The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Grief Experiences of Bereaved Relatives: An Overview Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted grief experiences of bereaved relatives and altered accustomed ways of coping with loss. To understand how bereaved relatives experienced grief during COVID-19, a review, using the overview method, was conducted. An overview of empirical data about this subject has been lacking and therefore, PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched for empirical studies published from January 1, 2020 until December 31, 2021. 28 articles were included in the review. Thematic analysis showed different emotional responses, changes in grief, the effect of absence during final moments, a lack of involvement in the caring process, the impact on communities and social support systems and the alteration of funerals among bereaved relatives. During COVID-19, death is characterized by poor bereavement outcomes and health implications, but bereaved also show signs of resilience and coping. Directions for future research about cultural and societal differences in grief and support methods are suggested.

An automatic repositioning system to prevent pressure ulcers: a case series.

The Danish automated Vendlet V5s repositioning system is intended to reduce pressure ulcer risk in patients and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in caregivers. In two Belgian nursing homes, 13 residents with mobility levels C, D and E experienced the repositioning system, operated by 35 caregivers, for 4 weeks. Data about skin condition, nursing time needed for repositioning and MSD symptoms were collected. The use of the repositioning system was not associated with the development of nor a reduction in skin problems; the study included residents who were vulnerable to or already had pressure ulcers. In addition, four pressure ulcers healed during the experiment. The research focused only on the automated repositioning system. Repositioning frequency and postures were determined by the standard nursing home protocol. Frequency depended on the support surface in use, and a limited number of patient criteria (mobility in bed, presence of bony prominences/pressure points and presence of non-blanchable erythema). In future studies, the Vendlet V5s system should be tested with a more individualised patient repositioning protocol, including more criteria such as fever and moisture. The automated system reduces nursing time so could potentially improve staff efficiency. Compared with manual repositioning, caregivers perceived fewer work-related MSD symptoms during repositioning when using the Vendlet V5s system. Controlled studies with larger samples are needed to verify these conclusions.

Special approaches for safe handling of disabled children in The Netherlands.

This article illustrates the manner in which care providers and lawmakers in The Netherlands are addressing safe patient handling of disabled children. Standardization of ergonomic practices for safe patient handling of children requires tailored solutions at both the ward and the individual patient level. Elements such as physical contact versus device-assisted transfer, healing environment, and nonverbal (or haptonomic) communication should all be taken into accountfor a program to be successful. Experience from The Netherlands has shown that consideration of these factors, national guidelines, and the presence of ergocoaches can all help to ensure the success of ergonomic interventions, thereby reducing the possibility of direct caregiver injuries.

Safe patient handling program in critical care using peer leaders: lessons learned in the Netherlands.

Occupational back pain remains a serious problem for nurses. In Dutch health care, ergonomic changes are stimulated through convenants. For acute and critical care, a covenant was drawn up and guidelines for nursing practice developed and implemented. Because of the diverse and rapidly changing nature of ergonomic problems, the process has to be specific. A strong emphasis thus was placed on self-management and empowerment of nurses. One or two nurses were appointed per ward as peer leaders, called ergocoaches. They received additional training and were given responsibility for safe work practices. This article reports on progress made to date, viewed as work in progress.