Publications

Abstract

Background: Studies of the nursing work environment are increasingly common in developed countries, but few exist in developing countries. Because of resource differences between the two contexts, researchers need to clarify what aspects of the work environments are similar and different. Objectives: To study the perspectives of Mexican nurses about their work environments to determine similarities and differences to results from developed world studies. Design: A secondary, directed content analysis of qualitative data from 46 Spanish language interviews using workplace-oriented themes. Setting: Purposively selected Mexican states from four regions of the country that reflect the country's socioeconomic differences. Participants: Practicing Mexican nurses with at least 1. year of clinical experience and currently working in nursing. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Methods: Initial data collection occurred in 2006 and 2008 during a broader study about professionalization processes that occurred in Mexican nursing between 1980 and 2005. The secondary, directed content analysis focused on an in-depth exploration of a central theme that emerged from the two original studies: the workplace. The directed content analysis used themes from the global nursing work environment literature to structure the analysis: professional relationships, organizational administrative practices, and quality of care and services. Results: The three themes from the global literature were relevant for the Mexican context and a new one emerged related to hiring practices. By category, the same factors that created positive or negative perceptions of the work environment matched findings from other international studies conducted in developed countries. The descriptors of the category, however, had different conceptual meanings that illustrate the health system challenges in Mexico. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that studies that seek to measure nursing work environments will most likely apply in Mexico and other Latin American or middle-income countries. Instruments designed to measure the work environment of nurses in these countries may prove relevant in those contexts, but require careful adaptation and systematic translations to ensure it.

Abstract

Background. Efavirenz exhibits marked interindividual variability in plasma levels and toxicities. Prior pharmacogenetic studies usually measure exposure via single plasma levels, examine limited numbers of polymorphisms, and rarely model multiple contributors. We analyzed numerous genetic and nongenetic factors impacting short-term and long-term exposure in a large heterogeneous population of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women. Methods. We performed 24-hour intensive pharmacokinetic studies in 111 women receiving efavirenz under actual-use conditions and calculated the area-under-the-concentration-time curve (AUC) to assess short-term exposure; the efavirenz concentration in hair was measured to estimate long-term exposure. A total of 182 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 45 haplotypes in 9 genes were analyzed in relationship to exposure by use of multivariate models that included a number of nongenetic factors. Results. Efavirenz AUCs increased 1.26-fold per doubling of the alanine aminotransferase level and 1.23-fold with orange and/or orange juice consumption. Individuals with the CYP2B6 516TT genotype displayed 3.5-fold increases in AUCs and 3.2-fold increases in hair concentrations, compared with individuals with the TG/GG genotype. Another SNP in CYP2B6 (983TT) and a p-glycoprotein haplotype affected AUCs without substantially altering long-term exposure. Conclusions. This comprehensive pharmacogenomics study showed that individuals with the CYP2B6 516TT genotype displayed >3-fold increases in both short-term and long-term efavirenz exposure, signifying durable effects. Pharmacogenetic testing combined with monitoring of hair levels may improve efavirenz outcomes and reduce toxicities.

Abstract

Abstract. Background: Over the last decades, converging forces in hospital care, including cost-containment policies, rising healthcare demands and nursing shortages, have driven the search for new operational models of nursing care delivery that maximize the use of available nursing resources while ensuring safe, high-quality care. Little is known, however, about the distinctive features of these emergent nursing care models. This article contributes to filling this gap by presenting a theoretically and empirically grounded taxonomy of nursing care organization models in the context of acute care units in Quebec and comparing their distinctive features. Methods. This study was based on a survey of 22 medical units in 11 acute care facilities in Quebec. Data collection methods included questionnaire, interviews, focus groups and administrative data census. The analytical procedures consisted of first generating unit profiles based on qualitative and quantitative data collected at the unit level, then applying hierarchical cluster analysis to the units profile data. Results: The study identified four models of nursing care organization: two professional models that draw mainly on registered nurses as professionals to deliver nursing services and reflect stronger support to nurses professional practice, and two functional models that draw more significantly on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and assistive staff (orderlies) to deliver nursing services and are characterized by registered nurses perceptions that the practice environment is less supportive of their professional work. Conclusions: This study showed that medical units in acute care hospitals exhibit diverse staff mixes, patterns of skill use, work environment design, and support for innovation. The four models reflect not only distinct approaches to dealing with the numerous constraints in the nursing care environment, but also different degrees of approximations to an ideal nursing professional practice model described by some leaders in the contemporary nursing literature. While the two professional models appear closer to this ideal, the two functional models are farther removed.

