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CONNECT is a network of nursing and allied professional researchers, focused on strengthening collaborative cardiac surgery research through shared initiatives. In the third instalment of this five-article series, the authors introduce a CONNECT masterclass programme, aiming to meet the clinical and research development needs of nurses and allied professionals working in cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To examine the effectiveness of cognitive interventions after general anaesthesia to improve cognitive functioning. Background: The number of surgical procedures performed worldwide is large and growing. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a common complication associated with poor postoperative outcomes. A variety of cognitive interventions have been developed to maintain or improve cognitive function in one or more cognitive domains. Cognitive interventions have shown to be effective in healthy older populations, those with mild cognitive impairment, and those with heart failure. The impact of cognitive interventions in surgical patients after general anaesthesia is a relatively new focus of research and is therefore less well established. Methods: Seven bibliographic databases were searched in relation to 'surgery' and 'cognitive interventions'; no date or language limits were imposed. Studies including adult patients who were scheduled for, or who had undergone surgery under general anaesthesia, had a baseline cognitive assessment using a validated measurement, and had engaged with any cognition‐based intervention were included. Full‐text review for inclusion, quality assessment and data extraction were undertaken independently by two authors. This study is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 550 papers were identified for possible inclusion, of which nine met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The majority were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 6 [66.7%]). Four studies used computerised cognitive interventions, while five used traditional cognitive interventions. Most of the studies used multi‐domain cognitive training focusing on two or more domains (n = 7 [77.8%]) while two studies used single‐domain cognitive training. Memory (n = 7 [77.8%]) and attention (n = 5 [55.6%]) were the cognitive domains most often targeted during the intervention. Conclusions: The use of cognitive interventions demonstrated some efficacy in improving cognitive function after general anaesthesia, particularly those targeting memory. Relevance for clinical practice The findings of this review suggest that cognitive interventions show promise at improving cognitive performance in patients with POCD and could be usefully implemented in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is often experienced by cardiac surgery patients; however, it is not known if some groups of patients experience this more frequently or severely than others. The aim of this systematic review was to identify preoperative and postoperative predictors of cognitive dysfunction in adults following cardiac surgery. Methods and results Eight bibliographic databases were searched (January 2005 to March 2021) in relation to cardiac surgery and cognition. Studies including adult patients who had undergone open cardiac surgery and using a validated measurement of cognitive function were included. Full-text review for inclusion, quality assessment, and data extraction were undertaken independently by two authors. A total of 2870 papers were identified, of which 36 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The majority were prospective observational studies [ n  = 28 (75.7%)]. In total, 61 independent predictors (45 preoperative and 16 postoperative) were identified as significant in at least one study; advancing age and education level appear important. Age has emerged as the most common predictor of cognitive outcome. Conclusion Although a number of predictors of POCD have been identified, they have inconsistently been reported as significantly affecting cognitive outcome. Consistent with previous research, our findings indicate that older patients and those with lower educational levels should be prioritized when developing and trialling interventions to improve cognitive function. These findings are less than surprising if we consider the methodological shortcomings of included studies. It is evident that further high-quality research exploring predictors of POCD is required. Registration This review was registered on Prospero, CRD42020167037 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background As the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide the field of bariatric medicine has emerged, focussing on the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. People who are obese regularly face bias from healthcare professionals, which can negativity impact on care delivery and patient outcomes. The introduction of bariatric empathy suits into simulated practice may enable student nurses to appreciate the needs of, and influence their attitudes towards, obese people. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore student nurses' attitudes towards those who are obese and whether these attitudes change following a simulated activity. Design A mixed methods study incorporating a pre-post design. Setting A UK university which provides pre-registration nursing education. Participants Nursing students in part 1 ( n  = 39) and part 2 ( n  = 29) in adult and mental health fields. Methods Part 1 and 2 nursing students completed the "Nurses' attitudes towards obesity and obese patients scale" (NATOOPS) questionnaire. Part 2 students also took part in a simulation activity while wearing a bariatric empathy suit and completed the NATOOPS questionnaire again immediately after the simulation activity. Students who wore the empathy suits were invited to a focus group. Results Part 1 students reported poorer attitudes on the NATOOPS scale than Part 2 students. After wearing the bariatric empathy suits students reported changed attitudes on the NATOOPS in three areas: response to obese patients, characteristics of obese patients and supportive roles in caring for obese patients. Five themes emerged from the focus groups related to physical and psychological impact of the suits; thinking differently; simulation as a learning experience and challenges and recommendations. Conclusions Following a structured educational experience student nurses' attitudes were more positive towards obese patients. The characteristics of the educational activity that appeared to influence student nurses' attitudes was related to the “lived experience” of wearing bariatric empathy suits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]