Parents' Perceptions of Their Parenting Journeys and a Mobile App Intervention (Parentbot-A Digital Healthcare Assistant): Qualitative Process Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Parents experience many challenges during the perinatal period. Mobile app-based interventions and chatbots show promise in delivering health care support for parents during the perinatal period. OBJECTIVE: This descriptive qualitative process evaluation study aims to explore the perinatal experiences of parents in Singapore, as well as examine the user experiences of the mobile app-based intervention with an in-built chatbot titled Parentbot-a Digital Healthcare Assistant (PDA). METHODS: A total of 20 heterosexual English-speaking parents were recruited via purposive sampling from a single tertiary hospital in Singapore. The parents (control group: 10/20, 50%; intervention group: 10/20, 50%) were also part of an ongoing randomized trial between November 2022 and August 2023 that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PDA in improving parenting outcomes. Semistructured one-to-one interviews were conducted via Zoom from February to June 2023. All interviews were conducted in English, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was guided by the thematic analysis framework. The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was used to guide the reporting of data. RESULTS: Three themes with 10 subthemes describing parents' perceptions of their parenting journeys and their experiences with the PDA were identified. The main themes were (1) new babies, new troubles, and new wonders; (2) support system for the parents; and (3) reshaping perinatal support for future parents. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the PDA provided parents with informational, socioemotional, and psychological support and could be used to supplement the perinatal care provided for future parents. To optimize users' experience with the PDA, the intervention could be equipped with a more sophisticated chatbot, equipped with more gamification features, and programmed to deliver personalized care to parents. Researchers and health care providers could also strive to promote more peer-to-peer interactions among users. The provision of continuous, holistic, and family-centered care by health care professionals could also be emphasized. Moreover, policy changes regarding maternity and paternity leaves, availability of infant care centers, and flexible work arrangements could be further explored to promote healthy work-family balance for parents.

Application of the Stanford Biodesign Framework in Healthcare Innovation Training and Commercialization of Market Appropriate Products: A Scoping Review.

The Stanford Biodesign needs-centric framework can guide healthcare innovators to successfully adopt the 'Identify, Invent and Implement' framework and develop new healthcare innovations products to address patients' needs. This scoping review explored the application of the Stanford Biodesign framework for healthcare innovation training and the development of novel healthcare innovative products. Seven electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates till April 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Global. This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews and was guided by the Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. Findings were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. Three themes and eight subthemes were identified from the 26 included articles. The main themes are: (1) Making a mark on healthcare innovation, (2) Secrets behind success, and (3) The next steps. The Stanford Biodesign framework guided healthcare innovation teams to develop new medical products and achieve better patient health outcomes through the induction of training programs and the development of novel products. Training programs adopting the Stanford Biodesign approach were found to be successful in improving trainees' entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership skills and should continue to be promoted. To aid innovators in commercializing their newly developed medical products, additional support such as securing funds for early start-up companies, involving clinicians and users in product testing and validation, and establishing new guidelines and protocols for the new healthcare products would be needed.

Effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing the stigma of healthcare professionals and healthcare students towards mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To examine the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing stigma among healthcare professionals and students towards people with mental illness. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs. DATA SOURCES: Articles published from database inception to October 2023 were systematically searched from seven databases (CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. METHODS: Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. A quality appraisal conducted at the study level used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and an outcome-level quality assessment utilized the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Approach. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot. RESULTS: Twenty-five articles were included in this review. Meta-analysis reported statistically significant medium and small effect sizes for attitudes towards mental illness and attitudes towards people with mental illness respectively, showing the association between educational interventions and improved attitudes among healthcare professionals and students. However, a statistically non-significant effect was reported for knowledge of mental illness. Subgroup analyses indicated that face-to-face and contact-based interventions were particularly effective at reducing stigma. Notably, single-session interventions were just as effective as multiple sessions, suggesting a potential for resource-efficient approaches. CONCLUSION: Educational interventions demonstrate promise in fostering more positive attitudes towards mental health issues. Future research should aim to determine the long-term effects of these interventions and include patient feedback on the stigmatizing behaviours of healthcare professionals and students, to holistically evaluate the effect of interventions. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study is a secondary review and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Face-to-face contact-based educational sessions have proven to be the most effective. Reinforcing learning may be achieved through a series of repeated single-session interventions.

Effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness (primary outcomes), and depressive symptoms (secondary outcome) among older adults. METHODS: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception dates to February 2022. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to appraise the included studies. RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included. Home-based interventions were found to significantly increase older adults' social connectedness (social support and social engagement) and reduce their loneliness and depressive symptoms. Subgroup analyses suggested that interventions which lasted more than three months and were delivered using mixed platforms were more favorable. Both professional-led and volunteer-led interventions showed favorable results. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies could be conducted in varied geographical regions and consider carrying out follow-up assessments. Home-based interventions could be improved by being more than months, delivered by mixed personnel, and using mixed platforms. Considering the low-quality rating by the GRADE approach, future research is needed to confirm current findings.

KEY POINTSOlder adults can be at higher risk for loneliness and home-based interventions may help to address this issue.This review consolidated the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness, social connectedness, and depressive symptoms among older adults.Home-based interventions could significantly increase older adults' social connectedness (social support and social engagement), and reduce their loneliness and depressive symptoms.Future research would be needed to ascertain the sustainability of home-based programs' effect on older adults.

Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding labour induction and augmentation: A qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Labour induction and augmentation procedures are commonly used in maternity units with or without medical indications. Research shows that healthcare professionals play a significant role in women's childbirth decisions. AIM: To consolidate healthcare professionals' perceptions about labour induction and augmentation. METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till January 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Global. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Sandelowski and Barroso's guidelines guided this review. Included studies' quality was appraised by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. Data were thematically synthesised. Review findings were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach. FINDINGS: Three main themes were identified from the 17 included studies: 1) Making sense of the phenomenon, 2) Two sides of the coin, and 3) The enlightened path ahead. DISCUSSION: Healthcare professionals' labour induction and augmentation decisions were affected by personal (knowledge and moral philosophies), and external factors (women, community members, colleagues, and healthcare institutions). Some clinicians were unfamiliar with the proper labour induction/augmentation procedures, while others were worried about their decisions and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Suggestions for improvement include conducting labour induction/augmentation training for clinicians, having sufficient resources in facilities, and developing appropriate labour induction/augmentation clinical guidelines. Women and their partners, community members, and traditional healers could benefit from receiving labour induction/augmentation education. To improve health outcomes, healthcare professionals could deliver woman-centred care and collaborate.

Insights of healthcare professionals regarding waterbirths and water immersion during labour: A mixed studies review.

AIM: To consolidate healthcare professionals' insights about waterbirths and water immersion during labour. DESIGN: Mixed studies review. DATA SOURCES: Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till June 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Pluye and Hong's mixed studies review framework guided this review. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesized using the convergent qualitative synthesis method, and results were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified from the 22 included studies: (1) believing in waterbirths, (2) opposing forces and (3) plotting the course ahead. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals reported different views about waterbirths and water immersion practices; midwives were most likely to support these practices, followed by nurses and lastly, few physicians supported them. Reasons for opposing waterbirths include insufficient training and support from colleagues as well as concerns about work efficiency, waterbirth safety and litigation issues. IMPACT: The available evidence suggests the need to provide waterbirth training for healthcare professionals, equip healthcare facilities with necessary waterbirth-related infrastructure and develop appropriate waterbirth policies/guidelines. Healthcare professionals could also consider providing antenatal waterbirth education to women and obtain women's feedback to improve current policies/guidelines. Future research should explore the views of different types of healthcare professionals from more diverse cultures. REPORTING METHOD: The PRISMA guidelines. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Systematic review.

Perceptions of primiparous women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus: A descriptive qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perceptions of primiparous women recently diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Singapore. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study design. SETTING: An outpatient women's health clinic in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve English-speaking primiparous women (aged 27-44 years old) who were diagnosed with GDM were recruited via purposive sampling to participate in this study. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were carried out with study participants in a private room at the outpatient clinic from December 2019 to May 2021. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim on the same day. Data analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. FINDINGS: Four main themes were identified from this study's findings: (1) Life leading to GDM: A 'hint' that something was wrong, (2) Reactions to diagnosis: Shock or acceptance, (3) Learning to cope: Facing internal and external challenges, and (4) Living with GDM: A way forward. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Primiparous women with GDM require comprehensive informational, practical, and emotional support to help them manage and accept their condition. Healthcare providers are encouraged to provide individualised and holistic care to these women using a humanistic approach. Accessible online educational resources and peer support services could be considered. Public campaigns to increase the general public's awareness of GDM would also allow future women and their families to be more familiar with the condition and hence more prepared to cope with it.

The effectiveness of technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy on perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extensive literature has shown the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating perinatal depression, but little is known about the effectiveness of its technology-based version. AIM: The aim of this review was to examine the effectiveness of technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in women suffering from or at risk of experiencing perinatal depression. METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched until February 2023 for articles published in English. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were also performed, and quality appraisals at the study and outcome levels were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Results from meta-analyses suggest that technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy has a medium effect in reducing perinatal depressive symptoms and a small effect in reducing perinatal anxiety symptoms. Overall, women suffering from or at risk of perinatal depression may benefit from technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Future interventions can be improved by addressing both perinatal depression and anxiety, paying more attention to antenatal women to prevent postnatal mental health issues, and using self-guided mobile applications for accessibility.