Abstract

In the current educational environment, increasing numbers of advanced practice nursing (APN) students compete for decreasing numbers of clinical sites where patient safety is paramount. Clinical simulations with high-fidelity human patient simulators provide APN students opportunities to demonstrate clinical skills and judgment in a safe supportive environment. Development, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of a scenario for APN students are discussed. Faculty and student evaluations are reviewed as well as recommendations for future simulations.

Abstract

Ongoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and secondary HIV transmission-risk reduction (positiveprevention) support are needed in resource-limited settings. We evaluated a nurse-delivered counseling intervention in Kenya. We trained 90 nurses on a brief counseling algorithm that comprised ART and sexual-risk assessment, risk-reduction messages, and health-promotion planning. Self-reported measures were assessed before, immediately after, and 2 months post-training. Consistent ART adherence assessment was reported by 29% of nurses at baseline and 66% at 2 months post-training (p < .001). Assessment of patient sexual behaviors was 25% at baseline and 60% at 2 months post-training (p < .001). Nurse practice behaviors recommended in the counseling algorithm improved significantly at 2 months post-training compared with baseline, odds ratios 4.30-10.50. We found that training nurses in clinical counseling for ART adherence and positive prevention is feasible. Future studies should test impact of nurse counseling on patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Abstract

A growing body of literature suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons have significant health disparities as compared to heterosexuals. Although the reasons for this are complex and multifactorial, one area of research has examined the real or perceived negative attitudes of health-care providers. This integrative review critically appraises and synthesizes data from 17 articles regarding nurses' attitudes towards LGBT patients. Every study analyzed showed some evidence of negative attitudes. However, the literature revealed major limitations, including a paucity of well-designed studies; a dearth of qualitative studies; inconsistent use of validated, reliable instruments; and a lack of measures examining attitudes towards lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. Increased knowledge in this area could lead to interventions to improve nurses' cultural competency; resource allocation to nursing research, education, and services related to LGBT health; and inclusion of more LGBT content in nursing curricula.

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Previous studies have shown familial aggregation of insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, we aimed to examine whether family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. This was a cross-sectional analysis in participants of the NAFLD Database study and PIVENS trial who had available data on family history of DM. One thousand and sixty-nine patients (63% women), with mean age of 49.6 (± 11.8) years and body mass index (BMI) of 34.2 (± 6.4) kg/m(2) , were included. Thirty percent had DM, and 56% had a family history of DM. Both personal history of DM and family history of DM were significantly associated with NASH, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-2.73; P <0.001) and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.11-1.97; P = 0.01) and any fibrosis with an OR of 3.31 (95% CI: 2.26-4.85; P < 0.001) and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.25-2.20; P < 0.001), respectively. When the models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, ethnicity, and metabolic traits, the association between diabetes and family history of DM with NASH showed an increased adjusted OR of 1.76 (95% CI: 1.13-2.72; P < 0.001) and 1.34 (95% CI: 0.99-1.81; P = 0.06), respectively, and with any fibrosis with a significant adjusted OR of 2.57 (95% CI: 1.61-4.11; P < 0.0001) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.02-1.87; P = 0.04), respectively. After excluding patients with personal history of diabetes, family history of DM was significantly associated with the presence of NASH and any fibrosis with an adjusted OR of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.01-2.25; P = 0.04) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.01-2.20; P = 0.04), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is strongly associated with risk of NASH, fibrosis, and advanced fibrosis. Family history of diabetes, especially among nondiabetics, is associated with NASH and fibrosis in NAFLD.

Abstract

Because multiple symptoms associated with " sickness behavior" have a negative impact on functional status and quality of life, increased information on the mechanisms that underlie inter-individual variability in this symptom experience is needed. The purposes of this study were to determine: if distinct classes of individuals could be identified based on their experience with pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression; if these classes differed on demographic and clinical characteristics; and if variations in pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokine genes were associated with latent class membership.Self-report measures of pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression were completed by 168 oncology outpatients and 85 family caregivers (FCs). Using latent class profile analysis (LCPA), three relatively distinct classes were identified: those who reported low depression and low pain (83%), those who reported high depression and low pain (4.7%), and those who reported high levels of all four symptoms (12.3%). The minor allele of IL4 rs2243248 was associated with membership in the " All high" class along with younger age, being White, being a patient (versus a FC), having a lower functional status score, and having a higher number of comorbid conditions.Findings suggest that LPCA can be used to differentiate distinct phenotypes based on a symptom cluster associated with sickness behavior. Identification of distinct phenotypes provides new evidence for the role of IL4 in the modulation of a sickness behavior symptom cluster in oncology patients and their FCs.

