Factors related to motivation, organisational climate and work engagement within the practice environment of nurse practitioners in the Netherlands.

AIM: To explore motivation, organisational climate, work engagement and related factors within the practice environment of nurse practitioners. BACKGROUND: Motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement are important to motivate nurse practitioners and prevent early exit. However, little is known about related factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design using a digital survey with multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Data were collected from 1 November 2019 to 30 March 2020. METHODS: The survey contained demographic and job-related data, instruments on motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement. Three open-ended questions were added to invite respondents to tell about their next career step, (dis)satisfaction with salary and additional comments. Quantitative data were not normally distributed (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Kruskal Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Answers on the open-ended questions were coded and categorised in themes. The STROBE checklist was followed. RESULTS: In total 586 questionnaires were completed. The majority of the respondents were female (85%), and their mean age was 47 years (range 26-66 years). Aged 45 or over, more work experience, working in nursing homes, experiencing more autonomy, collaboration with other nurse practitioners, a firmly anchored position, satisfaction with salary and developmental opportunities contributed positively to the practice environment. Answers on the open-ended questions supported the quantitative results. CONCLUSIONS: Work motivation, organisational climate and work engagement are positively related to a large variety of personal and work-related factors. Therefore, policymakers and professional organisations should be aware of the impact of these influencing factors to enhance an inspiring work environment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Awareness of factors that influence nurse practitioners' practice environment can be used as a tool to screen and improve the present work environment.

Body Weight Parameters are Related to Morbidity and Mortality After Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain and obesity are well-known clinical issues in liver transplantation (LTx). However, their impacts on patient outcomes remain unclear, as only the impact of pre-LTx body mass index (BMI) on survival has been meta-analyzed. We summarized and synthesized the evidence on pre- and post-LTx body weight parameters' relations with post-LTx outcomes such as survival, metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, and healthcare utilization. METHODS: We followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions' recommendations. Quality was assessed via a 19-item instrument. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for outcomes investigated in ≥5 studies. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 37 studies. Patients with pre-LTx BMI ≥ 30 kg/m and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m had lower overall survival rates than those with pre-LTx normal weight (72.6% and 69.8% versus 84.2%; P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). Those with pre-LTx BMI ≥ 30 kg/m had worse overall graft survival than normal weight patients (75.8% and 85.4%; P = 0.003). Pre-LTx BMI and pre-LTx overweight were associated with new-onset diabetes (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively), but post-LTx BMI showed no relationship. No associations were evident with healthcare utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BMI values ≥30 kg/m had worse patient and graft survival than those with normal weight. Few of the reviewed studies examined post-LTx body weight parameters or other relevant outcomes such as cardiovascular comorbidities. High heterogeneity as well as diverse definitions and operationalizations of measurement and outcomes severely impeded comparability.

Correlates and outcomes of alcohol use after single solid organ transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Reviews on alcohol use in transplant recipients focus on liver recipients and their risk of post-transplant rejection, but do not assess alcohol use in kidney, heart, or lung transplant recipients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize the evidence on correlates and outcomes of any alcohol use and at-risk drinking after solid organ transplantation (Tx). METHODS: We searched 4 databases for quantitative studies in adult heart, liver, kidney and lung Tx recipients, investigating associations between post-Tx alcohol use and correlates and/or clinical, economic or quality of life outcomes. Paper selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by 2 reviewers independently. A pooled odds ratio (OR) was computed for each correlate/outcome reported ≥5 times. RESULTS: Of the 5331 studies identified, 76 were included in this systematic review (93.3% on liver Tx; mean sample size 148.9 (SD = 160.2); 71.9% male; mean age 48.9 years (SD = 6.5); mean time post-Tx 57.7 months (SD = 23.1)). On average, 23.6% of patients studied used alcohol post-transplant. Ninety-three correlates of any post-Tx alcohol use were identified, and 9 of the 19 pooled ORs were significantly associated with a higher odds for any post-Tx alcohol use: male gender, being employed post-transplant, smoking pre-transplant, smoking post-transplant, a history of illicit drug use, having first-degree relatives who have alcohol-related problems, sobriety <6 months prior to transplant, a history of psychiatric illness, and having received treatment for alcohol-related problems pre-transplant. On average 15.1% of patients had at-risk drinking. A pooled OR was calculated for 6 of the 47 correlates of post-Tx at risk drinking investigated, of which pre-transplant smoking was the only correlate being significantly associated with this behavior. None of the outcomes investigated were significantly associated with any use or at-risk drinking. CONCLUSION: Correlates of alcohol use remain under-investigated in solid organ transplant recipients other than liver transplantation. Further research is needed to determine whether any alcohol use or at-risk drinking is associated with poorer post-transplant outcomes. Our meta-analysis highlights avenues for future research of higher methodological quality and improved clinical care. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO protocol CRD42015003333.

