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Aims A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of a home-based music-paced physical activity programme guided by Information-Motivation-Strategy (IMS) model and Self-determination theory on exercise-related outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Methods and results A total of 130 patients with CHD from a regional CR centre in Hong Kong were recruited and randomly allocated into intervention (n = 65) or control groups (n = 65). The intervention group received theory-guided practical sessions on performing prescribed home-based physical activity with individualized synchronized music, and follow-up telephone calls. The primary outcome was exercise capacity. Secondary outcomes included exercise self-efficacy, physical activity level, and exercise self-determination. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after study entry. The generalized estimating equations model was used to assess the intervention effects. Patients with CHD in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in exercise capacity at 3 months [ β = 35.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.69–68.68, P = 0.034] and significantly improved exercise self-efficacy at 6 months (β = 3.72, 95% CI 0.11–7.32, P = 0.043) when compared with the control group. However, no significant group differences were found in physical activity level and exercise self-determination. Conclusion The study findings provide evidence on an innovation on improving the exercise capacity and exercise self-efficacy of patients with CHD. The music-paced physical activity guided by the IMS model and Self-determination theory requires further investigation on its long-term effects in future studies. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR-IOR-17011015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and potential effectiveness of a group‐based instrumental musical training programme in improving resilience, depressive symptoms, self‐esteem and quality of life among school‐aged children from low‐income families. Design: Assessor‐blinded pilot randomised waitlist controlled trial with process evaluation. Methods: This study was conducted in the community from January 2022 to July 2023. Sixty‐four children from low‐income families (aged 8–12 years) were randomised (1:1) to intervention and waitlist control groups. The intervention group (n = 32) received weekly 1‐hour instrumental musical training for 6 months in groups of four to five from professionally qualified musicians at a music centre. The participants in the waitlist control group (n = 32) received the same intervention as the participants in the intervention group after the completion of all outcome assessments. The primary outcome was the children's levels of resilience, measured using the Resilience Scale for Children – 10. The secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, self‐esteem and quality of life. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and immediately post‐intervention (T1). An intention‐to‐treat analysis was performed. Results: The 64 participants had a mean (SD) age of 9.5 (1.44) years, and 37 (57.8%) were boys. Compared with the waitlist control group, participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in resilience levels from baseline to T0 (group‐by‐time interaction coefficient β = 4.41; 95% CI, 1.82–6.99; p = 0.001), depressive symptoms (β = −6.42; 95% CI, −11.12 to −1.71; p = 0.008), self‐esteem (β = −2.60; 95% CI, 0.28–4.92; p = 0.028) and quality of life (β = 6.69; 95% CI, 0.18–13.2; p = 0.044). Conclusion: The group‐based instrumental musical training programme was feasible and acceptable for school‐aged underprivileged children and showed the potential to improve the resilience and quality of life of this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the natural cessation of estrogen, after menopause, women, especially those who are overweight, are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease. Diet control and adequate physical activity (PA) are recommended as the essence of promoting cardiovascular health for women after menopause. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a theory-based educational program on health behaviors and cardiovascular health outcomes among overweight postmenopausal Chinese women compared with conventional didactic education. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 288 participants were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 144) or control (n = 144) groups. The control group received conventional didactic education. The intervention group received a 3-month theory-based educational program. Primary outcomes were PA and dietary behavior. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular health knowledge, self-efficacy in PA and diet, and cardiovascular health outcomes. Data were collected at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3). Results: The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in PA, dietary behavior, self-efficacy in PA and diet, and several cardiovascular health outcomes (body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and Framingham risk score [body mass index]) at postintervention compared with the control group (all P s <.05). These significant effects maintained at T2, and the effects on self-efficacy in PA and diet also were maintained at T3. Conclusions: A theory-based educational program may be an effective strategy for improving PA, dietary behavior, self-efficacy in PA and diet, and several cardiovascular health outcomes for overweight postmenopausal Chinese women. However, further strategies are needed to enhance the sustainability of the positive changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decision aids have been shown to be effective in assisting the decision-making process in healthcare settings. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a linguistically appropriate printed decision aid for cervical cancer screening in South Asian women and to preliminarily estimate its effects on decisional conflicts, clarity of values, risk perception, the screening decision and screening uptake. Methods: This was a pilot randomised controlled trial. Forty-eight South Asian women aged 25 to 64 years were recruited and allocated to either the intervention group or control group. The participants in the intervention group read a linguistically appropriate printed decision aid. Results: All of the participants in the intervention group agreed that the decision aid was useful in aiding their decision-making. These participants showed significantly greater improvement in decisional conflicts, clarity of values and risk perceptions than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). The screening uptake rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The decision aid was feasible and acceptable among South Asian women, and it resulted in reduced decisional conflict and increased screening uptake compared with usual care. To improve the convenience of using decision aids, they could be developed in various forms, such as printed and mobile application forms, to meet individual requirements. Trial Registration: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 23 October 2021 (ChiCTR2100052225). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite extensive efforts and advances in developing and fostering evidence‐based delirium prevention interventions, the incidence of delirium remains high in hospitalized patients. Evidence suggests that sensory stimulation is a core component in interventions to prevent delirium among critically ill patients. However, its impact on the occurrence and outcomes of delirium is poorly understood. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a sensory stimulation intervention on preventing delirium in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Study Design: A prospective, assessor‐blind, parallel‐group randomized controlled trial. Adult patients were recruited from a surgical ICU of one tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China. Participants in the intervention group received a daily 30‐min auditory and visual stimulation session for a week, taking into consideration the participants' predefined condition and intervention protocol. The primary outcomes were delirium incidence and delirium‐free days, and the secondary outcomes were delirium duration, severity and the first occurrence of delirium. Demographic and clinical data were collected at recruitment, and delirium was assessed three times a day for seven consecutive days using Confusion Assessment‐ICU. Results: One hundred and fifty‐two participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. For primary outcomes, there were fewer patients with delirium in the intervention group than in the control group (10 vs. 19, risk ratio = 0.53), although statistical significance was not reached. The result showed that there were longer delirium‐free days among participants in the intervention group than in the control group (3.66 vs. 2.84, p =.019). For secondary outcomes, the intervention could significantly reduce delirium duration (1.70 ± 0.82 vs. 4.53 ± 2.74 days, p =.004) and delirium severity (3.70 ± 1.25 vs. 5.68 ± 1.57, p =.002). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed the intervention group had a significantly delayed first occurrence of delirium compared with the control group (p =.043). Conclusions: The study did not provide significant evidence to support that sensory stimulation could reduce the incidence of delirium, but significant difference on delirium‐free days. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study provides evidence‐based practice for clinical healthcare providers to adopt the sensory stimulation protocol to prevent delirium, significantly reducing delirium duration and severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To implement a nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme for gynaecological cancer (GC) survivors and to evaluate its effects on their sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital satisfaction. Design: An assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. Methods: The development of the nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation intervention was guided by the concept of sexual health, as stated in the Neotheoretical Framework of Sexuality; the explicit permission giving, limited information, specific suggestions and intensive therapy model; and evidence‐based nursing interventions for sexuality. Four intervention sessions will be delivered along the treatment trajectory. Women newly diagnosed (within 3 months) with GC will be recruited from the gynaecological units of three hospitals in Hong Kong. The participants (N = 172) will be randomly assigned to the intervention group to receive the nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme, or to an attention control group to receive attention on four occasions during the same period when the intervention group receives the intervention. Sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital quality will be measured at baseline, 1 month after the completion of cancer treatment, after completion of the sexual rehabilitation programme and 12 months after cancer treatment. Semi‐structured interviews will be conducted with the participants in the intervention group to explore their experiences with and feelings towards the programme. The study was funded in March 2019 and ethics approval was obtained in January 2019. Discussion Positive outcomes of the nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme will contribute to scientific and practical knowledge about nursing interventions to help GC survivors and their partners to resume a satisfying intimate relationship and adapt to changes in sexuality after treatment. Impact This study will contribute to the evidence for and advance research on the effectiveness of nurse‐led sexuality rehabilitation interventions to support women and their partners to rebuild sexuality and intimacy after treatment for GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the feasibility and effects of the programme based on information‐motivation‐behavioural skills (IMB) model (IMB programme) on adherence to inhalation therapy and other health outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Background: Poor adherence to inhalation therapy is common among COPD patients. The IMB model is supported by previous studies as useful in promoting adherence to health behaviours. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial randomized 35 COPD patients to receive either the IMB‐based programme or usual care. The 4‐week IMB programme consisted of a face‐to‐face and two telephone sessions to empower patients with skills and knowledge on using inhalation therapy and support their goal attainment for treatment compliance. Outcome evaluation including adherence to inhalation therapy, inhalation techniques, disease impact, and quality of life was conducted at baseline and at 6 weeks after randomization. Feasibility of the IMB programme was evaluated by a satisfaction survey and implementation experience. Results: Thirty patients completed the study, with an attrition rate of 14.3%. The intervention group (n = 15) had significant improvements in inhalation adherence, inhalation techniques, and quality of life than the control group over the evaluation period. Patient satisfaction survey results and observations on programme implementation suggested the feasibility of the IMB programme. Conclusion: A IMB model is a feasible and potentially effective intervention for improving COPD patients' adherence to inhalation therapy. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Information‐motivation‐behavioural skills (IMB) models have produced positive effects on adherence behaviour in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. What this paper adds? No study has evaluated the effects of the IMB model on an intervention for adherence behaviour in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed that the IMB model used in the intervention was effective in improving COPD patients' adherence to inhalation regimen and techniques.The pilot study found that the IMB intervention programme was feasible for implementation in outpatient settings and was highly accepted by COPD patients. The implications of this paper: This programme may be effective in improving COPD patients' adherence to inhalation regimen and inhalation techniques.The programme is feasible and acceptable.There is need to conduct an adequately powered multisite RCT to provide stringent outcome evaluation of the IMB intervention programme. [Correction added on 28 January 2020: 'The implications of this paper' section has been amended.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to examine how five facets of mindfulness may be associated with the changes in psychotic patients' health outcomes after participating in a mindfulness-based psychoeducation group (MBPEG) program. Methods: Longitudinal follow-up data from two pragmatic randomized controlled trials of MBPEG for psychotic patients were used for this study. A total of 124 patients who completed the MBPEG program were included in this analysis. Patient outcomes (psychotic symptoms, functioning, insight into illness/treatment, subjective recovery) and five facets of mindfulness were assessed at baseline and six, 12 and 24 months post-intervention. Areas under the curve of individual outcomes in repeated-measures were computed using trapezoidal method, rescaled to the original possible range of the underlying variable and used for correlation and regression analyses. Results: All mean scores of the five facets increased across time and were significantly correlated with the improvements in all patient outcomes (p-values ranged from <0.001 to <0.05), except "non-judging" facet and symptom severity. Regression analyses revealed that only "observing" and "acting with awareness" were significantly associated with positive changes across all outcomes (increase in adjusted R 2 ranged from 5.9% to 24.2%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Two facets of mindfulness, "observing" and "acting with awareness," were related to positive outcomes of psychotic patients after participating in the MBPEG. More efforts in addressing these two facets of mindfulness can be considered to increase the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Despite establishment of advocacies centered on using patient-centered care to improve disease-related behavioral changes and health outcomes, studies have seldom discussed incorporation of patient-centered care concept in the design of secondary cardiac prevention. Objectives This review aimed to identify, appraise, and examine existing evidence on the effectiveness of nurse-led patient-centered care for secondary cardiac prevention in patients with coronary heart disease. Design A systematic review of randomized controlled trials focusing on nurse-led patient-centered care for secondary cardiac prevention was conducted. Primary outcomes were behavioral risks (e.g. smoking, physical activity), secondary outcomes were clinically relevant physiological parameters (e.g. body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipoproteins), health-related quality of life, mortality, and self efficacy. Data sources Twenty-three English and seven Chinese electronic databases were searched to identify the trials. Review methods The studies’ eligibility and methodological quality were assessed by two reviewers independently according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Statistical heterogeneities of the included studies were assessed by Higgins I2 and quantitative pooling was performed when studies showed sufficient comparability. Results 15 articles on 12 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Methodological quality of the included studies was fair. Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for experimental studies, the included studies had met a mean of six criteria out the ten in this appraisal tool. The meta-analyses of the included studies revealed that nurse-led patient-centered care had significantly improved patients' smoking habits, adherence toward physical activity advices, and total cholesterol level with medical regime optimization, in short- to medium-term. The intervention was also favorable in improving the patients' health-related quality of life in several domains of SF-36. Furthermore, from single-study results, the intervention was favorable in improving the patients' weight management and alcohol consumption. However, it did not show significant effects on improving the patient's dietary habits, certain cardiac physiological parameters, mortality and self-efficacy. Currently, no addition long-term benefit of the intervention on secondary cardiac prevention was identified. Conclusion This review has systematically analyzed the effects of nurse-led patient-centered care on patients’ behavioral risks, cardiac physiological parameters, mortality, health-related quality of life and self-efficacy. Given limited quantity of existing evidence regarding certain outcomes and long-term follow-up period; cross-trial heterogeneity of the interventions, measurement methods and statistical results; high or unclear risk of bias in some quality dimensions, the effectiveness of the intervention on secondary cardiac prevention remains inconclusive and subject to additional trials and evidences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moderate sleep complaints are major gerontological issue affecting as many as 80% of older adults. More intriguing findings have indicated that moderate sleep complaints were associated with cognitive decline, functional deterioration, clinical depression, and even morbidity and mortality among older adults. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an activity-based lifestyle intervention on moderate sleep complaint among community-dwelling older adults.Methods/design: This sequential quantitative-qualitative mixed method study will randomly allocate 224 individuals to receive either the 16-week group-based moderate-intensity stepping exercise or 16-week health education. The exercise group receives three 60-min stepping exercises per week, whereas the education group receives weekly educative talks on health topics other than sleep. The primary outcomes are sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep pattern as measured by the actiwatch. Physical fitness and mood status are measured as mediating variables by using the Rockport walking test and Profile of Mood States. The qualitative part will invite 30 individuals from the exercise group who have different sleep-related treatment responses to participate in individual interviews to explore their overall perception of using stepping exercise as a lifestyle intervention to improve sleep. Mixed effects model with intention-to-treat analysis will be used for quantitative data. Inductive thematic analysis with a prior coding framework will be used for the qualitative data.Discussion: By investigating the effects and the mediating mechanism of a moderate-intensity exercise program on moderate sleep complaints among older adults, this study will generate evidence of high scientific value and important public health implication. Understanding the sleep-promoting effects and acceptability of exercise informs how to apply lifestyle promotion as a public health practice to improve late-life moderate sleep complaints and forestall its progression to level of clinical severity.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry Team, Center for Clinical Research and Biostatistics CUHK, CCRB00491 . Registered on 1 December 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the effect of nurse-implemented transitional care ( TC) on readmission and mortality rates in Chinese individuals with chronic heart failure ( CHF) in Hong Kong. Design Single-center randomized controlled trial of TC versus usual care ( UC). Setting University-affiliated hospital in Hong Kong. Participants Hospitalized Chinese individuals with CHF (N = 178; aged 78.6 ± 6.9, 45% male). Measurements: The TC group received a predischarge visit, two home visits, and then regular telephone calls over 9 months to provide self-care education and support, optimized health surveillance, and facilitation in use of community services. Primary endpoints were event-free survival, all-cause hospital readmission, and mortality during the 9-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay, self-care, and health-related quality of life ( HRQL). Data were analyzed using survival analysis and generalized estimating equations, following an intention-to-treat principle. Results Survival analysis indicated no significant differences in event-free survival, hospital readmission, or mortality between the TC and UC groups, although the TC group had a lower hospital readmission rate at 6 weeks (8.1% vs 16.3%, P = .048) and lower mortality at 9 months (4.1% vs 13.8%, P = .03). The TC group also had a shorter hospital stay ( P = .006) and significantly better self-care and HRQL. Because of attrition, sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine whether the intention-to-treat assumption affected the results. Per-protocol population analyses (hazard ratio ( HR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval ( CI) = 0.17-0.93) and worst-case-scenario analysis ( HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.25-0.77) suggested a lower mortality risk in the TC group. Conclusion The translation of individual-centered nurse-implemented TC to the Chinese culture and healthcare context of Hong Kong appears beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study that aimed at investigating the long-term effects of motivational interviewing. The study focused on clinical outcomes, psychological outcomes, as well as health-related quality of life in patients of cardiac rehabilitation with poor motivation. The study found that patients benefited in health-related quality of life.