Effectiveness of community-based family-focused interventions on family functioning among families of children with chronic health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Community-based family-focused interventions can offer support to families of children with chronic health conditions. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based family-focused interventions in improving family functioning, disease knowledge, and child health outcomes among families of children with chronic health conditions. Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) and one trial registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from their dates of inception to October 2022. Meta-analysis was performed under the random-effect model when appropriate otherwise, findings were narratively synthesized. I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test were used to determine heterogeneity. Quality appraisal was conducted by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach at the study and outcome level, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines guided this review. Eight studies were included in this review. Community-based family-focused interventions were viable methods that could support families of children with chronic health conditions. Family-focused interventions that incorporate guided role-playing exercises for parents and children, psychoeducational components, and elements from relationship-focused interventions could support families more effectively. However, current findings are mostly limited to interventions conducted in patients' homes, and the long-term effect of these interventions cannot be determined. Overall, community-based family-focused interventions have the potential to offer valuable support to families of children with chronic health conditions, and future research could seek to improve the effectiveness of these interventions.

'Parentbot - A Digital healthcare Assistant (PDA)': A mobile application-based perinatal intervention for parents: Development study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development procedure of a mobile application-based parenting support program with integrated chatbot features entitled Parentbot - a Digital healthcare Assistant (PDA) for multi-racial Singaporean parents across the perinatal period. METHODS: The PDA development process was guided by the combined information systems research framework with design thinking modes, and Tuckman's model of team development. A user acceptability testing (UAT) process was conducted among 11 adults of child-bearing age. Feedback was obtained using a custom-made evaluation form and the 26-item User Experience Questionnaire. RESULTS: The combined information systems research framework with design thinking modes helped researchers to successfully create a PDA prototype based on end-users' needs. Results from the UAT process indicated that the PDA provided participants with an overall positive user experience. Feedback gathered from UAT participants was used to enhance the PDA. CONCLUSION: Although the effectiveness of the PDA in improving parental outcomes during the perinatal period is still being evaluated, this paper highlights the key details of developing a mobile application-based parenting intervention which future studies could learn from. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Having carefully planned timelines with margins of delays, extra funds to resolve technical issues, team cohesion, and an experienced leader can facilitate intervention development.

Insights of Parents and Parents-To-Be in Using Chatbots to Improve Their Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Health: A Mixed Studies Review.

INTRODUCTION: Chatbots, which are also known as conversational or virtual agents, are digital programs that can interact with humans using voice, text, or animation. They have shown promise in providing preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. This review aims to consolidate the insights of parents and parents-to-be in using chatbots to improve their preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health. METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates until April 2022 (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) for relevant studies. English language primary studies that were conducted on parents or parents-to-be aged ≥18 years old who had undergone interventions involving the use of any type of chatbot were included in this review. The quality of included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A convergent qualitative synthesis design for mixed studies reviews was used to synthesize the findings, and results were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria: quantitative (n = 11), qualitative (n = 1), and mixed method (n = 3). Three main themes were identified: (1) welcoming a new health resource, (2) obstacles blocking the way, and (3) moving toward a digital health era. DISCUSSION: Parents and parents-to-be appreciated the informational, socioemotional, and psychological support provided by chatbots. Recommendations for technological improvements in the functionality of the chatbots were made that include training sessions for health care providers to familiarize them with this new digital technology. Multidisciplinary chatbot development teams could also be established to develop more comprehensive chatbot-delivered health programs for more diverse populations.

Effectiveness of peer support interventions for adults with depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many adults suffer from depression and peer support has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms. AIM: To examine the effectiveness of peer support interventions for adults with depressive symptoms. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched until February 2021. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted. The I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test assessed heterogeneity. Quality appraisal was conducted by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach at the study and outcome level, respectively. RESULTS: Seventeen studies conducted in most Western countries and on the maternal population were included. Three types of peer support interventions (peer-delivered psychotherapy, individualized peer mentoring, and peer support group discussions) were identified. Significant effects of peer support interventions were found when compared to standard care. However, professional-led psychotherapy and exercise programs showed more effectiveness compared to peer support group discussions. CONCLUSIONS: Future trials could be improved by engaging trained healthy peers (peers with and without prior history of depression) to deliver interventions, encouraging online methods of communication between participants and peers, and facilitating the building of deeper connections between participants and peers. Considering the low-quality rating by the GRADE approach, future research is needed to corroborate current findings.

Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions to Improve the Mental Well-Being of Parents Who Have Experienced Traumatic Childbirth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Considering the adverse impact that traumatic childbirth experiences can have on parental mental well-being, studies that have investigated the potential of providing postnatal psychological support for this group of parents require evaluation. This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions at improving the mental well-being of parents who have experienced traumatic childbirth in terms of anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Seven electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates up to January 2021. Only quantitative studies that reported the effects of psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, and/or PTSD symptoms in selective (at risk of traumatic childbirth experience) or indicated (self-defined childbirth experience as traumatic for any reason) populations of parents (mothers and/or fathers) were included. Eight studies were included and meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. All studies were conducted on mothers only, and one study had minimal father involvement. Results showed that psychological interventions were more effective in reducing fear of childbirth and improving PTSD symptoms compared to anxiety and depression. Greater improvement in depression was reported at 3-8 weeks' follow-up than at immediate post-intervention. Subgroup analyses showed that technology-based interventions were feasible, and indicated interventions were more effective than selective interventions. Conducting future interventions in more geographical regions, engaging and including fathers more actively, incorporating both personalized professional therapy and informal peer support, striving for flexibility and convenience, as well as addressing topics on self-doubt and coping skills can improve current interventions.

Effectiveness of mobile application-based perinatal interventions in improving parenting outcomes: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Parents face many challenges during the perinatal period and are at risk for mental health issues, especially during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mobile application-based interventions can help parents to improve their psychosocial well-being in a convenient and accessible manner. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of mobile application-based perinatal interventions in improving parenting self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression (primary outcomes), as well as stress, social support, and parent-child bonding (secondary outcomes) among parents. METHODS: Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Thesis and Dissertations) were searched from their respective inception dates until August 2021. The Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool was used to conduct quality appraisals. Results were narratively synthesized due to the high heterogeneity of intervention and participant types. FINDINGS: A total of 6164 articles were retrieved from the seven electronic databases and citation searching. After excluding duplicate records and irrelevant titles/abstracts, 105 full texts were examined. Full-text screening excluded another 93 articles, leaving 12 included studies in this review. All studies were rated as having some concerns or a high overall risk of bias. Mobile application-based interventions were found to be feasible and promising in improving parents' overall well-being post-intervention during the perinatal period. Further research would be needed to determine their long-term effects. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Parental well-being was shown to improve using the following intervention components: educational resources on perinatal and infant care, psychotherapy, and support from peers and healthcare professionals. Hence, future interventions could aim to include these components and evaluate all inter-related parenting outcomes (parenting self-efficacy, stress, anxiety, depression, social support, and parent-child bonding). Parents could be provided with experiential learning exposure by using computer animations and virtual reality. Future research could be conducted on more fathers and parents from varied geographical regions.

The Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In consideration of the adverse societal, physical, and psychological impacts of bullying on a child's development and future, many studies have developed anti-bullying programs and educational interventions to curb bullying occurrences. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of such educational interventions at reducing the frequencies of traditional bullying or cyberbullying and cybervictimization among adolescents. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Only quantitative studies that reported the effects of educational interventions on reducing the frequencies of traditional bullying or cyberbullying victimization and perpetration were included. Seventeen studies (Ntotal = 35,694 adolescents, Rangechild age = 10-18 years) were finalized, and meta-analyses were conducted using a random effect model. Overall, the existing educational interventions had very small to small effect sizes on traditional bullying and cyberbullying perpetration (traditional: standardized mean differences [SMD] = -.30 and cyber: SMD = -.16) and victimization (traditional: SMD = -18 and cyber: SMD = -.13) among adolescents. Type of intervention (i.e., whole school-based or classroom-based), program duration, and presence of parental involvement did not moderate program effectiveness, but cyberbullying programs were more effective when delivered by technology-savvy content experts compared to teachers. Since existing educational interventions were marginally effective in reducing bullying frequencies, further research is needed to identify key moderators that enhance educational programs or develop alternative forms of anti-bullying interventions.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based and Acceptance Commitment Therapy-Based Interventions to Improve the Mental Well-Being Among Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Parents of children with developmental disabilities are susceptible to mental health problems. Mindfulness-based and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based interventions can improve their mental well-being. This review examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based and ACT-based interventions in improving mental well-being and mindfulness among parents of children with developmental disabilities. Six electronic databases were searched, resulting in the inclusion of ten studies published between 2014 and 2020. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effect model. The results suggest that mindfulness-based and ACT-based interventions were effective in decreasing parental stress, anxiety and depression, however, the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing parental mindfulness was inconclusive. Based on these findings, we discussed considerations for implementing interventions and identified areas which warrant further research.

