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Gro Gade Haanes,1,2 Jónvør Christiansen,3 Dag Hofoss2,4 1Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Institute for Nursing and Health Science, University of South-Eastern Norway, Horten, Norway; 2USN Research Group for Older People’s Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway; 3Nánd, Health Services for the Elderly in Eysturkommuna and Fuglafjarðar Kommuna, Faroe Islands, Denmark; 4Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Campus Drammen, Drammen, NorwayCorrespondence: Gro Gade Haanes, Email groh@usn.noIntroduction: Aging is associated with the potential onset of vision and hearing problems, affecting the quality of life and functional independence of older adults. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of various vision and hearing problems in 76-year-old Faroese individuals and examine possible regional variations in these health issues.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, surveying 175 participants, all 76-year-olds, from different regions in the Faroe Islands. Data were collected on demographics, educational level, and marital status, as well as seven indicators of vision problems and eight indicators of hearing problems. Differences by gender and region were tested by Pearson chi squared test and Fisher’s exact test, Bonferroni corrected for multiple comparisons.Results: Problems with seeing and hearing were widespread, difficulty reading small print was reported by 58% of participants, and 51% reported less than “good” hearing. Despite the high prevalence of issues, no significant difference was found between genders in terms of problem frequency.Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of vision and hearing issues among 76-year-old Faroese individuals, with no gender differences observed. The detected regional variations necessitate further investigation to better understand and address these health issues in older adults. Policymakers and health professionals should consider these findings in designing interventions to improve older adults’ sensory health.Keywords: aging, vision problems, hearing problems, prevalence, regional variations, Faroe Islands

Gro Gade Haanes1,2 1Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Institute for Nursing and Health Science, University of South-Eastern Norway, Campus Vestfold, Horten, Norway; 2USN Research Group of Older Peoples’ Health, University of South-Eastern Norway Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, NorwayCorrespondence: Gro Gade Haanes, Tel +47 93437662, Email groh@usn.noAbstract: Sensory impairments including hearing and vision loss are becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults worldwide, and are adversely affecting their quality of life, independence and cognitive health. This article focuses on the global rise of sensory impairments in the ageing population and evaluates the efficacy of multidisciplinary interventions for management and prevention, including assistive-technology-based medicine, exercise programs and cognitive strategies. Drawing from a wide range of studies, we emphasize the importance of developing globally adaptable, community-based solutions that not only address the direct challenges posed by sensory impairments but also their broader implications for cognitive decline. Additionally, we highlight the need for continuous international research to fine-tune these interventions, to ensure they are holistic and responsive to the diverse needs of older adults across different regions worldwide.Keywords: sensory impairments, hearing loss, vision loss, older adults, multidisciplinary approaches, assistive-technology-based medicine, exercise programs, cognitive interventions, global perspective, healthy ageing

Gro Gade Haanes,1 Ása Roin,2 Maria Skaalum Petersen2,3 1Faculty of Health and Social Science, Institute for Nursing and Health Science, University of Southeast-Norway (USN), Borre, NO-3199, Norway; 2Centre of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, FO-100, Faroe Islands; 3Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, FO-100, Faroe IslandsCorrespondence: Gro Gade HaanesFaculty of Health and Social Science, Institute for Nursing and Health Science, University of Southeast-Norway (USN), P.b. 4, 3184, Borre, NO-3199, NorwayTel +47 93437662/ +47 35026499Email groh@usn.noPurpose: Hearing and vision loss are common in later life but often overlooked and undertreated. The study aims to examine hearing and vision as part of preventive home visits (PHV) among 76-year-old home-dwelling citizens in Tórshavn, the capital of Faroe Islands.Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, three specially trained nurses conducted the examinations and tests, for this purpose, in the community health-centre.Results: A total of 74 individuals participated (56% participation rate) of whom 77% had some degree of hearing impairment, 89% had visual impairment and 22% had dual sensory loss. A significant correlation between self-reported hearing ability and clinical findings was found, whereas self-reported vision did not correlate significantly with test-results.Conclusion: Results indicate that implementing clinical assessments of hearing and vision as part of preventive home visits would benefit people receiving visits, and society by helping maintain the conditions that allow them to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.Keywords: hearing, vision, Faroe Islands, preventive home visits