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine the occurrence rate for preoperative breast pain; describe the characteristics of this pain; evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics; and evaluate for variations in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes between women who did and did not report pain. Patients (n = 398) were recruited prior to surgery and completed self-report questionnaires on a number of pain characteristics. Genotyping was done using a custom genotyping array. Women (28.2%) who reported breast pain were significantly younger (P <.001); more likely to be nonwhite (P =.032); reported significantly lower Karnofsky Performance Status scores (P =.008); were less likely to be postmenopausal (P =.012); and had undergone significantly more biopsies (P =.006). Carriers of the minor allele for a single nucleotide polymorphism in interleukin (IL)1-receptor 1 (IL1R1) (rs2110726) were less likely to report breast pain prior to surgery (P =.007). Carriers of the minor allele for a single nucleotide polymorphism in IL13 (rs1295686) were more likely to report breast pain prior to surgery (P =.019). Findings suggest that breast pain occurs in over a quarter of women who are about to undergo breast cancer surgery. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics found, inflammatory mechanisms contribute to preoperative breast pain. Perspective: In women with breast cancer, preoperative pain may be associated with increases in inflammatory responses associated with an increased number of biopsies. In addition, differences in cytokine genes may contribute to this preoperative breast pain.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the relationship between inpatient mortality and implicit rationing of nursing care, the quality of nurse work environments and the patient-to-nurse staffing ratio in Swiss acute care hospitals. Design: Cross-sectional correlational design. Setting: Eight Swiss acute care hospitals examined in a survey-based study and 71 comparison institutions. Participants: A total of 165 862 discharge abstracts from patients treated in the 8 RICH Nursing Study (the Rationing of Nursing Care in Switzerland Study) hospitals and 760 608 discharge abstracts from patients treated in 71 Swiss acute care hospitals offering similar services and maintaining comparable patient volumes to the RICH Nursing hospitals. Main outcome measures: The dependent variable was inpatient mortality. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of the independent hospital-level measures. Results: Patients treated in the hospital with the highest rationing level were 51% more likely to die than those in peer institutions (adjusted OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.34-1.70). Patients treated in the study hospitals with higher nurse work environment quality ratings had a significantly lower likelihood of death (adjusted OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.97) and those treated in the hospital with the highest measured patient-to-nurse ratio (10:1) had a 37% higher risk of death (adjusted OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.52) than those in comparison institutions. Conclusions: Measures of rationing may reflect care conditions that place hospital patients at risk of negative outcomes and thus deserve attention in future hospital outcomes research studies.

Abstract

HIV-infected patients have considerable need for alcohol reduction support, and HIV care providers are strategically placed to implement a " prevention for positives" alcohol-reduction approach through alcohol screening and brief interventions (SBIs). To facilitate this approach, we provided alcohol SBI education and training to HIV care providers in four hospital-based, New York City HIV Care Centers in 2007. Interviews with the medical directors and 14 of the HIV care providers who attended the training identified barriers to implementing alcohol SBIs. These included limited time for alcohol screening, patients' incomplete disclosure of alcohol use, providers' perceptions that alcohol use is not a major problem for their patients, and provider specialization that assigns patients with problematic alcohol use to specifically designated providers. Identified facilitators for alcohol SBI implementation included adequate time to conduct the SBI; availability of information, tools, and key points to emphasize with HIV-infected patients; and use of a brief alcohol screening tool.

Abstract

Drawing from role theory, this study sought to explore the effects of assuming a new role on Latina community health workers (CHW) participating in a cervical cancer prevention program in a new Latino immigrant community located on the East Coast of the United States. Through a series of in-depth, Spanish language interviews with the 4 participants, the researchers explored the process and effects of assuming and enacting the CHW role through a narrative analysis approach. Themes that emerged from the analysis included "Reasons for becoming a promotora," "Vision and reality of the role," "Structuring interactions: The hierarchy of knowledge transmission," and "Transforming identities." Findings showed that assuming the CHW role had transformative effects on the participants that, in the end, allowed them to reconcile disparate aspects of their own immigrant identities. The findings have multiple implications for designing prevention programs employing CHWs and immigrant community strengthening.