Pre- and post-transplant factors associated with body weight parameters after liver transplantation - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain and obesity can increase liver transplant (LTx) recipients' disease burden. We aimed to summarize and synthesize the evidence on pre- and post-transplant factors related to post-LTx BMI, weight gain, and obesity. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched Medline (PubMed), Cochrane library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE for quantitative studies on 6 classes of factors (i.e., genetic, sociodemographic, behavioral, biomedical, psychological, and environmental) linked to body weight parameters in adult first-time LTx patients. A 19-item instrument was used for quality assessment. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for relationships investigated in ≥5 studies. Factors investigated in <5 studies were summarized and described. RESULTS: Of 16,495 articles retrieved, 43 assessed factors in LTx. These examined 82 mainly biomedical and sociodemographic factors. However, variation between definitions allowed inclusion of only 2 factors (i.e., tacrolimus, cyclosporine) in our meta-analyses of 6 studies examining a shared parameter for body weight (median patient sample: 171 (range: 63-455); Europe n = 3; United States n = 3; publication years: 1997-2015). Neither tacrolimus (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.47-1.21; p = 0.24) nor cyclosporine (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.89-2.18; p = 0.14) were related significantly with post-LTx obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on modifiable factors related to post-LTx body weight parameters is still scarce, as definition variability limits data extraction and pooling for meta-analyses. To facilitate future research, studies should apply theoretical frameworks to guide their study design, select variables of interest and systematically examine interrelationships among selected factors.

Trajectories of Anxiety and Depression After Liver Transplantation as Related to Outcomes During 2-Year Follow-Up: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to examine whether distinct trajectories of anxious and depressive symptoms are present among liver transplant recipients from before transplantation to 2 years afterward, to identify associated demographic, clinical, and individual characteristics, and to examine the influence of distinct trajectories on outcomes. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study was performed among 153 liver transplant recipients. Data were retrieved using questionnaires administered before transplantation and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation. Clinical data were retrieved by medical record review. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct trajectories. χ test, analyses of variance, and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify associated variables and the impact of the distinct trajectories on outcomes. RESULTS: Three distinct trajectories for symptoms of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-short form) as well as depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were identified: "no symptoms," "resolved symptoms," and "persistent symptoms." The trajectories of persistent anxiety and depression comprised, respectively, 23% and 29% of the transplant recipients. Several clinical and individual variables were associated with the trajectories of persistent anxiety and/or depression: experiencing more adverse effects of the immunosuppressive medication, lower level of personal control, more use of emotion-focused coping, less disclosure about the transplant, and more stressful life events. The trajectories of persistent symptoms were associated with worse outcomes regarding medication adherence and health-related quality of life, but not with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A significant subset of transplant recipients showed persistent symptoms of anxiety and depression from before to 2 years after transplantation. These results emphasize the importance of psychosocial care in the transplant population.

