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Background: The admission to a nursing home is a critical life-event for affected persons as well as their families. Admission related processes are lacking adequate participation of older people and their families. To improve transitions to nursing homes, context- and country-specific knowledge about the current practice is needed. Hence, our aim was to summarize available evidence on challenges and care strategies associated with the admission to nursing homes in Germany. Methods: We conducted a scoping review and searched eight major international and German-specific electronic databases for journal articles and grey literature published in German or English language since 1995. Further inclusion criteria were focus on challenges or care strategies in the context of nursing home admissions of older persons and comprehensive and replicable information on methods and results. Posters, only-abstract publications and articles dealing with mixed populations including younger adults were excluded. Challenges and care strategies were identified and analysed by structured content analysis using the TRANSCIT model. Results: Twelve studies of 1,384 records were finally included. Among those, seven were qualitative studies, three quantitative observational studies and two mixed methods studies. As major challenges neglected participation of older people, psychosocial burden among family caregivers, inadequate professional cooperation and a lack of shared decision-making and evidence-based practice were identified. Identified care strategies included strengthening shared decision-making and evidence-based practice, improvement in professional cooperation, introduction of specialized transitional care staff and enabling participation for older people. Conclusion: Although the process of nursing home admission is considered challenging and tends to neglect the needs of older people, little research is available for the German health care system. The perspective of the older people seems to be underrepresented, as most of the studies focused on caregivers and health professionals. Reported care strategies addressed important challenges, however, these were not developed and evaluated in a comprehensive and systematic way. Future research is needed to examine perspectives of all the involved groups to gain a comprehensive picture of the needs and challenges. Interventions based on existing care strategies should be systematically developed and evaluated to provide the basis of adequate support for older persons and their informal caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression after a stroke is a common complication that negatively influences stroke rehabilitation. Early identification, followed by adequate treatment of depression, improves recovery from stroke. To support early identification, the Post-stroke Depression Prediction Scale (DePreS) was developed to predict in the first week after stroke, the risk of depression in the second month. In this study we investigate the predictive accuracy of the DePreS in stroke patients.Methods: In this prospective multicenter observational study, hospitalized stroke patients were included from three stroke units in the Netherlands and Germany using consecutive sampling. In the first week after stroke, the predicted risk for depression was estimated with the DePreS. Two months after stroke, major depressive disorder was determined with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.Results: Of the 93 included patients, 17 (18.3%) showed symptoms of major depressive disorder. With a cut-off value of ≥ 0, DePreS performed optimally with a sensitivity of 0.65 (95% CI 0.42-0.87), specificity of 0.74 (95% CI 0.64-0.84), positive predictive value of 0.35 (95% CI 0.19-0.52), and negative predictive value of 0.90 (95% CI 0.80-1.00). The AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.56-0.86).Limitations: The generalizability of the study findings is limited to patients able to communicate adequately.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the DePreS is an adequate instrument for early and reliable identification of stroke patients who are not at risk of MDD in the second months after stroke. This limits the need for structural diagnostic follow-up to patients with a high risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Evidence-based practice (EBP) provides an important basis for improving both the quality of care and patient safety. Formulating a research question, searching the literature, and critical appraisal are crucial to developing evidence-based practice. The aim of this survey was to provide an overview of how these topics are integrated into bachelor's degree programs in nursing in Austria, Germany, and the German-speaking part of Switzerland. We also aimed to show how teachers implement these subjects and how they experience and assess the implementation., Method: We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study using an online survey sent out to program directors and teaching staff of all 58 bachelor's degree programs in nursing in Austria, Germany and the German-speaking part of Switzerland. For data collection, a questionnaire was developed containing items on general teaching conditions, contents, and methods of evidence-based nursing practice, as well as on the estimated thematic interest of students. The data were analysed descriptively., Results: The program directors returned 24 questionnaires (41%). Of 75 questionnaires forwarded to the faculty, 17 (23%) were received from nine programs. On average, 5.6 teaching units (SD 2.6) are used for formulating a research question, 10 teaching units (SD 4.1) for literature review, and 11.3 teaching units (SD 6.9) for critical appraisal. Half of the teaching staff indicated that linkages between education and nursing care practice have been established. The traditional teaching method of frontal teaching is used predominantly. Student interest in topics was rated as moderate by most teachers., Conclusions: Topics on evidence-based practice are an integral part of bachelor's degree programs in nursing in German-speaking countries. An increase in teaching units, active learning methods and the growing interconnection between education and practice could improve the acquisition of competencies and attitudes of students regarding EBP and further advance its implementation in practice., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

