Developing digital competencies of nursing professionals in continuing education and training - a scoping review.

Introduction: The German health and care system is transforming due to advancing digitalization. New technological applications in nursing, such as social and assistance robotics, artificial intelligence and legal framework conditions are increasingly focused in numerous research projects. However, the approaches to digitalization in nursing are very different. When integrating technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence into nursing, it is particularly important to ensure that ethical and human aspects are taken into account. A structured classification of the development of digitalization in nursing care is currently hardly possible. In order to be able to adequately deal with this digital transformation, the acquisition of digital competences in nursing education programs is pivotal. These include the confident, critical and creative use of information and communication technologies in a private and professional context. This paper focuses on the question which specific training offers already exist at national and international level for nursing professions to acquire digital competences. Methods: A scoping review according to the PRISMA scheme was conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL databases. The search period for the scoping review extended from 2017 to 2024. Results: The selection of the studies took place by inclusion and exclusion criteria and the content-related orientation of the publications. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, eight studies were included. Of these, four were published in German-speaking countries and another four in international English-language journals. Discussion: The topic of digitization of the nursing professions and the question of how nurses can acquire digital competences is gaining international attention. Nevertheless, the research on explicit continuing education programs for nursing professions is still undifferentiated. No specific continuing education offer for the development of digital competences of nursing professionals was identified. Many authors remained at the meta-level when developing methodological concepts for the acquisition of digital competences. The systematic integration of digitalization into higher education and continuing vocational training is mentioned in the publications. The development of theory- and research-based educational frameworks, which can be used as a basis for curricula in nursing studies and continuing education, is highly recommendable.

Digital competence using the example of executives in residential care facilities in Germany-a comparison.

Background: Change and progress through digitalisation is also becoming increasingly important in the field of professional care and the associated increasing demands on the skills of nursing staff. The European Union considers digital skills to be one of the eight key competences for lifelong learning. At present, few reliable statements can be made about the status of digital skills in professional nursing care in Germany. The aim of this study was to map the current status of digital competences of executives in full inpatient care facilities in Germany and to identify possible differences to reference values of academics. Methodology: This survey is based on a Germany-wide cross-sectional survey in full inpatient care facilities (N = 8,727). The survey instrument Digital Competences Framework (DigComp 2.2) according to the European Union's reference framework was used as the basis for recording the digital competence characteristics. The statistical analysis was descriptive and inferential (t-test, two-sided, p < 0.05). Results: Out of 15 items across five dimensions, significant differences for nine items can be determined. The competence levels of the participating managers from the full inpatient care facilities were lower compared to the reference sample. Discussion: In order to be able to counter the skills discrepancy shown by the study in the future, it is of central importance to deepen knowledge and skills in the area of digitalisation in the care context.

Sustainable integration of digitalisation in nursing education-an international scoping review.

Introduction: Trainees and teachers at nursing schools as well as nursing professionals are increasingly facing new challenges as a result of the digital transformation. Opportunities for the entire care system exist in the improvement of care quality and communication between those involved. However, this change also harbours risks, such as the use of immature digital applications in the care sector, data theft and industrial espionage. In order to be able to exploit the potential of digitalisation despite these risks, it is necessary to integrate relevant aspects such as digital skills into nursing training. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the sustainable integration of digitalisation in nursing education is discussed. Methods: The methods of the systematic literature and database search were carried out in the form of a scoping review according to the PRISMA scheme. The PubMed and CINAHL databases were used for this purpose. The search period covered the years 2017-2023. Findings: After screening the titles and abstracts using inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were included in the synthesis of findings. The international literature focuses on content areas that highlight trends in digitalisation-related training in nursing. These focal points include concept development, considering the heterogeneity of demand constellations, as well as the reflexive reorientation of existing competences, whereby the technological competence of teachers is not disregarded. Other focal points relate to the initiation of digital skills in training and maintaining the employability of older nursing staff through professional development. Discussion: The literature research shows that there is a rudimentary discussion about digitalisation and curricular developments in nursing training in an international context, while the discourse in the German-language literature is less advanced. Among the sustainability desiderata derived from the literature is the involvement of nursing professionals in the development, testing and implementation of digital technologies. Only through active cooperation between nursing professionals and nursing sciences can the topic of digitalisation be integrated into the education and training of professional nursing in a targeted and future-oriented manner, whereby the focus should always be on the ability to deal with digital technologies and the associated change.

Plasma disinfection procedures for surfaces in emergency service vehicles: a field trial at the German Red Cross.

