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Aim: To report an analysis of the concept of fundamental care in the literature. Design: An evolutionary concept analysis. Data sources PubMed and CINAHL Complete databases were consulted using the key terms: fundamental care, fundamentals of care, essential care, basic nursing care and basic care revised. Articles published from 2008 to 2022, in English and Italian, in scholarly/peer‐reviewed nursing journals were included. Methods: Rodgers's Evolutionary Method of concept analysis was used. Our thematic analysis yielded common themes related to the concept, antecedents, attributes and consequences of fundamental care. Results: A total of 50 articles were analysed. Thirty‐eight attributes were identified, such as integration of care, patient and family centred care and trusting relationship; eight antecedents including nursing care, nursing practice and care context; and 17 consequences including the safety, quality and consistency of care. Conclusion: This review of literature reveals that there is no consistent definition of the concept of 'fundamental care'. Findings from this exploration of the literature emphasized the importance of communication, the contextual environment, leadership influence and nurse–patient relationship in providing effective and high‐quality fundamental care. Our definition of this concept may help nurse leaders in practice, research, education, management and policy to promote and enhance the application of fundamental care. Impact: What problem did the study address? While numerous studies examine fundamental nursing care, various terms are used with no consensus on definitions emerging. Given the relevance of this topic, reaching a clear and agreed definition of fundamental care is essential. What were the main findings? Fundamental care encompasses the importance of communication, the contextual environment, leadership influence and nurse‐patient relationship in providing effective and high‐quality care. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This definition of fundamental care will assist nurse leaders and researchers to promote and enhance the examination and application of fundamental care in clinical practice to ensure better care outcomes across all healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden death is now consolidated. However, there is no unanimous agreement on how patients experience certain aspects of their lives after an ICD implant. Various clinical studies have evaluated the impact of ICDs on patient mortality, survival, and their beneficial effects. Given the growing number of qualitative studies, a synthesis of qualitative evidence became desirable. Aims To explore and synthesize the results of qualitative studies addressing the experiences of patients with an ICD. Methods We employed a systematic review and meta-synthesis. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies published between January 2005 and October 2020, which investigate the experience of patients living with an ICD. Selected studies were assessed for quality by two reviewers independently. Results A total of 24 papers were selected. Six themes emerged: fear and insecurity, the need for information, new impacts on life, living with ICD shocks, gender differences, and the role of the family. These results could help clinicians and researchers to develop new strategies and interventions to improve the quality of life in these patients. Conclusion This meta-synthesis underlines the difficulties experienced by patients with ICD implants. Despite the advanced therapeutic management programmes for this type of intervention, it is necessary to adopt and implement the current post-discharge care plans, where the family's involvement is essential to help patients adapt to their new lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify predictors and consequences of violence or aggression events against nurses and nursing students in different work contexts. Background: Workplace violence against nurses and nursing students is a very common and widespread phenomenon. Actions to manage or prevent violent events could be implemented knowing the risk factors and consequences. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews that summarize knowledge on the predictors and consequences of workplace violence. Evaluation: A scoping review was conducted using electronic databases including APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, PubMed and Scopus. Key issues: After full text analysis, 87 papers were included in the current scoping review. Risk factors of horizontal violence were grouped into 'personal' and 'Environmental and organizational', and for violence perpetrated by patients into 'personal', 'Environmental and organizational' and 'Characteristics of the perpetrators'. Conclusions: The results of this scoping review uncover problems that often remain unaddressed, especially where these episodes are very frequent. Workplace violence prevention and management programmes are essential to counter it. Implications for Nursing Management: The predictors and the consequents identified constitute the body of knowledge necessary for nurse managers to develop and implement policy and system actions to effectively manage or prevent violent events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To conduct a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of findings from qualitative research about sexuality and intimate relationship among patients with dermatological diseases. Background: Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in clinical research investigating aspects related to sex and sexuality in patients living with dermatological diseases. In fact, studies recognise a negative impact on various aspects of intimacy, such as sexual function, self‐esteem and romantic relationships. The body of qualitative literature about sexuality