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BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity affect over 60 and 650 million people, respectively. AIM: This study aimed to explore clinician practices, beliefs, and attitudes towards the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with AF. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews via video conference were conducted with multidisciplinary clinicians from across Australia, with expertise in DOAC use in adults with AF. Clinicians were invited to participate using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed in NVIVO using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen clinicians including cardiologists (n = 5), hospital and academic pharmacists (n = 5), general practitioners (n = 2), a haematologist, a neurologist and a clinical pharmacologist participated. Interviews were on average 31 ± 9 min. Key themes identified were: Health system factors in decision-making Disparities between rural and metropolitan geographic areas, availability of health services, and time limitations for in-patient decision-making, were described; Condition-related factors in decision-making Clinicians questioned the significance of obesity as part of decision-making due to the practical limitations of dose modification, and the rarity of the extremely obese cohort; Decision-making in the context of uncertainty Clinicians reported limited availability, reliability and awareness of primary evidence including limited guidance from clinical guidelines for DOAC use in obesity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the complexity of decision-making for clinicians, due to the limited availability, reliability and awareness of evidence, the intrinsic complexity of the obese cohort and limited guidance from clinical guidelines. This highlights the urgent need for contemporary research to improve the quality of evidence to guide informed shared decision-making.

This Call to Action aims to provide key considerations for cardiovascular nursing, related to climate and environmental impacts. Strategies to optimise nursing preparation, immediate response and adaptation to climate emergencies are crucial to ensure those at greatest risk, including First Nations peoples, are protected from potentially avoidable harm. Professionals who manage climate consequences must also understand the impact of their care on the root cause of the problem.

Background This study explored the educational and self-management needs of adults living with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results This is a qualitative study of adults living with AF, clinicians, and expert key stakeholders. Interviews were conducted via a one-to-one semistructured videoconference or phone and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. A total of 34 participants were recruited and included in analyses (clinicians n=13; experts n=13, patients n=8). Interviews were on average 40 (range 20-70) minutes in duration. Three key themes were identified: (1) "Patient-centered AF education"; (2) "Prioritizing AF education"; and (3) "Timing AF education." The availability of credible information was perceived as highly variable. Information primarily focused on anticoagulation, or procedural information, as opposed to other aspects of management, such as risk factor reduction. Factors to optimize learning, such as multimedia, apps, case studies, or the use of visuals were perceived as important. Continuity of care, including engagement of caregivers, was important to help develop relationships, and facilitate understanding, while concurrently creating opportunities for timely targeted education. Clinicians described acute care as a suboptimal setting to deliver education. Competing interests aligned with the time-pressured context of acute care were prioritized over patient education. In contrast, patients valued continuity of care. AF education strategies need to pivot from a "one size fits all" approach and modernize to implement a range of approaches. Conclusions There remain many unmet needs in the provision of quality AF education to support self-management. Multimodal offerings and the ability to tailor to individual patient needs are important design considerations for new education programs.

AIM: To describe a protocol for the pilot phase of a trial designed to test the effect of an mHealth intervention on representation and readmission after adult cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A multisite, parallel group, pilot randomized controlled trial (ethics approval: HREC2020.331-RMH69278). METHODS: Adult patients scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, or a combination of bypass grafting and valve surgery or aortic surgery) will be recruited from three metropolitan tertiary teaching hospitals. Patients allocated to the control group with receive usual care that is comprised of in-patient discharge education and local paper-based written discharge materials. Patients in the intervention group will be provided access to tailored 'GoShare' mHealth bundles preoperatively, in a week of hospital discharge and 30 days after surgery. The mHealth bundles are comprised of patient narrative videos, animations and links to reputable resources. Bundles can be accessed via a smartphone, tablet or computer. Bundles are evidence-based and designed to improve patient self-efficacy and self-management behaviours, and to empower people to have a more active role in their healthcare. Computer-generated permuted block randomization with an allocation ratio of 1:1 will be generated for each site. At the time of consent, and 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery quality of life and level of patient activation will be measured. In addition, rates of representation and readmission to hospital will be tracked and verified via data linkage 1 year after the date of surgery. DISCUSSION: Interventions using mHealth technologies have proven effectiveness for a range of cardiovascular conditions with limited testing in cardiac surgical populations. IMPACT: This study provides an opportunity to improve patient outcome and experience for adults undergoing cardiac surgery by empowering patients as end-users with strategies for self-help. TRIAL REGISTRA

