Search

Aim To explore the experiences of being discharged from hospital of older patients with chronic diseases at time of discharge. Design Multi-centre descriptive qualitative study. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with older patients with chronic diseases discharged from two Italian university hospitals, between March 2017 and October 2019. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis. Several strategies were used to ensure the credibility, dependability, confirmability, authenticity and transferability of the findings. The study was reported in accordance with Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Results Sixty-five patients participated in the study. Six main categories emerged: feelings, need for information, time of fragility, need for support, need for trusting relationships, and home as a caring place. Conclusion Older patients with chronic diseases are patients who require quality discharge planning with a patient-centred care vision. Healthcare professionals should intervene more extensively and deeply in the discharge process, balancing the patients' perception of their needs against organizational priorities and the wish to return home with that of not being abandoned. Impact Discharge from hospital remains an area of concern as older people have varying degrees of met and unmet needs during and following hospital discharge. Discharge is characterized by conflicting feelings of patients, who need information and support of healthcare professionals through trusting and continuous relationships. Understanding the experience of discharge is essential to support older patients with chronic diseases, considering that discharge from hospital is not an end point of care but a stage of the process involving care transition. The reframing of discharge as another transition point is crucial for healthcare professionals, who will be responsible for making their patients fit for discharge by preparing them to manage their chronic condition at home.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients’ care needs to be reconsidered by integrating the patient’s clinical pathway with the hospital patient journey and the family context in a safe and patient-centered way. So far, no systematic reports are available regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care. This work gives a first overview of patients’ care needs undergoing chemotherapy treatment from a nursing perspective.

Background and Objective Fatigue is one of the most debilitating and prevalent symptoms in pediatric cancer patients and it is important to know if nurses are able to recognize and manage it. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes towards fatigue of nurses working in Italian pediatric onco-hematology centers. Methods Cross-sectional online survey. An existing questionnaire was adapted to the Italian context, extended with a section on attitudes, and psychometrically tested. The questionnaire was sent to all nurses working in Italian pediatric onco-hematology centers. Results Respondents (n = 189), who were working in 37/53 (∼70%) centers, reported 42% of children and 68% of adolescents experiencing fatigue, with intensity increasing with age. Contributing factors were treatments and co-morbidities; frequent symptoms were mood changes and lack of energy. Among respondents who did not assess fatigue, 36.2% did not know an appropriate tool. Nurses recognized fatigue as an important problem and their knowledge and attitudes towards fatigue seemed satisfactory. Conclusion This study provides nurses with an instrument to investigate their knowledge and attitudes about fatigue. Nurses’ awareness of the significance of fatigue is a fundamental step towards improving its management and offering strategies that can help both the child and their family.

Objectives This study aimed to describe patients’ perspectives on their experience in osteopathic treatment, to contribute toward developing interpretative models on effectiveness. Methods A descriptive phenomenological approach was used. The data were collected through a semistructured interview. To capture the variability of the phenomenon, a purposive sample of 12 participants with previous experience of osteopathic care was selected. The data analysis was carried out in an inductive way, and it was parallel to the recruitment to continuously monitor the data saturation. Results Data saturation was reached with 12 participants (female = 9; male = 3). Participants’ age ranged from 27 to 82 years old (mean: 55.25 ± 17.15; median: 59; kurtosis: -0.82). Participants had different reasons for consultation. The analysis showed 1 overarching theme, “Osteopathy is a path of awareness,” 3 themes, and 12 categories. Themes were: (1) “The experience of pain produces awareness of the need for care,” (2) “Osteopathy is a journey to be shared over time,” and (3) “The effectiveness of the osteopathic treatment is the discovery of the person's unity by experience.” Conclusion Participants affirm that osteopathy is a path of awareness that starts from an experience of pain; leads them to contact an osteopath; and ends with their experience of the unity of body, mind, and spirit.

Background To prevent health care-associated infections, health organizations recommend that health care workers stringently observe standard precautions (SPs). Nevertheless, compliance with SPs is still suboptimal, emphasizing the need for improvement interventions. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial with a pretest-post-test design was conducted with 121 clinical nurses who worked in different wards of a university hospital. The intervention group (n = 61) had 3 infection control link nurses nominated and attended systematic audits and feedback. The control group (n = 60) received only the standard multimodal approach used in the hospital. Pre- and post-test assessment of SPs compliance was performed via the World Health Organization observational hand hygiene form and Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale Italian version. Results At the post-test, nurses in the intervention group reported significantly increased compliance with hand hygiene, whereas no significant improvement was found in the control group. Nurses in both groups reported significantly increased Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale Italian version scores; however, a higher increase and practical significance was observed in the intervention group. Participants who improved their scores were also compared between groups, showing a significantly greater increase of individual scores in intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusions The findings of this study provide significant practical implications for hospitals seeking to improve compliance with SPs among nurses, showing the effectiveness of using infection control link nurses combined with systematic audits and feedback.

In oncology, adherence to oral antineoplastic medication is a key element of treatment, on which the success of any therapeutic intervention depends. Given their widespread use in clinical practice, it is important to identify tools that can facilitate the monitoring and self-management of the patient at home, to avoid the consequences of employing ineffective treatment. One of the tools available today to take action on this phenomenon is mobile health technology. The aim of this review is to describe published studies relating to the use of mobile health to promote adherence to oral antineoplastic medication. This scoping review was conducted using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, adapted according to Levac et al. Of 1320 articles identified, only seven met the eligibility criteria and therefore were included in the review. All seven articles involved the use of digital means to measure adherence to treatment, patient satisfaction, acceptability and feasibility of the digital means used, and presence of symptoms, but not the effectiveness of the digital instrument used. In conclusion, the use of digital means to assist adherence of cancer patients to oral antineoplastic medication is widely recognized, but its effectiveness in clinical practice is poorly supported by the nature of the published studies.

Background One of the most common bacteria responsible for most Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is Propionibacterium acnes. Even though the rate of infections in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty is increasing, effective diagnostic tests and the precautions taken during the surgery are not yet adequate. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis in PJI in shoulder replacement and to provide health workers with the best approach to the use of antimicrobial agents based on currently available clinical evidence. Methods a systematic review of the literature was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Studies concerning the effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis in the prevention of PJI in patients undergoing shoulder replacement were included. Results Seven studies were included in the final analysis because they were considered valid. A total of 3272 patients underwent a surgical procedure, most of which were males. The male population has a greater presence of hair, therefore a greater risk of P. acnes. in surface cultures. Patients were assessed at an average follow-up period of 20 months ranging from 9 weeks to 53 months. Conclusion The optimal perioperative antimicrobial regimen is controversial. The clinical guidelines recommend the use of only one antibiotic as prophylaxis but considering the increase in the rates of antibiotic-resistant infections, the question arises whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be extended for adequate coverage. Shoulder arthroplasty performed on the male population must be carefully checked after surgery for the possible presence of P. Acnes.