There are increasing discussions on theory dynamics in nursing research. We aimed at mapping the theoretical publication output by nursing researchers from the European German-speaking area. We conducted a focused mapping review and synthesis, focusing on nursing journals articles with a theory-related aim. We identified 32 eligible publications, reflecting 2% of the nursing journal articles affiliated with researchers from our target region. Twenty-one articles involved an inductive approach. Eleven articles intended to test or revise a theory. The theoretical publication output with a theory-related aim was low. Theory-building efforts were fragmented and mostly without reference to a meta-theoretical level., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We have followed the COVID-19 clinical trial research agenda from the beginning using the COVID-evidence.org platform. Now, two years after the COVID-19 pandemic started, our aim was to re-examine this research agenda with the latest data to provide a global perspective on the research landscape with a focus on Germany., Methods: We reviewed and updated previously published data on the COVID-19 clinical research agenda as of 28February 2022 focusing on randomized trials. We used the COVID-evidence.org platform including registry entries from ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform as well as publications from the Living OVerview of Evidence platform for COVID-19 (L·OVE)., Results: Two years on from the pandemic outbreak, there were 4,673 registered trials. The majority of these trials have remained small with a median of 120 planned participants (IQR 60-320). In the first hundred days of the pandemic most of them (50%) had been registered in China. More than two years later, the five countries with the most registered trials (alone or within a framework of international collaborations) were the USA (825 trials; 18%), Iran (619 trials; 13%), India (566 trials; 12%), China (353 trials; 8%), and Spain (309 trials; 7%). Only 119 trials were reported to have a study site in Germany (2.5% of the registered trials). Of the 4,673 trials registered, 15% (694 trials) had published their results by February 2022. The clinical research agenda has been marked by both successes, such as the large RECOVERY trial providing evidence on 10 treatments for COVID-19 including over 45,000 patients as of February 2022, and failures: worldwide only 57 randomized trials have been registered over two years that aimed to assess non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., face mask policies and lockdown measures) to prevent COVID-19, and only 11 of them had published results informing decisions that have an impact on the life of billions of people worldwide., Conclusions: The COVID-19 clinical research agenda has highlighted the substantial effort of the research community but also the challenges of the clinical research ecosystem. Most importantly, it has shed light on the ability to circumvent traditional barriers and to make trials more useful even under extraordinary conditions. The time to learn our lessons and apply them is now, and the time to demonstrate how we have improved the system is before the next pandemic., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Background: To overcome challenges in dementia care, technological concepts are considered to have a potential. It is unclear, however, how utilization of assistive technologies in Switzerland could look like and which specific potentials it may offer. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to elaborate options for using assistive technologies in dementia care on the basis of the opinion, experience and knowledge of experts., Methods: We chose a qualitative study design. Thematic analysis served to evaluate the expert interviews. To report this study, we followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR)., Results: Between November 2018 and May 2019, we interviewed 15 experts. The analysis resulted in three themes, each with three sub-themes: (i) use and potentials of technologies (support in the home care network, promoting a sense of security, facilitating and preserving interaction), (ii) requirements for using technology (structural framework conditions, enhancing quality of life and care, considering individual needs and health situation), and (ii) ethical considerations and technical assets (security and freedom, side effects of telepresence care, caveats and technological optimism)., Conclusions: To exploit the identified potentials of assistive technologies for people with dementia, it is necessary to fulfil the requirements on a structural level in nursing policy, education and clinical practice. Furthermore, assistive technologies should be applied that have demonstrated effectiveness without unwanted effects. The decision to use assistive technologies should be made on an individual basis. Accordingly, the use of assistive technologies should take into account the needs of the persons involved and be adapted to the state of health of people with dementia., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Background: The high scientific uncertainty of many far-reaching and serious political decisions during the "coronavirus crisis" underpins the enormous importance of having evidence syntheses that are quickly available and at the same time reliable. As these requirements can only be insufficiently fulfilled by systematic reviews due to the high amount of time required, abbreviated evidence syntheses in the form of rapid reviews are becoming increasingly popular., Purpose: This commentary aims to enhance methodological and methodical discussions and research about abbreviated evidence syntheses., Methods: A selective literature search and evaluation focussing on research dealing with rapid reviews., Results: In rapid reviews, a wide variety of methods can be used to speed up the process of literature search and evaluation, while at the same time maintaining the principles of methodological quality and transparent reporting. But do rapid reviews currently keep what they promise? We discuss the increasing trend towards rapid reviews, giving the currently available evidence on the topic some critical reflection. Following this discussion, we will finally derive demands that go beyond the topic of rapid reviews alone., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Background: Joint contractures in frail older people are associated with serious restrictions in participation. We developed the Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing (PECAN) intervention, a complex intervention to enable nurses to promote participation in nursing home residents with joint contractures. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of the implementation strategy and to identify enablers and barriers for a successful implementation., Methods: The implementation of PECAN was investigated in a 6-month pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial (c-RCT). As a key component of the implementation strategy, nominated nurses were trained as facilitators in a one-day workshop and supported by peer-mentoring (visit, telephone counselling). A mixed-methods approach was conducted in conjunction with the pilot trial and guided by a framework for process evaluations of c-RCTs. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires (nursing staff), documentation forms, problem-centred qualitative interviews (facilitators, therapists, social workers, relatives, peer-mentors), and a group discussion (facilitators). A set of predefined criteria on the nursing home level was examined. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis., Results: Seven nursing homes (n = 4 intervention groups, n = 3 control groups) in two regions of Germany took part in the study. Facilitators responded well to the qualification measures (workshop participation: 14/14; workshop rating: "good"; peer-mentor visit participation: 10/14). The usage of peer-mentoring via telephone varied (one to seven contacts per nursing home). Our implementation strategy was not successful in connection with supplying the intervention to all the nurses. The clear commitment of the entire nursing home and the respect for the expertise of different healthcare professionals were emphasised as enablers, whereas a lack of impact on organisational conditions and routines and a lack of time and staff competence were mentioned as barriers., Conclusion: The PECAN intervention was delivered as planned to the facilitators but was unable to produce comprehensive changes in the nursing homes and subsequently for the residents. Strategies to systematically include the management and the nursing team from the beginning are needed to support the facilitators during implementation in the main trial., Trial Registration: German clinical trials register, DRKS00010037 . Registered 12 February 2016.

Priorities of nursing research in dementia care in German-speaking countries - A Delphi study Abstract. Background and objective: To meet the central needs of people with dementia, their relatives and their caregivers in complex living conditions and care situations, a substantive examination of research priorities is required. The aim of this work was the identification and prioritisation of nursing research topics concerning dementia care in German-speaking countries., Methods: To identify existing research agendas in dementia care, we conducted a systematic literature research. As part of a Delphi process, systematically identified dementia care experts from German-speaking countries supplemented research priorities extracted from existing research agendas and assessed their importance. Subsequently, they prioritized topics of particular importance for nursing research., Results: Fifteen experts supplemented 61 topics previously identified in existing research agendas. They assessed 107 topics in terms of their importance and prioritized 79 topics., Conclusions: The research priorities developed are a potential framework for nursing science, health policy and research funding in order to structure research activities. To ensure currency, priorities should be regularly updated and re-opened for discussion.

Background: Journal hand searching offers the possibility to complement a literature search as part of systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses. Hand searching is indicated in cases where scientific journals with potentially relevant publications addressing the research question are not indexed in a literature database. However, it is often unclear whether these journals are actually indexed, and when they are, in which literature databases. In many cases, it is also unknown which journals should be searched by hand in addition to systematic literature search after databases to be searched have been specified. Therefore, the project aimed to investigate the indexation of selected scientific health science journals and to provide an overview of indexation in order to facilitate the hand search planning process., Methods: Journals from German-speaking countries covering eight professional fields (medical laboratory assistance, occupational therapy, midwifery, logopedics, nursing, physiotherapy, public health and rehabilitation) were considered that publish original research papers or systematic reviews or other review types in German and/or English. Two researchers per field identified relevant journals and independently analyzed the indexing locations using the journal websites. In case of missing information, we contacted the editors., Results: A total of 70 journals were included: from 1 to 17 journals per field. These journals are indexed in 1 to 29 databases. Twelve journals are not indexed or do not offer information concerning indexation. Indexation is distributed across n=74 different literature databases. Most journals are indexed in LIVIVO (n=55) and bibnet.org (n=33). Other common indexing databases are Scopus (n=18), Web of Science Core Collection (n=16), PSYNDEX (n=13), and Embase (n=10)., Conclusions: The