AIMS:To describe telephone-triage nurses' perceptions of their well-being and the system factors that influenced their well-being while conducting telephone-triage for COVID-19 during the pandemic. DESIGN:This descriptive, qualitative study applied both inductive and deductive analysis to generate themes. METHODS:We interviewed a convenience sample of 27 nurses from two health systems about their perceptions of well-being when triaging patient calls about COVID-19 and reasons for those perceptions. Data collection occurred between November 2020 and June 2021. Themes were organised using the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine framework. RESULTS:Telephone-triage nurses' well-being was significantly impacted by COVID-19. Uncertainty regarding evolving COVID-19 guidance, increased call volumes and difficult patient responses were some of the key work system challenges that impacted nurses' well-being. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest the need to revisit work system factors that impact the well-being of telephone-triage nurses and develop organisational interventions to support nurses to provide optimal care during crisis situations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:Organisational information infrastructure should be bolstered for future pandemic responses to minimise impacts on nurses' well-being. Additionally, leaders need to realign tasks, workflows and workload of telephone triage during pandemic surges to prevent excessive demands on nurses. IMPACT:This work contributes to understanding telephone-triage nurses' well-being during COVID-19. The increased demands they faced and impact on their well-being point to opportunities for organisational well-being interventions and development of crisis standards for tele-triaging to support nurses during high-stress, crisis situations. REPORTING:The authors have adhered to COREQ guidelines for reporting. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:No patient or public contribution.
The healthcare industry continues to experience high rates of burnout, turnover, and staffing shortages that erode quality care. Interventions that are feasible, engaging, and impactful are needed to improve cultures of support and mitigate harm from exposure to morally injurious events. This quality improvement project encompassed the methodical building, implementation, and testing of RECONN (Reflection and Connection), an organizational intervention designed by an interdisciplinary team to mitigate the impact of moral injury and to increase social support among nurses. This quality improvement project was conducted in a medical intensive care unit (MICU) in a rural, academic medical center. We employed an Evidence-Based Quality Improvement (EBQI) approach to design and implement the RECONN intervention while assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness via surveys (n = 17). RECONN was found acceptable and appropriate by 70% of nurses who responded to surveys. Preliminary effectiveness data showed small to moderate effect sizes for improving social support, moral injury, loneliness, and emotional recovery. Further evaluation is warranted to establish the effectiveness and generalizability of RECONN to other healthcare settings.
The time has come to revolutionize the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. Thus, we are sharing Revolutionary EBP, a series of articles that is a revolt against assumptions and traditions related to the EBP process that are outdated, not grounded in evidence or theory, or add to confusion, poor scholarship, and workload. The EBP movement is built upon nurses long standing commitment to stay current, applying the best evidence in patient care.1 Crane J. Using research in practice: research utilization-nursing models. West J Nurs Res. 1985; 7: 494-497 Crossref PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar ,2 Haller KB Reynolds MA Horsley JA. Developing research-based innovation protocols: process, criteria, and issues. Res Nurs Health. 1979; 2: 45-51 Crossref PubMed Scopus (52) Google Scholar As EBP and implementation science have evolved, so must our methods.
In the October 2022 issue of the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, Evidence into Practice column, we introduced the “coat hook,”1 which developed into a new series of articles that focuses on revolutionizing processes for evidence-based practice (EBP). The objective of this series is to identify EBP-related traditions that have been in existence for decades, some of which are outdated, while others are not grounded in evidence, and may just add confusion, poor scholarship, and a workload burden.
BACKGROUND:The Co-Worker Observation System (CORS) is a tool and a process to address disrespectful behavior through feedback from trained peer messengers. First used by physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs), CORS has been shown to decrease instances of unprofessional behaviors among physicians and APPs. The research team assessed the feasibility and fidelity of implementing CORS for staff nurses.METHODS:CORS was implemented at three academic medical centers using a project bundle with 10 essential implementation elements. Reports of unprofessional behavior among staff nurses that were submitted through the institution's electronic reporting system were screened through natural language processing software, coded by trained CORS coders using the Martinez taxonomy, and referred to a trained peer messenger to share the observations with the nurse. A mixed methods, observational design assessed feasibility and fidelity.RESULTS:A total of 590 reports from three sites were identified by the Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy from September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2021. Most reports included more than one problematic behavior, each of which was coded. Of the peer messages, 76.5% were successfully documented using the debriefing survey as complete, 2.2% as awaiting messenger feedback, and 0.2% as awaiting messenger assignments (total of 78.9 % considered delivered). A total of 21.1% were not shared; 4.7% of reports were intentionally not shared because the issue stemmed from a new system or policy implementation (4.0%) or because of known factors affecting the nurse (0.7%).CONCLUSION:CORS can be implemented with staff nurses efficiently when nursing infrastructure is adequate.