BACKGROUND: Oral care is a fundamental nurse-led intervention in the critical care setting that provides patient comfort and prevents adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. To date, there has been minimal focus on nurse-focused interventions to improve adherence to oral care regimens in the adult intensive care unit setting. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to (i) identify types and characteristics of interventions to improve oral care adherence amongst critical care nurses and intervention core components, (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve adherence of oral care regimens, and (iii) identify the types of outcome measures used to assess oral care regimen adherence. DESIGN: This is a systematic review in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. DATA SOURCES: Key bibliographic databases and platforms, including Scopus, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Web of Science, were searched for studies published before July 2020. The Joanna Briggs Institute's quality appraisal tool was used to assess risk of bias in included studies. RESULTS: A total of 21 original research studies were identified, of which 18 studies used multifaceted interventions. In accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute's quality appraisal tools, four of the 20 quasi-experimental studies were rated as high quality. The one randomised control trial was of moderate quality. Outcome measures included oral care adherence behaviours, oral care knowledge, self-reported adherence, and documentation. Improved effectiveness in oral care adherence was reported in 20 studies. CONCLUSIONS: Review findings confirm interventions to change behaviours improve oral care adherence. The most effective interventional approach could not be determined owing to heterogeneity in intervention design and outcome measures. Oral care in the intensive care unit is a vital, nurse-led activity that reduces t

Abstract Background Obesity may influence the pharmacology of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) that are recommended by all international guidelines for stroke prevention in adults with atrial fibrillation (AF). Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of DOACs in obese adults with AF. Methods Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, Johanna Briggs Institute, Embase, Psych Info and ProQuest were searched till April 2020. Only systematic reviews with meta-analyses, that were published after 2005 and were in the English language were included. Articles were screened by title and abstract, followed by full text assessment using the Covidence systematic review software. Data was extracted using a standardised extraction tool. AMSTAR-2® and ROBIS® tools were used for quality and risk of bias assessment. The entire process was undertaken by two investigators at each stage of the study selection, appraisal, and data extraction. Disagreements were resolved through consensus discussion with a third arbitrary investigator. Statistical analyses were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method for random effects. Meta-analysis was performed using only randomised controlled trials from eligible systematic reviews at both 12 months and across the entire trial. Primary outcomes assessed was stroke (ischemic or haemorrhagic) or systemic or pulmonary embolism. Secondary outcomes assessed included all-cause mortality, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, major bleed, all cause-hospitalisation, and cardiovascular mortality. Results Of the 8162 articles screened, a total of five systematic reviews were included in this overview. There was disagreement within the published reviews on the

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Obesity is an independent risk factor for AF. Anticoagulants have been strongly recommended by all international guidelines to prevent stroke. However, altered pathophysiology in obese adults may influence anticoagulant pharmacology. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the context of obesity and AF have been examined in recent systematic reviews. Despite the similarities in included studies, their results and conclusions do not agree. Methods and Results: The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020181510). Seven key electronic databases were searched using search terms such as "atrial fibrillation," "obese,*" "overweight," "novel oral anticoagulant," "direct oral anticoagulant," "DOAC," "NOAC," "apixaban," dabigatran," "rivaroxaban," and "edoxaban" to locate published and unpublished studies. Only systematic reviews with meta-analyses that examined the effect of DOACs in overweight or obese adults with AF, published in the English language, were included. A total of 9,547 articles were initially retrieved. After removing the duplicates, title and abstract review and full-text review, five articles were included in the systematic review. From these only RCTs were included in the meta-analyses. There was disagreement within the published systematic reviews on DOACs in obesity. The results from our meta-analysis did not show any significant difference between all body mass index (BMI) groups for all outcomes at both 12 months and for the entire trial duration. Non-significant differences were seen among the different types of DOACs. Conclusion: There was no difference between the BMI classes in any of the outcomes assessed. This may be due to the limited number of people in the trial that were in the obese class, especially obese class III. There is a need for large prospective trials to confirm which DOACs are safe and efficac