Nursing students' insights of learning evidence-based practice skills using interactive online technology: Scoping review.

This scoping review aims to explore nursing students' insights of learning evidence-based practice skills through the use of interactive online technology. Studies were obtained from seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) until May 2021. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews and was guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework (Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2005, 8(1), 19-32). Findings were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were derived from the 22 included studies: (1) embracing new changes, (2) challenges to tackle, and (3) towards future improvement. Many nursing students reported positive learning experiences of evidence-based practice skills using interactive online technology. The challenges faced by students and suggestions for improvement were discussed. Future online evidence-based practice courses should consider blended pedagogies, providing students with effective scaffolding (step-by-step guidance) and allowing students to choose their preferred instructional strategies. Thorough planning, testing, and orientation should be conducted before the programs' implementation. Lastly, future studies should aim to achieve higher study rigor to obtain more accurate results.

Coaching interventions among healthcare students in tertiary education to improve mental well-being: A mixed studies review.

OBJECTIVES: To consolidate the available evidence regarding healthcare students' experiences of coaching interventions' effect on their mental well-being in tertiary educational institutions. DESIGN: A mixed studies review. DATA SOURCES: Seven electronic databases were searched for relevant studies from their inception dates until July 2021: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. REVIEW METHODS: This review observed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was guided by Pluye and Hong's (2014) framework for mixed studies review. Quality appraisal of included studies was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A convergent qualitative synthesis design for mixed studies reviews was adopted to analyze all findings and thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework. RESULTS: Three themes and seven subthemes are generated from the 12 included studies. The main themes are: 1) Receiving much-needed help, 2) Unlocking the secrets of success, and 3) Way forward for coaching in healthcare education. CONCLUSIONS: Many students benefited from the coaching interventions in terms of academic, emotional and psychological support and received guidance in professional development. However, careful preparation of both coaches and students is needed to improve the success of coaching interventions. Future coaching interventions could incorporate both group and individual sessions, assign students to coaches based on their clinical interests and consider conducting online coaching sessions using video calls. Improvement of study rigor would be required to achieve more accurate results. Lastly, future studies should be conducted on healthcare students of more diverse disciplines and cultures to increase results' generalizability.

Effectiveness of simulation-based interventions at improving empathy among healthcare students: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of simulation-based interventions in improving empathy among healthcare students. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: Studies in English language were sourced from seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) from their respective inception dates until October 2020. REVIEW METHODS: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in this review. Meta-analysis reported statistically significant small, medium and very large effect sizes for empathy reported by healthcare students (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.66), simulated patients (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89) and other personnel (independent observers, faculty members and examiners) (SMD = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.90) respectively, showing the effectiveness of simulation-based interventions in improving empathy among healthcare students. Subgroup analyses found that role-play was more effective than simulated patient and disease-state simulations. Multi-sessional interventions conducted for up to seven months and group-based simulation delivery were found to be more effective. CONCLUSION: Educational institutions should conduct regular simulation-based interventions to continuously develop healthcare students' empathy during their academic journey. Future trials should involve students from more diverse healthcare disciplines. Empathy should be measured in a standardized manner and rely less on self-reported measures. Role-play segments and group-based simulations could be added to increase interventions' effectiveness. Studies should conduct longer follow-up assessments to determine the sustainability of students' empathy following intervention. Future research is needed to corroborate the current findings.

Effectiveness of end-of-life educational interventions at improving nurses and nursing students' attitude toward death and care of dying patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of end-of-life educational interventions in improving nurses and nursing students' attitude toward death and care of dying patients. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: English language studies were sourced from five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) to November 2020. REVIEW METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effect model. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were used as the effect measure under the inverse-variance method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. The Cochrane risk of bias tool conducted quality appraisal at the study level while the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach conducted quality appraisal at the outcome level. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. Meta-analyses showed that end-of-life educational interventions were effective in improving attitude toward death and care of dying patients among nurses and nursing students at post-intervention. The sustainability of improvement of both attitudes could not be determined due to the lack of follow-up assessments by the included studies. Subgroup analyses revealed that both nurses and nursing students showed similar attitude improvement, online educational courses were feasible and attitude toward death may require longer interventions (more than 2 months) to show improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Future trials could be improved by organizing both group-based segments and combined sessions for nurses and nursing students. Online components could be incorporated for convenience. Topics related to spirituality and grief management should be included. Future research is needed to examine the sustainability of nurses and nursing students' improvement in attitude toward death and care of dying patients, as well as how the change in their attitude affects their clinical practices.