/5 on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Studies included undergraduate and master's students from physiotherapy (n = 3), speech language pathology (n = 2), dietetics (n = 1) and audiology (n = 1). Placement length varied from two to 15 h, between one and six residential aged care visits. Three themes were identified; (1) Opportunity to improve skills and gain confidence, (2) Development of empathy and shift in attitudes towards older adults and (3) Recognised challenges associated with older adults and residential aged care settings. Conclusion: While the size of the evidence‐base is limited, the studies were largely consistent in demonstrating an increase in positive attitudes towards older adults following residential aged care placements. Future research, innovations and planning around workforce size, preparation and motivation must be prioritised to ensure older adults receive the care they need and deserve. [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]

Transfers of critically ill neonates are frequent phenomena. Even though parents’ participation is regarded as crucial in neonatal care, a transfer often means that parents and neonates are separated. A systematic review of the parents’ experiences of neonatal transfer is lacking. This paper describes a meta‐study addressing qualitative research about parents’ experiences of neonatal transfer. Through deconstruction and reflections of theories, methods, and empirical data, the aim was to achieve a deeper understanding of theoretical, empirical, contextual, historical, and methodological issues of qualitative studies concerning parents’ experiences of neonatal transfer over the course of this meta‐study (2000–2017). Meta‐theory and meta‐method analyses showed that caring, transition, and family‐centered care were main theoretical frames applied and that interviewing with a small number of participants was the preferred data collection method. The meta‐data‐analysis showed that transfer was a scary, unfamiliar, and threatening experience for the parents; they were losing familiar context, were separated from their neonate, and could feel their parenthood disrupted. We identified ‘wavering and wandering’ as a metaphoric representation of the parents’ experiences. The findings add knowledge about meta‐study as an approach for comprehensive qualitative research and point at the value of meta‐theory and meta‐method analyses. [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]

The number of individuals in prison is increasing worldwide. More and more family members are impacted by the imprisonment of a loved one. They face a variety of difficulties, such as social exclusion, mental health difficulties, stigma, and isolation. A systematic review and meta‐ethnography were carried out using Noblit & Hare's seven‐step approach to bring together the qualitative research in this area and support policy recommendations. Key databases were searched systematically and 12 studies, with varying aims, sample, and location, were included. The synthesis produced six core themes, reflecting the experiences of partners (mainly female): Role Transitions; Loss and Isolation; Shame and Secrecy; Encounters with the Prison Systems; Silver Linings; New Ways of Coping. The overarching narrative that integrates the findings suggests that the experience of having a partner in prison is a process of resocialisation. Partners not only conform to new circumstances and adjust their behaviour, but also adjust to changes in their roles and responsibilities, relationships, positions in society, and their futures. The findings, notwithstanding limitations and recommendations for future research, highlight the need for healthcare professionals, community and prison services, and policymakers to work together to support this population in their resocialisation process. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is far little evidence available on nursing managers' experiences during this global crisis. This systematic review aimed to provide the first comprehensive summary of the findings of published studies describing data concerning nursing managers' experiences of the COVID‐19 outbreak. Design: Studies published between January 2019 and the end of December 2021 were retrieved from CINAHL, Medline and PubMed databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to guide the search methodology. Methods: In total, 14 relevant articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Our findings revealed five main themes describing nursing managers' experiences: an expanding and changing role, ensuring the well‐being of staff, communication, support received, development and learning. Nursing managers found the task of operational management confusing, as objectives have been constantly changing as the pandemic has progressed. The results should be used in preparation for future crises similar to the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2020 Lancet issue identified social isolation as one of 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia and revealed that enhanced social connections and social support can effectively reduce the incidence of social isolation. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, technology attracted an increasing amount of attention, and it is necessary to synthesize ideas from existing evidence. First, we explored how people with dementia experienced changes in social connection and social support due to tablet/app use. Second, we explored the attitudes of people with dementia towards tablets and mobile applications. Third, we explored the feasibility of using tablets and mobile applications to enhance social connection and social support among people with dementia. We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of studies, extracted the data and performed critical appraisals of each included study. The data synthesis was conducted using thematic analysis. A total of nine studies were included. Eight studies used mobile applications via tablets, and one study collected textual data from Twitter for analysis. Four themes were synthesized: (1) change from the perspective of caregivers; (2) growth of nonsingle aspects; (3) emotional feeling of belonging; and (4) feasibility of using digital technology. Tablet‐ and mobile application‐based interventions can enhance both online and offline social connections and provide multiple types of social support among people with dementia. People with dementia have positive attitudes towards tablets and mobile applications. Overall, it is feasible for people with dementia to use technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reproductive and perinatal health of sexual and gender‐diverse (SGD) individuals is a research priority area for the National Institutes of Health. Over the past decade, this childbearing population has been the focus of several qualitative studies providing the opportunity to evaluate and synthesize the qualitative literature on SGD childbearing experiences in a metasynthesis. Methods: We conducted a literature search of four databases to identify original research published from January 2011 through June 2021. These results were augmented by forward and backward searching strategies. Two authors independently screened studies. All qualitative studies of the childbearing experience were eligible. Data were extracted and inductively coded using conventional content analysis, and studies underwent a quality appraisal by two authors. Results: From 2396 articles, 127 full‐text articles were screened, and 25 were included in this synthesis. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) Systematic Invisibility; (b) Creating Personhood Through Parenthood; and (c) Resilient Narratives of Childbearing. Conclusions: Relative to heterosexual and cisgender parents, SGD childbearing parents experience unique structural and interpersonal challenges and employ critically important resilience strategies and coping techniques to manage an overwhelming heterocisnormative experience. These findings provide an important target for health care organizations and professionals to improve SGD perinatal health. In addition, this metasynthesis identified persistent gaps in our understanding of this marginalized childbearing population, which have important implications for reducing health disparities that SGD parents experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a significantly higher number of people experiencing severe levels of suicidal thoughts compared to that of suicidal deaths and suicide attempts. In suicide prevention research, there is a shift towards greater emphasis on people's experiences of living with suicidal thoughts. This can expand the existing evidence base, which is dominated by a biomedical approach. The aim of this review was to summarise and disseminate existing research on the lived experiences of living with suicidal thoughts. Methods: A scoping review by Arksey & O'Malley consisting of six stages: (1) formulating the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting studies, (4) mapping data, (5) summarising the results and (6) consulting stakeholders. PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched for studies in English, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. Peer‐reviewed articles examining people's experiences of living with suicidal thoughts using qualitative methods were included. The search was supplemented with a citation pearl search in the Web of Science database. Twenty‐eight studies were included. Results: The findings were organised under two thematic headings: (a) the significance of social connections and (b) a loss of the personal self. Conclusion: There is a need for further qualitative research of people's experiences of living with suicidal thoughts from an everyday life perspective. Awareness about social connections and attachment in mental health prevention and governance is crucial. Trauma‐informed care could be a useful approach to prevent suicidal thoughts as the review found that many participants had traumatic experiences in both childhood and adulthood. As part of the treatment of suicidal thoughts, it might be useful to have a focus on narrative and communicative methods and their clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this meta‐synthesis was to identify and synthesize qualitative research evaluating the real feelings, inner needs and emotional experience of women undergoing hysterectomy. Design: Meta‐synthesis. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Ovid Medline and Sino Med were systematically searched until November 2021 and updated until June 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted data into a Microsoft Excel sheet. Qualitative meta‐synthesis was performed by coding relevant citations, organizing codes into descriptive themes and developing analytical themes. Results: Qualitative meta‐synthesis yielded three themes and nine sub‐themes: comprehensive consideration before hysterectomy (a. disease factors; b. fertility factors; c. opinions of others); emotions and experience after hysterectomy (a. postoperative physical condition; b. psychological resilience to the loss of the uterus; c. changes in the couple's relationship); coping strategies (a. self‐denial and avoidance; b. change of perception and self‐adjustment; c. seek help from others). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post‐burn scarring is often cosmetically unappealing and create discomfort. This makes it crucial to understand the experience of individuals living with scars which can offer insights into their recovery. This review sought to develop an in‐depth understanding of living with post‐burn scars. Design: A systematic review and meta‐ethnography approach were employed. We utilized an interpretive approach to inductively generate codes. These codes were examined iteratively using a constant comparison strategy following which they were re‐interpreted to formulate themes which formed the basis of undertaking a narrative synthesis. Results: Twenty‐five studies were retained. The analytical process yielded two themes: emergence of a new identity and living with the redefined self. The experience of living with scars is entwined with the initial trauma as the scars served as a permanent reminder of the injury. Emergence of a new identity involved a process of meaning making, mourning the loss of the old self, confronting the new self, reconciling the remains of the old self with the new, rebuilding a new identity, and navigating through functional restrictions. These processes were particularly challenging for persons involved in self‐immolation. Positive coping and changing one's perspective emerged as strategies to facilitate living with the redefined self. Conclusion: Living with scars is a challenging process which is more difficult for persons whose injuries are due to self‐immolation (act of burning oneself). The findings highlight a latent yet ongoing process towards subjective recovery. Clinicians need to be aware of the processes and incorporate these into rehabilitation programmes. Clinical relevance: Burn survivors need ongoing professional support to adjust to and live with the scars. Victims of self‐immolation should be considered for early psychosocial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: From its beginnings in China in December of 2019, the novel coronavirus COVID‐19 spread and quickly became the center of nursing care and conversation across the globe (WHO, 2020). This meta‐ethnographic study was conducted in order to provide the profession of nursing interpretative explanations of a