Three-Dimensionally Printed Simulated Tracheas to Improve Cricothyrotomy Skills Among Anesthesia Providers.

Cricothyrotomy proficiency is imperative for anesthesia providers; however, opportunities to perform this skill are infrequent making skill maintenance essential. Increased accessibility of three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for production of low-cost simulation models. The models used for simulation-based teaching and deliberate practice facilitate skill development and refinement. A cost-effective, 3D printed airway model was designed and allowed 47 anesthesia providers to complete hands-on practice during a cricothyrotomy simulation-based training program. Assessment and comparison of pre- to post- intervention was completed for self-efficacy, knowledge, time to skill completion, compliance of required steps checklist, Global Rating Scale score, and successful ventilation. Statistically significant improvement from pre- to posttest was demonstrated in: 1) self-efficacy survey scores (P < .001); 2) knowledge test scores (P < .001); and 3) decreased time (minutes:seconds) to task completion (P < .001). Time from initial posttest to 3-month posttest (P = .046) significantly increased, however, the time at 3 months posttest remained significantly lower than pretest (P < .001). Providers' ability to ventilate, compliance with procedural steps, and technical skills significantly improved. 3D printing can produce anatomically similar simulation airway models that allow providers to practice and improve cricothyrotomy knowledge and skills. Developing an affordable and accessible simulation model provides a sustainable tool that allows providers multiple cricothyrotomy practice attempts.

Patient Experience Factors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Hospitalized Individuals.

PURPOSE: To identify a relationship between patient satisfaction with the hospital experience and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), as well as determine predictors of each variable. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 50 patients with cancer in two adult oncology units in an academic health sciences center. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. Patient satisfaction was measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and HRQOL was assessed using the Quality of Life Patient/Cancer Survivor (QOL-CS) version. FINDINGS: Patients who were single, diagnosed for 6-10 years, and diagnosed for 11 years or longer had significantly lower patient satisfaction scores. Patients with public insurance, diagnosed for 6-10 years, and diagnosed for 11 years or longer had lower QOL-CS scores. Physical and social well-being scores were associated with higher HCAHPS scores. There was a positive relationship between patient satisfaction and physical and social functioning. Patient demographics were related to patient satisfaction and HRQOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should have measurable goals to provide high-quality care to patients with cancer, including satisfaction during hospitalization and promotion of HRQOL.

Screening for Postpartum Depression by Hospital-Based Perinatal Nurses.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate acceptability by new mothers of postpartum depression (PPD) screening and education about community resources by hospital-based perinatal nurses. A secondary purpose was to determine further screening for PPD that women received by community providers in the first few weeks after birth. METHODS: The study design was descriptive. As per standard practice on the unit, all new mothers were screened for depression the night before hospital discharge using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). New mothers identified as high risk for depression by EPDS scores greater than or equal to 10 (n = 75) and a comparison group of mothers at low risk for depression with EPDS scores less than 10 (n = 26) were recruited from an academic health sciences center. Participants were contacted by telephone 2 to 4 weeks later and asked about the acceptability of screening for depression and education about community resources by hospital-based perinatal nurses, as well as if they had received further screening for depression by community providers. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to analyze data. RESULTS: The majority of new mothers found it acceptable to be screened for depression and educated about community resources by hospital-based perinatal nurses. Many new mothers were not asked about depressive symptoms by community providers. There was no significant correlation between demographics and depression risk. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: New mothers viewed depression screening and receiving information on community resources as a positive part of their care. Communication between inpatient and community caregivers should be improved so that new mothers can benefit from seamless depression assessment, evaluation, and treatment.

Parent Education is Changing: A Review of Smartphone Apps.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to critique existing parenting apps using established criteria and health literacy guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive methodology was used. METHODS: The Apple App Store was searched using the terms parenting, child health, and infant health. To be included, the apps had to have relevant content (parenting, child health, or infant health), be in English, and contain parent education. After eliminating apps that failed to meet inclusion criteria from the original 203 apps, 46 apps were reviewed. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the health literacy subscales called Understandability and Actionability. Content analysis included Authority, Objectivity, Accuracy, Timeliness, and Usability. RESULTS: The majority of the apps (70%) were in English only. The price ranged from free to $4.99. The purpose, target audience, and topics varied. Although all included apps were for parents, some were for more targeted groups of parents. The source of the information was not presented in 26% of the apps. Most apps took the user to a Web site or an article to read. Functionality of the apps was limited, with none of them providing a customized experience. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Much development and research is needed before mobile health (mHealth) solutions can be recommended by nurses caring for new parents. It is critical that consumers and interdisciplinary professionals be involved in the early design phase of the product to ensure that the end product is acceptable and usable and that it will lead to healthy behaviors.

Description of Nurse Scientists in a Large Health Care System.

Replicating a research study that described the work of nurse scientists in children's hospitals, the purpose of the study was to describe the role, activities, and outcomes of nurse scientists employed in a national health care organization. The characteristics of nurses filling the nurse scientist role in clinical settings and outcomes associated with the role have not been extensively described. The setting of this study is ideal since the organization includes facilities of various sizes located in rural, urban, and suburban areas in 18 states. Names and contact information of nurse scientists were obtained from nurse executives at each of the 110 affiliated organizations. Nurse scientists completed an anonymous survey. The primary role of the nurse scientists is to facilitate the work of others. Recommendations to strengthen the research infrastructure are provided.