Publications

Abstract

Objective: Patient-centred care has become a priority in many countries. It is unknown whether current tools capture aspects of care patients and their surrogates consider important. We investigated whether online narrative reviews from patients and surrogates reflect domains in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and we described additional potential domains. Design: We used thematic analysis to assess online narrative reviews for reference to HCAHPS domains and salient non-HCAHPS domains and compared results by reviewer type (patient vs surrogate). Setting: We identified hospitals for review from the American Hospital Association database using a stratified random sampling approach. This approach ensured inclusion of reviews of a diverse set of hospitals. We searched online in February 2013 for narrative reviews from any source for each hospital. Participants: We included up to two narrative reviews for each hospital. Exclusions: Outpatient or emergency department reviews, reviews from self-identified hospital employees, or reviews of <10 words. Results: 50.0% (n=122) of reviews (N=244) were from patients and 38.1% (n=93) from friends or family members. Only 57.0% (n=139) of reviews mentioned any HCAHPS domain. Additional salient domains were: Financing, including unexpected out-of-pocket costs and difficult interactions with billing departments; system-centred care; and perceptions of safety. These domains were mentioned in 51.2% (n=125) of reviews. Friends and family members commented on perceptions of safety more frequently than patients. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of consumer reviews do not mention HCAHPS domains. Surrogates appear to observe care differently than patients, particularly around safety.

Abstract

Moderate-to-severe fatigue occurs in up to 94% of oncology patients undergoing active treatment. Current interventions for fatigue are not efficacious. A major impediment to the development of effective treatments is a lack of understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying fatigue. In the current study, differences in phenotypic characteristics and gene expression profiles were evaluated in a sample of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (CTX) who reported low (n = 19) and high (n = 25) levels of evening fatigue. Compared to the low group, patients in the high evening fatigue group reported lower functional status scores, higher comorbidity scores, and fewer prior cancer treatments. One gene was identified as upregulated and 11 as downregulated in the high evening fatigue group. Gene set analysis found 24 downregulated and 94 simultaneously up- and downregulated pathways between the two fatigue groups. Transcript origin analysis found that differential expression (DE) originated primarily from monocytes and dendritic cell types. Query of public data sources found 18 gene expression experiments with similar DE profiles. Our analyses revealed that inflammation, neurotransmitter regulation, and energy metabolism are likely mechanisms associated with evening fatigue severity; that CTX may contribute to fatigue seen in oncology patients; and that the patterns of gene expression may be shared with other models of fatigue (e.g., physical exercise and pathogen-induced sickness behavior). These results suggest that the mechanisms that underlie fatigue in oncology patients are multifactorial.

Abstract

Background Accurate gestational dating is a critical component of obstetric and newborn care. In the absence of early ultrasound, many clinicians rely on less accurate measures, such as last menstrual period or symphysis-fundal height during pregnancy, or Dubowitz scoring or the Ballard (or New Ballard) method at birth. These measures often underestimate or overestimate gestational age and can lead to misclassification of babies as born preterm, which has both short- and long-term clinical care and public health implications. Objective We sought to evaluate whether metabolic markers in newborns measured as part of routine screening for treatable inborn errors of metabolism can be used to develop a population-level metabolic gestational dating algorithm that is robust despite intrauterine growth restriction and can be used when fetal ultrasound dating is not available. We focused specifically on the ability of these markers to differentiate preterm births (PTBs) (<37 weeks) from term births and to assign a specific gestational age in the PTB group. Study Design We evaluated a cohort of 729,503 singleton newborns with a California birth in 2005 through 2011 who had routine newborn metabolic screening and fetal ultrasound dating at 11-20 weeks' gestation. Using training and testing subsets (divided in a ratio of 3:1) we evaluated the association among PTB, target newborn characteristics, acylcarnitines, amino acids, thyroid-stimulating hormone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and galactose-1-phosphate-uridyl-transferase. We used multivariate backward stepwise regression to test for associations and linear discriminate analyses to create a linear function for PTB and to assign a specific week of gestation. We used sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value to evaluate the performance of linear functions. Results Along with birthweight and infant age at test, we included 35 of the 51 metabolic markers measured in the final multivariate model comparing PTBs and term births. Using a linear discriminate analyses-derived linear function, we were able to sort PTBs and term births accurately with sensitivities and specificities of ≥95% in both the training and testing subsets. Assignment of a specific week of gestation in those identified as PTBs resulted in the correct assignment of week ±2 weeks in 89.8% of all newborns in the training and 91.7% of those in the testing subset. When PTB rates were modeled using the metabolic dating algorithm compared to fetal ultrasound, PTB rates were 7.15% vs 6.11% in the training subset and 7.31% vs 6.25% in the testing subset. Conclusion When considered in combination with birthweight and hours of age at test, metabolic profile evaluated within 8 days of birth appears to be a useful measure of PTB and, among those born preterm, of specific week of gestation ±2 weeks. Dating by metabolic profile may be useful in instances where there is no fetal ultrasound due to lack of availability or late entry into care.