The aim of this analysis was to assess the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relating to pain management in rotator cuff (RC) tears. This review evaluated the quality of the studies in the literature regarding this topic through the use of some factors and trends. The online databases used to search all RCTs on the topic of RC surgery were Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. This research was completed in September 2020. To assess the quality of reports, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the modified Coleman methodology score (MCMS) were used. From the research, 262 articles emerged. Finally, 79 studies were included in this historical analysis. There were no statistically significant changes in MCMS across trials that included or did not include a CONSORT diagram (p = 0.10). A statistically significant difference in MCMS was discovered between papers produced prior to 2009 and publications produced after 2015 (p = 0.03). There was no association between the number of checklist items for each article and the Coleman score. During the years there has been a significant increase in both quantity and quality of RCTs relating to pain in RC tears.

Recent research shows that major levels of psychological distress correlate with higher pain and reduced function in patients with shoulder and rotator cuff pathology. A systematic review updating a review published in 2016 was conducted to determine the degree of consistency and the strength of association between psychosocial factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) in patients with rotator cuff repair (RCR) with new high-quality literature. The bibliographic searches were conducted from May to June 2020 within the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The articles included should discuss the association between psychosocial factors and outcomes in patients with documented or diagnosed rotator cuff tears through clinical and/or radiological examination. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool was used to assess the methodological quality. Fifteen articles were included. Negative psychosocial factors were found consistently associated with worse function and disability in the pre- and post-operative period. In particular, psychosocial factors regarding emotional or mental health were associated with a weak to a substantial degree with preoperative and postoperative function/disability and pain intensity in patients undergoing RCR. In patients undergoing repair of the rotator cuff tear, there was a correlation between poor psychological function before surgery and worsening post-surgical outcomes, such as persistence of postoperative pain intensity and worse levels of function/disability.

Aims and objectives To summarise the evidence about patient-related risk factors for difficult intravenous access in adults, and at identifying nurses' beliefs and their consistency with evidence. Background Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a common procedure for nurses, but rates of failure at first attempt of peripheral intravenous cannulation range 10%-40%. Nurses' beliefs about difficult intravenous access factors might influence their clinical practice more than current evidence. Design The study included a literature review of the evidence on patient-related risk factors for difficult intravenous access, the development of an instrument to investigate nurses' beliefs about this topic and a cross-sectional multicentre survey on clinical nurses. Methods The quality of the studies included was evaluated through the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. A synthesis of evidence for each risk factor was produced. A survey instrument was developed including 26 risk factors, which were then rated by nurses as perceived predictors of difficult intravenous access. The STROBE guidelines for study reporting were followed. Results Four hundred and fifty clinical nurses working in four hospitals in Italy were surveyed. Nurses' beliefs were in line with evidence in considering body mass index, drug abuse, lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy as difficult intravenous access factors. Beliefs about difficult intravenous access factors were influenced by nurses' work experience and frequency of peripheral intravenous cannulation. Nurses also identified as risk factors for difficult intravenous access oedema, thrombophlebitis, hypovolaemia, skin lesions and irritant therapies, which have been minimally investigated by research. Conclusions An overall congruence between nurses' beliefs and evidence about risk factors for difficult intravenous access was found. With their expertise, nurses may fill the knowledge gap of clinical evidence and open new paths for clinically meaningful research. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses' beliefs about difficult intravenous access factors can be influenced by their work experience and clinical setting. Integrating nurses' beliefs with scientific evidence can increase the quality of care.

Background Dependence is a common life experience and innate condition for human beings due to their bodily and relational essence, but in contemporary society, it has become a stressful condition. Care dependence is central to nursing, and patients with advanced cancer are often dependent on care. Understanding nurses' perceptions of care dependence can contribute to awareness of the impact it has on nurses. Objective The aim of this study was to explore palliative care nurses' experiences and perceptions regarding patient dependence. Methods Sixteen nurses taking care of dependent patients in a palliative care center in Rome were interviewed. Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method was used. Results Nurses caring for dependent patients transcend the boundaries of dependence. Care dependence is an experience of powerlessness and regression. A patient's life in dependence is precarious, as they have to overcome the daily limits of life. Taking care of dependent patients requires nurses to manage the unmanageable and to know and to embrace change from within in order to build positive relations of personal closeness and reciprocal self-giving. Conclusions Nurses should be aware that self-transcendence and the consequent positive relations could make the difference in the experience of care dependence and promote personal growth for both patient and nurse. Positive and transcending relationships can transform care dependence into the opportunity to find meaning and purpose in life. Implications for practice The study highlights what nurses feel in caring for dependent patients. Understanding nurses' perceptions is important to delineate a proper caring for dependent patients.

Aims and objectives To describe which nursing activities are observed during the discharge of older patients with chronic diseases and to investigate the consistency between the nursing activities actually observed and those documented. Background The discharge from hospital of older patients with chronic diseases is a critical transition that can lead to dissatisfaction, delays in discharge, re-admission, adverse events and increased mortality. Although nurses' interventions during discharge are important for patient outcomes, little is known about the nursing activities actually performed as compared with those documented. Design An observational study of the nursing activities performed during patients' discharge and a retrospective audit of the nursing records of the same patients and nurses. Methods Structured nonparticipant observations were conducted of the activities performed by nurses at discharge. A retrospective audit of the nursing records relating to patient discharge, including the nursing diary and the assessment of critical issues at hospital discharge, was also conducted. The STROBE guidelines were followed (See Supporting Information Appendix S2). Results During hospital discharge of 102 patients, 1,224 nursing activities were observed. The number of activities was not related to patients' age, gender and educational level, nor to nurses' postgraduate education. Statistically significant correlations emerged between the number of activities observed and the nurses' work experience. Conclusions A predefined discharge plan guiding nurses' activities during discharge would enable them to respond better to the care needs of elderly patients. Relevance to clinical practice Results from the study could help clinical nurses to address care priorities of patients at discharge, by using appropriate plans and checklists and improving recording rates. Novice nurses should be supported when caring for elderly patients with chronic disease at discharge.

Background and Objectives: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a valid alternative to total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in selected cases. After surgery, patients’ experience and satisfaction were traditionally evaluated by pre- and postsurgical scores and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Otherwise, a statistically significant change does not necessarily correlate to a clinically meaningful improvement when measured using PROMs. To evaluate the real effect of a specific treatment and understand the difference between groups in a clinical trial, it is necessary to use a meaningful quantum of change on the score assessed. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) can provide this meaningful change. This paper aimed to calculate the MCID and the PASS of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) after UKA. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with a mean age 72.5 ± 6.4 years undergoing UKA were assessed preoperatively and six months postsurgery using the FJS-12 and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). The baseline and 6-month postoperative scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The correlation was calculated with Spearman’s rho. Both distribution-based approaches and anchor approaches were used to estimate MCID for the FJS-12. The 75th percentile and the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve methods were used to calculate the PASS of FJS-12. Results: MCID estimates for normalized FJS-12 for UKA ranged from 5.68 to 19.82. The threshold of the FJS-12 with ROC method was 72.92 (AUC = 0.76). The cut-off value computed with the 75th percentile approach was 92.71. Conclusions: The MCID and PASS represent valid tools to assess the real perception of clinical improvement in patients who underwent UKA. The MCID value of FJS-12 was 12.5 for patients who underwent UKA. The value of the PASS for the FJS-12 in patients who underwent UKA was 72.92.

