Co-design and mixed methods evaluation of an interdisciplinary digital resource for undergraduate health profession students to improve the prevention, recognition, and management of delirium in Ireland: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common symptom of acute illness which is potentially avoidable with early recognition and intervention. Despite being a growing concern globally, delirium remains underdiagnosed and poorly reported, with limited understanding of effective delirium education for undergraduate health profession students. Digital resources could be an effective approach to improving professional knowledge of delirium, but studies utilising these with more than one profession are limited, and no evidence-based, interdisciplinary, digital delirium education resources are reported. This study aims to co-design and evaluate a digital resource for undergraduate health profession students across the island of Ireland to improve their ability to prevent, recognise, and manage delirium alongside interdisciplinary colleagues. METHODS: Utilising a logic model, three workstreams have been identified. Workstream 1 will comprise three phases: (1) a systematic review identifying the format, methods, and content of existing digital delirium education interventions for health profession students, and their effect on knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioural change; (2) focus groups with health profession students to determine awareness and experiences of delirium care; and (3) a Delphi survey informed by findings from the systematic review, focus groups, and input from the research team and expert reference group to identify resource priorities. Workstream 2 will involve the co-design of the digital resource through workshops (n = 4) with key stakeholders, including health profession students, professionals, and individuals with lived experience of delirium. Lastly, Workstream 3 will involve a mixed methods evaluation of the digital resource. Outcomes include changes to delirium knowledge and self-efficacy towards delirium care, and health profession students experience of using the resource. DISCUSSION: Given the dearth of interdisciplinary educational resources on delirium for health profession students, a co-designed, interprofessional, digital education resource will be well-positioned to shape undergraduate delirium education. This research may enhance delirium education and the self-efficacy of future health professionals in providing delirium care, thereby improving practice and patients' experiences and outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Maximising nurse-patient communication in the emergency department.

Effective communication in the emergency department (ED) is vital for ensuring safe patient care and supporting optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, such settings are often noisy, fast paced and unpredictable, which can make nurse-patient communication challenging. Effective communication requires the appropriate knowledge and skills underpinned by clarity, mutual understanding, respect and empathy. However, maximising nurse-patient communication requires various practical and strategic measures, ranging from addressing the environmental challenges of the ED and meeting patients' individual communication needs, to implementing quality control measures and supporting mentorship, reflection and education in practice. This article offers an overview of some of the practical and strategic measures nurses of all levels and experience can apply to maximise nurse-patient communication in the ED.

Student nurses' views of participating in an intergenerational café with older people.

BACKGROUND: Within the context of global ageing, older people will require health care during times in their later lives. As most nurses will care for older people across a variety of care settings, it is crucial that older people and nurses can work together in partnership. In preparation for this, it is important to develop intergenerational learning innovations for student nurses and older people. An online intergenerational discussion café was developed to provide an opportunity for older people and student nurses to meet and get to know each other. OBJECTIVES: 1) Evaluate the effectiveness of an intergenerational discussion café as a way of facilitating intergenerational learning, 2) Elicit participants' views on whether intergenerational learning had occurred. DESIGN: Ethically approved survey research. SETTINGS: Tertiary education institution. PARTICIPANTS: Third year student nurses (n = 50) across three BSc Nursing pre-registration degree programmes enrolled on a shared community care module. METHODS: Post-café, student nurses were invited via email to voluntarily participate in the research and to complete an anonymous online survey. Questionnaire return implied consent. Fifty student nurses (n = 50) participated in the post café survey. Descriptive statistical analysis of Likert scale quantitative data and thematic analysis of open-ended questions was undertaken. RESULTS: Participants reported that the intergenerational cafés were well organised, worked well and strongly agreed that the cafés were helpful in facilitating student nurses and older people to connect socially and share views. Results also showed that participants felt they got to know a lot about older people and that they were in many ways quite similar to older people. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable information on the use of intergenerational cafés as a means of facilitating intergenerational learning. Findings indicate that it was a positive learning experience for participants.

A scoping review on the psychosocial interventions used in day care service for people living with dementia.