Abstract

In 2000, the John A. Hartford Foundation established the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Program initiative, acknowledging nursing's key role in the care of the growing population of older adults. This program has supported 249 nurse scientists with pre- and postdoctoral awards. As a result of the program's success, several Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Program awardees formed an alumni organization to continue to advance the quality care of older adults. This group of Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Program awardees joined others receiving support from the John A. Hartford Foundation nursing initiatives to grow a formal organization, the Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders (HGNL). The purpose of this article is to present the development, accomplishments, and challenges of the HGNL, informing other professional nursing organizations that are experiencing similar accomplishments and challenges. This article also demonstrates the power of a funding initiative to grow an organization dedicated to impact gerontological health and health care through research, practice, education, and policy.

Abstract

Reflective functioning (RF), the capacity to envision thoughts, feelings, needs and intentions within the self and others, is thought to be central to sensitive parenting, yet this capacity has been unexamined among pregnant adolescents. We explored how RF was related to the emotional experience of adolescent pregnancy. Design and Methods: This qualitative study was guided by interpretive description. Participants were 30 Latina and African-American adolescents (mean age 17.7 + 1.5 years) residing in a low-income urban community. All adolescents were interviewed with the Pregnancy Interview (a 22 question semi-structured interview) in their third trimester of pregnancy. Interview transcripts had been previously coded for levels of RF (1-9 with higher levels denoting higher reflectiveness), and this secondary analysis focused on the teens' experience of pregnancy and their emerging reflective capacities. We used a priori and inductive coding with all interviews and developed patterns and themes. Results: These interviews provided an in-depth understanding of the complex adolescent emotional experiences of pregnancy. We identified five themes that create a picture of how the participants reflected upon their pregnancies, unborn babies, emerging parental roles, and complicated relationships with family and partners. Conclusions and Practice Implications: Adolescent developmental issues and harsh family and neighborhood environments permeated the teens' experience of pregnancy and limited capacity for RF. Understanding distinctive features of RF in pregnant adolescents may contribute to developing conceptual models and tailored clinical approaches for enhancing parental reflectiveness and sensitivity in these vulnerable young women as they enter into the transition to parenthood.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of discrepancies between medication lists that referring providers and home healthcare (HH) nurses create. Design: The active medication list from the hospital at time of HH initiation was compared with the HH agency's plan of care medication list. An electronic algorithm was developed to compare the two lists for discrepancies. Setting: Single large hospital and HH agency in the western United States. Participants: Individuals referred for HH from the hospital in 2012 (N = 770, 96.3% male, median age 71). Measurements: Prevalence was calculated for discrepancies, including medications missing from one list or the other and differences in dose, frequency, or route for medications contained on both lists. Results: Participants had multiple medical problems (median 16 active problems) and were taking a median of 15 medications (range 1–93). Every participant had at least one discrepancy; 90.1% of HH lists were missing at least one medication that the referring provider had prescribed, 92.1% of HH lists contained medications not on the referring provider's list, 89.8% contained medication naming errors. 71.0% contained dosing discrepancies, and 76.3% contained frequency discrepancies. Conclusion: Discrepancies between HH and referring provider lists are common. Future work is needed to address possible safety and care coordination implications of discrepancies in this highly complex population.

Abstract

The changing demographics of the nursing workforce, including large numbers of impending retirements, highlight the need for innovative programs to attract the next generation of nursing leaders, educators, and researchers. Nursing honors programs provide an enhanced educational experience for high-achieving and highly motivated students, developing them as future nursing leaders. This review describes the current perspectives, characteristics, and values of nursing honors programs, opportunities for implementation, and recommendations for integration within nursing education.