Background: Venipuncture is one of the most painful and distressing procedure experienced by pediatric patients. Evidence suggests that distraction combined with age-appropriate procedural information can effectively decrease procedural pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) can simultaneously provide complete distraction and procedural information to patients.Methods: Guided by the gate control theory and Lazarus and Folkman's theory, this study aims to examine the effects of IVR intervention on reducing the pain, anxiety and stress, the duration of venipuncture, and the satisfaction of healthcare providers for the procedure. A randomized controlled trial with repeated assessments will be conducted. A total of 200 pediatric patients aged 4-12 years will be recruited from a regional public hospital and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The study will use two age-appropriate IVR modules that consist of procedural information. The intervention group will receive IVR intervention, whereas the control group will receive standard care only. The cost-effectiveness of IVR intervention will be compared with that of standard care. Outcome evaluation will be conducted at four time points: 10 min before, during, immediately after, and 30 min after the procedure. Intention to treat and generalized estimating equation model will be used to analyze the data.Discussion: This study is the first of its kind to adopt IVR intervention with age-appropriate procedural information for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture. Findings of the proposed study may: (1) provide a novel, facile, and cost-effective intervention that can be used virtually at any time and place to manage pain and anxiety; and (2) shed light on the global trends of research and clinical development of IVR as an intervention for other painful and stressful medical procedures.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800018817 . Registered on 11 October 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, such as fecal occult blood test (FOBT), is an effective way to prevent CRC, one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, studies found that South Asian ethnic minorities tend not to utilize CRC screening, whose importance on CRC prevention shall be educated among those from ethnic minorities, especially older adults. The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a family-based, multimedia intervention to augment the knowledge of CRC prevention among older South Asian adults in Hong Kong and enhance their motivation for undergoing FOBT. The acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial will be carried out. Three hundred and twenty South Asian dyads, comprising an older adult aged between 50 and 75 and a younger family member aged between 18 and 49, will be recruited in ten districts in Hong Kong through community organizations that provide support services for South Asians in local communities. Dyads will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or wait-list control group. Intervention dyads will receive intervention, whose contents are based on the health belief model, via multiple forms of media including PowerPoint presentation, video clip and health information booklet. Control dyads will receive intervention after post-intervention data are collected. For dyads in both groups, an appointment with a family doctor will be arranged for those willing to undergo FOBT. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data will be analysed using the Generalised Linear Models Procedure in an intention-to-treat manner.Discussion: Findings of this study will provide evidence of the benefits of utilizing multimedia and family-based approaches in intervention development to enhance the effectiveness of health promotion interventions for ethnic minorities. Further, the findings would provide reference to the potential incorporation of the intervention in the existing support services for South Asian ethnic minorities in local communities.Trial Registration: This trial is registered at the ISRCTN Registry ( ISRCTN72829325 ) on 19th July 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marked ethnic disparities on cervical cancer screening have been observed among South Asian women. Multiple barriers, such as language difficulties, poor access to screening services, values, and beliefs, were identified. Multimedia interventions led by community health workers (CHWs) would likely reduce screening disparities and increase cervical screening uptake among South Asian women. This study aims to assess the effects of a CHW-led multimedia intervention on the uptake of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women.Methods: This study is a cluster randomized wait-list controlled trial. A total of 408 South Asian women from Pakistan, India or Nepal will be recruited from six ethnic minority associations. Each association will be randomized to one of the two arms: an intervention arm (n = 3) that will undergo immediate treatment (CHW-led multimedia intervention) or a wait-list control arm (n = 3) that will receive delayed treatment. Each recruited CHW will be allocated to either arm according to the association she is affiliated with. The intervention arm will receive a CHW-led intervention comprising two components: multimedia education, and monthly telephone follow-up and navigation assistance. Participants in the control arm (n = 3) will be offered the CHW-led intervention after those in the intervention arm have completed the intervention. The primary outcome measure is the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Secondary outcomes include readiness to undergo screening and beliefs regarding cervical cancer screening. Outcomes assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after, and 3 months after completion of the intervention.Discussion: The results of this study will potentially provide significant practical implications for addressing the needs and increasing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800017227 . Registered on 18 July 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background A life review is a promising intervention to enhance spiritual well-being in older people. Conventional life review interventions are lengthy and often led by psychologists. Objectives This is the first randomised controlled trial study to examine the effectiveness and applicability of a nurse-led short term life-review intervention in people with