Qualitative Evaluation of a Novel Security Role to Reduce Occupational Violence in Inpatient Hospital Settings.

Background: Occupational violence (OV) is a priority issue that significantly affects the safety of nurses, leading to staff burnout and poor retention issues. Security personnel are common in inpatient settings, yet there is limited research on their role, function, and impacts. The study aims to qualitatively evaluate a novel security role to reduce OV in inpatient settings. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. A novel security role (Ambassador) was piloted in three inpatient wards over 6 months in 2020 to mitigate OV risk. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. All interviews were audio recorded. Interview transcripts were transcribed. Deductive analysis based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to identify the experiences and perceptions of the participants. Findings: 17 participants were interviewed. Five themes were identified including program characteristics, internal drivers, external drivers, individual experience, and implementation process. An Ambassador proactively engages with patients and visitors and employs behavioral strategies to de-escalate or redirect persons of concern. Participants considered Ambassadors to be important members of the health care team who supported the provision of patient and family-centered care. Successful implementation was said to require collaboration between clinical and security services and a small agile project team with authority and autonomy. Conclusion/Application to practice: This study provides many insights into the successful implementation of a novel security role in acute hospital settings. More research is needed on the effectiveness, appropriateness, feasibility, and cost of different security models.

Fast-Track Training in Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of a Hybrid Education Model.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency department (ED) fast track (FT) for the ambulatory, minor injury patient cohort requires rapid patient assessment, treatment, and turnover, yet specific nursing education is limited. The study aimed to test the feasibility and staff satisfaction of an education program to expand nursing skills and knowledge of managing FT patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study, including self-rating surveys and interviews, assessed the pre- and postimplementation of an education program for nurses working in FT in a metropolitan hospital ED in Australia. Hybrid (face-to-face and Teams) education sessions on 10 topics of staff-perceived limited knowledge were delivered over 8 months. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated higher knowledge scores after the implementation of short online education sessions to cover the core facets of minor injury management. Overall staff satisfaction with the program was high. Interview discussions involved three key themes, including "benefits to staff learning," "positive impact on patient care and flow," and "preferred mode of delivery." CONCLUSIIONS: Recorded education sessions on minor injury topics for nurses working in FT have proved effective, and this program has now become a core facet of ED education in our hospital.

Using a LOng peripheral intraVEnous catheter with retractable guidewire to optimize first-insertion success for patients with Difficult IntraVenous Access in the emergency department (LOVE-DIVA): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: First-insertion success rates for peripheral vascular access devices (PVADs) in patients with difficult venous access (DIVA) are low, which negatively affects staff workload, patient experience, and organizational cost. There is mixed evidence regarding the impact of a peripheral vascular access device with retractable coiled tip guidewire (GW; AccuCath™, BD) on the first-insertion success rate. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of long GW-PVADs, compared with standard PVADs, reduces the risk of first-time insertion failure, in patients admitted to emergency departments (EDs). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A parallel-group, two-arm, randomized controlled trial will be carried out in two Australian EDs to compare long GW-PVADs (5.8 cm length) against standard care PVADs (short or long). Patients ≥18 years of age meeting DIVA criteria will be eligible for the trial. The sample size is 203 participants for each arm. Web-based central randomization will be used to ensure allocation concealment. Neither clinicians nor patients can be blinded to treatment allocation. Primary outcome is the first-insertion success rate. Secondary outcomes include the number of insertion attempts, time to insert PVAD, all-cause failure, dwell-time, patient-reported pain, serious adverse events, complications, subsequent vascular access devices required, patient satisfaction, staff satisfaction, and healthcare costs. Differences between the two groups will be analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Cost-effectiveness analysis will also be conducted. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved by Metro South Ethics Committee (HREC/2022/QMS/82264) and Griffith University (2022/077). The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12622000299707.

Exploring clinicians' insertion experience with a new peripheral intravenous catheter in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals frequently introduce new medical devices. However, the process of clinicians adapting to these new vascular access devices has not been well explored. The study aims to explore clinicians' experience with the insertion of a new guidewire peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) introduced in the emergency department (ED) setting. METHODS: The study was conducted at two EDs in Queensland, Australia, utilising a qualitative explorative approach. Interviews were conducted with guidewire PIVC inserters, including ED doctors and nurses, and field notes were recorded by research nurses during insertions. Data analysis was performed using inductive content analysis, from which themes emerged. RESULTS: The study compiled interviews from 10 participants and field notes from 191 observation episodes. Five key themes emerged, including diverse experience, barriers related to the learning process, factors influencing insertion success, and recommendations to enhance clinicians' acceptance. These themes suggest that the key to successful adoption by clinicians lies in designing user-friendly devices that align with familiar insertion techniques, facilitating a smooth transfer of learning. CONCLUSION: Clinician adaptation to new devices is vital for optimal patient care. Emergency nurses and doctors prefer simplicity, safety, and familiarity when it comes to new devices. Providing comprehensive device training with diverse training resources, hands-on sessions, and continuous expert support, is likely to enhance clinician acceptance and the successful adoption of new devices in ED settings.

