The effectiveness of visualising plaque on cardiac computed tomography in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease: A systematic review.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disease burden worldwide, with a significant proportion of cases and deaths attributable to modifiable risk factors. Recent interest has emerged in using cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging as a tool to enhance motivation and drive positive behavioural changes. However, the impact of providing visual feedback of plaque from CT on risk factor control and individual health behaviours remains understudied. This study aimed to assess the effects of visual feedback from cardiac CT imaging on health-related behaviours and risk factor control. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, yielding nine studies (five randomised controlled trials and four observational studies) for analysis. The results varied, but based on the limited low-quality data, CT imaging appears to have short-term favourable effects on cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure reductions, and positive dietary behavioural changes. Further research is warranted to better understand the long-term impact of cardiac CT imaging on health behaviours and risk factor modification.

The impact of the intensive care unit family liaison nurse role on communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative descriptive study of healthcare professionals' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted patient and family communication and patient- and family-centred care in the intensive care unit (ICU). A new role-the ICU Family Liaison Nurse (FLN)-was introduced in an Australian metropolitan hospital ICU to facilitate communication between patient and family and ICU healthcare professionals, although there is limited knowledge about the impact of this from the ICU healthcare professionals' perspectives. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the ICU FLN role on communication with patients and their family during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the ICU healthcare professionals' perspectives. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Seven participants including ICU FLNs, ICU doctors, nurses, and social workers who worked with the ICU FLNs were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Two main themes related to the ICU FLN role were identified. First, the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to patient and family communication, but it also created opportunities to improve patient and family communication. Second, the ICU FLN role brought beneficial impacts to the ICU healthcare professionals' workflow and work experience, as well as patient and family communication. The ICU FLN role has potential benefits that extend beyond the pandemic. CONCLUSION: We found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICU FLN role was acceptable, beneficial, and appreciated from the ICU healthcare professionals' perspectives. Further research should continue the evaluation of the ICU FLN role during and post the pandemic.