in the context of dermatological diseases is emerging but consists mainly of small studies that would benefit from aggregation, synthesis and interpretation to highlight and summarise the overarching dimensions to this clinical issue. Design: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies. Methods: BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched between June–November 2017 with no publication date limits. Screening and selection of studies was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). After retrieval, the qualitative data were subject to meta‐synthesis to identify overarching themes. Results: Ten qualitative studies were found. We identified four themes: (a) Embarrassment and shame; (b) Impaired sense of attractiveness and sexual avoidance; (c) Relationship issues; and (d) Lack of professional support. The patients in these studies adopted negative coping styles, such as avoidance and hiding their bodies. Conclusion: When assessing and evaluating patient care in dermatology, it is important that sexuality and the impact the disease could have on relationships is included. Relevance to clinical practice: An important part of nursing care is ensuring that patients are helped to develop positive coping strategies rather than negative ones. Patients with dermatological conditions also need advice and treatment to address any physically related sexual problems. Nurses need to be the initiators of these sensitive conversations to put patients at ease and work together to implement positive measures to reduce the sexuality‐related issues patients face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To synthesise and review literature related to instruments that measure psychosocial aspects of fundamental care in acute hospital care settings. Background: Psychosocial aspects of care often receive less priority in terms of care provision in acute care environments. At the same time, if these elements are overlooked, there may be consequences. Despite the availability of many instruments designed to measure specific aspects of care, these concepts are often not studied within the broader context of fundamentals of care, but rather coexist as isolated explorations of specific subelements. Design: A scoping review was conducted, based on Arksey & O'Malley's (2005) methodological framework and following the PRISMA checklist. Methods: Using the five recommended steps—identifying the research question; identifying relevant studies; study selection; charting the data; and summarising and reporting the results—three databases were searched: MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE, in February 2019. Results: Following independent screening by two of the authors, 48 papers were included. From these 48 papers, 33 instruments were identified. Only five of these tools thoroughly assessed psychosocial aspects elements of care (dignity, respect, privacy and patients' choice) through dedicated items. Conclusions: This review provides nurses with a synthesis of 33 instruments that assess the psychosocial aspects of care. This provides an important resource to guide measurement of dignity, respect, privacy and patients' choice. The findings also provide guidance to future research in this field. Relevance to clinical practice: This paper reviews and synthesises these instruments to provide a resource to nurses to inform their decisions and practice around measurement and evaluation of these key aspects of care. This provides a useful guide to measure and monitor the improvement of fundamental care delivery in practice and points to strengths and weaknesses of the instruments concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To review and synthesise research studies on surgical and medical inpatients' perceptions on unmet nursing care needs. Background: Missed nursing care is a growing phenomenon that has been shown to adversely affect care outcomes—mainly in adult medical and surgical care settings. However, to date the aggregated and synthesised evidence of missed care comes from research that measures perceptions on missed care in surgical and medical settings from nurses, but not from the patients. Design: Scoping review. Methods: In September 2018, three databases were searched: MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL and SCOPUS and papers were selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were as follows: primary studies; published in peer‐reviewed journals; in English or Italian; and regarding routine care provided to adult inpatients. Quality appraisal and a thematic analysis were conducted. Results: Of the 1541 abstracts initially identified, 44 papers were included. Five themes emerged: "communication," "self‐management, autonomy and education," "personal sphere," "essential physical care" and "emotional and psychological care." The majority of the unmet needs were related to the "personal sphere" and "emotional and psychological care." These unmet needs were not identified in previous literature on nurses' perspectives of missed care. Also, physical care deficits like oral hygiene were identified. Conclusion: It is important to take into account patients' perspectives. The themes focusing on patients' personal sphere, and emotional and psychological care, underline how patients need nurses to pay more attention to their cultural background, consider the person as a whole and for nursing care to be holistic and respectful of patients' dignity. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study intends to raise awareness amongst nurses and policymakers about the importance of addressing missed nursing care and unmet patients' needs in adult medical or surgical inpatient settings to ensure high‐quality care and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Developing nursing research skills, awareness and research utilisation are important for improving healthcare outcomes and are key to ensuring the full understanding and knowledge base necessary for optimal delivery of care. Nevertheless, little is known about research awareness in children's nurses. Aims and objectives: To address this issue, an integrative literature review was conducted for studies published between January 2007 and January 2017 to obtain up‐to‐date evidence about the extent of research awareness and utilisation among children's nurses. Methods: Using PubMed, Cochrane Library, ILISI and CINAHL databases, 21 studies related to children's nurses' research awareness were included in the final review, which was later developed and structured in keeping with PRISMA checklist and guidelines. Conclusions: The studies isolated show that nurses' knowledge about and utilisation of research vary and that there are many existent barriers to and facilitators of evidence‐based practice in the paediatric setting. Some studies report that introducing a cultural and/or change in clinical practice change to improve research utilisation can have positive impacts on healthcare outcomes and the quality of nursing care of children. It is recommended that structured approaches to improving research utilisation be considered and additional research is needed to explore the benefits of these approaches. Relevance to clinical practice: Despite more than three decades of the evidence‐based practice movement within nursing, barriers still exist among children's nurses in the use of research in practice. If the use of research to improve the delivery of children's nursing care is to become a reality, then nurses' research awareness needs to improve to underpin care delivery with optimal evidence in a cohesive informed manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: This integrative review aims to explore how nursing leadership influences evidence‐based practice in contemporary health care settings. Background: Although managers and environmental ward culture have long been identified as being among the main barriers to evidence‐based practice, there is little overall conceptualization and understanding of the specific role of nurse leaders in directly influencing and supporting this. Evaluation: The team carried out an integrative literature review (n = 28) utilizing PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (2006–2016). Key Issues: The key role of leadership, the methodology used, and understanding and addressing barriers to or facilitators of the implementation of evidence‐based practice emerged as key issues. Conclusion: Nurse managers have a particular influential role on the implementation of evidence‐based practice in terms of providing a supportive culture and environment. For this they need to have an underlying knowledge but also to be aware of and address barriers to implementation, and understand the key role of nurse managers in creating and supporting the optimum environment. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers need to facilitate and enhance nurses' use of evidence‐based practice. Both managers and nurses need to have the necessary academic preparation, support and resources required for practising using an evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric nurses often face complex situations requiring decisions that sometimes clash with their own values and beliefs, or with the needs of the children they care for and their families. Paediatric nurses often use new technology that changes the way they provide care, but also reduces their direct interaction with the child. This may generate ethical issues, which nurses should be able to address in the full respect of the child. Research question and objectives: The purpose of this review is to describe the main ethical dimensions of paediatric nursing. Our research question was, ‘What are the most common ethical dimensions and competences related to paediatric nursing?’ Research design: A rapid evidence assessment. Method: According to the principles of the rapid evidence assessment, we searched the PubMed, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases for papers published between January 2001 and March 2015. These papers were then independently read by two researchers and analysed according to the inclusion criteria. Ethical considerations: Since this was a rapid evidence assessment, no approval from the ethics committee was required. Findings: Ten papers met our inclusion criteria. Ethical issues in paediatric nursing were grouped into three areas: (a) ethical issues in paediatric care, (b) social responsibility and (c) decision-making process. Conclusion: Few studies investigate the ethical dimensions and aspects of paediatric nursing, and they are mainly qualitative studies conducted in critical care settings based on nurses’ perceptions and experiences. Paediatric nurses require specific educational interventions to help them resolve ethical issues, contribute to the decision-making process and fulfil their role as advocates of a vulnerable population (i.e. sick children and their families). Further research is needed to investigate how paediatric nurses can improve the involvement of children and their families in decision-making processes related to their care plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To review the use of mixed-methods research in nursing with a particular focus on the extent to which current practice informs nurse researchers. It also aimed to highlight gaps in current knowledge, understanding and reporting of this type of research. Background Mixed-methods research is becoming increasingly popular among nurses and healthcare professionals. Emergent findings from this type of research are very useful for nurses in practice. The combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods provides a scientific base for practice but also richness from the qualitative enquiry. However, at the same time mixed-methods research is