A prospective cohort study on posttraumatic stress disorder in liver transplantation recipients before and after transplantation: Prevalence, symptom occurrence, and intrusive memories.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at increasing the understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in liver transplant patients by describing the course of PTSD, symptom occurrence, psychological co-morbidity, and the nature of re-experiencing symptoms. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed among 95 liver transplant recipients from before transplantation up until one year post-transplantation. Respondents filled out a questionnaire regarding psychological functioning (PTSD, anxiety, and depression) before, and at 3, 6, and 12months post-transplantation. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Before transplantation, respectively 10.5% and 6.3% of the respondents were identified as possible cases of full or partial PTSD. In all cases, co-morbid conditions of anxiety and/or depression were present. After transplantation, no new onset of full PTSD was found. New onset of possible partial PTSD was found in six respondents. Arousal symptoms were the most frequently reported symptoms, but may not be distinctive for PTSD in transplant patients because of the overlap with disease- and treatment-related symptoms. Re-experiencing symptoms before transplantation were mostly related to waiting for a donor organ and the upcoming surgery; after transplantation this was related to aspects of the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: In our group of liver transplant patients, PTSD symptomatology was more present before transplantation than after transplantation. Being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease seemed to be the main stressor. However, when a diagnosis of PTSD is suspected, assessment by a clinician is warranted because of the overlap with mood and anxiety disorders, and disease- and treatment-related symptoms.

Weight gain, overweight and obesity in solid organ transplantation--a study protocol for a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity, which have a substantial impact on health in the general population, have similar prevalence in solid organ transplant recipients but carry even more serious ramifications. As this group's use of immunosuppressive medication increases the risk for comorbidities, e.g. metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, the prevention of additional risk factors is vital. This systematic review will be the first to summarize the issue of weight gain, overweight and obesity concurrently within and across solid organ transplantation. The three research questions relating to solid organ transplantation are the following: (1) What are the prevalence and evolution of overweight and obesity from pre- to post-transplant?; (2) Which pre- and post-transplant risk factors are associated with post-transplant weight gain, overweight or obesity? and (3) Which post-transplant patient outcomes and comorbidities are associated with pre- and post-transplant weight gain, overweight and obesity? METHODS/DESIGN: MEDLINE via PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PsycINFO and Excerpta Medica DataBase (EMBASE) will be searched for original quantitative studies in adult liver, heart, lung or kidney transplant patients. Topics of interest will be the prevalence and evolution of overweight and obesity over time, risk factors associated with changes in weight or body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity, and the relationship of weight or BMI with post-transplant outcomes and comorbidities. Screening of titles and abstracts, full-text reading and data extraction will be divided between three researchers. Researchers will cross-check one another's screening decisions for random samples of studies to adhere as closely as possible to the recommendations of The Cochrane Collaboration. For quality assessment, a purpose-adapted 19-item instrument will be used. Effect sizes will be calculated for relationships investigated in a minimum of five studies. Random effects meta-analysis with moderator analyses will be conducted if applicable. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will comprehensively synthesize the existing evidence concerning weight gain, overweight and obesity in solid organ transplantation in view of magnitude, influencing factors and associations with patient outcomes and comorbidities. The results can fuel the development of interventions to prevent weight gain in the solid organ transplant population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014009151.

The psychometric properties and practicability of self-report instruments to identify medication nonadherence in adult transplant patients: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy is recognized as a key prognostic indicator for poor posttransplantation long-term outcomes. Several methods aiming to measure medication nonadherence have been suggested in the literature. Although combining measurement methods is regarded as the gold standard for measuring nonadherence, self-report is generally considered a central component of adherence assessment. However, no systematic review currently exists to determine which instrument(s) are most appropriate for use in transplant populations. METHODOLOGY: The transplant360 Task Force first performed a survey of the self-report adherence instruments currently used in European centers. Next, a systematic literature review of self-report instruments assessing medication adherence in chronically ill patients was conducted. Self-report instruments were evaluated to assess those which were: (a) short and easy to score; (b) assessed both the taking and timing of medication intake; and (c) had established reliability and validity. RESULTS: Fourteen instruments were identified from our survey of European centers, of which the Basel Assessment of Adherence Scale for Immunosuppressives met the aforementioned criteria. The systematic review found 20 self-report instruments, of which only two qualified for use in transplantation, that is, the Brief Antiretroviral Adherence Index and the Medication Adherence Self-Report Inventory. DISCUSSION: The three selected self-report scales may assist transplant professionals in detecting nonadherence. However, these scales were only validated in patients with HIV. Although HIV shares similar characteristics with transplantation, including the importance of taking and timing of medication, further validation in transplant populations is required.

