BackgroundDiseases and health limitations associated with ageing often result in loss of mobility and reduced social participation. The ongoing demographic shift towards an increasingly ageing population, combined with a declining number of healthcare professionals, highlights the need to integrate digital assistive solutions to reduce workload and healthcare costs. Smart rollators (SRs) equipped with sensor-based assistance systems (SAS) are considered a promising innovation for enhancing safety, mobility, and independence in older adults.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the needs, experiences, and perspectives of rollator users (RU) and healthcare professionals (HP) in order to identify and evaluate user-centred requirements for the iterative development of a smart rollator.MethodsAs part of a broader research project, a design-based research (DBR) approach was applied. Five focus groups with a total of 30 participants (15 RU, 15 HP) were conducted using semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Data collection occurred in two phases: first, to explore user requirements, and subsequently, to evaluate an initial SR prototype. The analysis followed a content-structuring approach, conducted independently by two researchers.ResultsThree main categories emerged from the focus groups: use of the rollator in daily life, sensor-based assistance systems, and the application of digital assistive technologies. Participants generally assessed the integration of digital and sensor-based functions positively, provided that these increased perceived safety and remained easy to use. Desired features included navigation, environmental and fall detection, emergency call functionality, lighting, and haptic feedback. Barriers were primarily related to technological scepticism, limited digital literacy, and potential cognitive overload. Facilitating factors included training, simple user interfaces, and modular system structures.ConclusionThe findings indicate that participatory development processes are essential for improving the acceptance of smart rollators. Early involvement of users and nursing professionals ensures that technological innovations are designed to be practical, safe, and needs-oriented. The design-based research approach represents a suitable framework for the iterative development and evaluation of assistive technologies in healthcare settings.

Hintergrund Schluckstörungen stellen aufgrund ihrer medizinischen, psychosozialen und versorgungsbezogenen Auswirkungen eine zentrale Herausforderung dar. Besonders vulnerabel sind ältere Menschen mit neurogenen Grunderkrankungen. Jedoch ist die ambulante Dysphagieversorgung trotz wirksamer therapeutischer Ansätze infolge des Fachkräfteengpasses häufig durch strukturelle Defizite wie lange Wartezeiten auf einen Therapieplatz, eine zu geringe Therapiefrequenz oder auch fehlende apparative Diagnostiken gekennzeichnet. Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen bieten potenziell Unterstützung, sind im Bereich der Dysphagietherapie bislang jedoch nur begrenzt etabliert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Perspektive von Logopäd:innen auf den Einsatz digitaler Anwendungen in der Versorgung von Menschen mit neurogener Dysphagie zu explorieren und konkrete Anforderungen, Chancen und Barrieren für eine praxistaugliche, nutzerzentrierte digitale Dysphagie-Anwendung zu identifizieren. Methode Die Studie ist Teil des nutzerzentrierten BMFTR-geförderten Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekts „Dys-Phappgy“ und folgt einem Design-Based-Research-Ansatz. Im Rahmen einer qualitativen Bedarfsanalyse wurden semistrukturierte Interviews mit 15 Logopäd:innen durchgeführt. Die Datenauswertung erfolgte mittels der inhaltlich-strukturierenden qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz und Rädiker (2022). Die Kategorienbildung erfolgte deduktiv auf Basis der Forschungsfragen und wurde induktiv um materialbasierte Aspekte erweitert. Ergebnisse Der Bedarf an digitalen Unterstützungsangeboten wird primär durch strukturelle Herausforderungen wie sektorenübergreifende Informationsbrüche, eingeschränkten Zugang zu apparativer Diagnostik, personelle und zeitliche Ressourcenengpässe sowie Defizite in der Versorgungskontinuität bestimmt. Digitale Anwendungen werden als ergänzende Instrumente zur Unterstützung von Informationsmanagement, Patient:innenedukation, Therapieadhärenz und interprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit verstanden. Die jeweilige Akzeptanz und Nutzung hängen jedoch wesentlich von geringem Implementierungsaufwand, klarem praktischem Nutzen und einer Einbettung in bestehende Arbeitsprozesse ab. Schlussfolgerung Digitale Dysphagie-Anwendungen können einen relevanten Beitrag zur ambulanten Versorgung leisten, wenn sie partizipativ entwickelt und konsequent an den Anforderungen des therapeutischen Alltags ausgerichtet werden.