Factors impacting emergency department clinicians' peripheral intravenous catheter practice: A qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are commonly used devices in emergency departments (EDs), and yet relatively little is known about factors influencing Australian clinicians' adherence to the national PIVC quality and safety Standard. AIMS: To explore attitudes and experiences of ED clinicians around PIVC insertion and care processes. METHODS: This study used an exploratory qualitative approach to analyse written responses to open-ended questions included in an online national (mixed data) survey. Snowballing methods were used to gather responses. Deductive analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions regarding practice and Standard adherence. RESULTS: There were 340 written responses, mainly from nurses in public EDs, who reported suboptimal practices regarding idle catheters, lack of patient participation in care, antecubital fossa insertion, multiple insertion attempts, inadequate site preparation, poor documentation and insufficient review of PIVC. The main factors inhibiting ED clinicians from adhering to the Standard includes inadequate knowledge, perceptions of infeasibility, disbelief in evidence, ambiguous responsibilities, habitual practice, insufficient training, lack of recognition of good practice and inadequate engagement. CONCLUSION: The factors that impact ED clinicians' PIVC Standard adherence are complex and multifactorial. Strategies and interventions are needed to facilitate the implementation of the Standard into daily practice and achieve sustainable behaviour change.

Exploring Australian emergency department clinicians' knowledge, attitudes and adherence to the national peripheral intravenous catheter clinical care standard: A cross-sectional national survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (i) capture clinicians' knowledge, attitude and adherence to the first Australian national peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) Clinical Care Standard, (ii) examine the instrument performance of the knowledge related questions and (iii) explore the educational needs for, and barriers to, Standard adherence among Australian ED clinicians. METHODS: A cross-sectional national online survey was conducted from March to June 2022, using a snowball sampling method. The survey used 5-point Likert scales and multiple-choice questions to capture respondents' knowledge, attitude and adherence to the Standard as well as the educational needs for, and barriers to, Standard adherence. RESULTS: In total, 433 ED nurses and doctors responded. Although nearly half (n = 206, 47.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 55.5-65.8) of respondents claimed that they were unfamiliar with the Standard, questions on PIVC knowledge yielded that most respondents had adequate knowledge of most of the key standards. Respondents' attitudes towards multiple intravenous insertion attempts and ongoing PIVC competency monitoring are not in agreement with the Standard. Self-reported practices regarding routine insertion of idle catheters (55%; 95% CI 49.9-59.9), using antecubital fossa as the first insertion site (84%; 95% CI 80-87), insertion without confidence (46%; 95% CI 41.2-51.1) and lack of routine reviewing the ongoing needs of PIVC (40%; 95% CI 35.3-45.1) were not aligned with the Standard. Unawareness of the Standard and non-practical recommendations were rated as the top barriers to Standard adherence. CONCLUSION: The findings of the survey suggest that the Standard may need modification to align with the needs of ED clinicians. Future studies need to explore the applicability and relevancy of some recommendations in the ED settings as they may cause low adherence to the Standard.

Implementation frameworks, strategies and outcomes used in peripheral intravenous catheter studies: A systematic review.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to critically evaluate implementation frameworks, strategies and/or outcomes used to optimise peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) care and/or promote guideline adherence. BACKGROUND: Although a considerable volume of research has investigated the effectiveness of PIVC interventions and treatments to promote performance and prevent harm, how to best implement this evidence into dynamic clinical settings and populations is not well understood. Implementation science is central to translating evidence-based knowledge to the bedside; however, there is a gap in identifying the best implementation framework, strategies and/or outcomes to optimise PIVC care and/or guideline adherence. DESIGN: A systematic review. METHOD: The review was conducted using innovative automation tools. Five databases and clinical trial registries were searched on 14 October 2021. Qualitative and quantitative PIVC intervention studies reporting implementation strategies were included in the review. Data were extracted independently by experienced researchers in pairs. The Mixed Method Appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of individual studies. Narrative synthesis was used to present the findings. The systematic review was reported following the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: Of 2189 references identified, 27 studies were included in the review. Implementation frameworks were used in 30% (n = 8) of studies, with most used during the preparation (n = 7, 26%) and delivery phase (n = 7, 26%) and then evaluation phase (n = 4, 15%). Multifaceted strategies were commonly adopted (n = 24, 89%) to promote PIVC care or study interventions which were clinician (n = 25, 93%) and patient-targeted (n = 15, 56%). The most commonly reported implementation outcomes were fidelity (n = 13, 48%) and adoption (n = 6, 22%). Most studies were scored as low quality (n = 18, 67%). CONCLUSION: We call for researchers and clinicians to work together and use implementation science frameworks to guide study design, implementation and evaluation in future PIVC studies, to improve evidence translation and thereby improve patient outcomes.