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) recorded an increased incidence of around 30% per year in the United States. Patient’s experience and satisfaction after surgery were traditionally assessed by pre, and post-surgical scores and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) scales. Traditional scales as Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) reported high ceiling effect. Patients treated by UKA usually perform well; therefore, it is necessary to have a PROMs’ scale with a low ceiling effect as the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). PROMs have to be validated in the local language to be used. This study aims to perform a psychometric validation of the Italian version of FJS-12 for UKA for the first time. Between January 2019 and October 2019, 44 patients were included. Each patient completed both the FJS-12 Italian version and the WOMAC Italian version in preoperative follow-up, after 2-week and 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month postoperative follow-up. Cronbach’s α, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated to evaluate the reliability. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess validity. The Effect Size (ES) was used to test the responsiveness. A range of Cronbach’s α between 0.90 and 0.95 indicated good internal consistency for the FJS-12. The test–retest reliability was acceptable (i.e., the ICC was higher than 0.7) at each follow-up. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the FJS-12 and WOMAC was − 0.11 (n.s.) at preoperative follow-up, r = 0.47 (P = 0.001) at 1 month, r = 0.57 (P

Background Nutrition is a basic patients' need and an important component of nursing. End-of-life cancer patients can experience difficulties in eating and drinking, sometimes requiring artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH). Nurses' knowledge and attitudes greatly influence nursing care. Nurses may lack knowledge of ANH. To date, no study has explored the knowledge and attitudes of oncology and palliative care nurses toward end-of-life ANH. Objective To describe oncology and palliative care nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward ANH. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 regions of Italy using the Italian version of the Questionnaire on Knowledge and Attitudes in Providing ANH for Terminal Cancer Patients. Attitudes were divided into benefits and burdens of providing ANH. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results High percentages of oncology and palliative care nurses showed reasonable knowledge about ANH. More disagreement was evidenced about benefits and burdens of ANH, and lower importance was given to them. Conclusions Some misconceptions and a low level of awareness exist among some nurses about ANH. More nursing studies should be conducted and extended to different care settings. Moreover, guidelines should be reinforced with a nursing perspective to better define nurses' role in the decision-making process on ANH. Implications for practice This exploration of nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward ANH in end-of-life cancer patients can contribute to an understanding of how nurses can be involved in better meeting cancer patients' nutritional needs at the end of life.

OBJECTIVE This multicentre study aimed to develop a measure of the perception of care dependence in patients diagnosed with cancer and to test its psychometric properties. METHODS The questionnaire was developed based on findings emerged from a meta-synthesis and from qualitative studies conducted in three hospitals in Italy. The draft questionnaire was tested for face and content validity and pilot-tested with patients. The questionnaire was completed by care-dependent patients with cancer. Test-retest was conducted to verify stability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed using a Maximum Likelihood robust estimator. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The Scale-Content Validity Index was 0.92. The final 15-item questionnaire was completed by 208 patients admitted to two hospitals. The EFA yielded a two-factor model including a positive and a negative perception of care dependence. Factor score determinacy coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, composite reliability coefficients and Intraclass Correlations Coefficients yielded satisfactory results confirming internal consistency and stability. The hedonic balance score is also available as a single indicator of subjective well-being. The study provides initial validation of the Care DEeP Questionnaire that can be used by cancer nurses to assess positive and negative patient experiences with care dependence and to personalise and improve their care.

Background: Remote virtual rehabilitation aroused growing interest in the last decades, and its role has gained importance following the recent spread of COVID19 pandemic. The advantages of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), gamification, and telerehabilitation have been demonstrated in several medical fields. In this review, we searched the literature for studies using these technologies for orthopedic rehabilitation and analyzed studies’ quality, type and field of rehabilitation, patients’ characteristics, and outcomes to describe the state of the art of VR, AR, gamification, and telerehabilitation for orthopedic rehabilitation. Methods: A comprehensive search on PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Embase databases was conducted. This review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2015 and 2020 about remote virtual rehabilitations for orthopedic patients were selected. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Cochrane Risk-of-Bias assessment tool were used for quality assessment. Results: 24 studies (9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 15 non-randomized studies) and 2472 patients were included. Studies mainly concern telerehabilitation (56%), and to a lesser extent VR (28%), AR (28%), and gamification (16%). Remote virtual technologies were used following knee and hip arthroplasty. The majority of included patients were between 40 and 60 years old and had a university degree. Remote virtual rehabilitation was not inferior to face-to-face therapy, and physical improvements were demonstrated by increased clinical scores. Orthopedic virtual remote rehabilitation decreased costs related to transports, hospitalizations, and readmissions. Conclusion: The heterogeneity of included studies prevented a meta-analysis of their results. Age and social context influence adaptability to technology, and this can modify compliance to treatment and outcomes. A good relationship between patient and physiotherapist is essential for treatment compliance and new technologies are useful to maintain clinical interactions remotely. Remote virtual technologies allow the delivery of high-quality care at reduced costs. This is a necessity given the growing demand for orthopedic rehabilitation and increasing costs related to it. Future studies need to develop specific and objective methods to evaluate the clinical quality of new technologies and definitively demonstrate advantages of VR, AR, gamification, and telerehabilitation compared to face-to face orthopedic rehabilitation.

Background and objectives: Our research aimed to evaluate the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) linked to rotator cuff (RC) tears. The present study analyzed factors connected to the quality of the RCTs and trends in the quality of reporting through time. Materials and Methods: The online databases used to search all RCTs on the topic of RC surgery completed until March 2020 were PubMed and Ovid (MEDLINE). The quality of reporting was evaluated using the modified Coleman methodology score (MCMS) and the consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT). Results: The online search found 957 articles. Finally, 183 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. A total of 97 (53%) of 183 studies had a level of evidence I and 86 (47%) of 183 studies had a level of evidence II, according to the Oxford Center of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). A statistically significant difference in MCMS between articles written before 2010 and articles written after 2010 was found. Articles written after 2010 had, on average, the highest Coleman score. The average number of CONSORT checklist items for each article across all analyzed RCTs was 21.67. The 37 studies completed up to 2010 averaged a number of checklist items of 19.97 and the studies completed between 2011 and 2019 averaged a number of checklist items of 22.10. A statistically significant difference in the number of checklist items between articles written before 2010 and articles written after 2010 was found. Articles written after 2010 had on average more checklist items. However, low correlation (0.26) between the number of checklist items for each article and the respective Coleman score was found. On the other hand, articles with the CONSORT diagram had a significantly high Coleman score. Conclusions: An improvement in the quantity and quality of RCTs relating to RC surgery over the analyzed period was found.