underdeveloped. Methods This study identified mixed-methods research papers and critically evaluated their usefulness for research practice. To support the analysis, we performed a two-stage search using CINAHL to find papers with titles that included the key term 'mixed method'. Conclusion An analysis of studies that used mixed-methods research revealed some inconsistencies in application and reporting. Attempts to use two distinct research methods in these studies often meant that one or both aspects had limitations. Overall methods were applied in a less rigorous way. This has implications for providing somewhat limited direction for novice researchers. There is also potential for application of evidence in healthcare practice that limited validity. Relevance to clinical practice This study highlights current gaps in knowledge, understanding and reporting of mixed-methods research. While these methods are useful to gain insight into clinical problems nurses lack guidance with this type of research. This study revealed that the guidance provided by current mixed-methods research is inconsistent and incomplete and this compounds the lack of available direction. There is an urgent need to develop robust guidelines for using mixed-methods research so that findings may be critically implemented in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To identify patient safety competencies, and determine the clinical learning environments that facilitate the development of patient safety competencies in nursing students. Background Patient safety in nursing education is of key importance for health professional environments, settings and care systems. To be effective, safe nursing practice requires a good integration between increasing knowledge and the different clinical practice settings. Nurse educators have the responsibility to develop effective learning processes and ensure patient safety. Design Rapid Evidence Assessment. Data Sources MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and ERIC were searched, yielding 500 citations published between 1 January 2004-30 September 2014. Review methods Following the Rapid Evidence Assessment process, 17 studies were included in this review. Hawker's (2002) quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. Results Undergraduate nursing students need to develop competencies to ensure patient safety. The quality of the pedagogical atmosphere in the clinical setting has an important impact on the students' overall level of competence. Active student engagement in clinical processes stimulates their critical reasoning, improves interpersonal communication and facilitates adequate supervision and feedback. Conclusion Few studies describe the nursing students' patient safety competencies and exactly what they need to learn. In addition, studies describe only briefly which clinical learning environments facilitate the development of patient safety competencies in nursing students. Further research is needed to identify additional pedagogical strategies and the specific characteristics of the clinical learning environments that encourage the development of nursing students' patient safety competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In England about two million people are living with and beyond cancer, a figure that is expected to increase to more than three million by 2030. Many survivors will experience a wide range of long-term problems as a result of the disease and its treatment, for example, fatigue or sexual difficulties. Nurses can provide care to survivors with unmet needs and act as patient navigators through healthcare systems. The aim of this literature review was to identify the effect of nurse-led cancer patient navigation programmes on nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. The electronic databases MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched for articles published between January 2005 and April 2016, and hand searches were conducted of the reference lists of included articles. Experimental and quasi-experimental study designs were eligible for inclusion. Three studies involving adult patients with a variety of cancers were evaluated and synthesised. Overall, they showed that nurse-led cancer patient navigation programmes had some positive effect on outcomes, including reduced length of hospital stay, improved quality of life and satisfaction with care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses and nursing students appear vulnerable to moral distress when faced with ethical dilemmas or decision-making in clinical practice. As a result, they may experience professional dissatisfaction and their relationships with patients, families, and colleagues may be compromised. The impact of moral distress may manifest as anger, feelings of guilt and frustration, a desire to give up the profession, loss of self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Objectives: The purpose of this review was to describe how dilemmas and environmental, relational, and organizational factors contribute to moral distress in undergraduate student nurses during their clinical experience and professional education. Research design: The research design was a systematic literature review. Method: The search produced a total of 157 articles published between 2004 and 2014. These were screened with the assessment sheet designed by Hawker and colleagues. Four articles matched the search criteria (one quantitative study and three qualitative), and these were separately read and analyzed by the researchers. The process of review and analysis of the data was supervised by a colleague experienced in moral distress who provided an independent quality check. Ethical consideration: Since this was a systematic review, no ethical approval was required. Findings: From the analysis, it emerged that inequalities and healthcare disparities, the relationship with the mentor, and