ABSTRACT IMPACT: Framework is designed to aid selection of implementation strategies to promote adoption and sustainability of EBP to improve health care quality, safety and value. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: An application-oriented implementation framework based on Diffusion of Innovation theory, identified 81 strategies for clinician-use within four implementation phases. The goal of this research was to further specify strategies based on emerging implementation science and establish external validity. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: An iterative mixed-methods process guided framework revisions. First, individuals (n=1,578) requesting use of the framework over the last seven years were sent an electronic questionnaire. Evaluation captured usability, generalizability, accuracy of phases, and implementation phases for each of 81 strategies. Second, nurses who use the framework pile sorted strategies for multidimensional scaling and hierarchical analysis using Anthropac software. Third, a panel of five EBP/implementation experts used data and a consensus process to add clarity with the naming, and further specify strategies. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Survey respondents (n = 127, 8% response) were nurses (94%), at least Master’s educated (94%), from health systems (52%) or academia (31%), in the U.S. (84%). The framework, rated on a four-point scale (1 = not/strongly disagree to 4 = very/strongly agree; reported are ratings 3 and 4) was deemed useful (92%), generalizable (100%), and with accurate timing (96%). 51 participants linked strategy timing to a single phase (54 strategies, 66.7%, p<0.05, Cochran’s Q); most strategies (30) matched the original model. Pile sorting (n=23) generated a concept map and hierarchical clusters of groups. Experts used these data and implementation science to specify each strategy and revise the framework. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The Iowa Implementation for Sustainability Framework (IISF) offers a typology to guide implementation for healthcare improvements. This study specifies 77 implementation strategies, confirms four phases, identified 10 domains, and begins to establish external validity for the framework.
In Brief Addressing the leadership imperative to create a culture of emotional safety in healthcare organizations, the authors distinguish emotional safety from psychological safety, share leadership strategies to promote emotional safety by building a culture of ownership, and suggest areas needed for further research.
Background This study examined the relationship among enacted weight stigma, weight self-stigma, and multiple health outcomes. Weight stigma, a stressor experienced across all body sizes, may contribute to poorer physical health outcomes by activating the nervous and endocrine system or by triggering counterproductive health behaviors like lower physical activity, maladaptive eating patterns, and delayed health care, as well as provider bias that may cause a medical concern to be discounted. While associations of weight stigma with mental health issues are well documented, less is known about its association with physical health. Methods We enrolled 3821 adults who completed an online survey assessing enacted weight stigma, weight self-stigma, multiple self-reported physical health outcomes, healthcare utilization, and selected health behaviors. Results After controlling for BMI, health care delay or avoidance, sedentary behavior, and selected demographic characteristics, enacted weight stigma, significantly increased the odds of six physical health problems including hypertension (OR 1.36; CI 1.08, 1.72), hyperglycemia (OR 1.73; CI 1.29, 2.31), thyroid disorder, (OR 1.65; CI 1.27, 2.13), any arthritis (OR 1.70; CI 1.27, 2.26), non-arthritic chronic pain (OR 1.76; CI 1.4, 2.29), and infertility (OR 1.53; CI 1.14, 2.05). Weight self-stigma significantly increased the odds for three physical health problems including hypertension (OR 1.43; CI 1.16, 1.76), hyperglycemia (OR 1.37; CI 1.03, 1.81), and non-arthritic chronic pain (OR 1.5; CI 1.2,1.87). Enacted stigma was associated with more than a four-fold increase in odds of believing that a medical concern was disregarded by a health care provider. Conclusions In this study, enacted stigma and weight self-stigma were independently associated with heightened risk for multiple physical health problems, as well as, believing health concerns were discounted by providers. Reducing weight stigma may be an important component of managing multiple physical health conditions.
You probably have a coat hook at home and work. How often do you walk past that coat hook and simply throw your jacket on the back of a chair instead? If you have school-age children, how often are their coats and backpacks on the floor or some other spot that is not the coat hook? Ponder a moment and identify what contributes to you or your family not using the coat hook. Will education improve adoption or use of that coat hook? The coat hook is an analogy for certain Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in your specialty.