BACKGROUND: Adult Day care centres provide an important aspect of care provision through all phases of the dementia illness from diagnosis to the end of life (Dabelko HI 2008) supporting the well-being of both older people living with dementia and their care partners. Services within adult day care settings are designed to provide biopsychosocial health benefits to participants as well as care partner respite. OBJECTIVE: To examine research studies, literature reviews and grey literature and identify and map the literature on psychosocial interventions used in day care services for older people living with dementia and chart their use, evaluation and outcomes. The research review question is "what are the psychosocial interventions used in day care service for older people living with dementia?" Psychosocial interventions are important non-pharmacological interventions which support people's wellbeing. METHODS: Inclusion/Exclusion criteria were identified and guided the search strategy. Participants were people aged 60 years and over living with dementia attending day care services. The use of psychosocial interventions for this cohort was the focus of the review. Databases were searched (Cochrane Reviews, CINAHL, Embase, Medline EBSCO, Medline Ovid, Medline PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Open Grey, Lenus and WHO Global Index Medicus databases) using keywords/terms with Boolean operators from 2011 to 2023. Rayyan was used to extract and manage the data. RESULTS: The findings present a narrative and charting of the data from the 45 papers that met the review criteria, and this data is mapped onto the five objectives. Within this review, interventions were grouped into five broad types: nature (n = 6 papers), memory/cognitive (n = 11 papers), social (n = 17 papers), animal (n = 4 papers), or physical/sensory (n = 7 papers) based interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This review has illustrated the wide variety in the types, range and facilitation of psychosocial interventions within adult day care services. This review highlights the potential benefits of these interventions. However, findings must be considered in the context that many were provided as brief intervention studies with little evidence of continuation after the study and further research is required given the complex and diverse range of interventions. Results will be of interest to practitioners planning to implement or evaluate psychosocial interventions used in day care services for older people living with dementia.

Facilitating intergenerational learning between older people and student nurses: An integrative review.

AIM: To examine the literature on intergenerational learning between older people and student nurses. BACKGROUND: Intergenerational activities offer opportunities for intergenerational learning and help reduce ageism. There are several older person/school children intergenerational learning initiatives. However, there is less known about how intergenerational learning occurs in nurse education programmes outside of service provision. METHODS: Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative review framework was used to guide the review process. Population, intervention, context and outcome (PICO) was used to develop the review question, search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Database (CINAHL, Cochrane library, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and PsychInfo) searches and hand searching occurred from 2012 to 2023. Screening, appraisal and data extraction was undertaken according to Prisma guidelines. RESULTS: Nine papers were included (North American (n = 5), Canadian (n = 1) Chinese (n = 2), Taiwanese (n = 1)). Mixed methods designs were included. Four themes were identified: 1) Seeing beyond first glance; 2) Connecting and getting to know each other; 3) Learning together; and 4) Challenges for intergenerational learning. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the relevance of intergenerational learning in nurse education and highlights the importance of embedding initiatives which will promote and support mutual learning. Innovative intergenerational initiatives enable students to explore their underlying attitudes and views in a way that they may not be able to in the more traditional service and care giving learning situations.

Ensuring effective intercultural communication in the emergency department.

Globalisation and migration trends are reflected in emergency departments (EDs), which increasingly care for patients and employ staff from diverse cultural and/or ethnic backgrounds. EDs are busy, pressured and unpredictable environments where effective communication with patients and families is challenging at the best of times. This is compounded by language and cultural barriers experienced by patients and families whose background differs from the prevailing culture. Cultural differences and language comprehension may also be a challenge for overseas nurses recruited to the ED, who may need support from colleagues and organisations. ED nurses therefore need to be competent in intercultural communication. This involves combining optimal interpersonal skills with cultural awareness, knowledge and sensitivity.

A Rapid Realist Review of Quality Care Process Metrics Implementation in Nursing and Midwifery Practice.

Quality measurement initiatives promote quality improvement in healthcare but can be challenging to implement effectively. This paper presents a Rapid Realist Review (RRR) of published literature on Quality Care-Process Metrics (QCP-M) implementation in nursing and midwifery practice. An RRR informed by RAMESES II standards was conducted as an efficient means to synthesize evidence using an expert panel. The review involved research question development, quality appraisal, data extraction, and evidence synthesis. Six program theories summarised below identify the key characteristics that promote positive outcomes in QCP-M implementation. Program Theory 1: Focuses on the evidence base and accessibility of the QCP-M and their ease of use by nurses and midwives working in busy and complex care environments. Program Theory 2: Examines the influence of external factors on QCP-M implementation. Program Theory 3: Relates to existing cultures and systems within clinical sites. Program Theory 4: Relates to nurses' and midwives' knowledge and beliefs. Program Theory 5: Builds on the staff theme of Programme Theory four, extending the culture of organizational learning, and highlights the meaningful engagement of nurses and midwives in the implementation process as a key characteristic of success. Program Theory 6: Relates to patient needs. The results provide nursing and midwifery policymakers and professionals with evidence-based program theory that can be translated into action-orientated strategies to help guide successful QCP-M implementation.

Student nurses and midwives' experiences of teaching and learning about 'making every contact count' health behaviour change programme: Descriptive qualitative study.