life limiting diseases, the purpose being to enhance their spiritual well-being and lower their anxiety and depression. Design A sequential mixed method approach, randomised controlled trial and qualitative evaluation, was adopted. The intervention group received the short version life review, and the control group attention placebo. Participants were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups by computerised randomisation. Both participants and outcome assessors were blinded to the group assignment. Settings The study was conducted in three publicly funded regional hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants The target population were people suffering from life-limiting diseases, and receiving hospitalised, day hospice or outreach home care from the palliative care team. Methods Two sets of questionnaires were used: the spiritual sub-scale of the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire, Hong Kong version and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Chinese version. The intervention process was assessed by means of observation log sheets and semi-structured interviews of 12 participants. Results A total of 109 participants were recruited (54 in the intervention group, 55 in the control group). The intervention group showed significantly more improvement in spiritual well-being than the control group, with a Cohen's d-effect size of 0.65. Although there were improvements in both anxiety and depression levels in the intervention group, statistical significance in between-group comparisons was not reached. The process evaluation found that most participants were highly involved (92.6%), interested (77.8%) and participated in the intervention (79.6%). The participants described the intervention process as 'comfortable', 'relaxing' and 'interesting', and felt enlightened, with raised self-awareness, after it. Conclusion The nurse-led short term life-review intervention demonstrated significant improvement effects in spiritual well-being. Participant feedback on nurses' performance was positive, finding the intervention acceptable and useful. The setting of the intervention has now been extended from bedside to home. It is recommended to incorporate life review into palliative nursing specialty training, empowering more nurses to deliver the intervention in their daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite extensive efforts and advances in evidence-based diabetes management, poor glycaemic control still remains a challenge in many countries. There is a paucity of research addressing the needs of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, or exploring the effectiveness of empowerment-based interventions in this vulnerable population. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-centred, empowerment-based programme on glycaemic control and self-management behaviours among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Design A prospective multi-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Settings and participants Adult patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes [Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7.5% in the recent six months] were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Xi’an city, China. Methods A total of 242 eligible patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention or attentional control groups after baseline measurement. Participants in the intervention group received a 6-week patient-centred, empowerment-based self-management programme, which is theoretically grounded on the principles of the Empowerment Process Model-setting personally meaningful goals, taking action towards goals and reflecting on the impact of action plans. Those in the attentional control group received health education classes and post-discharge follow-up. Outcome measures included glycaemic control (measured by HbA1c) and self-management behaviours. Data were collected at baseline, and at 8th and 20th week after enrolment. Intervention effect were analysed using the generalised estimating equation model on the basis of the intention-to-treat principle. Results Compared with the attention control group, the intervention group showed a non-significant HbA1c reduction of 0. 476% (Cohen’s d effect size = 0.31, p = 0.162). The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in general diet management at the 8th-week (β = 0.740; p = 0.013), specific diet management at 8th-week (β = 0.646; p = 0.022) and 20th-week (β = 0.517; p = 0.043), and blood glucose self-monitoring at both the 8th- (β = 0.793; p = 0.009) and 20th-week (β = 0.739; p = 0.017) follow-ups. No intervention-related adverse events were observed. Conclusions Findings indicate that the patient-centred, empowerment-based self-management intervention program did not induce a significant HbA1c reduction. Whereas this intervention yields improvements in diet management and blood glucose self-monitoring among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression are frequent concurrent symptoms in patients with breast cancer. Exercise is a promising strategy for symptom management, but the effect of dance as an exercise modality for managing the fatigue–sleep disturbance–depression symptom cluster has not been evaluated yet. This study examined the effects of a 16-week dance program on reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with breast cancer who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. A prospective, assessor-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled design was used. Adult female patients with breast cancer who were scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy were recruited from two university-affiliated hospitals in a city in northwest China. Participants in the dance group received six sessions of hospital-based dance instruction and 16 weeks of home-based practice. The dance intervention was culturally adapted for the Chinese population. The control group received general health consultation. Outcomes including fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and quality of life were evaluated at baseline and after the third and sixth cycles of chemotherapy. The intention-to-treat principle and a generalized estimating equation were used to analyze data. A total of 279 individuals were assessed for eligibility, and 176 eligible participants were successfully recruited. The majority of the participants (n = 140, 79.6%) were diagnosed with stages I–II breast cancer and had undergone mastectomy (n = 155, 88.1%). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Participants in the intervention group reported less severe fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression. In addition, a lower incidence of the symptom cluster (P = 0.003) and an increase in quality of life (P = 0.001) were found in the intervention group compared with the control group at week 17. A culturally specific dance intervention is a promising method for managing the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression symptom cluster and promoting the quality of life in Chinese women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Given its acceptability and practicality, this program may be incorporated in routine cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing patients' sense of dignity is the core element of high-quality palliative care. In Western countries, dignity therapy has shown promising positive effects on the sense of dignity and end-of-life experience. To apply this therapy in Chinese patients, a theory-driven, culturally relevant family-oriented dignity therapy was developed, guided by the Medical Research Council framework for complex intervention development. This study examined the effectiveness of family-oriented dignity therapy in improving dignity-related distress, depression, and spiritual well-being in Chinese patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A randomised controlled trial. Patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing chemotherapy were recruited using convenience sampling from a cancer hospital in Changsha, China. A significant family caregiver of each patient was invited to participate. Patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (N = 120) were randomly assigned to receive family-oriented dignity therapy (intervention group, n = 60) or attention (control group, n = 60). The Patient Dignity Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-being Scale were used to assess dignity-related distress, depression, and spiritual well-being, respectively, at baseline and 1- and 4-week follow-up. A generalised estimating equation was used to analyse the intervention effects across the time points. Compared with the control group, the patients in the intervention group showed significantly greater reduction in existential distress (β: −1.372, 95% CI: −2.269, −0.472; p = 0.003) and depression (β: −3.430, 95% CI: −5.032, −1.829; p < 0.001) at week one, as well as significantly greater improvement in spiritual well-being at both week one (β: 3.705, 95% CI: 0.599, 6.811; p = 0.019) and week four (β: 4.939, 95% CI: 0.476, 9.401; p = 0.030). Family-oriented dignity therapy has the potential to relieve existential distress and depressive symptoms and improve spiritual well-being. We expect our finding to impact research on family-oriented dignity therapy and enhance its effectiveness. We may also have an impact on nursing practice by providing a means to initiate conversations between nurses and the patients and family caregivers to relieve the psychosocial distress of patients during treatment. This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1900020806). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable interest in advocating empowerment in diabetes care. Health professionals, however, often fail to realize empowerment in clinical practice, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. To evaluate the effectiveness of an empowerment-based intervention on empowerment level, psychological distress, and quality of life among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. An analysis of secondary outcomes of a prospective multi-center, randomized, parallel, investigator-blinded controlled trial. A total of 242 adult patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes [Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)≥ 58 mmol/mol in the recent six months] were randomly allocated to either intervention (n = 121) or attentional control (n = 121) groups. The design of the intervention was based on the Empowerment Process Model. The intervention group received a 6-week empowerment-based transitional care program, with significant emphasis on establishing personally meaningful goals, facilitating collaborative partnership and shared decision-making, resolving life-disease conflicts via situational reflection. Participants in the attentional control group received two general health education classes and post-discharge social calls on top of routine care. Outcomes of interest include empowerment level, diabetes distress, and quality of life. Participants were invited to complete a set of questionnaires before randomization, one-week, and three-month post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using the generalized estimating equations based on the intention-to-treat principle. Comparing with the attention control group, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements on empowerment level [(β = 0.163; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.011 to 0.316, p = 0.036) at one-week post-intervention and (β = 0.176; 95% CI: 0.020 to 0.331, p = 0.027) at three-month post-intervention, respectively]. This group of patients also displayed significant reduction in terms of emotional-distress (β = −0.424, 95% CI: −0.798 to −0.049, p = 0.027) and regimen-distress (β = −0.397, 95% CI: −0.702 to −0.091, p = 0.011) at three-month post-intervention and physician-related distress (β = −0.236, 95% CI: −0.466 to −0.006, p = 0.044) at one-week post-intervention. Significant improvement in quality of life (β = 4.151, 95% CI: 1.291, 7.012, p = 0.004) at three-month post-intervention was also observed in the intervention group. Findings provide empirical evidence for the values of an empowerment-based intervention program for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in increasing the empowerment level and perceived quality of life and reducing diabetes distress. Long-term effects of the intervention and its underlying mechanisms need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure self-care is crucial for sustainable heart failure management but its adherence remains poor worldwide. Despite having an intention to change, individuals often face difficulties in modifying existing lifestyle habits and sustaining change motivations. To examine the effectiveness of a novel theory-driven nurse-led self-regulation program on improving heart failure self-care behaviours, future-thinking and behavioural automaticity. A two-arm randomized controlled trial. 