The demand for thorough disinfection within ambulances is essential, given the in-vehicle medical procedures and the potential high risk of infections due to patients' open wounds. One solution that can address this hygiene challenge involves the application of reactive products generated from atmospheric (air) oxygen and water vapor, activated through the use of cold plasma. Cold plasma's charged particles perforate the cell membranes of microorganisms. This process does not work in human cells, as proteins in the form of enzymes within the body break down the cold plasma and protect the cells. The study was done on an ambulance that was contaminated in eight places. Samples were taken from each site, and two surfaces measuring approximately 8 × 8 cm were carefully sealed and marked. These surfaces were deliberately contaminated by applying an Enterococcus faecium suspension of 8.5 × 107 CFU/mL using a sterile cotton swab. It was followed by the disinfection procedure, that was initiated with the PLASMOCAR device. It was positioned on the front workspace and operated for a duration of 30 min, utilizing the vehicle's onboard voltage. Throughout the operation, all doors and windows were closed and the vehicle's air conditioning system remained active. After the completion of the disinfection process, samples were collected from the surfaces for bacterial counts. A reduction of 3.73 log levels in initial bacteria was accomplished within the rescue vehicle for Enterococcus faecium, equivalent to a 10-fourfold reduction in bacteria, eliminating up to 99.99% of the initial microorganisms. This success makes the process well-suited and convenient as an ongoing "background" procedure to enhance the established disinfection procedures. The established disinfection procedures outlined in the hygiene plan must be promptly implemented whenever mechanical surface cleaning is required. The use of PLASMOCAR offers an extra layer of protection and security, significantly decreasing the risk of microorganism transmission through cross-contamination and aerosols. This is a significant benefit for the well-being of both staff and patients.

Technical innovations in stroke rehabilitation - a survey for development of a non-invasive, brainwave-guided, functional muscle stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the most frequent causes of death in Germany and the developed countries. After a stroke, those affected often suffer particularly from functional motor restrictions of the upper extremities. Newer techniques such as the BCI-FES systems aim to establish a communication channel between the brain and external devices with a neuromuscular intervention. The electrical activity of the brain is measured, processed, translated into control signals and can then be used to control an application. METHODS: As a mixed-methods design (exploratory design), eight guideline-based expert interviews were conducted first. For the quantitative expert survey, 95 chief physicians from the field of neuromedicine in rehabilitation facilities nationwide were subsequently invited to participate in an online survey. RESULTS: In our data analysis, we found that doctors are largely open-minded towards new technical rehabilitation systems. In addition to the proper functioning of the system, they consider the understanding of the functionality and the meaningfulness of the system to be particularly important. In addition, the system should be motivating for individuals, generate meaningful movements, be easy to use, evidence-based and quick to set up. Concerns were expressed regarding the understanding of the system's processes, especially in the acute phase after a stroke, as well as the excessive expectation of results from the system on the part of the persons. The experts named stroke patients in rehabilitation phase C, which is about mobilization and recovery, as well as all persons who can understand the language requirements as benefiting groups of people. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that more research should and must be done in the field of BCI-FES interfaces, and various development trends have been identified. The system has the potential to play a leading role in the rehabilitation of stroke patients in the future. Nevertheless, more work should be done on the improvement and implementation as well as the system's susceptibility to interference in everyday patient life.

[Knowledge and perceptions of the population on services in case of need for long-term care: A standardized telephone survey]. / Kenntnisse und Sichtweisen der Bevölkerung zu Leistungen bei Pflegebedarf.

Knowledge and perceptions of the population on services in case of need for long-term care: A standardized telephone survey Abstract. Background: In the absence of professional support, family caregivers rarely recognize their own overload situations and therefore make inadequate use of support services in the event of a need for care. Aim: The study investigates the care of people in need for care, the level of knowledge about and stress factors in the assumption of care from the point of view of informal caregivers and non-caregivers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using standardized Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) with persons aged 18 and older in Saxony. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were calculated. Results: Care provided by an outpatient care service or by family caregivers was rated significantly better by 259 informal caregivers compared with 342 non-caregivers among 601 participants (N = 601). Further, informal caregivers and non-caregivers had different knowledge about the closest place for long-term care counseling and about compensation payments from the pension insurance. Conclusions: In individual areas of the queried counseling services and relief options, the response behavior of family caregivers differed significantly from the other participants. It can be assumed that family caregivers have a slight information advantage of family caregivers in the use of support services.