AIM/OBJECTIVE: To explore nursing/midwifery students' experiences of the teaching and learning of units one and two of a national undergraduate curriculum. BACKGROUND: The 'National Undergraduate Curriculum for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: Making Every Contact Count' (MECC) is part of Ireland's national policy to support the prevention of chronic disease by promoting health behaviour change. This is being implemented as a programme within the Irish Health Service and is also being delivered, for the first time in undergraduate medical, allied health and nursing/midwifery education by tertiary education institutes. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive research. METHODS: Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants (n = 17) from an undergraduate nursing/midwifery programme (n = 131) in one tertiary level Irish institution. Four focus groups were undertaken by two members of the research team, who were not part of the module teaching team. Each focus group was guided by a semi-structured interview guide, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic data analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified, namely: Building foundations and making connections; Personal responsibility and the Ah factor: now I understand. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that students had a positive learning experience whilst also highlighting the students' transition to lifelong learning encompassing adult learning and personal responsibility.

Towards the development of a national patient transfer document between residential and acute care-A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: A lack of standardisation of documentation accompanying older people when transferring from residential to acute care is common and this may result in gaps in information and in care for older people. In Ireland, this lack of standardisation prompted the development of an evidence based national transfer document. OBJECTIVES: To pilot a new national transfer document for use when transferring older people from residential to acute care and obtain the perceptions of its use from staff in residential and acute care settings. METHODS: This was a pre- and post-study design using purposive sampling following the STROBE guidelines. The pilot was conducted in 26 sites providing residential care and three university hospitals providing acute care. Pre-pilot questionnaires focused on current documentation and were distributed to staff in residential care (n = 875). A pilot of the new paper-based transfer document was then conducted over three months and post-pilot questionnaires distributed to staff from both residential and acute care settings (n = 1085). The findings of the pilot study were discussed with multidisciplinary expert advisory and stakeholder groups who recommended some revisions. This consensus informed the development of the final design of the new revised transfer document. RESULTS: Pre-pilot: 23% response rate; 83% (n = 168) participants agreed/strongly agreed that existing documentation was straightforward to complete but could be more person-centred. Post-pilot: 11% response rate; 75% (n = 93) of participants agreed/strongly agreed that the new transfer document promoted person-centred care but recommended revisions to the new document regarding layout and time to complete. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted some of the challenges of providing safe, effective and relevant transfer information that is feasible and usable in everyday practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Standardisation and being person-centred are important determining factors in the provision of relevant up to date information on the resident being transferred.

Effective workforce planning: Understanding final-year nursing and midwifery students' intentions to migrate after graduation.

AIMS: To examine the factors influencing final-year nursing/midwifery students' intentions to migrate following graduation. BACKGROUND: With expanding global staff shortages, effective recruitment and retention strategies targeted at new nursing/midwifery graduates are necessary. Understanding factors that influence graduates' decisions to migrate or remain in the health care organisation that supported their education is essential but under-researched. METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to graduating nursing/midwifery students across nine higher education institutions in Ireland with a 36% (N = 407) response rate. RESULTS: 85% of Irish (n = 376) nursing/midwifery graduating students reported an intention to migrate overseas and 70% intend to return within 5 years. Pay, working conditions and career were ranked as influencing intentions to migrate. Multivariable analysis illustrated that educational opportunities and friends predict migration, while family and obligation were protective factors. CONCLUSION: Nursing and midwifery leaders and policymakers must reconsider recruitment and retention strategies and embrace innovative and responsive approaches to address migration intentions and trends. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING/MIDWIFERY MANAGEMENT: Strategic leadership is required to develop effective structures that support personal, professional and career opportunities for new graduates. Targeted recruitment innovations to entice graduates back into the health service are recommended.

Quality care process metrics (QCP-Ms) in nursing and midwifery care processes: a rapid realist review (RRR) protocol.

Background: In 2018, the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) completed phase one of work which culminated in the development and launch of seven research reports with defined suites of quality care process metrics (QC-Ms) and respective indicators for the practice areas - acute care, midwifery, children's, public health nursing, older persons, mental health and intellectual disability nursing in Ireland. This paper presents a rapid realist review protocol that will systematically review the literature that examines QC-M in practice; what worked, or did not work for whom, in what contexts, to what extent, how and why? Methods : The review will explore if there are benefits of using the QC-Ms and what are the contexts in which these mechanisms are triggered. The essence of this rapid realist review is to ascertain how a change in context generates a particular mechanism that produces specific outcomes. A number of steps will occur including locating existing theories on implementation of quality care metrics, searching the evidence, selecting relevant documents, data extraction, validation of findings, synthesising and refining programme theory. This strategy may help to describe potential consequences resulting from changes in context and their interactions with mechanisms. Initial theories will be refined throughout the process by the local reference panel, comprised of eight key intervention stakeholders, knowledge users such as healthcare professionals and an expert panel. Ethical approval is not required for this rapid realist review. Conclusion: It is anticipated that the final programme theory will help to explain how QC-Ms work in practice; for whom, why and in what circumstances. Findings of this review could help to give insights into realism as a framework and how nursing and midwifery QC-Ms have been implemented previously.

