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Background: Grip strength is an important indicator of muscle strength. Nursing job demands physical power, which is related to their muscle strength. However, studies on nurses' grip strength remains lacking. Objective: This study aims to examine the differences in grip strength between staff nurses and nursing students and to identify factors associated with grip strength in nursing sample. Method: This study was designed as descriptive and analytical. Data collected from nursing students and staff nurses in Turkiye, from May 1 to September 30, 2022. A total of 200 staff nurses and 200 nursing students participated. Data tool included a participant information form, the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Moreover, researchers assessed the anthropometric measurements using the same scale and grip strength using a digital hand dynamometer. Results: There was no significant difference in grip strength of staff and student nurses. 48.8% of participants met or exceeded Turkish normative values. 79.5% of staff nurses and 66.0% of nursing students reported musculoskeletal issues in the last 12 months. Height, waist-to-hip ratio, and neck circumference was found to be significant predictors of grip strength, explaining 57% of the variance. Conclusion: Grip strength was similar between staff nurses and nursing students, despite differences in age, BMI, and musculoskeletal issues. Height, waist-to-hip ratio, and neck circumference are key predictors of grip strength in this Turkish nursing sample. Understanding the factors influencing grip strength can help in designing targeted interventions to maintain and improve muscle strength in nursing professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to measure grip strength along with correlates, to inform recommendations to protect students entering the nursing workforce and increase career longevity, as well as health, among working nurses.Participants and Methods: A convenience sample of nursing staff and students (18 to 59 years) at a large teaching hospital (N = 316) participated in a cross-sectional study. A brief survey included sociodemographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Anthropometric measures included height, weight, waist circumference, and hand grip strength using a Jamar digital dynamometer.Results: Only 22.5% of the participants met Indian normative grip strength parameters by age and gender, and on average had a normal body mass index (M = 22.31, SD 4.15). Grip strength was significantly associated with BMI and waist circumference, which explained 76% of the variance in grip strength.Conclusion: This study provides a baseline measurement of grip strength among Indian nursing staff and students, and documents grip strength among young adults (18– 20 years of age) who were not included in published normative grip strength data among healthy Indian participants. Data from the current study demonstrates that very few participants met normative grip strength, thus indicating the need for strengthening. Variance in grip strength was largely explained by waist circumference, pointing to the importance of nutrition. Interventions are needed to improve physical performance of nursing duties and prevent on-the-job injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integral to holistic "big picture" nursing care is an empathy that strives for social justice. Social empathy requires more than technical skills or even interpersonal empathy or other-focus; it also requires a perspective that appreciates the impact of social determinants and seeks action to address them. This study sought to measure social empathy and potentially associated demographic, personal, and work-related factors among nurses. This cross-sectional, observational study used online survey methods to collect data from 614 registered nurses employed in a faith-based health care system in the northwestern United States. Constructs measured included social empathy, social advocacy, self-compassion, emotional exhaustion, and trust/mistrust in God. Parametric statistical tests, including multiple logistic regression, allowed analyses. Findings indicated that social empathy was high in this sample. Younger nurses, those more inclined to advocate, those more self-compassionate, those less burned out, those working part-time (in contrast only with those working overtime), and those with at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing were more socially empathic. Findings highlight further rationale for creating healthy work environments that foster self-compassion and minimize burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Study: Though nursing burnout is a global problem, research on nurse burnout in Haiti is scarce. In a context of multiple personal, social, and environmental challenges, this study assessed burnout and associated factors among Haitian nurses. Design of Study: A multi-site cross-sectional study. Methods: A survey in French and Haitian Creole was conducted in five Haitian hospitals using forward and back translated scales measuring burnout (emotional exhaustion [EE], depersonalization [DP], personal accomplishment [PA]), self-efficacy, nursing work environment, resilience, and demographics. Findings: Haitian nurses (N = 179) self-reported moderate EE (M = 21, SD = 11.18), low DP (Mdn = 2.0, range = 29), and high personal accomplishment (Mdn = 41.0, range = 33). General self-efficacy (M = 32.31, SD = 4.27) and resilience (M = 26.68, SD = 5.86) were high. Dissatisfaction with salary, autonomy, and staffing were evident. Conclusions: It is noteworthy that burnout was lower than expected given the scarce resource, difficult socio-politico-economic environment. High levels of self-efficacy and resilience likely mitigated a higher level of burnout. Adaptation enables these nurses to manage their critical conditions and practice holistic nursing, which may inspire hope among nurses in similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate characteristics of vaccine-hesitant nurses at two large Southern California medical centers where rates of COVID-19 vaccination were lower than expected. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of nurse participants in a cross-sectional study conducted at the two medical centers. Participants completed an online survey regarding their demographics; work setting and role characteristics; influenza vaccination history; COVID-19 knowledge and beliefs; and personal history of COVID-19 exposure, diagnosis, and disease impact (infection or death) on those closest to them. Results: Of 869 nurse participants, most (78.6%) were vaccinated and 21.4% were unvaccinated; more than half of the unvaccinated participants reported being unwilling to be vaccinated ("vaccine hesitant"). The χ2 comparisons revealed no significant differences between vaccinated and vaccine-hesitant nurses in terms of education, contact with COVID-19 patients, work environment, or having friends and family impacted by COVID-19. Binary logistic regression showed that nurses who had no history of recent influenza vaccination were 10 times more likely to be vaccine hesitant, those who had inaccurate knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines were seven times more likely to be vaccine hesitant, and younger nurses and those with a prior COVID-19 diagnosis were approximately three times more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Furthermore, 17.3% of all participants were unwilling to recommend COVID-19 vaccination to others. Conclusion: The findings offer a nuanced understanding of vaccine hesitancy among nurses and will be useful to the planning and development of policies, campaigns, and interventions aimed at increasing vaccination rates among nurses. Changing attitudes is essential, and particular attention must be paid to nurses who are unwilling to recommend vaccination to others. Effective interventions are needed. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of vaccine-hesitant nurses at two large medical centers where rates of COVID-19 vaccination were lower than expected, and to understand the reasons for such hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This article describes the follow-up study to Simulation Learning Among Low Literacy Guatemalan Traditional Birth Attendants , published in the International Journal of Childbirth in 2017. This current study had two purposes: (a) to implement and evaluate the use of enhanced training modalities (active-learning strategies and use of technology in a remote area), and (b) to pilot training-of-trainer (ToT) methods. The current study builds upon the previous study in which we conducted and evaluated a simulation-based training among low-literacy Guatemala traditional birth attendants (TBAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, we conducted a focus group with experienced TBAs (n = 8) to elicit concepts and issues important to address in the training. The 60-hour training designed for low-resource settings, was enhanced with active-learning strategies, technology, and ToT modules. We assessed pre–posttest knowledge and attitudes by paper-pencil format, and pre–post skills by demonstration using simulation. RESULTS: Training participants (N = 31) included the eight experienced TBAs from the focus group. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes all improved, with statistical significance achieved in many parameters. Evaluation of the training was positive and enhancement strategies were noted as particularly helpful. Two participants participated in the additional ToT modules and are now collaborating to provide short educational programs to other TBAs in their regions. CONCLUSION: Training enhancement strategies have the potential to increase safe practice among TBAs where skilled birth attendants are lacking. Adding ToT modules enhances sustainability and exemplifies the importance of locally prepared trainers in a time when global interaction is severely limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Government and professional organizations around the world have issued a call for evidence-based practice (EBP), affecting nursing globally. This study aimed to establish a baseline measure of EBP knowledge in French-speaking, baccalaureate nursing students and test the psychometric performance of a newly translated instrument. Methods: For the cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study, 103 baccalaureate nursing students from Haiti were included in the analysis. Results: Rasch analysis showed strong evidence of validity (Weighted MS M = 984; Unweighted MS M = 1.01). Individual items showed item reliability (.94). The mean EBP knowledge score was 5.9 (SD = 1.93; Range = 2–10 points). Conclusions: This study provides initial psychometric evidence for an EBP knowledge measure that can be used as a catalyst for research in 29 French-speaking countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many parents of children with