Overseas students have access to a number of learning opportunities available by virtue of a highly competitive tertiary education market system. Despite the increasing trend for remote, online-based learning programs, many students elect to travel outside their home country to experience the cultural difference of studying abroad. The benefit is symbiotic, with crucial university funding being attracted by increased numbers of overseas students seeking an enriched studying experience. The focus of this paper is the on-campus learning experience received by ex-patriot students studying in Australia and Singapore. How these students adapt to the different physical, social and emotional environments is examined. It concentrates on students’ consumption of the 'home' phenomena through a sensory approach demonstrating the influence of the senses in the adaptation process. In depth interviews were conducted with twenty-two students using photoelicitation as an autodriver were conducted. Students were given disposable cameras and asked to take photos of important places, people and things that represented home to them in their own country as well as their country of study. When recounting their experiences, all students referred to the positive influence of their senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste) on their experiences, making those experiences more memorable and real. In some instances awareness of this sensory influence helped bridge the gap between their home and country of study. Therefore, it seems that adaptation to the new environment via positive sensory experiences is important if the student is to have a positive, constructive experience studying abroad. An understanding of the role that the senses play in the adaptation and learning process is vital if Australian tertiary institutions are to optimise both the learning experience for overseas students in a social, cultural and economic context, as well as the economic impact for our tertiary education system.

Background: Caregivers represent the core of patients’ care in hospital structures, in the process of care and self-care after discharge. We aim to identify the factors that affect the strain of caring for orthopedic patients and how these factors are related to the quality of life of caregivers. We also want to evaluate the role of caregivers in orthopedic disease, focusing attention on the patient–caregiver dyad. Methods: A comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases was conducted. This review was reported following PRISMA statement guidance. Studies were selected, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, about patient–caregiver dyads. For quality assessment, we used the MINORS and the Cochrane Risk of BIAS assessment tool. Results: 28 studies were included in the systematic review; in these studies, 3034 dyads were analyzed. Caregivers were not always able to bear the difficulties of care. An improvement in strain was observed after behavioral interventions from health-care team members; Conclusions: The role of the caregiver can lead to a deterioration of physical, cognitive and mental conditions. The use of behavioral interventions increased quality of life, reducing the strain in caregivers of orthopedic patients. For this reason, it is important to consider the impact that orthopedic disease has on the strain of the caregiver and to address this topic.

Background Patients in palliative care are the population cohort that most frequently develop pressure injuries, severely impacting their quality of life. Data from prospective studies on the prevalence and incidence of pressure injuries in hospices are lacking. Aim To describe the point prevalence and cumulative incidence of pressure injuries in patients admitted to residential hospices, and to analyze their predictive factors over time. Design Multicentre prospective longitudinal observational study. Setting/participants Adult patients (n = 992) enrolled in 13 Italian residential hospices, with a minimum sample of 280 for each macro-region (North, center, South/Islands). Methods Assessments including the Karnofsky Performance Status, Braden, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised scales and pressure injury staging according to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel were conducted at least every four days, from admission to patients’ death/discharge. Results The 7,967 observations recorded provided prevalence and incidence rates of 34.1% and 26.5%, respectively. The logistic regression model showed non-cancer disease (OR = 2.39, 95%CI = 1.65–3.47), age >80 (OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.49–2.71), Braden score ‘at risk’ (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.17–3.14), urinary catheter (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.40–2.75), drowsiness (OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.02–1.95) and artificial nutrition (OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.01–2.14) as the variables associated with pressure injury at admission. The generalized estimating equations models, built on the timeframes for observation groups, revealed male gender (OR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.01–2.79) and Braden score ‘at risk’ (OR = 4.45, 95%CI = 1.74–11.34) as predictive factors of a new pressure injury developed up to three weeks before a patient's death, while in the last ten days of life these predictors were replaced by diagnosis of cancer (OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.11–2.91), worsening pain (OR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.10–2.49), drowsiness (OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.25–2.57) and dyspnea (OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.01–2.18). Conclusions The high incidence and prevalence of pressure injuries confirm the importance of palliative care nurses continuously focusing on prevention and management strategies. In the last three weeks of a patient's life, the predictive power of the Braden scale for a new pressure injury is not confirmed, throwing doubt on the effectiveness of aimed interventions at modifying risk factors. Along the different disease trajectories, pressure injuries developed during the instability/worsening phases of illness, occurring before hospice admission for non-cancer patients and in the end-of-life phase for cancer patients. Despite continuous provision of appropriate interventions, most of the new pressure injuries were detected during the last ten days of a patient's’ life and assessed as 'unavoidable'. These results are crucial to guiding palliative care nursing plans during the different phases of illness, and to predicting care needs, possible management strategies (‘wound management’ vs. ‘wound palliation’), and resource utilization.

Background: Advanced cancer patients often die in hospital after receiving needless, aggressive treatment. Although palliative care improves symptom management, barriers to accessing palliative care services affect its utilisation, and such disparities challenge the equitable provision of palliative care. This study aimed to identify which factors are associated with inequitable palliative care service utilisation among advanced cancer patients by applying the Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Services Use.Material and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using administrative healthcare data. A total of 13,656 patients residing in the Lazio region of Italy, who died of an advanced cancer-related cause-either in hospital or in a specialised palliative care facility-during the period of 2012-2016 were included in the study. Potential predictors of specialised palliative service utilisation were explored by grouping the following factors: predisposing factors (i.e., individuals' characteristics), enabling factors (i.e., systemic/structural factors) and need factors (i.e., type/severity of illness).Results: The logistic hierarchical regression showed that older patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45

Chronic non-cancer pain is a complex health condition that affects more than a quarter of the Italian population who mainly refers to general practitioners and primary care for their treatment. There are little information on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and types of treatments for these patients who suffer from chronic pain. The aim of the study was to provide epidemiological and clinical information about patients with chronic non-cancer pain who refers to GPs for their treatment. An observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study was carried out using retrospectively reviewed clinical records from 29 GPs. Some pharmacoeconomic aspects were also investigated. A total of 1,007 patients who had chronic pain were selected for the study. Chronic pain was more common in women than in men (ratio 2.7 : 1) (P = 0.002). With regard to incomes, the women earned less than the men (P = 0.017). The chronic pain was musculoskeletal (73.4%), mixed (21.4%), neuropathic (4.9%) and visceral (0.3%). More women than men had pain in two or more sites, and 33.5% of the patients reported more than one diagnosis that related to chronic pain. The general practitioners had prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 71.8% of the cases, opioids for 16.9%, adjuvants for 9.0% and acetaminophen for 2.4%, and about pharmacoeconomic aspects, the total cost for the sample was € 111,331.42. Primary care is the essential frontline for patients who suffer from non-cancer pain. An interdisciplinary assessment and approach should start in primary care delivery to maximize the clinical outcomes.

This study developed two instruments, the Self-Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Inventory (SC-COPDI) and the COPD-Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale (SCES), and tested their psychometric properties on a convenience sample of 498 patients from Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. First, the domains and the items of the SC-SCOPDI were generated based on the middle-range theory of self-care of chronic illness, comprising the dimensions of self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management, and the SCES-COPD was developed accordingly. Second, we assessed the content validity of each scale. Third, we conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study to test their structural validity, convergent and discriminative validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability. The theoretical dimensions of the two instruments were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was demonstrated by the correlation among the three self-care scales and the Self-Efficacy Scale, and discriminative validity by higher self-care scale scores in individuals with greater COPD severity and poorer health status. The global reliability index ranged from .78 to .92 for all scales. The intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than .70. Further studies are needed to confirm the psychometric properties of the two instruments in different COPD populations and countries to extend their use in clinical practice.