Abstract

Objective To examine the relationship between Magnet recognition, an indicator of nursing excellence, and patients' experience with their hospitalization reported in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. Data Sources This secondary analysis includes cross-sectional data from the 2010 HCAHPS survey, the American Hospital Association, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Study Design We conducted a retrospective observational study. Data Collection Using common hospital identifiers, we created a matched set of 212 Magnet hospitals and 212 non-Magnet hospitals. Principal Findings Patients in Magnet hospitals gave their hospitals higher overall ratings, were more likely to recommend their hospital, and reported more positive care experiences with nurse communication. Conclusions Magnet recognition is associated with better patient care experiences, which may positively enhance reimbursement for hospitals.

Abstract

Purpose: To present how factor analysis results of a Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) translation changed due to country context. Design: Validity and reliability analysis of a cross-culturally adapted, Polish translation of the PES-NWI came from a cross-sectional, national survey that included 2,605 registered nurses working in surgical (50.4%) and medical (49.6%) units of 30 Polish hospitals. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using the principal component analysis (PCA) method with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine factor structure of the instrument in the Polish context. Zero-order and partial Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish the range of variance shared by the dimensions of the Polish version. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient determined internal consistency reliability. The internal consistency of the scale was also tested based on Kline's criterion. Findings: The PCA conducted in the sample of Polish nurses extracted six factors, explaining together 56% of the total variance. The varimax rotation, however, restricted results to five factors, explaining 52.7% of the total variance and generating a factor structure closer to that based on previous studies. The CFA model, based on a PCA solution with five nonorthogonal factors, fitted data better than the theoretically driven model. Conclusions: Dimensions of the PES-NWI nurses’ work environments remain conceptually consistent in Poland, but load differently. Health system or nursing profession factors related to the country context are potential explanations for these differences. Clinical Relevance: When using a translation of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index-Revised to examine the influences of work environment quality on nursing and patient outcomes, it is important to consider contextual differences when using results to inform policy.

Abstract

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes play a central role in response to pathogens and in autoimmunity. Research to understand the effects of HLA genes on health has been limited because HLA genotyping protocols are labour intensive and expensive. Recently, algorithms to impute HLA genotype data using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data have been published. However, imputation accuracy for most of these algorithms was based primarily on training data sets of European ancestry individuals. We considered performance of two HLA-dedicated imputation algorithms – SNP2HLA and HIBAG – in a multiracial population of n = 1587 women with HLA genotyping data by gold standard methods. We first compared accuracy – defined as the percentage of correctly predicted alleles – of HLA-B and HLA-C imputation using SNP2HLA and HIBAG using a breakdown of the data set into an 80% training group and a 20% testing group. Estimates of accuracy for HIBAG were either the same or better than those for SNP2HLA. We then conducted a more thorough test of HIBAG imputation accuracy using five independent 10-fold cross-validation procedures with delineation of ancestry groups using ancestry informative markers. Overall accuracy for HIBAG was 89%. Accuracy by HLA gene was 93% for HLA-A, 84% for HLA-B, 94% for HLA-C, 83% for HLA-DQA1, 91% for HLA-DQB1 and 88% for HLA-DRB1. Accuracy was highest in the African ancestry group (the largest group) and lowest in the Hispanic group (the smallest group). Despite suboptimal imputation accuracy for some HLA gene/ancestry group combinations, the HIBAG algorithm has the advantage of providing posterior estimates of accuracy which enable the investigator to analyse subsets of the population with high predicted (e.g. >95%) imputation accuracy.

Abstract

The mixed method research designs (MM) combine qualitative and quantitative approaches in the research process, in a single study or series of studies. Their use can provide a wider understanding of multifaceted phenomena. This article presents a general overview of the structure and design of MM to spread this approach in the Italian nursing research community. The MM designs most commonly used in the nursing field are the convergent parallel design, the sequential explanatory design, the exploratory sequential design and the embedded design. For each method a research example is presented. The use of MM can be an added value to improve clinical practices as, through the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods, researchers can better assess complex phenomena typical of nursing.

Abstract

In October 2015, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its evidence-based breast cancer screening guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer. These guidelines introduced significant changes to the age to begin breast cancer screening, as well as the frequency between screenings and duration of screening. Not long afterward, in January 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released its updated breast cancer screening guidelines, which differ from those of the ACS. The varying guidelines present challenges for healthcare providers and patients, particularly women aged 40–49 years. At a Glance • With the American Cancer Society’s update of its breast cancer screening guidelines for average-risk women, a major change has occurred regarding the initiation and frequency of screening. • Many breast cancer screening guidelines, with varying recommendations, exis t.• Nurses must continue to educate themselves on new breast cancer screening guidelines and be able to help women make informed decisions based on the available evidence, as well as each patient’s risk factors and personal values.