Independent mobility is crucial for social participation and quality of life in later life, especially in rural areas where public transport is limited. Light electric vehicles (LEVs) may offer a promisingalternativefor everyday mobility; however, it remains unclear which features and contextual conditions are necessary for their usability and acceptance among older adults in their rural settings. As an initial exploratory step within the LeiFlex project, this mixed-methods design study aimed to assess feasibility and generate preliminary insights for further development. A user-centred study was conducted with 20 participants (≥ 60 years) in rural Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Participants completed supervised test drives with a commercially available LEV, followed by standardized usability and acceptance questionnaires (System Usability Scale, Technology Usage Inventory) and semi-structured focusgroup discussions. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis and complemented by descriptive quantitative results. Overall, attitudes towards LEVs were positive, although usability was rated as marginal (SUSmean= 53.0). Key requirements included intuitive braking logic, clear visual and acoustic feedback in safety-critical situations, ergonomic adjustability, and perceived safety. Gender differences were observed. Women reported lower usability and were more sceptical, despite having a similar intention to use. The findings suggest that acceptance of LEVs among older adults is shaped not only by modifiable usability and design characteristics, but also the conditions in which these vehicles are used. These preliminary results highlight the need for flexible, modular, and age-appropriate LEV concepts and provide a basis for further investigation in larger and more comprehensive studies.

BACKGROUND:Dysphagia poses a major challenge due to its clinical, psychosocial and care-related implications. Older adults with underlying neurogenic conditions are particularly vulnerable. However, despite the availability of effective therapeutic approaches, outpatient dysphagia care is often characterized by structural shortcomings such as long therapy waiting times, insufficient frequency of therapy sessions, or a lack of diagnostic equipment due to specialist staff shortages. Digital health applications may offer potential support, yet their use in dysphagia management remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perspective of speech and language therapists on the use of digital applications in the care of individuals with neurogenic dysphagia and to identify key requirements, opportunities, and barriers for the development of a practice-oriented, user-centered digital dysphagia application. METHODS:This study is part of the user-centered research and development project "Dys-Phappgy" funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and follows a design-based research approach. A qualitative needs assessment was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 15 speech and language therapists. Data were analyzed using the structured qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz and Rädiker (2022), combining deductive category development based on the research questions with inductive refinement from the data. RESULTS:The perceived need for digital support tools is primarily driven by structural challenges, including fragmented information across care sectors, limited access to apparatus-based diagnostic procedures, resource constraints, and insufficient continuity of care. Digital applications are perceived as complementary tools supporting information management, patient education, therapy adherence, and interprofessional collaboration. Nevertheless, acceptance and sustained use largely depend on low implementation costs, clear practical benefits, and seamless integration into existing workflows. CONCLUSIONS:Digital dysphagia applications can meaningfully support outpatient care if they are developed through participatory processes and aligned with the complex realities of everyday therapeutic practice.