The number of patients using palliative care services, particularly residential hospices, is increasing. Policymakers are urging these services to reflect on the most effective organizational strategies for meeting patients' complex care needs.To analyze the predictive power of staffing, structure and process indicators towards optimal control of patients' clinically significant symptoms over time.Secondary analysis of data from a multicentre prospective longitudinal observational study (PRELUdiHO) collected between November 2017 and September 2018.Adult patients (n = 992) enrolled in 13 Italian residential hospices.Two generalized estimating equations logistic models were built, both with number of hospice beds and length of stay as independent variables as well as, in one case, patient-to-healthcare worker ratios, and, in the other, health professionals' qualification levels. Dependent variables were six not clinically significant (score4) symptoms: pain, nausea, shortness of breath, feeling sad, feeling nervous, and 'how you feel overall', according to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System revised (ESAS-r) scale.The generalized estimating equations indicators on staff revealed the following 'optimal' model: Patient-to-Physician ratio (5.5:1-6.5:1); Patient-to-Nurse ratio (1.5:1-2.7:1); Patient-to-Nurse-Assistant ratio (4.1:1-6.3:1); with the most balanced staff composition including 19% physicians, 23% nurse assistants, and 58% registered nurses; hospice beds (12-25); length of stay (median = 12 days). This model predicted an up to four times greater likelihood of controlling all six ESAS-r symptoms over time. The generalized estimating equations model on the educational level of physicians and registered nurses showed that it was significantly associated with optimal patients' symptom control during the entire hospice stay.This study showed the exact skill-mix composition and proportions of palliative care team able to ensure optimal control of patients' symptoms. The added value of physicians and nurses with a qualification in palliative care in terms of better patient outcomes reaffirmed the importance of education in guaranteeing quality care. Hospices with 12-25 beds, and recruitment methods guaranteeing at least 12-day stay ensured the most propitious organizational environment for optimal management of clinically significant symptoms. The transferability of these results mainly depends on whether the skills of health professionals in our `ideal' model are present in other contexts. Our results provide policymakers and hospice managers with specific, evidence-based information to support decision-making processes regarding hospice staffing and organization. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the positive impact of this 'optimal' organizational framework on patient outcomes.

Purpose This systematic review identified, synthesized, and integrated concept analyses on self-care and related concepts. Design The guidelines for systematic literature reviews of the Joanna Briggs Institute were followed. Methods The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases were searched for concept analyses published in the past 20 years. Findings A total of 26 concept analyses were identified that had been published on self-care, self-care agency, self-monitoring, self-management, self-management support, symptom management, and self-efficacy. Differences and commonalities in the examined literature were identified, and a model was delineated, explaining the relations among the various concepts from the nursing perspective. Conclusions The healthcare literature has broadly described self-care and related concepts; however, consensus on the definitions remains beyond our reach and should not be expected, due to the different perspectives and paradigms from which the concepts are interpreted. From a nursing perspective, self-care can be considered a broad concept encompassing the other concepts, which describe more specific individual levels of activities and processes. Clinical relevance Nurses are actively involved in disease management and self-management support as well as in promoting self-care in healthy and sick people. Referring to a model on self-care and related concepts could avoid misinterpretations in nursing practice, research, and policy.

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a valid patient-reported outcome measure developed to assess sleep quality and disturbances in clinical populations. This study aimed to calculate the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the PSQI in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR). Preoperative and six-month postoperative follow-up questionnaires were completed by 50 patients (25 males and 25 females, mean age 58.7 ± 11.1 years). The MCID of the PSQI was calculated using distribution-based and anchor methods. To calculate the PSQI’s PASS, the 75th percentile approach and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. The MCID from preoperative to 6 months postoperative follow-up is 4.4. Patients who improved their PSQI score of 4.4 from baseline to 6 months follow-up had a clinically significant increase in their health status. The PASS is 5.5 for PSQI, therefore, a value of PSQI at least 5.5 at six months follow-up indicates that the symptom state can be considered acceptable by most patients.

Colostrum is the first secretion of mammalian glands during the early period after birth giving. Its components are biologically active and have beneficial effects on new-born growth and well-being. Bovine colostrum has the highest concentration of these substances and its supplementation or application may provide health benefits. This systematic review was conducted to update current knowledge on bovine colostrum effects including all administration routes on healthy and sick subjects. Full texts or abstracts of twenty-eight papers as reports of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and case series were included after searches in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Cinahl databases. The full texts of selected studies were assessed for quality using validated tools and their results were summarized in different categories. Studies were highly heterogeneous as regards to population, intervention, outcome and risk of bias. Bovine colostrum topical application was shown effective on vaginal dryness related symptoms limitation. Its use as food supplement showed interesting effects preventing upper respiratory illness in sportsmen, modulating immune system response and reducing intestinal permeability in healthy and sick subjects. Conflicting results were provided in pediatric population and little evidence is available on its use with older adults. Further studies are mandatory to better understand all factors influencing its activity.

Caring for dying patients requires special attention when teenagers are present in the family. The aim of this study was to understand palliative care professionals' experiences of providing supportive care for teenaged children of patients in palliative care. From April 2014 to November 2015, 7 foc

Aims and Objectives To explore the lived experiences of patients with haematological malignancies who had been in protective isolation during their hospital stay for autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Background Although protective isolation aims to benefit patients’ health by preventing infection, it could also imply harmful psycho-social implications for patients, such as loneliness. Design A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in an Italian university hospital. Methods Nine patients with haematological malignancies who had been in protective isolation for autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation were enrolled. They were interviewed during their weekly ambulatory visits, which are usually carried out up to 100 days post-transplant, and asked about their stay in isolation. Giorgi's method of analysis was used to describe the experience of protective isolation from the patient’ perspective. Results Eight themes emerged: isolation is a defence, threats from which patients have to defend themselves, rules for defence, the burden of the defence, external strategies for defence, inner strengths for defence, defending loved ones and outcomes of the defence. The general structure was expressed as a defence from suffering. Conclusions While fighting a hard battle against cancer, informants largely accepted the strict isolation measure and represented it as a shield for an effective defence. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses should provide emotional and social support to help patients feel like active fighters and strengthen their strategies for an effective defence from suffering.

Background and Objectives: Sleep disorders are one of the most common complaints of patients with rotator cuff (RC) tears. However, potential correlations between the treatment of RC tears and the causal factors of sleep disorders are still under discussion. The aim of this review is to evaluate quality of sleep in patients before and after surgery for RC tears and to identify which factors affected patients’ sleep. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted. To provide high quality of the review, the included studies were evaluated with the standardized tool “Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies” developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Results: The search strategy yielded 78 articles. After duplicate removal and titles, abstracts and full-texts review, four studies were included in the systematic review. Concerning shoulder function, the most frequently reported scale was the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Regarding sleep quality, the most frequently reported score was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Conclusion: We found that the majority of patients with RC tears had a sleep disturbance, especially before surgery with a general improvement in sleep quality post-operatively. Moreover, sleep quality was correlated with pain and it also seems that factors as comorbidities, obligatory position during night time, preoperative and prolonged postoperative use of narcotics and psychiatric issues may play an important role in sleep quality.