common experience during the care of patients with COVID‐19. Design and method: A literature review focused on the experience of the nurse during the COVID‐19 pandemic revealed a total of 13 qualitative studies conducted in China, Spain, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, and the United States. A meta‐ethnographic review of these qualitative works, using the method of Noblit and Hare, was then conducted which revealed the experience of the nurse across the globe during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Findings: The review revealed strong similarities between the experiences of the nurse across the 13 studies. Given this reciprocal relationship, translations were constructed and synthesized until four new themes emerged outlining the global experience of the nurse during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conclusions: Despite the differences between the structures of healthcare and government of the six countries represented in this meta‐ethnography, the experience of the nurse emerged into a narrative shared by those represented in this study. As the profession of nursing continues to work through ongoing waves of COVID‐19, these results will help guide the resources and training provided to nurses on the frontline of care. Clinical relevance: Despite great personal risk, nurses across the globe stepped up to the challenge of upholding and improving the health of the world's people during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As health policy, education, and system leaders, we must listen to the common experience revealed in this meta‐synthesis and respond by providing the resources needed to improve nursing practice and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To conduct a systematic review to understand the experiences of foreign‐educated nurses in Japan. Background: The experiences of foreign nurses in host countries, and the challenges they face, have been widely investigated around the world. However, no systematic review has focused on the experience of foreign‐educated nurses in Japan. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Guidelines. Japan Medical Abstract Society, Citation Information by National Institute of Informatics, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PubMed databases were used for the literature search. Inclusion criteria were research articles published between 2013 and 2020 written in Japanese or English. A quality assessment was performed using Version 2018 of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Selected articles were read repeatedly, and relevant contents were extracted and summarized thematically. Results: Twenty‐five studies were selected for the review. The themes generated included (1) reasons for nurses to come to Japan, (2) experiences and current situations among the Economic Partnership Agreement nurses/nurse candidates living in Japan, and (3) experiences and current situation of nurses who had returned to their home countries. The second theme was classified into four categories: language and communication barriers, low pass rates for the national qualification exam, adaptation to workplaces and social environments, and psychological distress. Conclusion: Foreign nurses in Japan face various challenges and difficulties, even after they return to their home countries. Solving these problems may improve the wellbeing of foreign‐educated nurses in Japan. Implications for Nursing Policy: The results from the current review highlight the necessity for immediate intervention by policymakers to improve the current support system for Economic Partnership Agreement nurses/nurse candidates. A thorough pre‐arrival orientation should be provided for the nurse candidates to able them to make a well‐informed choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Race is a barrier and source of inequality affecting ethnic minorities in nursing practice and education. Purpose: This integrative review study aimed to determine whether racism and institutionalized racism are explicitly named in the titles and abstracts of peer‐reviewed publications on nursing education, leadership, and the nursing profession, and to explore the depth of discussion of racialized concepts in peer‐reviewed nursing literature. Method: Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review approach was used to review 23 studies published in nursing journals published from 2008 to 2020. Findings: Four themes were extracted: the context of racism discussions in the literature; consequences of experiences of racism; emotional and physical effects of racism on nurses and students of color; and scholars' recommendations. Discussion: Nursing must start to openly acknowledge the issue of racism within the profession, and to address it by providing safe spaces for authentic dialogue in academic and practice settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the obstacles to and the opportunities for achieving optimal interprofessional team collaboration with the introduction of the nurse practitioner ( NP). A team approach can contribute importantly to sustainable and safe patient care, and NPs have been added to the healthcare team in many countries. Following the international trend towards the development of the acute care NP, the role has recently been initiated in surgical care in Sweden. The introduction of an advanced nursing role into existing organisations raises questions about how the role will be developed and what its effects will be on collaboration between the different professions. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies using the meta-ethnographic approach developed by Noblit and Hare. Literature in the field of nursing was searched on PubMed and CINAHL, and empirical qualitative studies from outpatient and inpatient care in seven countries were included. The studies were appraised according to national guidelines and templates and were analysed and synthesised according to the meta-ethnographic approach. A total of 26 studies were included in the synthesis. The analysis revealed four themes: (i) a threat to professional boundaries, (ii) a resource for the team, (iii) the quest for autonomy and control, and (iv) necessary properties of a developing interprofessional collaboration. Based on these themes, the synthesis was created and presented as a metaphorical journey. The implementation of a new nursing role in a traditional healthcare team is a complex process influenced by many factors and can be described as 'a tortuous journey towards a partially unknown destination'. The synthesised obstacles and opportunities drawn from international studies may help healthcare organisations and new NPs prepare for, and optimise, the implementation of a new nursing role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]