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between lifetime sexual assault (defined as someone having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime) and reproductive health care seeking, contraception usage, and family planning outcomes in female veterans. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected between 2005 and 2008 from computer-assisted telephone interviews with 1,004 female veterans aged 20-52 years who were enrolled at two Midwestern Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care systems. Participants were asked about reproductive, mental, and general health histories, and about lifetime sexual assault. We assessed associations between reproductive histories and contraceptive use among participants who reported lifetime sexual assault, compared with those who had not experienced lifetime sexual assault, by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Lastly, we examined reasons why these participants had not sought Pap test screening. RESULTS More than half (62%) of participants reported experiencing lifetime sexual assault. Because there was an association between older age and history of lifetime sexual assault (P<.001), we stratified the analysis by age. Women with a history of lifetime sexual assault were more likely to have had unprotected intercourse for a year or more (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.35-3.96) and a teen pregnancy (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.07-4.12) than women who did not report lifetime sexual assault. When stratified by age, women aged 40-52 years with a history of lifetime sexual assault were more likely to report more than a year of unprotected sex, teen pregnancy, and not seeking prenatal care with their first pregnancy, than women aged 40-52 who did not report lifetime sexual assault. Women who experienced lifetime sexual assault were more likely to report not seeking Pap tests in the past owing to fear and anxiety when compared with women who had not experienced lifetime sexual assault. CONCLUSION Female veterans who reported lifetime sexual assault had differences in family planning behaviors compared with women who did not report lifetime sexual assault. These findings have implications for clinicians and VA policymakers when determining family planning and reproductive care delivery needs for female veterans of reproductive age.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:Patient, provider, and system factors can contribute to chronic care management and outcomes. Few studies have examined these multilevel associations with osteoporosis care and outcomes. We examined how key process and structural factors at the patient, primary care physician (PCP), and primary care clinic (PCC) levels were associated with guideline concordant osteoporosis pharmacotherapy, daily calcium intake, vitamin D supplementation, and weekly exercise sessions at 52 weeks following enrollment in a cluster randomized controlled trial.METHODS:We conducted a secondary analysis of observational data from 1 site of the trial. The study sample included 1996 men and women ≥ 50 years of age at the time of recruitment following completion of a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and who had complete data at baseline and 52 weeks. Our primary independent variable was "relationship continuity": the DXA-ordering provider was the patient's PCP. Hierarchical linear and logistic regression accounted for patient, provider, and primary care clinic characteristics.RESULTS:In multivariable regression analyses, relationship continuity (ie, the PCP ordered the study DXA) was associated with higher average daily calcium intake and likelihood of vitamin D supplementation at 52 weeks. No PCP or primary care clinic factors were associated with osteoporosis care.CONCLUSIONS:The relationship continuity, in which the provider ordering a DXA is the patient's PCP and therefore also presents the results of a DXA, may help to promote patient behaviors associated with good bone health.
Background: Weight stigma is associated with several negative health issues such as anxiety, depression, maladaptive eating, and metabolic and cardiovascular disease, independent of weight and problematic for individuals of all ages and body sizes. To reduce harmful effects of weight stigma, it is imperative we accurately capture the prevalence of weight stigma in the population to better understand the magnitude of the problem. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of both enacted weight stigma and weight-self stigma and include important contextual factors such as demographic characteristics and the belief about personal controllability of body weight. Methods: This cross-sectional study included over 3800 adults who completed an online survey that captured their experiences with weight-based discrimination, teasing and beliefs about obesity. Using multivariate logistic regression, we predicted the odds of weight stigma across demographic characteristics and beliefs about obesity. Results: The prevalence of weight stigma in this sample was 57%. We found that the odds of weight discrimination and teasing are higher across BMI categories and that the odds of weight self-stigma are highest among those who are categorized as overweight or obese. Additionally, the odds of weight self-stigma are higher for those who believe individuals are personally responsible for body weight. Conclusions: Our findings are comprehensive and offer new information crucial to our overall understanding of weight-based stigma and discrimination. Most people have weight stigma and it is prevalent in individuals of all body sizes. This study has significant implications for research and clinical practice. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity.
Infertility prevalence and care needs among male and female Veterans are understudied topics. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical benefits package covers full infertility evaluation and many infertility treatments for Veterans but not, by law, for their spouses. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also specifically excluded from this medical benefits package by regulation. Congress passed a law in 2016 that allowed VHA to provide IVF to Veterans and their legal spouses, and broader infertility benefits to the legal spouse, if the Veteran has a service-connected condition associated with his or her infertility, with some limitations. As the Veteran population becomes increasingly female, research efforts in reproductive health, including infertility, are expanding and evolving. This includes a nationwide study currently underway examining infertility among male and female Veterans and associations with military-related trauma, such as injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and toxin exposure. In this review, we describe the state of the science and policy on infertility care in the VHA along with challenges and opportunities that exist within the VHA system.