Objectives The Care Dependency Scale is a theory-based, comprehensive tool widely used in low-intensity care settings to evaluate patients’ dependency. This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Care Dependency Scale in intensive care units. Research methodology/design A multicentre cross-sectional validation study was conducted. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed using a Maximum Likelihood robust estimator with Geomin oblique rotation. Setting Adult patients admitted to intensive care units of four Italian hospitals. Results The sample included 453 patients (mean age = 68 years, 62% male). The exploratory factor analysis, conducted on a subsample of 227 patients, revealed a two-factor structure (Physical care dependency and Psychosocial care dependency) with good fit indexes. The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on another subsample of 226 patients and a second-order factor was specified. The model tested yielded adequate fit indexes. Concurrent and known-groups validity, and reliability, were also adequate. Conclusion The Care Dependency Scale is a multidimensional, valid and reliable tool able to assess the care dependency of critically ill patients. It can help to distinguish between physical and psychosocial needs and to create a base for patient-customised and holistic care.

Patients with advanced cancer are likely to face increasing levels of care dependence. Adult patients who become care dependent on others can experience this condition as one of suffering and humiliation. The nurse-patient relationship plays a key role in the experience of dependence. Understanding patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of care dependence is crucial to addressing the impact it has on the lives of both. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of patients with cancer and nurses caring for them. A multicentre qualitative study was conducted in Italy using semi-structured interviews with patients with advanced cancer admitted to 3 hospitals, and 9 focus groups with nurses working in oncology wards of 2 hospitals. Data were analysed with inductive content analysis. Thirty-two patients and 44 nurses participated in the study. Three common themes were identified: within dependence, the relationship is a lifeline; dependence is influenced by internal and external factors and dependence generates changes. Dependence impacts on patients’ and nurses’ lives and implies a process of personal maturing for both. Patients learn the humility to ask for help by exposing their vulnerability. Nurses become aware that a trusting relationship helps patients to accept dependence, and they learn to self-transcend in order to build it. Striving to build positive relationships implies a change in nurses’ and patients’ lives. In this way, they come to understand important aspects of life and find meaning in difficult situations. Further studies should explore also homecare settings and patients’ families.

Background: Nursing homes are becoming a common site where delivering end-of-life care for older adults. They often represent the junction between the curative and the palliative phase. Aim: To identify the elements that nursing home residents’ family carers perceive as good end-of-life care and develop a conceptual model of good end-of-life care according to the family perspective. Design: Systematic review (PROSPERO no. 95581) with meta-aggregation method. Data Sources: Five electronic databases were searched from inception between April and May 2018. Published qualitative studies (and mixed-method designs) of end-of-life care experience of nursing home family carers whose relative was dead or at the end-of-life were included. No language or temporal limits were applied. Results: In all, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. A ‘life crisis’ often resulted in a changed need of care, and the transition towards palliative care was sustained by a ‘patient-centered environment’. Family carers described good end-of-life care as providing resident basic care and spiritual support; recognizing and treating symptoms; assuring continuity in care; respecting resident’s end-of-life wishes; offering environmental, emotional and psychosocial support; keeping family informed; promoting family understanding; and establishing a partnership with family carers by involving and guiding them in a shared decision-making. These elements improved the quality of end-of-life of both residents and their family, thus suggesting a common ground between good end-of-life care and palliative care. Conclusion: The findings provide a family-driven framework to guide a sensitive and compassionate transition towards palliative care in nursing home.

Objective End-of-life communication has been largely recognized to promote quality end-of-life care in nursing home (NHs) by increasing residents’ likelihood of receiving comfort-oriented care. This scoping review summarizes what is known about the potential mechanisms by which end-of-life communication may contribute to palliative-oriented care in NHs. Methods Using the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, five literature databases were searched. We extracted 2159 articles, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria: seven quantitative, three qualitative, and one mixed-methods study. Results Three mechanisms were identified: a) promotion of family carers’ understanding about their family member’s health condition, prognosis, and treatments available; b) fostering of shared decision-making between health care professionals (HCPs) and residents/family carers; and c) using and improving knowledge about residents’ preferences. Conclusion Family carers’ understanding, shared decision-making, and knowledge of residents’ preferences contribute to palliative-oriented care in NHs. Practice implications Discussions about end-of-life should take place early in a resident’s disease trajectory to allow time for family carers to understand the condition and participate in subsequent, mindful, shared decision-making. HCPs should conduct systematic and thorough discussions about end-of-life treatment options with all cognitively competent residents to promote informed advance directives.

Objectives To identify which factors can influence the patients' perception of protective isolation following Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). Methods This is a prospective study conducted in 10 Italian centres, members of the Italian Group of stem cell transplant (GITMO). Patients' perception of protective isolation was assessed using the ISOLA scale between 7 and 9 days post-transplant. Statistical linear regression analysis was performed. Results The participants were 182 adult patients receiving autologous (48%) or allogeneic (52%) HSCT in protective isolation. Male sex (β = .152), education level (β = -.245), double room (β = .186), satisfaction with visiting hours (β = -.174) and emotional support from nurses (β = -.169) were independently associated with isolation-related suffering. Significant predictors of the relationship with oneself included body temperature (β = -.179), fatigue (β = -.192) and emotional support from nurses (β = -.292). Factors independently associated with the relationship with others were education (β = -.230), chemotherapy cycles (β = -.218), pain (β = .150) and satisfaction with visiting hours (β = -.162). Conclusion Healthcare providers should pay greater attention in caring for those patients who are at risk for a negative isolation experience. Nurses should provide emotional support.

The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically test a questionnaire assessing patients' perception of protective isolation following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The conceptual framework for developing the questionnaire was a three-dimensional model that emerged from a metasynthesis: isolation-related suffering, relationship with oneself and relationship with others. Item selection was performed through a focus group, comparison with the findings of two phenomenological studies, and content validity with 22 experts. Cognitive interviews with five patients were used to verify face validity. A validation study was conducted in 10 Italian centres, all members of the Italian Group of stem cell transplant (GITMO). Patients completed the questionnaires between 7 and 9 days post-transplant. Dimensionality was tested through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A total of 17 items yielded a content validity index (CVI) of 0.88. Participants included 186 adult patients receiving autologous (48%) or allogeneic (52%) HSCT in protective isolation. The EFA yielded a three-factor solution, explaining 55% of the variance. The scale showed adequate psychometric properties, with the exception of three items, which were eliminated. Future studies should test the psychometric properties of the questionnaire through confirmatory factor analysis and verify its transcultural validity.