Effects of perceptions of care, medical advice, and hospital quality on patient satisfaction after primary total knee replacement: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The increase in the number of patients presenting with osteoarthritis in the past decade has led to a 32% increase in knee replacement surgeries designed to reduce restrictions on patient movement and improve their quality of life. Patient satisfaction is becoming an increasingly important indicator of quality of care. This study was designed to identify predictors of various service components in the treatment process and hospital key performance indicators significantly associated with patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 856 patients having their primary total knee replacements at 41 hospitals. Patient satisfaction was queried via a validated, multidimensional questionnaire mainly using a six-point scale. In addition to bivariate calculations, patient satisfaction was the dependent variable in a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The bivariate analysis showed a strong association between satisfaction and sex (male or female), the patients' health before admission, and the length of stay. The number of cases treated at each hospital did not reveal any impact on satisfaction. The multivariate analysis identified three predictors associated with overall satisfaction. The strongest factor was the treatment outcome and the weakest was the quality of food. It became apparent that the statutory procedure minimums were not being met. CONCLUSIONS: The relevant factors influencing patient satisfaction were partially the same as previous study results and allowed more detailed conclusions. The results provide suggestions across hospitals that could help health care providers better meet needs of patients after knee arthroplasties.

Determinants of patient satisfaction and their willingness to return after primary total hip replacement: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Surveys of patient satisfaction and their willingness to return can be used for the optimization of processes, improving their quality, and increasing the satisfaction and loyalty in customers. This study looked at the factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction after primary total hip replacement (THR), and which affect the patients' willingness to return to the same hospital for future treatment, even when unrelated to their THR. METHODS: Data for the study was collected by written survey from 810 patients of 43 hospitals following their THR. Satisfaction and willingness to return were measured using a validated, multidimensional questionnaire, primarily based on six-point scales, which were then evaluated together with routine hospital data, according to bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The bivariate analysis showed a strong correlation between satisfaction or willingness to return and the health condition before hospitalization as well as the perceived length of stay. In contrast, the patient's gender and the number of inpatient cases in a hospital with THR had no influence. The binary logistic regression analyses identified three predictors associated with overall satisfaction and seven predictors associated with willingness to return. The strongest factor for both dependent variables was the perceived length of stay, and the weakest factor for satisfaction was the treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, with all of the medical and service-related issues considered, high levels of satisfaction were reached. Despite the high satisfaction scores, probable causes for declining the willingness to return were identified. The results provide incentives for hospitals and medical professionals to attain a high satisfaction levels in their THR patients.

Patient satisfaction in urology: effects of hospital characteristics, demographic data and patients' perceptions of received care.

PURPOSE: To identify factors that are significantly associated with patient satisfaction in urology and to assess the extent to which satisfaction ratings might be related to hospital and patient characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data used in this study were obtained from 1040 randomly selected urology patients discharged from nine hospitals who responded to a mailed survey. Bivariate and multivariate techniques were used to reveal relations between patient assessments of received care, hospital and patient characteristics. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis showed a strong association between satisfaction scores and length of stay, provider status, work load of nurses and hospital size, with weaker findings pertaining to type of hospital (teaching versus non-teaching) and patient demographics. The multivariate analysis identified nine vari­ables which are associated with overall satisfaction. Strong factors were treatment outcome, the interper­sonal manner of medical practitioners and nurses, as well as hotel aspects like accommodation and quality of food. Variables reflecting information receiving about the undergoing treatment were not found to have a significant influence on patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This study identified variables that are related to satisfaction in a urological setting and de­livers information about aspects of the hospital stay that are not perceived as relevant by patients. These findings support healthcare professionals with valuable information to meet needs and preferences of pa­tients in urology.

Patient satisfaction and willingness to return to the provider among women undergoing gynecological surgery.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with 'patient satisfaction' and 'willingness to return to the provider' in gynecology and to assess similarities as well as differences between the two concepts. METHODS: Study data were obtained from 968 randomly selected gynecology patients discharged from 22 hospitals who responded to a mailed survey. The validated instrument consisted of 37 items and assessed medical and service aspects of care, patient and visit characteristics. The dependent variables consisted of ratings of willingness to return to the provider and overall satisfaction. Bivariate and multivariate techniques were used to reveal relationships between indicators and both dependent variables. RESULTS: The multivariate analyses identified individualized medical care, kindness of medical practitioners, treatment outcome and organization of discharge as the most consistent predictors of the patients' likelihood to return and overall satisfaction. Differences between both concepts pertained to the significance of service variables (cleanliness and quality of food) for patient satisfaction and visit-related characteristics (length of stay and occurrence of complications) for willingness to return. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that patient satisfaction and willingness to return to the provider do not reflect the same concepts. Although service aspects such as quality of food influence satisfaction ratings, they do not increase the likelihood that patients choose the same hospital in case of another treatment. Communication between patients and medical practitioners is highly important. Revealed predictors of both concepts are alterable by healthcare professionals and should be focused on to enhance patient satisfaction and to increase the probability patients return to their provider.