BackgroundOncological exercise therapy (OET) can help improve various patient outcomes, including fatigue and quality of life, and in certain cancer types, progression-free and overall survival. Despite this, OET is not routinely implemented into clinical practice. A better understanding of cancer patients’ perceived barriers and facilitators to participating in OET may support its integration into routine care. This multi-center cross-sectional study investigating cancer patients’ views will help close this evidence-practice-gap.MethodsAs part of IMPLEMENT, a nationwide OET implementation research project in Germany, an exploratory study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted using a non-representative sample of consenting cancer patients. Participants completed a survey either online or in paper format. A comprehensive descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS and RStudio.ResultsA total of 402 cancer patients provided a questionnaire (61% female; mean age 57 years, SD 15). The most common cancer types were breast cancer (34%), lymphoma or leukemia (12%), and colon cancer (5%). Most patients reported feeling physically (79% agreed or somewhat agreed) and mentally (85% agreed or somewhat agreed) capable of participating in OET. Motivation to engage in OET was perceived to be high (76% agreed or somewhat agreed), and patients reported having sufficient time to become physically active (83% agreed or somewhat agreed). However, only half of participants said they were offered OET by their healthcare providers (48% agreed or somewhat agreed).ConclusionOur findings indicate that most cancer patients are both willing and able to participate in OET. However, they are not routinely informed about OET. Therefore, tailored strategies for improving patient access to OET are needed.Trial registrationClin. Trials: NCT06496711. German Clinical Trial Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien - DRKS): 00032292. Bavarian Cancer Research Center (Bayerisches Krebsforschungszentrum - BZKF resp. ZKS): DZ-2024-2165-9.

The increasing shortage of skilled nursing staff, growing documentation demands, and rising complexity of care processes in long-term residential care highlight the need for digital solutions that support nursing workflows while remaining adaptable to real-world care environments. Augmented reality (AR) technologies have the potential to improve access to context-sensitive information and support documentation processes directly at the point of care. In particular, AR-supported clinical dashboards may enable the real-time visualization of relevant patient information during nursing activities without interrupting ongoing care activities or requiring additional device interactions. Although previous studies have explored AR applications in nursing education and documentation, little is known about the usability, practical applicability, and implementation requirements of AR-supported dashboard systems in long-term residential care settings. Furthermore, the participatory development of such technologies together with nursing professionals remains underexplored. This study aims to explore nursing professionals’ expectations, perceived potentials, barriers, and practical requirements regarding the participatory development and potential use of an AR-supported clinical dashboard in long-term residential care. The project seeks to identify user-centered design principles and implementation requirements for the iterative development of an AR-supported information and documentation system tailored to nursing practice. The study follows an exploratory qualitative design embedded within a participatory and agile development process. The theoretical framework is informed by the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data collection will take place in a long-term residential care facility in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, which serves as a real-world laboratory for the iterative development and evaluation of the AR-supported clinical dashboard. Data collection and iterative development processes are conducted between 2025 and 2027. Initial focus groups will explore general expectations, barriers, and potential use scenarios without a technical prototype. In subsequent development cycles, progressively refined prototypes will be integrated into the discussions to obtain structured user feedback for iterative system adaptation. Focus groups will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the Gioia methodology to identify first-order concepts, second-order themes, and aggregate dimensions. MAXQDA software will support qualitative data analysis. The project started in April 2025 with an initial setup and development phase. The study is currently in the early development stage, with data collection and iterative prototype development ongoing and scheduled to continue until March 2027. The study is expected to generate practice-oriented insights into the participatory development and implementation of AR-supported clinical dashboards in long-term residential care. The findings may contribute to the development of context-sensitive and workflow-oriented digital solutions that support workflow integration and facilitate context-sensitive information access within routine nursing care. The study will be registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS).