Effective intercultural communication in nursing.

As a result of global migration, nurses are caring for patients in increasingly diverse cultural and linguistic settings. Intercultural nursing requires nurses to care for patients as unique individuals while considering their cultural needs. Being able to communicate effectively with patients from various cultures is crucial for understanding and for optimal delivery of patient care. Communication must be considered in the context of overall care; therefore, this article describes important concepts underpinning appropriate intercultural care. It provides a guide to effective intercultural communication by discussing three main areas: cultural knowledge, attitudes and feelings, and communication skills. These are the essential areas that nurses can reflect on, and develop and apply in intercultural communication with patients and their families.

Key stakeholders' perspectives on the development of a national transfer document, for older persons, when transferring between the residential and acute care settings: A qualitative descriptive study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study has aimed to examine key stakeholders' perspectives, views and experiences regarding transfer documents, used when an older person is being transferred from a residential to an acute care setting. The objective of the study was to inform, in part, the development of an effective national transfer document. BACKGROUND: For the effective and safe transfer of older persons from residential to acute care settings, it is important to ensure that the transfer document encapsulates relevant, current and person-centred information to ensure a smooth, quality and safe transition. Evidence highlights that, where documentation has lacked vital and relevant information, the older persons experience negative impacts during the transfer process. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, following the COREQ checklist, to establish participants' perspectives, views and experiences of using transfer documents. METHODS: Focus group interviews (n = 8) were conducted with a convenience sample of key stakeholders (n = 68) in an Irish setting. The data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: The findings have highlighted the important aspects for consideration in the development of future transfer documentation. The three broad categories, used to present the data findings, are (a) existing transfer documentation; (b) design framework; and (c) essentials of care. CONCLUSIONS: The transfer document of the future is required to be concise, regularly reviewed and with a user-friendly colour-coded design. Essential and current information, with an emphasis on person centeredness, must be in the first page, with more detailed supporting information in the subsequent sections.

Older Women's Experiences of Aging and Health: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study.

Objective: This interpretive phenomenological study explored older Irish women's experiences of aging and health related issues. Method: Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 23 older women (coresearchers). Data analysis followed the "Vancouver school of doing phenomenology" framework and included a meta-synthesis of individual case constructions. Results: "Retaining autonomy within a process of adaptation and continued engagement" describes the essential meaning of coresearchers' experiences. Four themes were identified: "Being in control: Balancing needs and supports," "Navigating a changing world," "Being connected and involved," "Trying to stay well." Discussion: Gender shapes older women's experience of aging, health, and ill health. Three major factors moderate their experience: autonomy and control, proactivity and adaptability, and staying engaged with life. The study concludes that aging, gender, and health are intrinsically linked and collectively shape older women's experience. This is an important consideration when planning gender-appropriate health care services for older women.

Home students' experiences of intercultural learning: A qualitative descriptive design.

BACKGROUND: Higher education institutes are witnessing an increase in the cultural and ethnic diversity of their student population. While this adds to the learning experience, there is a dearth of evidence examining how students on nursing programmes, from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds learn with and from each other. There is need for a greater understanding of the factors that both facilitate and inhibit intercultural learning within the classroom. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the perceptions and experiences of home students on a postgraduate nursing programme, of intercultural learning within the classroom. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. SETTINGS: Home students enrolled on a suite of postgraduate nursing programmes in one region of Ireland who were registered for co-scheduled modules with international students, were recruited to participate on a voluntary basis. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen home students (13 females and 1 male) were purposively sampled. METHODS: Data were collected using digitally recorded one to one semi-structured interviews (ten 'face to face' and four telephone). Data were thematically analysed using a modified version of Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework. RESULTS: This study describes the value of intercultural learning in the classroom and draws attention to some of the challenges experienced by home students. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of exploring similarities, whilst respecting differences in prior educational experiences, learning styles and cultural backgrounds. The overarching theme, Navigating intercultural learning describes home students' experiences of developing awareness, connecting and sharing cultural knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Intercultural learning takes time and requires commitment, emphasising the need for careful consideration of facilitation techniques, preparation, support and planning pedagogies that encourage effective intercultural learning. The findings make a valuable contribution to existing knowledge on internationalising nurse education, specifically with regards to intercultural relations and the perceptions and experiences of teaching and learning in intercultural classrooms.

