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Aims: This work aims to explore staff perceptions of (1) the effectiveness of organizational communication during the COVID‐19 pandemic and (2) the impact of organizational communication on staff well‐being and ability to progress their work and patient care. Background: Effective coordination and communication are essential in a pandemic management response. However, the effectiveness of communication strategies used during the COVID‐19 pandemic is not well understood. Design: An exploratory cross‐sectional research design was used. A 33‐item survey tool was created for the study. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Western Australia. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from nursing, medical, allied health services, administrative and clerical, and personal support services (N = 325). Data were collected between December 2020 and May 2021. Results: Overall, all occupational groups found working during the COVID‐19 pandemic stressful, and all groups wanted accessible and accurate communication from management and new policies, procedures, and protocols for future outbreaks. Conclusions: The use of occupational group‐relevant strategies and COVID‐19 protocols, as well as the on‐going use of email, face‐to‐face meetings with debrief sessions, are needed to improve communication and support staff to fulfil their roles. Summary statement: What is already known about the topic? Effective coordination and communication that is timely and two‐way in nature, is an essential part of a pandemic management response. What this paper adds? All occupational groups found working during the COVID‐19 pandemic stressful; all groups wanted accessible and accurate communication from management and new policies, procedures, and protocols for future outbreaks. The implications of this paper: Managing a pandemic situation in health care settings is challenging for all levels of staff including management and all occupational work groups.The use of occupational group‐relevant strategies and COVID‐19 protocols, as well as the on‐going use of email, face‐to‐face meetings with debrief sessions, are needed to improve communication and support staff to fulfil their roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this work is to synthesize and interpret qualitative research examining the experiences of nurses providing care for patients with COVID‐19 in acute care settings in the early stages of the pandemic in different countries. Background: The prevalence of disasters, including the pandemic, is increasing globally. It is important to understand nurses' experiences in depth to effectively manage extraordinary events that may occur in the future. Design: This is a thematic meta‐synthesis study. Methods: Electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, and Scopus, were searched for publications from December 2019 to October 2020. The search was updated for publications to 30 May 2022. The thematic synthesis method was used to analyse and interpret the data. Findings The experiences of the nurses giving care to patients with COVID‐19 were grouped under four themes: (1) Difficulties encountered in the care of patients with COVID‐19; (2) mixed emotions experienced in the care of patients with COVID‐19; (3) coping strategies that nurses used in the management of the pandemic; (4) the benefits of the COVID‐19 to nurses. Conclusion: Nurses faced many difficulties and experienced mixed emotions while providing care for patients with coronavirus disease. Perceived social support was seen as the most important strategy for coping with these difficult situations. It is important to be aware of the difficulties and emotions experienced by nurses and support them during the COVID‐19 pandemic for the management of future pandemics. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the health sector was affected most.Nurses were on the front lines and faced many challenges. What this paper adds? Nurses perceived the COVID‐19 pandemic as a unique experience for their professional identity and personal development despite the difficulties they faced.They saw social support, which would make them feel valuable, as the most important coping strategy. The implications of this paper Lessons learned from nurse experiences in the early stages of the pandemic should be taken into account when planning for a pandemic or other disaster situations.Politicians, health‐care organizations, and nurse managers should increase social support to ensure the well‐being of nurses in busy work environments such as pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of prenatal breast‐feeding education provided to pregnant women who experience fear of breast‐feeding in the COVID‐19 pandemic period. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 128 pregnant women (64 in the experimental group and 64 in the control group) between November 2021 and February 2022. The data were collected via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale to assess fear, motivation and attitudes regarding breast‐feeding. The pregnant women in the experimental group were provided with and education programme on 'safe breastfeeding in the COVID‐19 pandemic'. The breast‐feeding education included in standard care was given to the control group after pre‐test data collection was completed. Results: The significant differences in the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Breastfeeding Motivation Scale and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale scores of the groups were in favour of the experimental group (P < 0.05). It was determined that in the first postnatal month, in the experimental group, the numbers of women who believed that their breast‐feeding was not affected by COVID‐19 and the numbers of infants solely breastmilk‐fed were higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Prenatal breast‐feeding education about safe breast‐feeding in the COVID‐19 pandemic period can reduce fears of breast‐feeding and increase motivation and approving attitudes regarding breast‐feeding. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic dramatically reduced access for new mothers to their immediate family, health‐care providers and support systems, which are social support providers.The COVID‐19 pandemic also caused mothers to experience intense fear, anxiety and uncertainty about whether to continue breast‐feeding.Although published guidelines emphasize that the advantages of breast‐feeding outweigh the risk of transmission, fears of transmission of COVID‐19 have caused mothers to avoid breast‐feeding. What this paper adds? During the COVID‐19 pandemic period, the breast‐feeding motivation of expectant mothers who received midwife support for breast‐feeding increased, and their fear of breast‐feeding decreased. The implications of this paper: To ensure well‐being in postpartum mothers, a special breast‐feeding education plan should be developed for the conditions during the pregnancy and postpartum periods.In the COVID‐19 pandemic period, breast‐feeding education can be beneficial for this vulnerable group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 aimed to adapt the Cancer Information Overload Scale and conduct content validity testing. Phase 2 aimed to conduct factorial validity testing of the scale. Phase 3 aimed to assess information overload and the sources of information used by nurses and midwives to keep up‐to‐date about COVID‐19. Design: A cross‐sectional survey of nurses and midwives working in a metropolitan Local Health District in Sydney, Australia, was conducted from May to June 2020. Methods: Adaptation of the Cancer Information Overload Scale and content validity of the modified scale (as the Pandemic Information Overload Scale) was undertaken by an expert panel comprising of senior nurses and researchers. Factorial validity and reliability of the Pandemic Information Overload Scale were evaluated using exploratory factor analyses using one subsample of the data. Using the second subsample of the data, information overload and sources of information used by nurses and midwives to keep up‐to‐date about COVID‐19 were examined. Results: The Pandemic Information Overload Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring information overload among nurses during a pandemic. Its internal consistency was high (α = 0.81, M = 3.84). Conclusion: The 8‐item PIO scale is a brief, reliable and psychometrically sound instrument for measuring nurses' and midwives' perceptions of information overload during COVID‐19. Mean scores across this study indicated that participants were experiencing above average information overload. Implementing strategies to reduce this overload would optimize clinical decision making and promote patient safety. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic?: The growth of available information for healthcare means health care professionals must filter and process information rapidly to make clinical decisions.A large volume of information has been available from a range of sources related to COVID‐19. This has caused challenges for clinicians to rapidly locate and evaluate information. What this paper adds?: This study offers a validated instrument to assess nurses' and midwives' perceptions of information overload during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Less experienced nurses and midwives had higher information overload compared with those with more experience.Nurses and midwives accessed reliable sources such as the official websites and emails from trusted Health executives for information on the pandemic. The implications of this paper: This instrument can be used to measure of information overload and consequently inform strategies to manage information levels in a clinical settingUnderstanding the sources of information nurses and midwives access can assist with using appropriate methods to deliver information so that nurses and midwives are equipped to make accurate decisions that are best for their patients.Nurses and midwives need support in managing large volumes of information and in gathering the range of information required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of burnout in female nurses during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also sought to evaluate the relationship between each of the variables studied (anxiety, depression, sociodemographic and COVID‐19 variables) and the dimensions of the burnout. Background: One of the groups of health care workers worst affected by the COVID‐19 crisis has been women working as nursing staff, due to the high percentage they account for at a global level and their direct contact with infected patients. Design: This was a cross‐sectional, quantitative study. Methods: Four hundred forty‐four Spanish female nurses from hospital and primary health care centres took part in the study. The data were obtained in 2020 by means of an online survey. Results: Symptoms of depression are a common predictor variable to all the dimensions of burnout, whereas symptoms of anxiety predict emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Age and years of experience in the job predict depersonalization, whereas the probability of contracting the infection is a predictor variable of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. Conclusion: Predictor variables should be considered in the creation of prevention and intervention plans to reduce the levels of burnout in female nurses. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? During the COVID‐19 pandemic, nurses have been exposed to high levels of burnout. Research has shown that nurses experience high levels of anxiety and depression in pandemics, in comparison with other job positions in the health care sector.Being a woman and having certain previous psychological conditions (symptoms of anxiety and depression) are predictors of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. What this paper adds? This research focuses on female nurses, and makes an important contribution given the lack of studies that assess these variables from a gender perspective.Symptoms of depression have been identified as a common predictor variable of the three dimensions of burnout in female nurses during the pandemic, but anxiety only predicts emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, not personal accomplishment.Age and years of experience in the job predict depersonalization, whereas the probability of contracting the infection is a predictor of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. The implications of this paper for practice: The probability of contracting the infection, years of experience as a nurse and age are variables related to higher levels of burnout in female nurses.Absence of depression symptoms is associated with low levels of the three dimensions of burnout, whereas anxiety only predicts depersonalization and personal accomplishment: the implications of this should be considered in developing preventive programmes for burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic caused a shortage of health care staff, forcing the hiring of senior nursing students. Aims: To describe the psychosocial impact and coping strategies used by nursing students during the first outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic and to understand the coping strategies they employed. Method: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted, based on Sandelowski's proposal. Purposive sampling was carried out to recruit 18 students hired during the pandemic. The students were interviewed between 18 March and 15 June 2020. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted using a digital platform. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. Findings The students lived alone and isolated during their contract to protect their cohabitants from possible contagion. The impact of working during the pandemic leads to experiences of stress, insomnia, nightmares and anxiety. Nursing students coped with the emotional burden through mental disconnection and the support of co‐workers and family members. Conclusion: Psychological support and tutoring should be provided by health centres. In addition, in these special circumstances, universities should adapt the training provided. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? In Spain, as in many other countries, a state of alarm was declared during the first wave of COVID 19. The Ministry of Health established measures to manage the health crisis and contain infections, including the hiring of senior nursing students to work.Working conditions had a high physical and psycho‐emotional impact on health professionals.The lack of prior experience of students in the context of a pandemic and how they enter the workforce could make it difficult to develop adequate coping strategies, enhancing the presence of mental and emotional disorders.What this paper adds? During their work, and in order to avoid contagion, the students lived apart from their families, limited their contacts and were isolated in refuge in rooms or homes. Upon entering the home, they showered, changed clothes and disinfected any surfaces they touched.The students described feeling stressed due to the lack of protective equipment and staff, heavy workloads and lack of knowledge regarding the unit and work protocols. They worried about making mistakes, doing their jobs poorly or being unable to help patients. When they got home, they had episodes of insomnia and anxiety.Faced with this situation, students used mental disconnection or distraction as coping strategies. Others shared their fears and uncertainties with other health care professionals and family members, seeking support and understanding. Other times, they tried to be strong and hide their suffering.The implications of this paper: The incorporation of students as relief for professionals in a situation of extreme need is not exempt from significant psychosocial risks and should include monitoring programs and psychological evaluation.The hospitals should monitor and mentor students to facilitate their adaptation to similar situations in the future.The students required greater support from the administration, including offering them housing where they could live away from family and relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This research aimed to determine predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population. Methods: The study was conducted with 575 individuals. COVID‐19 preventive behaviours were evaluated with a 19‐item scale scored from 19 to 95. Knowledge on COVID‐19 was evaluated with a 22‐item scale scored from 0 to 22. General health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Scale (THLS), which was scored from 0 to 50. Results: The average COVID‐19 preventive behaviours score was moderately high in this sample of the Turkish population. Being female, having a higher level of education, better economic status, being a non‐smoker, having a higher level of COVID‐19 knowledge and better general health literacy score were significant predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID‐19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing COVID‐19 infections in a sample of the Turkish population. Summary statement: What is already known about the topic? To reduce the risk of transmission and prevent the spread of the COVID‐19, it is necessary to comply with COVID‐19 preventive behaviours.Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID‐19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing the COVID‐19 disease. What does this paper add? COVID‐19 preventive behaviours scored moderately high among a sample of the Turkish population.Being female, having higher level of education, better economic status, being a non‐smoker, having higher level of knowledge about COVID‐19 and better general health literacy are significant predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population, accounting for 22.4% of the variance in COVID‐19 preventive behaviours. The implications of this paper: Attempts should be made to increase the COVID‐19 knowledge and health literacy to increase COVID‐19 preventive behaviours among the Turkish population.In particular, attempts should be made to increase the COVID‐19 preventive behaviours for men, individuals with low education and poor economic conditions, and smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]