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Thirty-one participants engaged in this oral history research study aimed at exploring the lived experience of intellectual disability nurses and healthcare assistants' knowledge of the trajectory of intellectual disability nursing over the last 30 years in the Republic of Ireland and England. This paper documents some of these experiences offering perspectives on intellectual disability nursing and what is important for the future. Findings from Ireland consider the nature of intellectual disability services and the registered nurse in intellectual disability. Findings from England focus on opportunities and restrictions in intellectual disability nursing, shared visions, the changing context within which work took place and also the internal and external supports that impacted their roles. It is evident that intellectual disability nurses must be responsive to the changing landscape of service provision and also the requirements for contemporary new roles to meet the changing needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs require the demonstration of competence rather than accumulation of credits, empowering learners to choose the process and pace of their experience. The current study investigated the role that self-direction plays in the success of students in CBE programs and the extent to which the cultivation of self-direction may vary based on CBE program design. CBE programs often are considered to be learner-centered and self-directed; however, there is limited knowledge about what qualities or skills make students more likely to be successful in CBE programs. This early exploratory analysis suggests that students who self-select into a CBE program have relatively high self-directed learning capacity particularly with respect to setting learning goals, identifying learning resources, and managing stress. Participation in a CBE program may also have an impact on students' self-directed learning capacity; however, additional study with a broader sample is recommended.

Background: The case for the efficacy of competency-based education (CBE) has been hampered by the lack of research on the outcomes of CBE programs. Because so many programs are relatively new, the outcomes data that have been published do not extend much beyond graduation. In addition, it focuses almost exclusively on job-related outcomes even though CBE learners have multiple goals. Aims: This study seeks to assess the enduring outcomes of a CBE program by comparing the goals students articulated upon starting the program to the outcomes they identified several years after it. Methods: The initial goals that 68 graduates articulated when they began this program were used to develop a survey that was sent to the 58 students for whom contact information was available. Thirty-three responded to the survey, resulting in a 57% response rate. Results & Discussion: This CBE program had an enduring positive impact on the goals the students articulated when they started the program. Students started the program with more professional and personal than social goals, and they reported more professional and personal outcomes. The impact of the CBE program was most pronounced in personal outcomes. Conclusion: This study offers a limited contribution to the nascent research into the efficacy of CBE. It raises several questions for further study, including the extent to which the primary value of CBE is degree completion.

Autistic children and adolescents experience a range of co-morbidities, including diagnoses of mental illness. Animal-assisted therapies have advanced rapidly over recent years as an effective and accessible intervention for autistic children and adolescents with various health issues. Horses offer a unique opportunity for interaction as the young person can physically ride the animal, thus creating a therapy with different physical interactions from other animals. This qualitative study had two main aims: first, to understand parents' experiences of their autistic child's involvement with horse-based therapies; and second, to understand the experiences of the staff of organisations offering horse-based therapies to those on the autism spectrum. Twelve interviews were conducted with six parents across four interviews (four mothers and two fathers), and eight staff of equine therapy services in eight individual interviews, to understand their perceptions of the child's experience with horse riding and the perceived mental health impacts. Three emergent themes were prominent among parents and service providers alike: physical and social benefits, including health, self-management skills and social skills; protecting mental health; and recommendations for improvements and accessibility of horse-based therapies. Specifically, service providers with long-standing associations with horse-based therapies saw the actual and potential benefits of horse-based therapies for autistic children, particularly in promoting happiness, calm, resilience, and good mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare recruitment, highlighting both its potential benefits in streamlining hiring processes and its challenges, especially in the recruitment of mental health nurses. Topics include the limitations of AI in assessing nuanced human attributes like empathy, the ethical concerns and biases inherent in AI-driven recruitment, and the impact of AI-generated applications on the authenticity and integrity of job candidates.

The article explores the transformative role of AI in mental health research, highlighting both its potential benefits and ethical concerns. Topics include the various types of AI, such as narrow, general, and superintelligent AI, along with deep learning and machine learning sub-disciplines, illustrating that different AI types have diverse applications, and not all are equally beneficial or ethical.