Background: The application of virtual and augmented reality technologies to orthopaedic surgery training and practice aims to increase the safety and accuracy of procedures and reducing complications and costs. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarise the present literature on this topic while providing a detailed analysis of current flaws and benefits. Methods: A comprehensive search on the PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Embase database was conducted from inception to February 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to improve the reporting of the review. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the quality and potential bias of the included randomized and non-randomized control trials, respectively. Results: Virtual reality has been proven revolutionary for both resident training and preoperative planning. Thanks to augmented reality, orthopaedic surgeons could carry out procedures faster and more accurately, improving overall safety. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising technology with limitless potential, but, nowadays, its use in orthopaedic surgery is limited to preoperative diagnosis. Conclusions: Extended reality technologies have the potential to reform orthopaedic training and practice, providing an opportunity for unidirectional growth towards a patient-centred approach.

The Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) is a valid patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess prosthesis awareness during daily activities after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) can be defined as the smallest change or difference that is evaluated as beneficial and could change the patient’s clinical management. The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) is considered the minimum PROMs cut-off value that corresponds to a patient’s satisfactory state of health. Despite the validity and reliability of the FJS-12 having been already demonstrated, the MCID and the PASS of this score have not previously been defined. Patients undergoing THA from January 2019 to October 2019 were assessed pre-operatively and six months post-surgery using the FJS-12, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Pre-operative and follow-up questionnaires were completed by 50 patients. Both distribution-based approaches and anchor approaches were used to estimate MCID. The aim of this paper was to assess the MCID and PASS values of FJS-12 after total hip replacement. The FJS-12 MCID from baseline to 6 months post-operative follow-up was 17.5. The PASS calculated ranged from 69.8 to 91.7.

Background Understanding students' experiences with regard to older adults is important for educators in developing specific educational strategies to encourage future healthcare professionals to consider the geriatric field as a career choice. Objectives The study explored Italian university healthcare students' experiences with older people and their perceptions of them at the beginning of their course. Design A qualitative descriptive design. Settings A Faculty of Medicine in Italy. Participants A sample of 15 students enrolled in healthcare courses was included. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Six categories were identified. The young Italian students' first experiences with older adults were with their grandparents, representing their first models of aging. Grandparents were sources of emotional support. Older adults were seen as custodians of collective memory and as a guide for younger generations. The intergenerational relationship was characterized by respect and reciprocity. Young adults recognize the frailty and vulnerability of older adults and view intergenerational solidarity as a way to protect them. They imagined their own old age as characterized by strong family relationships and by active aging, due to their personal experience with their grandparents. Conclusions This study revealed mainly positive experiences and attitudes of healthcare students toward older adults. The students' relationships with their grandparents contributed greatly to this outcome.

This systematic review aimed to assess the advantages of biosensors in detecting biomarkers for the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disease and is a leading cause of disability and pain worldwide. The diagnosis of OA could be performed through clinical examinations and imaging only during the late stages of the disease. Biomarkers could be used for the diagnosis of the disease in the very early stages. Biosensors could detect biomarkers with high accuracy and low costs. This paper focuses on the biosensors mainly adopted to detect OA markers (electrochemical, optical, Quartz crystal microbalance, molecular and wearable biosensors). A comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases was conducted from the inception to November 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to improve the reporting of the review. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was used for quality assessment. From a total amount of 1086 studies identified, only 19 articles were eligible for this study. The main advantages of the biosensors reported were accuracy, limited cost and ease of use, compared to traditional methods (ELISA). Otherwise, due to the lack of data and the low level of evidence of the papers included, it was impossible to find significant results. Therefore, further high-quality studies are required.

What do we already know about this subject? • Chronic pain can have negative effects on quality of life. It is associated with a reduced ability to work, quality of life and disability, conditions that should be treated in specialized pain management clinics. In Italy very little information on clinical outcomes after chronic pain treatments is provided. What does our study add to the already existing information • This study is the first to provide clinical data about the impact of chronic pain in terms of quality of life and disability on patients who attended pain management clinics in Italy. • Chronic pain has a negative impact on quality of life and disability and causes presenteeism. • Statistical significant results in pain management do not often correspond to best results in clinical settings

Purpose To investigate the degree of concordance on fatigue assessment between children and adolescents with cancer and their parents, and its changes over time. Method Multicentre longitudinal study. Results Data from 134 dyads were analysed. The mean age of patients was 11.7 years; caregivers had a mean age of 44.1 years. Almost 90% of patients already reported mild or moderate fatigue at the time of diagnosis, decreasing to 69.7% after one year. Concordance on the total fatigue improved over time for the total sample, moving from moderate at the time of diagnosis to good concordance after one year. Conclusions This was the first study with a longitudinal design investigating concordance between paediatric self-reports and parent proxy reports on fatigue. It showed how concordance between proxies and patients changed over time reaching a good level after one year from the cancer diagnosis.

The use of valid and reliable instruments for assessing self-care is crucial for the evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management programs. The aim of this review is to evaluate the measurement properties and theoretical foundations of instruments for assessing self-care and related concepts in people with COPD. A systematic review was conducted of articles describing the development and validation of self-care instruments. The methodological quality of the measurement properties was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Ten studies were included evaluating five instruments: three for assessing self-care and self-management and two for assessing self-efficacy. The COPD Self-Efficacy Scale was the most studied instrument, but due to poor study methodological quality, evidence about its measurement properties is inconclusive. Evidence from the COPD Self-Management Scale is more promising, but only one study tested its properties. Due to inconclusive evidence of their measurement properties, no instrument can be recommended for clinical use.

Purpose Increasing burden of cancer in Europe and socio-demographic trends imply that more cancer patients will face high levels of dependency. Care dependency is often perceived as a distressing experience by cancer patients who are concerned about becoming a burden to others. The experience of care dependence has been scarcely investigated in advanced cancer patients, especially in the hospital setting. This study aimed at describing advanced cancer patients' experiences of care dependence in hospital and of the factors perceived by them as contributing to decrease or increase this dependence. Methods The study used a descriptive phenomenological approach based on Husserl's (1913) life world perspective. Data collection and analysis followed Giorgi's (1997) five basic methodological steps. Data were gathered by semi-structured interviews with thirteen advanced cancer adult inpatients of a teaching hospital. The interviews were audio-recorded and the recordings transcribed word for word. Results Three themes emerged: ‘dependency discovers new meanings of life’, ‘active coping with dependency’ and ‘the care cures the dependent person’. The essential meaning of care dependency was the possibility to become aware of being a person as both an object and subject of care. Conclusion Dependence appears as an experience with strong relational connotations, which enable patients to see differently their life, themselves, the world and others. Dependency is revealed as a natural experience, only partly in accordance with previous studies. Deeper insight into the meaning patients attach to care dependency can enable nurses to better meet the patient's needs, e.g. by improving caring relationships with patients.