The effect of 20 minutes of cool running water first aid within three hours of thermal burn injury on patient outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity that can result in devastating disability and poor quality of life for survivors. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence regarding the effect of 20 minutes of cool running water (CRW) within three hours of injury on outcomes of patients with thermal burn injuries. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in reference to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL Complete via EBSCO, PROQUEST Dissertations and Theses), and the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry were searched for eligible studies published in English and Chinese, without date restriction. Meta-analyses were undertaken Methodological quality of studies was assessed by using Downs and Black Checklist. RESULTS: Of 323 records, seven studies were included. The majority (67%) of studies were conducted in Australia and New Zealand. The methodological quality was ranked between 'fair' and 'good'. Twenty minutes of CRW within the first three hours of burn injury significantly decreased the odds of patients requiring skin grafting and surgical intervention for wound management. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable evidence suggesting the application of 20 min of CRW within the first three hours of injury improves outcomes for patients with burn injury. Consensus between burn organisations and collaborative efforts to translate evidence into practice are needed to optimise burn first aid care which can improve patient outcomes globally.

Effects of mobile mindfulness on emergency department work stress: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: High-occupational stress among ED staff has a detrimental impact on both staff wellness and patient care. The objective of the study is to determine whether 4 weeks of smartphone app-guided mindfulness practice reduces stress levels of ED staff. METHODS: This two-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted in two Australian EDs in 2019-2020. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either an App group or a Wait to Treat group to practice daily 10 min app-guided mindfulness for 4 weeks. Online surveys were collected for both groups at three time periods: before (T1), immediately after (T2) and 3 months after cessation (T3). Then the Wait to Treat group received the same intervention, followed by surveys immediately after the intervention (T4) and 3 months later (T5). Primary outcome was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. Secondary outcomes were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (three subscales: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis were performed. Repeated measurement data were analysed by the linear mixed model. RESULTS: Of 148 enrolled participants 98 completed all the surveys, but only half (48%) reported continuous use of the app. Based on the results of the intention-to-treat analysis, there was a statistically significant improvement of perceived stress levels (F = 15.70, P < 0.001), all three components of burnout (emotional exhaustion [F = 14.22, P < 0.001], depersonalisation [F = 3.62, P = 0.030], personal accomplishment [F = 7.51, P < 0.001]), mindfulness (F = 8.83, P < 0.001) and wellbeing levels (F = 10.71, P < 0.001) from pre-intervention to 3 months later with small effect sizes. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study demonstrate that brief mindfulness training via innovative digital technology had a small positive effect in improving emergency staff stress, burnout, mindfulness and wellbeing.

A mobile mindfulness intervention for emergency department staff to improve stress and wellbeing: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational stress and burnout in emergency departments (ED) are prominent issues requiring effective solutions. In other health settings use of a smartphone mindfulness app have been shown to be a cost-effective strategy for stress management. AIM: To understand ED staff's experiences of practicing mindfulness using a smartphone app. METHOD: A qualitative study was undertaken with 24 ED staff at two Australian EDs who had used a mindfulness app for 4 weeks. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted between late 2019 and early 2020. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Descriptive description was utilised in content analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: individuality in use of the app, perceived benefits and impacts on life, perceived barriers and enablers to use. Participants reported that mindfulness practice had numerous benefits including better stress and anxiety management, as well as improved general wellbeing. The main barriers to mindfulness practice were poor time management for mindfulness and lack of motivation. Reported enablers included a strong desire for promoting wellbeing and the ability to embed practice into existing routine. CONCLUSION: Practicing mindfulness with a smartphone app is a useful strategy to promote ED staff wellness and manage stress. Healthcare organisations should consider the implementation of a mindfulness app for staff.