Abstract

We examined beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for persons with dementia, their awareness of media information about cognitive health, and their suggestions for communicating such information to other caregivers. We conducted three focus groups (25 participants). The constant comparison method compared themes across focus groups. Caregivers most frequently described cognitive health benefits of social engagement and leisure; next in emphasis were benefits of healthy diets. There was less emphasis on physical activity. Participants had heard from television that avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs might promote cognitive health. Ways to inform others about cognitive health included information in Filipino newspapers, and handouts in Filipino languages, distributed in Filipino stores, workplaces, community organizations, and health care facilities. Findings suggest an opportunity to develop public health messages promoting cognitive health that are in-language, published in ethnic-specific media, and that are culturally appropriate for Filipino and other Asian Americans.

Abstract

Objectives: To review the evidence on a number of biomarkers that show potential clinical utility in the prediction of and treatment responsiveness for the four most common symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment (ie, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression). Data Sources: Review and synthesis of review articles and data-based publications. Conclusion: A growing body of evidence suggests that sensitive and specific biomarkers will be available to assist clinicians with the assessment and management of symptoms. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nurses will play a critical role in educating patients about their risk for specific symptoms based on an evaluation of specific biomarkers. Nurses will be involved in using biomarker data to titrate medications based on patient's responses to symptom management interventions.

Abstract

The Emergency Department (ED) is a point of contact for victims of violence after an act of criminal activity has occurred. Hence, ED clinicians are in a key position to have a significant impact on both the medical and legal outcomes of the forensic patient population. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare forensic knowledge, practice, and experiences of ED nurses and physicians. Specific aims were to (1) describe experiences of nurses and physicians related to forensic practice; (2) compare clinical forensic knowledge and experience between nurses and physicians; and (3) describe forensic learning needs. This descriptive, correlational study utilized a survey questionnaire completed by 134 ED nurses and physicians. Results of the survey revealed no significant differences in the education, knowledge, and confidence with forensic patients between ED nurses and physicians. However, just over half of the sample reported feeling confident in managing forensic patients indicating a need for increased forensic education. Practice implications indicate that forensic education is needed and desired among ED nurses and physicians within the clinical setting. Further studies must be done to gain a more in depth understanding of existing forensic practices and protocols to elevate the level of care received by forensic patients within the ED setting.

Abstract

To improve patient outcomes and meet the challenges of the U.S. health care system, the Institute of Medicine recommends higher educational attainment for the nursing workforce. Characteristics of registered nurses (RNs) who pursue additional education are poorly understood, and this information is critical to planning long-term strategies for U.S. nursing education.To identify factors predicting enrollment and completion of an additional degree among those with an associate or bachelor's as their pre-RN licensure degree, we performed logistic regression analysis on data from an ongoing nationally representative panel study following the career trajectories of newly licensed RNs. For associate degree RNs, predictors of obtaining a bachelor's degree are the following: being Black, living in a rural area, nonnursing work experience, higher positive affectivity, higher work motivation, working in the intensive care unit, and working the day shift. For bachelor's RNs, predictors of completing a master's degree are the following: being Black, nonnursing work experience, holding more than one job, working the day shift, working voluntary overtime, lower intent to stay at current employer, and higher work motivation. Mobilizing the nurse workforce toward higher education requires integrated efforts from policy makers, philanthropists, employers, and educators to mitigate the barriers to continuing education.