Potential and challenges for learning during acute medical/surgical placement for intellectual disability, mental health and midwifery students.

In Ireland nursing and midwifery degree programmes involve four pathways to registration. Three of which, intellectual disability and mental health nursing and midwifery require students to undertake acute medical/surgical placements offering learning opportunities caring for patients with complex needs in settings beyond their core discipline. This paper focuses on findings from a descriptive qualitative study exploring intellectual disability and mental health nursing and midwifery students experiences of such placements. Data analysis identified three themes: Getting ready, Navigating the way and Getting through. Feelings of stress and uncertainty are described by participants when moving from familiarity within a chosen discipline to an unfamiliar environment. Findings have influenced specific placement structures with local health service partners. While our study focuses on an Irish context, findings have relevance for student education in other jurisdictions. Enhancing preparation and support for students undertaking unfamiliar placements needs to be a constant endeavour. Such foundations will foster valuable experiences where students can feel part of a team, gain confidence, enhance skills and transfer meaningful learning to their core practice discipline. Further research is needed to explore the views of preceptors, ward managers and Clinical Placement Coordinators.

Communication and nursing: a study-abroad student's reflections.

Globalisation in the academic context provides the opportunity for sharing knowledge and innovations between institutions in different countries, through the creation of study abroad and academic mobility programmes. For nursing students, studying abroad facilitates the development of cultural sensitivity so that they may care appropriately for an increasingly multicultural patient population in their own countries. This article describes a Brazilian 'study abroad' student nurse's experience of studying a 'communication and therapeutic relationships' module in an Irish university. Johns' model of structured reflection was used to frame, describe and reflect on the experience. This reflection informs 'study abroad' students and their universities about the student experience through a personal account of one such student.

Developing an educational dvd on the use of hand massage in the care of people with dementia: An innovation.

The world's population is ageing and while the vast majority of older people live independently, a significant number will develop dementia. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential in developing relationships. People with dementia may have complex health needs and may have limited language capacity and therefore the use of presence and touch and more specifically hand massage gains greater significance for their wellbeing. This paper describes the process of developing an educational dvd on the use of hand massage in the care of people with dementia which is easily accessible via the web. A description of the design and project management including post production editing is provided. A number of outcomes are identified including: dvd launch, development of local and national interest, facilitation of workshops and the securing of funding for research. The educational dvd is a resource for learning for health care professionals and members of the public. The initiative offers a way of using technology to support individuals, nurses, carers and families living with dementia. This project demonstrates collaboration and connection between practice, education and technology and highlights the importance of the cyclical nature of theory and practice in responding to health care needs of a community.

Conversations through barriers of language and interpretation.

Ireland has become a multicultural society in just over a decade, with non-Irish nationals comprising 12% of the population. The challenge for nurses working in the Irish healthcare system is to provide culturally appropriate care to this diverse population. This paper reports on a qualitative descriptive study exploring nurses' experiences of communicating with people from diverse cultures, and focuses on language barriers and the use of interpreters. The findings indicate that communicating with people who do not share the same first language is challenging, in particular the participants (nurses) were concerned about their ability to make a comprehensive assessment that ultimately forms the basis for quality care provision. The use of interpreters can inform the assessment process, but there are challenges in accessing and utilising these services. Further continuing education is required to promote culturally appropriate care. There is a need for increased discussion between nurses and interpreters to maximise communication with patients.

An overview of interpretive phenomenology as a research methodology.

AIM: To provide an overview of interpretive phenomenology. BACKGROUND: Phenomenology is a philosophy and a research approach. As a research approach, it is used extensively in nursing and 'interpretive' phenomenology is becoming increasingly popular. DATA SOURCES: Online and manual searches of relevant books and electronic databases were undertaken. REVIEW METHODS: Literature review on papers on phenomenology, research and nursing (written in English) was undertaken. DISCUSSION: A brief outline of the origins of the concept, and the influence of 'descriptive' phenomenology on the development of interpretive phenomenology is provided. Its aim, origins and philosophical basis, including the core concepts of dasein, fore-structure/pre-understanding, world view existential themes and the hermeneutic circle, are described and the influence of these concepts in phenomenological nursing research is illustrated. CONCLUSION: This paper will assist readers when deciding whether interpretive phenomenology is appropriate for their research projects. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: This paper adds to the discussion on interpretive phenomenology and helps inform readers of its use as a research methodology.