Effectiveness of interventions to reduce emergency department staff occupational stress and/or burnout: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to synthesize the best evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce occupational stress and/or burnout in the emergency department. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of occupational stress and burnout among busy emergency department staff requires urgent attention. This review summarizes the current evidence to provide recommendations on interventions to reduce occupational stress in the emergency department. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies reporting on all health personnel working in emergency departments were included in the review. Any individual-focused or organizational-directed intervention was considered. Both published and unpublished studies including experimental and quasi-experimental studies were considered for inclusion in the review. The outcomes of interest included occupational stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: A three-step search strategy was utilized to search seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science) and five gray literature resources (MedNar, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Conference Proceedings). The search was limited to papers published in English between January 1, 2008, and February 1, 2019. Titles and abstracts of the studies were screened. Two reviewers independently appraised the full text of selected studies and extracted data using standardized tools from JBI. Where possible, data were pooled in statistical meta-analysis. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean differences, and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included in the systematic review. Sample sizes of the included studies ranged from 14 to 392 participants. Of the included studies, four were randomized controlled trials and 10 were quasi-experimental studies. The overall quality of the included studies was compromised due to lack of true randomization, concealment, blinding, or the use of a single-group without a comparator. Educational-style interventions were investigated in six included studies and mindfulness-based interventions in four studies. The remaining four studies investigated organizational-directed interventions that incorporated a variety of strategies. The top three most commonly used tools were the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. The studies that investigated educational interventions reported a statistically significant reduction in both stress and/or burnout. Three of the four studies that investigated mindfulness-based interventions reported reduced stress levels. A fixed-effects meta-analysis of two of the studies demonstrated a non-significant difference in stress between groups receiving mindfulness-based interventions and those who did not (n = 58, SMD = -0.32, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.20, P = 0.23; heterogeneity: x = 0.01, P = 0.93, I = 0%). Organizational-based interventions were found to reduce stress levels but increase burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Individual-focused interventions, including both educational interventions and mindfulness-based interventions, have the potential to reduce occupational stress and/or burnout for staff working in emergency departments. However, inconsistencies in reporting and outcome measurements impact certainty of results. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are recommended with larger sample sizes as well as measurement of long-term effects to improve knowledge in this field.

Smile - Secure my intravenous line effectively: A pilot randomised controlled trial of peripheral intravenous catheter securement in paediatrics.

AIM: Evaluate the feasibility of an efficacy randomised control trial (RCT) of paediatric peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) securement to prevent failure without resultant skin damage. METHODS: A 3-arm, pilot RCT in an Australian paediatric hospital. Random assignment of 330 children to receive (i) bordered polyurethane dressing (BPU) + non-sterile foam (NSF), (ii) integrated securement dressing (ISD) + sterile foam (SF), or (iii) tissue adhesive (TA)+ NSF. Primary outcomes were feasibility and PIVC failure. Secondary outcomes included: skin/bloodstream infection; occlusion; infiltration; dislodgement; phlebitis; dwell; serious adverse events; acceptability and microbial colonisation of catheter tips, wound site, and foam. RESULTS: Most feasibility outcomes were confirmed; 98% of eligible patients consented, 96% received their allocated dressing and no patients were lost to follow up. Eligilbility feasibility (58%) was not met. 11 randomised patients did not require a PIVC. Of 319 patients receiving a PIVC (20,716 PIVC-hours), a significant reduction in PIVC failure was demonstrated with ISD, 31/107 (29%, p = 0.017) compared to BPU, 47/105 (45%). Although not statistically significant, compared to BPU, TA 34/107 (32%, p = 0.052) was associated with less PIVC failure. On Cox regression, no securement intervention significantly reduced PIVC failure. Older age (HR 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-0.96; p = <0.01), no infection at baseline (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.34-0.78) and insertion by vascular access specialist (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.26-0.64) were significantly associated with reduced failure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ISD and TA had reduced PIVC failure compared to BPU. A large efficacy trial to test statistical differences is feasible and needed.

Stressors and coping strategies of emergency department nurses and doctors: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Emergency departments (EDs) are stressful workplaces. Limited research explores components ED staff find stressful and how they cope. The aim of this study is to describe ED staff perceptions of their working environment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2017 in a public, teaching hospital ED situated in an outer-metropolitan low socio-economic area. ED doctors and nurses completed surveys exploring workplace stressors (the ED stressors tool), coping strategies (Jalowiec Coping Scale), and perceptions of the working environment (Working Environment Scale-10). Descriptive and comparative analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: A 40% response rate (161/400) was achieved. Staff reported high workload, moderate self-realisation, and low levels of conflict and nervousness. Heavy workload, poor skill-mix and overcrowding were ranked as high-stress, high-exposure (daily) events. The death or sexual abuse of a child and inability to provide optimal care were ranked highly stressful but infrequent. Coping strategies most often used included: trying to keep life as normal as possible (90%) and considering different ways to handle the situation (89%). CONCLUSIONS: Impacts of varying degrees of exposure of this young cohort of staff, with limited experience, to modifiable and non-modifiable stressors highlight site-specific opportunities to enhance staff perceptions of their working environment.

Effectiveness of interventions to reduce occupational stress among emergency department staff: a systematic review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION: The aim of the review is to synthesize the best available evidence on interventions targeting occupational stress and burnout among emergency department (ED) staff. The specific review questions are.