Abstract

Background: Preventable adverse events from hospital care are a common patient safety problem, often resulting in medical complications and additional costs. In 2008, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a policy, mandated by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, targeting a list of these 'reasonably' preventable hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) for reduced reimbursement. Extensive debate ensued about the potential adverse effects of the policy, but there was little discussion of its impact on hospitals' quality improvement (QI) activities. This study's goals were to understand organizational responses to the HAC policy, including internal and external influences that moderated the success or failure of QI efforts.Methods: We employed a qualitative descriptive design. Representatives from 14 Nurses Improving Care of Health System Elders (NICHE) hospitals participated in semi-structured interviews addressing the impact of the HAC policy generally, and for two indicator conditions: central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Within-case analysis identified the key components of each institution's response to the policy; across-case analysis identified themes. Exemplar cases were used to explicate findings.Results: Interviewees reported that the HAC policy is one of many internal and external factors motivating hospitals to address HACs. They agreed the policy focused attention on prevention of HACs that had previously received fewer dedicated resources. The impact of the policy on prevention activities, barriers, and facilitators was condition-specific. CLABSI efforts were in place prior to the policy, whereas CAUTI efforts were less mature. Nearly all respondents noted that pressure ulcer detection and documentation became a larger focus stemming from the policy change. A major challenge was the determination of which conditions were 'hospital-acquired.' One opportunity arising from the policy has been the focus on nursing leadership in patient safety efforts.Conclusions: While the CMS's HAC policy was just one of many factors influencing QI efforts, it may have served the important role of drawing attention and resources to the targeted conditions-particularly those not previously in the spotlight. The translational research paradigm is helpful in the interpretation of the findings, illustrating how the policy can advance prevention efforts for HACs at earlier phases of research translation as well as pitfalls associated with earlier phase implementation. To maximize their impact, such policies should consider condition-specific contextual factors influencing policy uptake and provide condition-specific implementation support.

Abstract

Background: Serologic studies indicate that herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 infections are highly prevalent among people infected with HIV. As an ulcerative genital disease, HSV may be important to HIV transmission and HIV-comorbidity. Routine clinical care of HSV in this population has not been described. Methods: Data were abstracted from medical records of HIV-infected individuals by the Adult/Adolescent Spectrum of HIV Disease Project. Clinician-documented HSV diagnosis and HSV treatment, defined as any prescription for acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, were the outcomes of interest. We present descriptive statistics and trends in HSV diagnosis and treatment. Results: Between 1989 and 2004, 61,299 people were followed in this study. HSV was diagnosed in 20% of the population, and 32% of the population received HSV antiviral prescriptions. Prescriptions for episodic treatment were given to 28% of patients, and 11% received prescriptions for suppressive therapy. The average annual rate of HSV diagnosis declined by 31% during the course of the study. Conclusions: Clinically recognized HSV infections were frequent despite declining rates of diagnosis. Providers should have a high index of suspicion for HSV and consider routine screening and suppressive therapy for patients at risk of clinical disease.

Abstract

Background: Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent HIV transmission has received substantial attention after a recent trial demonstrating efficacy of ART to reduce HIV transmission in HIV-discordant couples. Objective: To assess practices and attitudes of HIV clinicians regarding early initiation of ART for treatment and prevention of HIV at sites participating in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 065 study. Design: Cross-sectional internet-based survey. Methods: ART-prescribing clinicians (n = 165 physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) at 38 HIV care sites in Bronx, NY, and Washington, DC, completed a brief anonymous Internet survey, before any participation in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 065 study. Analyses included associations between clinician characteristics and willingness to prescribe ART for prevention. Results: Almost all respondents (95%), of whom 59% were female, 66% white, and 77% HIV specialists, "strongly agreed/agreed" that early ART can decrease HIV transmission. Fifty-six percent currently recommend ART initiation for HIV-infected patients with CD4+ count <500 cells per cubic millimeter, and 14% indicated that they initiate ART irrespective of CD4+ count. Most (75%) indicated that they would consider initiating ART earlier than otherwise indicated for patients in HIV-discordant sexual partnerships, and 40% would do so if a patient was having unprotected sex with a partner of unknown HIV status. There were no significant differences by age, gender, or clinician type in likelihood of initiating ART for reasons including HIV transmission prevention to sexual partners. Conclusions: This sample of US clinicians indicated support for early ART initiation to prevent HIV transmission, especially for situations where such transmission would be more likely to occur.

Abstract

Palliative care involvement with patients with advanced disease has demonstrated significant cost savings at end of life (EOL). These financial benefits are largely due to improved EOL decision making. Assisting patients and families to examine their values and determine their preferences makes it possible to match patient goals with appropriate care. Often, comfort-oriented care is favored, avoiding the costs of medically aggressive, often futile, technology-driven interventions. Community-based EOL care discussions would demonstrate increased cost reductions while facilitating significant patient and family satisfaction with care.