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors face many challenges stemming from both their disease and its treatment. In December 2015, the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology released collaborative evidence-based breast cancer survivorship care guidelines for female breast cancer survivors and their primary care providers. This article discusses these recommendations for surveillance, screening, and management of both long-term and late effects of breast cancer and treatment. At a Glance • The American Cancer Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) collaborative breast cancer survivorship care guidelines are based on previous recommendations from ASCO and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. • These guidelines contain holistic recommendations to help with the surveillance and management of both long-term and late effects of breast cancer and treatment. • Nurses need to provide information, education, and support to assist women with following these guidelines after treatment for breast cancer.

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is a significant problem among racial and ethnic minorities and those of low socioeconomic status (SES). Psychosocial barriers, such as binge eating and low self-efficacy, are known to hinder the adoption of a more healthful diet. There is limited research identifying racial and SES differences in binge eating and self-efficacy. Further investigations of these constructs may allow researchers to improve the effectiveness of weight management interventions and increase social worker involvement. In this article, the authors examine the socioeconomic and racial differences in binge eating and eating self-efficacy in a sample of individuals seeking weight loss treatment (N = 151). They explore associations between various sociodemographic variables and the Binge Eating Scale and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL). At baseline, nonwhite participants or those with fewer years of education exhibited more confidence resisting eating when food was available. Moreover, nonwhite participants reported more self-confidence eating under social pressure and had higher total WEL scores than white participants. However, at six months, nonwhite participants' WEL scores decreased. White participants increased their total WEL scores and obtained a higher percent weight change by the end of the intervention. Additional investigations on the dynamics affecting the development of self-efficacy are warranted.

Abstract

Background: The Affordable Care Act requires hospices to report quality measures across a range of processes and practices. Yet uncertainties exist regarding the impact of hospice preferred practices on patient outcomes. Objective: Assess the impact of 6 hospice preferred practices and hospice organizational characteristics on hospital utilization and death using the first national data on hospice preferred practices. Design: Longitudinal cohort study (2008-2011) of Medicare beneficiaries (N=149,814) newly enrolled in a national random sample of hospices (N=577) from the National Hospice Survey (84% response rate) and followed until death. Outcome Measures: The proportion of patients at each hospice admitted to the hospital, emergency department (ED), and intensive care unit (ICU), and who died in the hospital after hospice enrollment. Results: Hospices that reported assessing patient preferences for site of death at admission had lower odds of being in the highest quartile for hospital death (AOR=0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.93) and ED visits (AOR=0.27; 95% CI, 0.10-0.76). Hospices that reported more frequently monitoring symptoms had lower odds of being in the highest quartile for ICU stays (AOR=0.48; 95% CI, 0.24-0.94). In adjusted analyses, a higher proportion of patients at for-profit compared with nonprofit hospices experienced a hospital admission (15.3% vs. 10.9%, P<0.001), ED visit (21.8% vs. 15.6%, P<0.001), and ICU stay (5.1% vs. 3.0%, P<0.001). Conclusions: Hospitalization of patients following hospice enrollment varies substantially across hospices. Two of the 6 preferred practices examined were associated with hospitalization rates and for-profit hospices had persistently high hospitalization rates regardless of preferred practice implementation.