Objectives: This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:. To evaluate the efficacy of wearable smart-devices for the detection of atrial fibrillation.

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Nurses and midwives of Australia now is the time for change! As powerfully placed, Indigenous and non-Indigenous nursing and midwifery professionals, together we can ensure an effective and robust Indigenous curriculum in our nursing and midwifery schools of education. Today, Australia finds itself in a shifting tide of social change, where the voices for better and safer health care ring out loud. Voices for justice, equity and equality reverberate across our cities, our streets, homes, and institutions of learning. It is a call for new songlines of reform. The need to embed meaningful Indigenous health curricula is stronger now than it ever was for Australian nursing and midwifery. It is essential that nursing and midwifery leadership continue to build an authentic collaborative environment for Indigenous curriculum development. Bipartisan alliance is imperative for all academic staff to be confident in their teaching and learning experiences with Indigenous health syllabus. This paper is a call out. Now is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and midwives to make a stand together, for justice and equity in our teaching, learning, and practice. Together we will dismantle systems, policy, and practices in health that oppress. The Black Lives Matter movement provides us with a ‘now window’ of accepted dialogue to build a better, culturally safe Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring that Black Lives Matter in all aspects of health care.

© 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Nurses and midwives of Australia now is the time for change! As powerfully placed, Indigenous and non-Indigenous nursing and midwifery professionals, together we can ensure an effective and robust Indigenous curriculum in our nursing and midwifery schools of education. Today, Australia finds itself in a shifting tide of social change, where the voices for better and safer health care ring out loud. Voices for justice, equity and equality reverberate across our cities, our streets, homes, and institutions of learning. It is a call for new songlines of reform. The need to embed meaningful Indigenous health curricula is stronger now than it ever was for Australian nursing and midwifery. It is essential that nursing and midwifery leadership continue to build an authentic collaborative environment for Indigenous curriculum development. Bipartisan alliance is imperative for all academic staff to be confident in their teaching and learning experiences with Indigenous health syllabus. This paper is a call out. Now is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and midwives to make a stand together, for justice and equity in our teaching, learning, and practice. Together we will dismantle systems, policy, and practices in health that oppress. The Black Lives Matter movement provides us with a ‘now window’ of accepted dialogue to build a better, culturally safe Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring that Black Lives Matter in all aspects of health care.

Nurses and midwives of Australia now is the time for change! As powerfully placed, Indigenous and non-Indigenous nursing and midwifery professionals, together we can ensure an effective and robust Indigenous curriculum in our nursing and midwifery schools of education. Today, Australia finds itself in a shifting tide of social change, where the voices for better and safer health care ring out loud. Voices for justice, equity and equality reverberate across our cities, our streets, homes, and institutions of learning. It is a call for new songlines of reform. The need to embed meaningful Indigenous health curricula is stronger now than it ever was for Australian nursing and midwifery. It is essential that nursing and midwifery leadership continue to build an authentic collaborative environment for Indigenous curriculum development. Bipartisan alliance is imperative for all academic staff to be confident in their teaching and learning experiences with Indigenous health syllabus. This paper is a call out. Now is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and midwives to make a stand together, for justice and equity in our teaching, learning, and practice. Together we will dismantle systems, policy, and practices in health that oppress. The Black Lives Matter movement provides us with a ‘now window’ of accepted dialogue to build a better, culturally safe Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring that Black Lives Matter in all aspects of health care.