developmental delays (DDs) experience high levels of parental stress, and young children with DDs are likely to exhibit clinical levels of behavioral problems. The reciprocal relationship between the two issues makes these families vulnerable to stress-related health risks. To address this, the current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) at reducing parent stress, as measured by both psychological self-report and a physiological biomarker. Method: A pretest–posttest design with a 6-month follow-up assessment was used to establish effectiveness with analyses of within-subject effects. Parents (N = 47) of children (2.5–5 years of age) with DDs participated in a standard 8-week MBSR intervention. Measures included the Parenting Daily Hassles, a self-report measure of perceived frequency and intensity of parenting stress, and salivary samples for measurement of the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a biological marker of stress response. Results: Both self-reported parenting stress and CAR decreased following MBSR for parents of children with DDs. The greatest difference in means over time was between baseline and follow-up, where changes in effect size were even stronger for biological markers than for self-report measures. Conclusion: The MBSR intervention reduced both perceived and physiologic stress. Health-care professionals caring for these families might consider encouraging parents to participate in MBSR as both treatment and prevention of parenting stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The results of this study will provide direction for integrating simulation into continuing professional education (CPE) for athletic trainers (ATs). Objective: Compare the effects of 2 simulation techniques on knowledge and skill acquisition of a cardiovascular assessment. Design: Randomized pretest-posttest design. Setting: Continuing professional education course hosted at a simulation center. Patients or Other Participants: Athletic trainers recruited to a CPE course. Twenty-two (age 22-49) of 30 ATs attended, consented, and completed the course. Participants were randomly assigned to a high-fidelity (12 participants) or low-fidelity (10 participants) group. Intervention(s): High-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation. Main Outcome Measures(s): A 31-question knowledge examination and a 4-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) measured knowledge and clinical skills, and specifically the ability to identify heart sounds as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. Results: From pretest to posttest, all participants significantly improved knowledge (P > .001), clinical skills (P > .001), and heart-sound identification skill (P = .010). The high-fidelity group scored significantly higher (P = .48) than the low-fidelity group on the clinical skills portion of the OSCE. Conclusions: Both simulation types can be used in CPE courses for ATs to reinforce the knowledge and skills that are a part of a cardiovascular assessment. High-fidelity simulation improved skill more than low-fidelity simulation because of the active nature of the intervention. Baseline scores were low, thereby strengthening the value to offer CPE to ATs specifically on the elements of conducting a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. Adding a pretest can help identify knowledge and skill deficits before CPE participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the views of people with Parkinson’s and their dance partners on the influence and issues surrounding dancing with an able-bodied dance partner during partnered ball room dance classes. Methods: In depth, semi-structured interviews explored purposively selected participants’ experiences and views about dance classes. Fourteen people with Parkinson’s and their dance partners (six spouses, two friends/relatives, five volunteers) were interviewed within a month of completing the 10-week dance class program. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: Generally, those partnered with a spouse or an experienced dancer, or when dance couples were able to develop good rapport, gained greater enjoyment and sense of achievement from dance classes in comparison to couples who did not enjoy dancing together or had clashing approaches to dance. Managing and negotiating who would “lead” in a dance was challenging for dance couples particularly among male people with Parkinson’s. Conclusions: People with Parkinson’s experience of the dance classes were influenced by the relationship and compatibility with their dance partner. Dance partnerships may impact on recruitment, enjoyment, outcome and continued participation in dance classes. Potential effects of partnerships should be analyzed and reported in studies evaluating the outcomes of dance classes. Implications for rehabilitation: We recommend that health professionals consider involving spouses in Parkinson’s dance classes as this may improve recruitment, adherence, enjoyment and overall outcome of the dance classes. If volunteers are needed, aim to recruit those who already have good dancing ability, convey a love of dancing and have the sensitivity and social skills to interact positively with the person with Parkinson’s. Consider dance partnership issues when advertising and promoting dance classes. Address partnership issues through open communication and by changing partners if the dance partnership is not working well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluating the impact of communication during clinical encounters is complex. One behaviour, largely ignored in clinical practice and training, is interruptions in verbal communication. Two types exist: an 'overlap' (an error projecting when a turn ends); and an 'interruption' (when an individual starts talking before the speaker's turn is complete). This paper reports the prevalence of these behaviours during initial consultations involving physiotherapists and patients with back pain. Method: 25 initial back pain consultations were observed, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, analysed thematically and managed using a Framework approach. Results: The data set comprised 15,489 turns: 7659 by patients; 7647 by clinicians; and 183 by others (patients' spouse or clinical colleagues). Clinicians were 7 times more likely to interrupt than patients (284 and 39 respectively), however overlaps were 1.5 times more prevalent among patients (n = 582) compared to clinicians (n = 385). The main functions for interruptions by clinicians and patients were to 'seek' or 'give' additional information respectively. A trend was noted that female physiotherapists were 3 times more likely to interrupt than male clinicians and overall, the prevalence of interruptions in same-sex consultations was twice as likely as in mixed-sex encounters, however the small sample size precluded secondary analyses. Conclusion: Alongside measuring the prevalence of interruptions in back pain consultations, this study identified differences in the nature of interruptions made by physiotherapists and patients. It highlights the complexity of clinical encounters and that being aware of interruptions is important to optimize rapport and clinician-patient relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guatemalan maternal and infant mortality rates remain high, particularly among indigenous populations. In remote areas, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), without formal midwifery education, are frequently the only maternal care providers. We conducted a mixed methods study to evaluate knowledge, skills, and attitudes of 26 TBAs in western Guatemala. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based midwifery training program and to determine how the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of TBAs influence the care provided to indigenous mothers and infants. Themes from 5 key informant interviews included survival of mother and baby, facilitating referrals, and community pressure not to refer. We offered a 2-week simulation-based training designed for low resource settings. Participants completed pre- and posttests and demonstrated midwifery skills. Knowledge scores and objectively measured skills improved significantly. Attitude outcomes included increased endorsement regarding importance of pre- and postnatal visits, recognizing risk/ complications, and partnering with medical providers. Potential effects discussed include safe TBA practice, training value, and intent to disseminate learnings in their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stillbirth is a significant global health problem that frequently results in perinatal grief with compound negative psychosocial impact. In low-resource settings with exceedingly high stillbirth rates, such as rural Chhattisgarh, India, it is vital to utilize low-cost, effective interventions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is an evidence-based intervention utilized for a broad range of physical and mental health problems, and is adaptable to specific populations. The objective of this study was to explore the sustained effectiveness of a shortened, culturally adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) designed to address complex grief after stillbirth. We used an observational, mixed-methods pre-post study design with 6-week and 12-month follow-up assessments among women with a history of stillbirth (N = 22). Analyses explored study outcomes and continued use of mindfulness skills. Pretest results showed elevated psychological symptoms and high levels of perinatal grief. General linear modeling repeated measures was used to explore 6-week and 12-month follow-up changes from baseline, controlling for significantly correlated demographic variables. Longitudinal results indicated significant reductions in perinatal grief and psychological symptoms; four of the five facets of mindfulness changed in the desired direction; and resilience scores indicated thriving. The shortened, culturally adapted, MBI pilot brought about sustained, significant reductions of perinatal grief and mental health symptoms, and participants reported use of mindfulness skills in day-to-day life. This study shows that the significant mental health needs among rural women of various castes and ethnicities in Chhattisgarh following stillbirth were successfully addressed by a promising MBI with potential scalability and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions are popular as a treatment strategy for myriad diagnoses in various settings, and may be beneficial for parents of children with developmental delays (DD). However, prior research suggests extreme levels of stress and extraordinary demands on time among these parents, making the feasibility of effectively implementing MBSR with this population questionable. This study examined the feasibility of administering standard MBSR to a diverse community-based sample of parents of young children with DD. The potential impact of MBSR interventions