Background:Nursing care systems face significant challenges due to demographic changes, a workforce shortage, and rising demand for care services. Digital assistive technologies offer potential to address these challenges, but systematic and standardized nursing data are essential to evaluate both innovations and broader care processes. The Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS) provides a foundational framework for capturing structured information on nursing care, yet there is no international consensus on its core content, development, and practical use. Objective:This scoping review aims to map current international literature regarding (1) the core content elements of NMDS, (2) methodological approaches used in NMDS development, and (3) implementation and use of NMDS in different nursing settings. Methods:Following the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology and Arksey and O'Malley framework, a systematic search was conducted on July 2, 2025, in the MEDLINE (via PubMed) and CINAHL (via EBSCO) databases using the term "nursing minimum data set." Inclusion was restricted to studies in English or German focusing on the content, development, or implementation of the NMDS. The research team reviewed studies in an independent and double-blinded fashion for eligibility based on predefined criteria, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Eligible studies were narratively summarized, with extraction structured into categories based on the review's research questions. Results:From 1908 initially identified articles, 26 (1.4%) studies met the inclusion criteria. Considerable heterogeneity was found in the structure and scope of the NMDS, with datasets comprising 16 to 145 items. Despite variation, 4 central domains consistently emerged: patient demographics, medical care information, nursing care elements, and institutional or organizational data. NMDS development typically followed a participatory, multistage approach involving literature analysis, stakeholder consensus building, and validation through pretesting and real-world application. Implementation and use of the NMDS serve multiple functions, including documenting nursing care processes, supporting workload measurement and resource planning, quality assurance, benchmarking, and demonstrating nursing's contribution to patient outcomes. However, successful implementation depends on technical, legal, organizational, and educational strategies. Core challenges include a lack of standardized terminology, inconsistent legal frameworks, and varying levels of staff training and acceptance. Conclusions:The NMDS provides a robust basis for standardized nursing documentation, quality assurance, and health system planning, but international variability and ongoing challenges in harmonization, integration, and acceptability persist. Advancing the NMDS requires collaborative efforts for interoperability, investment in digital infrastructure, and targeted education. Further research should focus on comparative effectiveness, cross-context validation, and strategies to reduce documentation burden while maximizing data utility.

Background:Monitoring of vital signs is a critical component of nursing care, facilitating the early detection of complications, enabling the observation of the progression of health status, and providing a foundation for diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making. It is instrumental in ensuring quality of care. Contactless measurement methods, such as radar-based sensors, have the potential to enable continuous monitoring of respiration, heart rate, and bed activity without disturbing or stressing vulnerable patients. Objective:The study investigates the feasibility, usability, acceptance, and implementation of a contactless digital vital-signs monitoring system. The objective is to ascertain the suitability of the device for incorporation into the workflow of nursing personnel and to assess implementation factors in an inpatient setting. Additionally, the study examines user acceptance and satisfaction among nursing staff. Methods:A total of 13 nursing staff members from geriatric and dialysis departments participated in this mixed methods pilot study. Following the installation of the technology, the participants underwent a 30-minute training period to become acquainted with its operation. Thereafter, the system was subjected to a 4-week trial period. Quantitative data were collected at 3 points in time using the Technology Usage Inventory and the System Usability Scale. Furthermore, measurement protocols were evaluated to compare the time required for the standard and contactless measurement methods. Qualitative data were collected subsequent to the conclusion of the trial through the implementation of focus group interviews. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results:The study results suggest that the average intention to use among the study participants (n=13) reached a relatively high level after 4 weeks (mean 85.5, SD 107.7). However, variation was observed when the 2 nursing wards were considered separately (geriatrics: 28.4 vs dialysis 199.8). The monitoring system was evaluated based on the System Usability Scale, which yielded a mean score of 74.5 (SD 10.5), indicating good usability. The nurses reported a perceived enhancement in their sense of security and monitoring oversight during routine care. Additionally, potential time savings were observed due to a reduction in disruptions to established processes. However, compared with conventional real-time monitoring, disadvantages were identified and technical requirements were defined. Conclusions:The use of contactless measurement in the assessment of vital signs holds considerable promise for enhancing the efficacy of nursing care, particularly in contexts where manual measurements have been the prevailing standard. In order to further explore technical capabilities in a nursing context, additional research needs to be conducted.