Quality of life in patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy long-term after liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation aims to halt the progression of the disease in patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) caused by hereditary transthyretin-related (ATTR) amyloidosis. Insight in health-related quality of life of these transplanted FAP-patients can be of help to optimize health care delivery. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with FAP long-term after transplantation. Nine patients with a post-transplant follow-up of 4 years or more were included in the study. During the annual checks, health-related quality of life was measured with the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Data were compared with non-FAP transplanted patients with the same duration of follow-up and with the normal Dutch population. Pre-transplant, all patients had signs of mild to moderate peripheral polyneuropathy. The results showed that in patients with FAP health-related quality of life was stable in the first 4 years after transplantation. The domain of physical well-being at 4 years after transplantation was significantly lower compared to non-FAP transplanted patients and control Dutch population. The domain of emotional well-being was comparable with non-FAP controls. However, on most health areas patients with FAP scored lower than the non-FAP transplanted patients and the Dutch controls. After four years, the three patients with FAP with longest follow-up (9-12 years) deteriorated in all health domains, except in self-perceived mental health. This study, including only a small number of patients with FAP, shows a relatively low health-related quality of life after liver transplantation, which may deteriorate further with longer follow-up.

Prevalence of prednisolone (non)compliance in adult liver transplant recipients.

Limited evidence is available concerning (non)compliance with the immunosuppressive regimen in adult liver transplant recipients. In our study we prospectively assessed prednisolone (non)compliance in 108 adult liver transplant recipients using electronic event monitoring (EEM) in an outpatient setting. The EEM is a pill bottle fitted with a cap containing a microelectronic circuit that registers date and time of bottle openings and closings. Median taking compliance was 100% (range 60-105%), median dosing compliance was 99% (range 58-100%); median timing compliance (TIC) was 94% (42-100%). A drug holiday (DH) of > or =48 h was found in 39% of the patients of > or =72 h in 16% of the patients. Using EEM in liver transplant recipients, we found an overall high level of compliance for prednisolone, except that TIC was low in about one third of the patients. Age below 40 years was found a significant risk factor for decreased TIC and for DHs of > or =48 h.

Validity testing of the Long-Term Medication Behavior Self-Efficacy Scale.

Self-efficacy is an important determinant of health behavior that can be targeted for intervention. Little effort has been given to the development of valid measures for self-efficacy with medication taking for adherence research. The purpose of this study was to determine the criterion validity of the Long-Term Medication Behavior Self-Efficacy Scale (LTMBSES). Individual patient data from 6 existing adherence studies in transplant, hyperlipidemia, and AIDS/HIV patients (n = 1021) were pooled. Validity was determined by assessing the relation between the LTMBSES score and medication adherence--both self-reported and electronically monitored. A weak relationship was found between the LTMBSES score and adherence, which can possibly be attributed to a ceiling effect, caused by a too homogeneous population and/or a failure of the scale to challenge patients. Generalized Estimating Equations revealed that the total average self-efficacy score predicted reported medication adherence (p < .0001). The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve revealed the area under the curve was 0.67, indicating a significant (p < .0001), but poor predictive capability. Evidence for criterion validity of the Long-Term Medication Behavior Self-Efficacy Scale is not yet convincing. Future research should focus on: (1) validation in a population with a more heterogenous level of adherence, and (2) making the scale more challenging by referring to "always taking the medication without exception."