includes improvement in parents’ mental health, and collateral benefits for the family environment, including improved child behavior. Nurses may have an integral role in interdisciplinary teams providing MBSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the concept of using a Mindfulness-based intervention to reduce perinatal grief among Indian women. Data were collected using mixed methods to explore concept acceptability, receptivity, modality, and feasibility of the intervention. The intervention was piloted and evaluated with measures of perinatal grief, psychosocial wellbeing, religious coping, perceived social provision of support, and mindfulness. The intervention was well received and effective in teaching skills to help women deal with high levels of grief and subsequent mental health challenges. To overcome attendance barriers modification is necessary. Partnership with a local nursing school is critical to enhance sustainability of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Communication in clinical encounters is vital in ensuring a positive experience and outcome for both patient and clinician. Objective. The purpose of this study was to measure verbal communication between physical therapists and patients with back pain during their initial consultation and trial management of the data using a novel, Web-based application. Design. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods. Nine musculoskeletal physical therapists and 27 patients with back pain participated in this study. Twenty-five initial consultations were observed, audio recorded, and categorized using the Medical Communications Behavior System. Data were managed using Synote, a freely available application enabling synchronization of audio recordings with transcripts and coded notes. Results. In this sample, physical therapists spoke for 49.5% of the encounter and patients for 33.1%. Providers and patients spent little time overtly discussing emotions (1.4% and 0.9%, respectively). More-experienced clinicians used more "history/ background probes," more "advice/suggestion," and less "restatement" than less-experienced staff, although they demonstrated a greater prevalence of talking concurrently and interrupting patients (7.6% compared with 2.6%). Limitations. Although studies measuring actual behavior are considered to be the gold standard, audio recordings do not enable nonverbal behaviors to be recorded. Conclusion. This study investigated a method for measuring the verbal content of clinical encounters in a physical therapy outpatient setting. The study has directly contributed to developing a research-friendly version of the application (ie, Synote Researcher). Given the pivotal role of communication in ensuring a positive experience and outcome for both patient and provider, investing time in further developing communication skills should be an on-going priority for providers. Further work is needed to explore affective behaviors and the prevalence of interrupting patients, considering differences in sex and provider experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case management has become a popular model for providing home care services to nursing home-eligible older adults. To maximize collaborative decision making and patient outcomes, members of the case management team must engage in ongoing, open communication. However, little is known about the quality of communication between home care case managers and their clients’ physicians. This study examined geriatric home care case managers’ perceptions of their communication with their clients’ physicians. Participating case managers were employed at two large home care agencies located in the South Florida region. The findings suggest that communication between home care case managers and physicians is limited and inefficient. Implication for policy and practice are provided. Finally, we propose ways to leverage Information Technology to bridge this communication gap. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Stillbirth is a globally significant public health problem with many medical causes. There are also indirect causal pathways including social and cultural factors which are particularly salient in India's traditional society. The purpose of this study was to explore women's perceptions of stillbirth and to determine how issues of gender and power, social support, coping efforts, and religious beliefs influence perinatal grief outcomes among poor women in rural Chhattisgarh, India. Structured interviews were done face-to-face in 21 randomly selected villages among women of reproductive age ( N = 355) who had experienced stillbirth ( n = 178) and compared to those who had not ( n = 177), in the Christian Hospital, Mungeli catchment area. Perinatal grief was significantly higher among women with a history of stillbirth. Greater perinatal grief was associated with lack of support, maternal agreement with social norms, and younger maternal age. These predictors must be understood in light of an additional finding-distorted sex ratios, which reflect gender discrimination in the context of Indian society. The findings of this study will allow the development of a culturally appropriate health education program which should be designed to increase social support and address social norms, thereby reducing psychological distress to prevent complicated perinatal grief. Perinatal grief is a significant social burden which impacts the health women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]