Background: Augmented reality (AR)-based systems offer novel opportunities for digital support in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This is especially relevant in the context of an aging population and the growing shortage of healthcare professionals. Methods: This study employed a user-centered design with iterative prototype refinement and investigated the perceived usability and user acceptance of a prototype AR-based sports therapy system (“STAR”), developed within an ongoing interdisciplinary research project, from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals across one iteration cycle. After an initial needs analysis (T0), participants interacted in an observer role with the system at two time points (T1, T2) using an AR headset (Microsoft HoloLens 2). They did not perform exercises but only interacted with the application by navigating through the system and viewing the exercise demonstrations. Between T1 and T2, a tutorial was integrated, exercise animations and voiceovers were revised, and voiceover controls and navigation were optimized. Usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS), and user acceptance via the Technology Usage Inventory (TUI). Results: A total of 15 participants (10 patients and 5 therapists) completed both testing sessions. The average SUS score across both patients and therapists improved from 54.5 (SD = 18.8) to 71.2 (SD = 13.1), reflecting a statistically significant increase in perceived usability (p < 0.001). The usability rating improved from “ok” to “good” according to the SUS interpretation scale. The TUI subscales skepticism, immersion, accessibility and usability improved significantly, while interest, usefulness and intention-to-use only showed trend-level changes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a user-centered development process can enhance the perceived usability and user acceptance of AR- based virtual care tools during the prototype stage by providing early-stage empirical evidence linking specific user-centered design interventions to changes in Technology Acceptance Model-related acceptance constructs.

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Ältere Menschen in ländlichen Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen haben oft einen ungedeckten haus- und fachärztlichen Versorgungsbedarf. Erweiterte pflegerische Tätigkeiten und Telemedizin können die Primärversorgung sichern. Ziel: Das Ziel war die Entwicklung und Erprobung eines pflegegeleiteten, telemedizinisch gestützten Versorgungsmodells zur Verbesserung der Primärversorgung in Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen. Methoden: In einer Machbarkeitsprüfung wurden Strukturen und technische Anforderungen im Living-Lab-Ansatz sowie die Interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit zwischen Ärztinnen/Ärzten, Wundversorger_innen und Pflegefachpersonen (PFP) beschrieben. Die iterative, nutzerzentrierte Entwicklung der Intervention wurde im Mixed-Methods-Design evaluiert, in die Weiterentwicklung integriert und über sechs Monate pilotiert. Fokusgruppen, Interviews, Workshops und Usability-Feedback ermöglichten die partizipative Einbindung aller Akteur_innen. Ergebnisse: Nutzer_innen bewerteten die oben beschriebenen Prozesse und Strukturen positiv. Die interprofessionelle Kommunikation wurde gestärkt und die Versorgung unterstützt. Es wurden 32 Bewohner_innen in 46 Telekonsultationen behandelt. Das Spektrum der erweiterten Pflegetätigkeiten umfasste auch Aufgaben nach der G-BA-Heilkundeübertragungs-Richtlinie, des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses, [G-BA] von 2011, deren Umsetzung regulatorisch begrenzt war. Schlussfolgerung: Erweiterte pflegerischer Tätigkeiten sind im entwickelten Modell machbar. Eine Implementierung und Verankerung erfordern rechtliche Anpassungen und gesicherte Finanzierung.

Background:Aging populations and rising chronic illness prevalences are increasing demands for nursing care, while staff shortages threaten care quality. Robotics offer potential support, yet usability, workflow integration, and user acceptance remain major barriers. Objective:This study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptance of a cross-device platform for controlling robotics in nursing using a participatory, user-centered approach. Methods:A convergent mixed methods feasibility study was conducted across 4 iterative workshops with 13 nurses from 2 German health care facilities. Quantitative measures included the System Usability Scale (SUS), Technology Usage Inventory (TUI), and Technology-based Experience of Need Satisfaction (TENS-Interface). Qualitative data were collected via think-aloud protocols and focus groups. Data integration supported iterative platform refinement and assessment of usability, acceptance, and satisfaction of psychological needs. Results:Participants exhibited high curiosity, perceived usefulness, and strong intention to use robotics, with low skepticism. SUS scores indicated acceptable usability. TENS-Interface scores showed increased autonomy and competence following workflow simplification and stepwise interaction logic. Qualitative findings emphasized intuitive control, personalized interventions, centralized management of multiple technologies, integration with documentation systems, and structured training. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that iterative, user-centered refinements enhanced usability, acceptance, and platform effectiveness. Conclusions:Cross-device platforms integrating robotics can be successfully developed through participatory, user-centered methods. Technical usability, personalization, workflow integration, and structured training are key for adoption. The study demonstrates that technological barriers, rather than human resistance, are primary constraints to integrating robotics into nursing practice and can be mitigated through iterative co-creation aligned with real-world care contexts.