Background: Premature infants have higher risks of infection due to their underdeveloped immune systems and changes to the oral cavity's normal flora colonization. Purpose: To assess the effect of oral colostrum application on the condition of the mouth and the incidence of late-onset sepsis (LOS) among premature infants. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 70 newborn premature infants were randomly allocated to colostrum or sterile water groups. The Mouth Care Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the condition of the mouth for 5 days after oral colostrum application. The incidence of LOS was measured using clinical and laboratory indicators from 72 hours after birth until discharge. Results: The condition of the mouth was significantly different on days 4 and 5, demonstrating that the colostrum group had less need for oral care (P < .001) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in clinical symptoms and laboratory values related to LOS (P > .05). Implications for practice: Oral colostrum application can benefit oral mucosal health and reduce the need for oral care among premature infants. It is also safe alternative oral care for premature infants who cannot breastfeed during the first few days of life. Future research should include infants of different gestational ages and mechanically ventilated infants to assess the effect of oral colostrum application on serum immune factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encompassing many crafts, needlecraft has been popular, particularly amongst women, for centuries. This scoping review mapped and explored primary research on sewing, crocheting, knitting, lacemaking, embroidery and quilting and its impact on mental health and well-being. A comprehensive systematic search across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted in January 2024, identifying 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Four themes (and 15 subthemes) emerged from the data: (1) mental well-being; (2) social connection, sense of value and belonging; (3) sense of purpose, achievement and satisfaction; and (4) self-identity, family, culture and legacy. The review showed that needlecraft has an overwhelmingly positive effect on mental health and general well-being. This scoping review may be used to inform mental health nurses and other professionals of the benefits of needlecraft for a wide variety of consumers and may also find application in the well-being of healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals are increasingly being utilized to assist with therapies for people with various health conditions. Horses are often used as a mechanism of engagement and development for autistic children and adolescents. Horses offer a unique opportunity for interaction as the child or adolescent can physically ride and interact with the animal, thus creating a therapy that involves contact that is different to other animals. Benefits derived from equine-assisted therapies can be physical, social, behavioral, emotional, sensory, and cognitive. However, a current and specific research gap exists in understanding the potential mental health impacts of horse riding on autistic children and adolescents, as perceived and experienced by their parents, carers, and horse-riding service providers. This scoping review examined research on parents' and service providers' perceptions of the benefits of horse-related therapies, with a particular focus on perceptions of positive mental health impacts. A comprehensive electronic search across PubMed, Scopus and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature identified 16 articles from 15 studies which met the inclusion criteria. Findings included non-mental health-related benefits (as perceived by parents and service providers), mental health-related benefits (as perceived by parents and service providers), benefits for those other than the child/adolescent, and limitations of equine-assisted therapies. With the increased use of equine therapy, and the mounting evidence of its positive impacts on mental health, it is timely to expand research on how to better harness interventions and maximize the mental health benefits for autistic children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the difficulties researchers face when trying to report and publish their findings, particularly negative or unfavorable results. Topics discussed include publication bias, selective reporting, and the suppression of research information due to institutional or funding pressures.