results indicate a heterogeneous indexation of the included journals. Only a small number is indexed in common international literature databases such as MEDLINE or CINAHL. On the other hand, only a few journals are not indexed in any database. The results can be used as a basis to define databases for literature searches as part of systematic reviews. In addition, the findings might guide the selection of journals for hand searching after literature databases have been defined., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Background: Depression after a stroke is a common complication that negatively influences stroke rehabilitation. Early identification, followed by adequate treatment of depression, improves recovery from stroke. To support early identification, the Post-stroke Depression Prediction Scale (DePreS) was developed to predict in the first week after stroke, the risk of depression in the second month. In this study we investigate the predictive accuracy of the DePreS in stroke patients., Methods: In this prospective multicenter observational study, hospitalized stroke patients were included from three stroke units in the Netherlands and Germany using consecutive sampling. In the first week after stroke, the predicted risk for depression was estimated with the DePreS. Two months after stroke, major depressive disorder was determined with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview., Results: Of the 93 included patients, 17 (18.3%) showed symptoms of major depressive disorder. With a cut-off value of ≥ 0, DePreS performed optimally with a sensitivity of 0.65 (95% CI 0.42-0.87), specificity of 0.74 (95% CI 0.64-0.84), positive predictive value of 0.35 (95% CI 0.19-0.52), and negative predictive value of 0.90 (95% CI 0.80-1.00). The AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.56-0.86)., Limitations: The generalizability of the study findings is limited to patients able to communicate adequately., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the DePreS is an adequate instrument for early and reliable identification of stroke patients who are not at risk of MDD in the second months after stroke. This limits the need for structural diagnostic follow-up to patients with a high risk., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Publications German-speaking countries in high impact journals: development and validation of a search filter Abstract., Background: The number of publications in journals with a high impact factor is an indication of a discipline's participation in international discourse. A search filter allows reliable and reproducible searches for specific publications., Aim: Development and validation of a geographic search filter for publications by nursing scientists affiliated to German-speaking countries in nursing journals with a high impact factor., Methods: The search filter was objectively developed following several steps: (i) creation of a development and a validation set, each consisting of relevant and non-relevant publications, (ii) generation of the search filter by means of text analysis of the development set, (iii) internal validation based on the development set and (iv) external validation using the validation set. The validity was examined regarding several accuracy parameters, e. g. sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and number needed to read (NNR)., Results: The search filter correctly identified 22 of 30 relevant and 16 of 21 non-relevant publications in the development set: sensitivity 80 % (95 % CI 66 - 94), specificity 76 % (95 % CI 58 - 94), PPV 83 % (95 % CI 69 - 97). External validation yielded similar or better results: sensitivity 81 % (95 % CI 67 - 96), specificity 88 % (95 % CI 71 - 100), PPV 88 % (95 % CI 75 - 100). The NNR was 1.2 and 1.1, respectively., Conclusions: The search filter has the potential to identify the intended publications.

Background: In the future, modern technologies could make a significant contribution to a self-determined life in one's own environment when in need of care. Robots might alleviate everyday domestic life and promote participation. In the nursing science debate concerns have been raised over alienation through technology and loss of direct social and emotional contact. Robots are also being tested in nursing care, for example as social robots in the nursing home setting. The current state of knowledge regarding the domestic application of robotic systems has so far not been examined in systematic reviews., Aim: To examine the possibilities of the usage and application of robotic systems in the home healthcare setting. In addition to the functions of the systems, methodological issues and further research in this subject area are considered., Methods: In this scoping review, an overview of the subject area and current research activities is produced. Five databases and the reference lists of the publications identified were searched. All study designs and publications since 2005 were eligible. We included studies investigating robotic interventions in the home care setting and their impact on outcomes relevant to patients or family members. The relevance of the robotic systems for nursing care was assessed according to the six dimensions of the new definition of care dependency in the Eleventh Book of the German Social Code (SGB XI)., Results: The search revealed 7,755 hits; 19 studies were included. Two studies used a control group. Further studies were feasibility studies and acceptance surveys. The majority of studies were conducted in EU countries. Three out of 13 robotic systems were commercially available. Nine studies did not report ethical approval, and seven studies did not mention whether informed consent was obtained., Discussion: Robotic systems in home care have mainly been investigated in exploratory or pilot studies. Apart from technical aspects, the studies focussed on ease of use and, to this purpose, predominantly employed prototype robots. No reference was made to users' living environment, and there was no proof of effectiveness. The devices are far from being in the stage of broad practical application., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)