Background Hospital readmission after discharge is a frequent, burdensome and costly event, particularly frequent in older people with multiple chronic conditions. Few literature reviews have analysed studies of continuity of care interventions to reduce readmissions of older inpatients discharged home over the short and long term. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of continuity of care interventions in older people with chronic diseases in reducing short and long term hospital readmission after hospital discharge. Design Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Data sources A comprehensive literature search on the databases PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE was performed on 27 January 2019 with no language and time limits. Review methods RCTs on continuity of care interventions on older people discharged from hospital having hospital readmission as outcome, were included. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Selected outcome data were combined and pooled using a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. Results Thirty RCTs, representing 8920 patients were included. Results were stratified by time of readmissions. At 1 month from discharge, the continuity interventions were associated with lower readmission rates in 207/1595 patients in the experimental group (12.9%), versus 264/1645 patients in the control group (16%) (Relative Risk [RR], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71-0.99]). From 1 to 3 months, readmission rates were lower in 325/1480 patients in the experimental group (21.9%), versus 455/1523 patients in the control group (29.8%) (RR 0.74 [95% CI, 0.65-0.84]). A subgroup analysis showed that this positive effect was stronger when the interventions addressed all of the continuity dimensions. After 3 months this impact became inconclusive with moderate/high statistical heterogeneity. Conclusions Continuity of care interventions prevent short term hospital readmission in older people with chronic diseases. However, there is inconclusive evidence about the effectiveness of continuity interventions aiming to reduce long term readmission, and it is suggested that stronger focus on it is needed.

We aimed to assess the influence of anxiety and depression on the physical and mental quality of life (QoL) in patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and caregiver dyads, detect the simultaneous effect of anxiety and depression of each partner on the other’s QoL and determine the dyadic patterns. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The actor–partner interdependence model estimated by structural equation modeling was used for the dyadic analysis. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to measure depression, anxiety and QoL, respectively. Eighty COPD dyads were enrolled in the study. Patients presented higher depression symptoms and poorer physical and mental QoL than their caregivers, whereas comparable levels of anxiety were found in patients and caregivers. The model exploring the effects of depression and anxiety on mental QoL found that patients’ depressive symptoms negatively influence their mental QoL, and caregivers’ anxiety and depression symptoms negatively impact their mental QoL. The model exploring the effects of anxiety and depression on physical QoL detected one statistically significant actor effect with patients’ depressive symptoms negatively influencing their physical QoL, and two partner effects with caregivers’ anxiety worsening patients’ physical QoL and caregivers’ depression improving patients’ physical QoL. The results suggest that caregivers’ psychological distress influences caregivers’ mental QoL and patients’ physical QoL. Therefore, health-care professionals should assess and treat anxiety and depression in both members of the COPD dyad to improve their QoL.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is important for the disease self-management. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge in Italian patients with COPD and their caregivers and to determine factors influencing their knowledge. METHODS: We used a descriptive-correlational design. Knowledge was assessed with the Bristol COPD knowledge questionnaire (BCKQ) that was translated in Italian through the forward-backward translation method. BCKQ was administered to a convenience sample of 142 patients with COPD and 51 caregivers. RESULTS: The mean age for patients and caregivers was respectively 77 years (range 45–93) and 62 years (range 28–85). Patients were mostly men, had a low education level and 30% had severe or very severe COPD, while caregivers were mostly female and with higher education level. The patients answered correctly to 48% of the BCKQ whereas caregivers to 59%. In patient-caregiver dyads, a good level of agreement on the knowledge was found in 35 items out of 65. In patients, the knowledge was not correlated with age, gender, education, years or seve- rity of disease whereas in caregivers it was fairly correlated with the education level. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that patients and caregivers possess limited knowledge of COPD, especially on chest infections, and exacerbations. Factors that limit or promote the acquisition of knowledge in people with COPD and their caregivers should be investigated. KEYWORDS: COPD; knowledge; questionnaire; education; caregiver; patient. Conoscenze sulla bronchite cronica ostruttiva nei pazienti e nei loro caregiver RIASSUNTOINTRODUZIONE: Le conoscenze sulla bronchite cronica ostruttiva (BPCO) sono importanti per la gestione della malattia. OBIETTIVO: Lo studio ha avuto l'obiettivo di misurare il livello delle conoscenze sulla BPCO tra i pazienti e i loro famigliari e individuare i fattori che hanno influenzato tali conoscenze. METODI: E' stato effettuato uno studio descrittivo-correlazionale. Le conoscenze sono state misurate attraverso il Bristol COPD knowledge questionnaire (BCKQ) che e stato tradotto e validato in lingua italiana seguendo il metodo forward-backward translation. Il questionario, che indaga 13 aree di conoscenze, e stato somministrato ad un campione di convenienza di 142 pazienti e 51 caregiver reclutati presso una struttura sanitaria italiana. RISULTATI: L'etaI€ media dei pazienti e dei caregiver era rispettivamente di 77 anni (range 45– 93) e 62 anni (range 28–85). La maggior parte dei pazienti era di sesso maschile, con un basso livello di scolaritaI€ e il 30% soffriva di stadio severo o molto severo di BPCO. I caregiver, invece, erano per la maggior parte donne con un livello di istruzione piuI€ alto dei pazienti. I pazienti hanno risposto correttamente al 48% delle domande del BCKQ, mentre i caregiver hanno risposto al 59%. Nelle 51 diadi patiente-caregiver, e stato individuato un buon livello di concordanza per 35 domande su 65 del questionario. Nella popolazione dei pazienti, il livello di conoscenze non e risultato correlato a etaI€, scolaritaI€, genere, severitaI€ e durata della malattia, mentre nei caregiver si e riscontrata una correlazione tra il livello di conoscenze e la scolaritaI€. CONCLUSIONI: Lo studio ha dimostrato che il livello di conoscenze sulla BPCO dei pazienti e dei loro caregiver e scarso, soprattutto per quanto riguarda le infezioni e le riacutizzazioni. Non sono ancora chiari quali siano i fattori che limitano o promuovono l'acquisizione delle conoscenze tra i pazienti con BPCO e i loro caregiver, per cui ulteriori studi in questo campo sono necessari. PAROLE CHIAVE: BPCO, conoscenze, questionario, educazione, caregiver, paziente.

Patients with advanced illnesses show the highest prevalence for pressure injuries. In the palliative care setting, the ultimate goal is injury healing, but equally important is wound maintenance, wound palliation (wound-related pain and symptom management), and primary and secondary wound prevention.To describe the course of healing for pressure injuries in a home palliative care setting according to different end-points, and to explore patient and caregiver characteristics and specific care activities associated with their achievement.Four-year retrospective chart review of 669 patients cared for in a home palliative care service, of those 124 patients (18.5%) had at least one pressure injury with a survival rate less than or equal to six months.The proportion of healed pressure injuries was 24.4%. Of the injuries not healed, 34.0% were in a maintenance phase, whereas 63.6% were in a process of deterioration. Body mass index (P = 0.0014), artificial nutrition (P = 0.002), and age70 years (P = 0.022) emerged as predictive factors of pressure injury complete healing. Artificial nutrition, age, male caregiver (P = 0.034), and spouse (P = 0.036) were factors significantly associated with a more rapid pressure injury healing. Continuous deep sedation was a predictive factor for pressure injury deterioration and significantly associated with a more rapid worsening.Pressure injury healing is a realistic aim in home palliative care, particularly for injuries not exceeding Stage II occurring at least two weeks before death. When assessing pressure injuries, our results highlight the need to also pay attention to artificial nutrition, continuous deep sedation, and the caregiver's role and gender.