Aim: To map and explore primary research about factors related to retention, turnover and turnover intention among migrant nurses. Background: Understanding retention and turnover among migrant nurses is essential, especially in the context of nursing shortage. There is a range of factors motivating nurses to emigrate; however, factors related to retention and turnover among migrant nurses in the host country are unclear. Methods: This review utilised Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews, and is reported with the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Four electronic databases were searched—CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and PubMed—to identify primary research published between January 2000 and May 2022. Titles and abstracts were reviewed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then full‐text versions were reviewed. Data extracted were summarised, and results synthesised. Results: Fifteen studies were included, with studies mainly from the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States. Personal, organisational, financial, political and environmental factors were found to influence retention and turnover among migrant nurses. Conclusion: Retention and turnover rates among migrant nurses vary among host countries. The factors identified are related to each other; hence, retention and turnover among migrant nurses are best understood in the context of their source country, host country and individual circumstances. Implications for nursing policy, social policy, and health policy: Host countries must promote strategies that foster retention, such as reviewing immigration policies to support long‐term immigration and family unity. Organisations employing migrant nurses need to consider the presence of a social network to facilitate adaptation and integration. It is also recommended that source countries address the reasons for emigration and initiate policies encouraging return migration, including providing merit to overseas experience. International nursing organisations should call for an examination of the conditions of migrant nurses to ensure equality across all source countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has suggested ePortfolios reveal and support students' metacognition, that is, their awareness, tracking, and evaluation of their learning over time. However, due to the wide variety of purposes and audiences for ePortfolios, it has been unclear whether there might be common criteria for identifying and assessing metacognition in ePortfolios across varied contexts. The purpose of this study was to identify evidence of metacognition across ePortfolios of three distinct populations of students: traditional-age undergraduates, graduate Education students, and adults returning to school to complete a bachelor's degree. We set out to explore if and how ePortfolios could support these different learners' growth as reflective, intentional learners and professionals. Through a qualitative coding process, we identified four key metacognition markers across students' ePortfolios in these three populations. We conclude students can be guided to engage in metacognition in concrete ways through thoughtful assignment design and assessment process, no matter their context.

The article explores the role of shared reading in addressing loneliness and promoting connectedness. Loneliness is a global health concern, and social connections are vital for overall well-being. Shared reading activities, such as book clubs and online book chats, offer opportunities for intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. These gatherings foster networks, friendships, and community, and can have therapeutic effects. Shared reading has been found to enhance self-esteem, social inclusion, and cognitive function, and has been applied in various contexts, including supporting individuals with disabilities, older adults, and healthcare professionals. Social media platforms have also facilitated the growth of shared reading communities. Therapeutic reading, involving reading aloud and reflecting on the content, has shown positive outcomes for diverse populations. In conclusion, shared reading can be a valuable strategy for addressing loneliness and promoting mental health and well-being. Mental health professionals should consider incorporating shared reading into comprehensive mental health plans, although further research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the evolution of mental illness acceptance due to improved understanding, scientific advances, and effective treatments, highlighting the shift from supernatural explanations and institutionalization to community integration and inclusive practices. It discusses ongoing challenges such as unmet needs and stigma, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocates for proactive inclusion in mental health nursing to address social exclusion.

Partial-thickness burns are the most common form of burns, affecting the dermis and possibly resulting in scarring and infection. The Spincare System is a new device that uses electrospinning technology to create a temporary skin-like matrix that can be applied to wounds. This study evaluated the performance, safety, and efficacy of Spincare in treating superficial to partial-thickness burns not considered for surgery. A prospective single-arm, open-label, multicenter study was conducted in 3 adult burn units across Israel. Forty-four patients with superficial to intermediate burns of up to 10% of TBSA were enrolled. Spincare was applied to the wounds, and follow-up visits were performed on days 7, 14, and 21 and months 3 and 6 posttreatment. Thirty-one patients with 36 wounds completed the day 21 visit. The mean wound healing area on day 21 was 97.26 ± 9.41%, and the mean healing time was 12.8 ± 4.3 days. Only one moderate adverse event was observed concerning the treatment, and it is important to acknowledge the potential progression of this hypertrophic scar into a keloid. This study demonstrated that Spincare is a safe and effective device for treating superficial to intermediate partial-thickness burns. Spincare achieved rapid and complete wound healing with a low incidence of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the damaging nature of workplace incivility, emphasizing its subtle yet widespread impact. Topics discussed include the insidious nature of workplace incivility, its pervasive presence in various organizational settings, and the harmful consequences it inflicts on individuals and workplaces.

The article offers information on developing and maintaining high-quality curriculum vitae (CVs) for psychiatric-mental health nurses. Topics include the purpose of a CV, the difference between a CV, a resume, and a short-CV, and tips for preparing and updating a CV. The authors emphasize the importance of providing truthful, current, and accurate information in a CV, highlighting its role in various professional settings such as job applications, promotion panels, or funding committees.