Background:Nursing Development Units (NDUs) are structured clinical environments designed to enhance professional development, collaboration, and organizational learning. While NDUs have been widely studied for their impact on nursing practice, their role in supporting digital transformation in health care has been less explicitly examined. Objective:This scoping review aimed to map the characteristics, structures, and processes of NDUs and identify how these elements may relate to digital readiness and the integration of digital tools in nursing practice. Methods:We conducted a scoping review of 40 publications describing NDUs. Data were coded iteratively to identify patterns at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. Core elements and subcategories of NDUs were mapped, highlighting potential connections to capacities required for digital transformation. Results:NDUs operate across three levels: (1) individual-fostering professional role development, leadership, and resilience; (2) interpersonal-promoting participatory cultures, collaborative practice, and shared unit visions; and (3) organizational-providing structured frameworks for practice philosophy, role development, resource and change management, and embedded evaluation systems. While most primary publications did not explicitly address digital competencies, the structures, reflective practices, and collaborative processes described represent foundational capacities for engaging with digital tools, innovation, and organizational change. Conclusions:NDUs are characterized by multilevel structures and processes that enhance professional and organizational capacities. Although explicit evidence on digital transformation is limited, these capacities align with key prerequisites for the adoption and effective use of digital technologies in nursing practice. Further research is needed to examine how NDUs directly support digital innovation in clinical settings.

Interdisciplinary, research-based teaching format for participatory technology development in nursing: a mixed methods study Abstract: Background: Digital assistance technologies offer great potential to support and relieve the burden of care when they are tailored to the requirements of everyday care and developed in collaboration with users. Aim: The objective was to develop and pilot an interdisciplinary, research-oriented teaching format (IFL) to train students of computer science (bachelor's degree) and health and nursing sciences (master's degree) in robotics development, participatory research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Methods: The twelve-month IFL was divided into an idea phase and a development phase with a focus on teaching participatory and interdisciplinary skills. A mixed methods design with pre-post surveys and focus group interviews was used for evaluation to assess the impact on collaboration and the conditions for success for such teaching formats. Results: The piloted IFL led to the development of a proof of concept for robotics-assisted wound documentation. While the attitude of computer science students toward interdisciplinary collaboration improved, a negative trend was observed among nursing students. Focus group interviews emphasized the importance of clear structures, curricular anchoring, and practical tasks for successful collaboration. Conclusions: Students are in favor of IFL with practical relevance to their future professional practice. Such teaching formats promote interdisciplinary collaboration as well as the personal and professional development of students.

This non-randomised exploratory intervention and feasibility study examines the impact of digital assistive technology (DAT), comprising a DFree Professional ultrasound sensor, on nursing care for continence support. Additionally, it evaluates nurses' willingness to incorporate DAT into the planning and practical implementation of care processes. The extent to which DFree Professional supports clinical care delivery and assists nurses in managing activities of daily living related to micturition remains unclear. It is anticipated that DFree will contribute to a reduction in nurses' workload in continence care settings. The device was designed with the objective of ensuring high usability for the nursing staff and of increasing user acceptance over the course of the study. This mixed-methods pilot study included 31 nurses from neurology and geriatrics wards over 3 months. Quantitative data were collected using the technology usage inventory (TUI) at three time points and System Usability Scale (SUS) assessments at one (final) point. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group interviews. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. The study revealed a decline in the intention to use (ITU) of the DFree Professional sensor. Usability ratings reported the SUS benchmark of the study, yielding a mean SUS score of 50.9, which is below the commonly referenced benchmark of 68 for acceptable usability. Nurses reported the device has potential reductions in workload and improved management of continence care, if further infrastructural and problems with interfaces are solved. Qualitative findings highlighted user-friendly features and identified barriers to implementation, such as technical integration into existing systems. The DFree Professional sensor shows promise in enhancing nursing efficiency and reducing the burden of continence care. Future research should explore long-term effects on defined patient groups and broader applicability across diverse clinical settings.Trial Registration: German Register of Clinical Studies: DRKS00031483