Abstract

AIMS: To examine the effect of transformational leadership on early career nurses' intent to stay, job satisfaction and organizational commitment.BACKGROUND: Lack of leadership support is one of the top reasons staff nurses leave. Current studies reported mixed results about the impact of transformational leadership on key nurse outcomes. However, little is known whether leadership directly or indirectly affects satisfaction, organizational commitment and intent to stay.DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional study of nurses who had been licensed for 7·5-8·5 years which was part of a 10-year longitudinal panel design.METHODS: The analytic sample was 1037 nationally representative newly licensed Registered Nurses. Data were collected from January-March 2013. We used a probit model to model the relationship between transformational leadership and intent to stay, organizational commitment and job satisfaction.RESULTS: Transformational leadership did not have a significant impact on intent to stay and job satisfaction, but significantly associated with organizational commitment. Organizational commitment, job satisfaction, mentor support, promotional opportunities and age were positively associated with intent to stay, while ethnicity, non-local job opportunities and work settings were negatively associated with intent to stay.CONCLUSIONS: Transformational leadership had no direct relationship with intent to stay and job satisfaction and had a small direct positive effect on organizational commitment. Transformational leadership has potential to slow attrition and retain nurses by creating a positive work environment that supports nurses. Any improvement in job satisfaction and organizational commitment would positively increase the change in probability for intent to stay.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This implementation analysis of a nurseled observation unit describes the development process and analyzes patients- characteristics, patient satisfaction, and provider perceptions. BACKGROUND: A nurse-led observation unit was developed to createmore inpatient bed capacity and place patients in the clinical area best suited to their needs. METHODS: Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for analysis. RESULTS: The average length of stay of 467 patients was 1.1 days; 68.1%(n = 318) were female. Elective surgery was the most frequent reason for admission. All of the patients rated the observation unit patient feedback survey factors favorably except for noise. All healthcare providers (n = 64) reported that they communicated well with each other and had resources to provide quality care but rated the environment less favorably. CONCLUSIONS: A nurse-led observation unit was found to be an effective and efficient approach to providing postoperative and postprocedure care, which was generally well received by patients and healthcare providers.

Abstract

Background This article reports on the first web-based implementation of an opioid-overdose prevention, recognition and response training for professional first responders. The training was disseminated nationally over one listserv in November 2014. The same year, following Act 139, which mandated the provision of an online training for police officers in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Health approved the training. It was subsequently adopted as the primary training tool for police and other first responders in Pennsylvania and has been used as a training tool by first responders nationally. Methods Analyses employed descriptive statistics to report characteristics of a sample of 387 professional first responders who completed a survey about their experience with the online training. Z-ratios were used to compare independent proportions related to overdose, naloxone, and satisfaction with the training between key subgroups, and paired t-tests were used to compare participant responses to a range of items pre- and post-participation in the training. Results Between January–October 2015, 4804 first responders took the training; 1697 (35.3%) agreed to be contacted; of these, 387 (22.8%) completed a survey about the training and subsequent overdose response experiences. The majority (86.4%) were from Pennsylvania, with police representing over half of the sample. Analysis of the post-training survey indicates high satisfaction with content, format and mode of delivery, and high satisfaction with items related to confidence and overdose reversal preparedness. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of implementing online training for first responders in overdose prevention, recognition and response.

Abstract

Background & Aims No treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been approved by regulatory agencies. We performed a randomized controlled trial to determine whether 52 weeks of cysteamine bitartrate delayed release (CBDR) reduces the severity of liver disease in children with NAFLD. Methods We performed a double-masked trial of 169 children with NAFLD activity scores of 4 or higher at 10 centers. From June 2012 to January 2014, the patients were assigned randomly to receive CBDR or placebo twice daily (300 mg for patients weighing ≤65 kg, 375 mg for patients weighing >65 to 80 kg, and 450 mg for patients weighing >80 kg) for 52 weeks. The primary outcome from the intention-to-treat analysis was improvement in liver histology over 52 weeks, defined as a decrease in the NAFLD activity score of 2 points or more without worsening fibrosis; patients without biopsy specimens from week 52 (17 in the CBDR group and 6 in the placebo group) were considered nonresponders. We calculated the relative risks (RR) of improvement using a stratified Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel analysis. Results There was no significant difference between groups in the primary outcome (28% of children in the CBDR group vs 22% in the placebo group; RR, 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8–2.1; P =.34). However, children receiving CBDR had significant changes in prespecified secondary outcomes: reduced mean levels of alanine aminotransferase (reduction, 53 ± 88 U/L vs 8 ± 77 U/L in the placebo group; P =.02) and aspartate aminotransferase (reduction, 31 ± 52 vs 4 ± 36 U/L in the placebo group; P =.008), and a larger proportion had reduced lobular inflammation (36% in the CBDR group vs 21% in the placebo group; RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9; P =.03). In a post hoc analysis of children weighing 65 kg or less, those taking CBDR had a 4-fold better chance of histologic improvement (observed in 50% of children in the CBDR group vs 13% in the placebo group; RR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.3–12.3; P =.005). Conclusions In a randomized trial, we found that 1 year of CBDR did not reduce overall histologic markers of NAFLD compared with placebo in children. Children receiving CBDR, however, had significant reductions in serum aminotransferase levels and lobular inflammation. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT01529268.