students’ individual characteristics can all impact negatively on the decisions taken and the nursing care provided, generating moral distress. All these factors condition both the clinical experience and learning process, in addition to the professional development and the possible care choices of future nurses. Conclusion: Few studies dealt with moral distress in the setting of nurse education, and there is a knowledge gap related to this phenomenon. The results of this review underline the need for further research regarding interventions that can minimize moral distress in undergraduate nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality-of-life assessment is a central concept in palliative care. Clinical interventions focused on assessing quality of life are complex interventions. Current research is insufficient to determine how to implement interventions focused on quality-of-life assessment in palliative care. To explore the different components of interventions focused on quality-of-life assessment in palliative care, a systematic review and 5 databases were searched. Publications included were analyzed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) Framework Programme 7 practical guidance on using patient-reported outcome measurements in palliative care and the Quality of Life Assessment Principles in Palliative Care. Interventions and their components were identified and discussed. Identifying problems and monitoring change or response to treatment, screening for hidden problems, and facilitating communication were the 3 different types of intervention identified. None of the interventions fulfilled all the 11 Quality of Life Assessment Principles in Palliative Care. Overall, 6 characteristics of the components were identified: the quality-of-life measure, educational training, completing the measure (patients or proxy), collecting quality-of-life data (baseline and further assessment), identifying a coordinator, and presenting quality-of-life data. Because of heterogeneity of interventions, it is not possible to recommend 1 preferred intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To establish the psychometric properties of instruments to measure learning outcomes in healthcare students. Background Meaningful learning is an active process that promotes a wider and deeper understanding of concepts. It is the result of an interaction between new and previous knowledge. Meaningful learning produces a long-term change in knowledge and skills, which is underpinned by willingness to learn and experience and it is exclusively built by the learner. Design Systematic psychometric review protocol developed from Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care guidance. Method Searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, Psyc INFO, Cochrane Library, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection Database between 1990-2013. Selected studies will be evaluated with the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments ( COSMIN) checklist. Funding for the review was confirmed on January 2011 by the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship in Rome. Results The systematic review will produce a synthesis of the data related to the instruments that measure learning outcomes. These data will help us decide which tools to use and identify the state of knowledge in this field. Conclusions Measuring learning outcomes is very important for the large amount of human and financial resources employed in educating and training health professionals and this requires reliable and valid instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article cites a study which determines to what extent interventions focused on measuring quality of life in palliative care practice are effective in improving outcomes in palliative care patients. The study data was taken from MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library papers published until June 2012. It is concluded that effectiveness of interventions focused on quality-of-life assessment is moderate.

Aim To describe a protocol for a quantitative systematic review, to identify critique and summarize factors that influence self-management education. Background Self-management education enables patients to manage their condition successfully and it is associated with better self-care, good control over lifestyle and leading the best possible quality of life, notwithstanding the presence of a chronic disease. Type II Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires lifestyle adjustments and disease management to keep glycaemia and long-term complications under control. Education has to be customized and based on an assessment that includes factors influencing self-management, such as personal characteristics that can optimize the educational intervention. Design The protocol for the systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, York ( UK). Method The review question was defined in terms of population, interventions, comparators, outcomes and study designs. The protocol included decisions about the review question, inclusion criteria, search strategy, study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, data synthesis and plans for dissemination. Funding for the review was confirmed on January 2011 by the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship in Rome. Discussion An initial summary will be made by tabulating the data; the review will be reported in a narrative style and be developed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol for the systematic review will allow us to identify, among the factors influencing self-management in people with Type II diabetes, the personal characteristics most relevant to the factors of motivation and empowerment. In addition, the systematic review will also identify an appropriate self-management model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]