BackgroundLower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common occupational health issues among healthcare professionals, particularly in long-term care settings. The HAL® Lumbar Type Exoskeleton is a wearable assistive technology designed to reduce strain on the lower back during physically demanding care activities. However, evidence regarding its feasibility, usability, and acceptance in real-world long-term care settings remains limited.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and user acceptance of the HAL® Lumbar Type Exoskeleton in long-term care facilities. Specifically, the study assesses whether the exoskeleton can reduce self-reported lower back pain and improve the ergonomic conditions for caregivers.MethodsThis is a non-randomized, exploratory interventional feasibility study using a mixed-methods design. A total of 30 caregivers from two long-term care facilities will participate in a 90-day intervention. The exoskeleton will be integrated into daily care routines, and caregivers will undergo training on its proper use.Quantitative measures includeVisual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment before and after using the exoskeleton. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) at baseline (T1), mid-study (T2), and post-intervention (T3). Qualitative methods include semi-structured interviews with eight caregivers, exploring usability, perceived benefits, and barriers to adoption.ResultsData will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Findings will inform future studies on integrating wearable assistive technologies into caregiving workflows.DiscussionThis study will provide essential insights into the feasibility and usability of exoskeletons in long-term care, potentially contributing to improved ergonomic conditions and caregiver well-being.

Background: While previous systematic reviews have examined specific aspects of the career trajectories of bachelor-qualified nurses, including adjustment strategies, workplace challenges, and support programmes, no comprehensive synthesis exists addressing how these factors interact across the broader early career pathway. This article examines the drivers and barriers influencing entry, role transition, and retention of graduate nurses, providing insights that complement existing research. Methods: A systematic literature search following the principles of a scoping review was conducted in the professional databases MEDLINE via PubMed and CINAHL via EBSCO in February and May 2022, as well as in August 2024. The characteristics of the included studies were summarised narratively in a pre-consented data extraction table. The synthesis of information was performed inductively and organised into three emergent themes: Career Entry, Role Development, and Retention. Results: 31 publications from 13 countries were included in the synthesis and presentation of results. Among these, 18 studies examined factors inhibiting career entry, 10 studies explored role transition, and 3 studies investigated factors influencing retention. Barriers included insufficient team support, fear of making mistakes, and increased workload. Facilitators included support structures, such as mentors and peer networks, as well as designated transition periods. Conclusion: To promote the academic professionalisation of nursing in Germany and integrate of bachelor-qualified nurses into practice, structural frameworks embedded within the nursing process and oriented across multiple levels are essential. These frameworks should address both the barriers and facilitators identified in this review.

Die systematische Erfassung gesundheitsbezogener Selbsteinschätzungen von Patient*innen mittels Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) kann dazu beitragen, die Patientenperspektive stärker in den Versorgungsprozess zu integrieren und onkologische Supportiv- und Palliativversorgung zu verbessern. Eine elektronische Erfassung von PROM ermöglicht nicht nur hohe Nutzerfreundlichkeit bei der Dateneingabe, sondern durch automatisierte Prozesse auch eine erleichterte Datenauswertung und übersichtliche Ergebnisdarstellung. Trotz dieser Vorteile existieren in der Literatur bisher wenige Berichte über dauerhafte Implementierungen elektronischer Patient-Reported-Outcome(PRO)-Erfassungen. Ein Grund dafür könnte im komplexen und herausfordernden Implementierungsprozess liegen. Die dauerhafte Integration elektronischer PRO-Erfassungen in die klinische Praxis erfordert die Berücksichtigung vieler Aspekte und Beteiligter und geht mit Änderungen etablierter Routinen einher. Eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung erfordert ein strukturiertes, schrittweises Vorgehen unter bestmöglicher Einbeziehung relevanter Beteiligter. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Elemente einer solchen Vorgehensweise sowie deren praktische Umsetzung am Beispiel der Strahlenklinik des Krukenberg-Krebszentrums Halle.