144 patients with heart failure were recruited from September 2018 to July 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Participants were randomly assigned to a self-regulation intervention (n = 72) or usual care group (n = 72). The three-month intervention was developed based on the temporal self-regulation theory and consisted of one face-to-face session, a print booklet and three reinforcement telephone follow-ups at week 3, 6 and 9. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), immediate after a three-month intervention (T1) and a further three-month follow-up (T2). heart failure self-care was measured using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) maintenance subscale, future-thinking was measured using the Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFCS) and behaviour automaticity was measured using the Self-Reported Behavioural Automaticity Index (SRBAI). The outcomes were compared between groups by using generalized estimating equations (GEE) based on intention-to-treat principle. No significant differences were found between the groups at baseline except for age. Participants were on average 61 years old, men (79.2%), had mild heart failure symptoms (50.7%) and had three comorbidities (66.0% dyslipidaemia; 65.3% hypertension; 61.8% history of myocardial infarction). Baseline scores indicated poor heart failure self-care (52.9±17.2, cut off ≥70). GEE results showed significantly higher heart failure self-care improvements in intervention group than control group at both T1 (regression coefficient, B = 13.9, 95% CI: 8.02 to 19.9, p < 0.001) and T2 (B = 8.34, 95% CI: 1.68 to 15.0, p = 0.014) after adjusting for gender, living alone, education level, comorbidity and age. Results also showed significantly higher increase in future-thinking (B [95% CI]=0.694[.123, 1.26], p = 0.017) and behaviour automaticity (B [95% CI]=0.656[.085, 1.23], p = 0.024) at T1 and only increase in behaviour automaticity (B [95% CI]=0.674[.099, 1.25], p = 0.022) at T2. However, only the differences in self-care scores at T1 remained significant after Bonferroni correction. No significant differences were found for intention, quality of life and clinical biomarkers. The program was effective in improving heart failure self-care and has potential for clinical implementation and generalisation to other chronic illnesses. Longer follow-up study is needed to uncover its long-term benefits on clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer screening, including faecal immunohistochemical test, is an effective method for detecting colorectal cancer early. Nevertheless, faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian ethnic minorities is low because they have limited knowledge of and face barriers in accessing colorectal cancer screening. Tailored education and appropriate messaging has potential to convey to this population group the importance of colorectal cancer screening. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a family-based multimedia intervention to raise awareness of colorectal cancer screening and increase the uptake of faecal immunochemical tests among South Asian older adults. A cluster-randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group. Three-hundred and twenty dyads of South Asian older adults and their younger family members were recruited at South Asian community centres and non-governmental organisations providing support services to local South Asians in six Hong Kong districts. Group allocation of dyads during cluster randomisation was based on the group assignment of the district where they were recruited. The intervention comprised a multimedia health talk, conveying the importance of colorectal cancer screening and support from younger family members in encouraging their older relatives to undergo screening. Site coordinators assisted participants in accessing faecal immunohistochemical test. The primary outcome was increased uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults. Secondary outcomes included younger family members' encouragement of their older relatives to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test and their readiness to assist their relatives with the test. Acceptability of the intervention was measured by dyad satisfaction with the intervention. The proportion of older adults participating in faecal immunohistochemical testing was significantly higher among intervention dyads compared with controls (71.8% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001). No significant within-group change was observed on the willingness of younger family members in the intervention group to encourage older adults to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test, nor their readiness to assist older adults in doing so, although a decrease in both outcomes was observed among the control group. Most participants (> 86%) were satisfied with the intervention. Our findings demonstrate the acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian older adults, and the benefit of using a family-based approach in the implementation of cancer screening interventions for these individuals. Implementation of the intervention as a component of usual care within South Asian communities is recommended. Trial registration ISRCTN72829325, 10 July 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]