Gro Gade Haanes,1 Marit Kirkevold,2 Dag Hofoss,2 Gunnar Horgen,1 Grethe Eilertsen1 1Department of Health Sciences, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Drammen, Norway; 2Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Background: Vision and hearing impairments in the elderly (aged over 80 years) and poor indoor lighting conditions in a home-care setting are risk factors for functional decline, reduced social participation, withdrawal, and accidents. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the changes in vision, hearing, and lighting conditions in the homes of participants aged over 80 years after implementation of a clinical intervention. Methods: We undertook an exploratory randomized, controlled experimental study of sensory impairments and lighting conditions in the homes of elderly aged over 80 years who received home care. The intervention group (IG) received advice and encouragement to improve their vision, hearing, and indoor lighting conditions in the home, with a 10-week follow-up period. The control group (CG) received their usual care and underwent the same vision and hearing tests but were provided no intervention. Results: Vision and hearing (self-assessed) and tested by Wilcoxon rank-sum test were significantly better (P=0.025 and P=0.008, respectively) in the IG after the intervention and follow-up. The test between the groups showed a significance of P=0.026 for visual acuity and P=0.098 for pure-tone average. The maximum and minimum lighting levels were significantly improved in the IG after the intervention (P=0.002 and P=0.039, respectively) but were unchanged in the CG. Conclusion: Several of the IG participants did not follow all of the advice; however, among those who did, vision, hearing, and lighting conditions were all significantly improved. It appears that modest interventions have great potential for improving vision and hearing. Older patients in the home-care setting cannot be expected to take the necessary action to improve their sensory impairments by themselves. They require close monitoring, help from a specialist, and help to improve the indoor lighting conditions in their homes. Keywords: vision and hearing impairments, home lighting conditions, old people, home care

Gro Gade Haanes,1 Marit Kirkevold,2 Gunnar Horgen,1 Dag Hofoss,2 Grethe Eilertsen1 1Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Kongsberg, Norway; 2University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Background: Hearing and vision impairments increase with age and are common risk factors for functional decline reduced social participation and withdrawal. Objective: Describe the hearing and vision of home care patients older than 80 years. Methods: Ninety-three older adults (80+ years) receiving home care were screened for hearing and vision in their homes. Data were collected using a HEINE Mini 3000® Otoscope to examine the eardrum and presence of earwax, an Entomed SA201-IV portable pure-tone audiometer to measure the pure-tone average (PTAV), a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart to measure visual acuity (VA), and the Combined Serious Sensory Impairment interview guide. Results: Slight and moderate hearing impairments were found in 41% and 47% of the population, respectively (mean PTAV =40.4 dB for the better ear), and 40% and 56% had impaired and slightly impaired vision, respectively (mean VA =0.45 for the better eye). The participants' self-assessments of hearing and vision were only weakly correlated with PTAV and VA values. The visual function was significantly worse in men than in women (P=0.033). Difficulty in performing instrumental activities of daily living because of hearing and vision impairments was experienced by 17% of the participants, whereas 76% experienced no difficulties. When many people were present, 72% of the participants found it difficult to understand speech. Nearly 30% found it tiring to read, and 41% could not read very small print. Conclusion: The patients’ self-assessments of their hearing and vision did not correlate strongly with their VA and PTAV scores. Asking the elderly about their overall hearing and vision ability is not sufficient for detecting sensory impairment, and asking more specific questions about what they could not hear and see was not an adequate indicator of the patients’ hearing and vision problems. To detect hearing and vision impairments among elderly home care patients, standardized measurements of their hearing and vision are necessary. Keywords: dual sensory impairment, home care, vision, hearing, elderly

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a swift transition to e-learning, significantly impacting nursing education due to its reliance on practical, hands-on experiences and the critical role nurses play in healthcare. Nursing students need to achieve high levels of clinical competence through experiences traditionally obtained in clinical settings, which e-learning had to replicate or supplement. Understanding the unique challenges faced by nursing students in e-learning environments is crucial for developing educational strategies that enhance learning outcomes and contribute to improved patient care. This study aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students and newly qualified nurses (as students) with e-learning during the COVID-19 lockdown, focusing on how it influenced their learning and professional development., Method: This exploratory and descriptive study employed qualitative interviews with 31 participants, including full-time nursing students, part-time nursing students, and newly qualified nurses (as nursing students). Conducted online via Zoom during February and March 2022., Results: The findings suggest that integrating small group interactions and employing strategic pedagogical support can enhance e-learning effectiveness. However, barriers such as technological difficulties, psychological challenges, and social isolation were also identified. Understanding these unique opportunities and challenges can help educational institutions optimize e-learning strategies, ensuring nursing students are well-prepared for their crucial roles in healthcare., Conclusion: The rapid shift to e-learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges such as technological, psychological and social aspects, but also opportunities to rethink and enhance nursing education delivery. Implementing appropriate pedagogical e-learning strategies, such as scaffolding and small group learning, can better prepare nursing students for their essential roles in healthcare. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on digital education and provides a foundation for future research aimed at optimizing e-learning in nursing education., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To evaluate the associations between hearing status and hearing aid use and performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in older adults in a cross-sectional study in Norway., Methods: This study utilized data from the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4, 2017-2019). Hearing thresholds at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz (or PTA4) in the better hearing ear were used to determine participants' hearing status [normal hearing (PTA4 hearing threshold, ≤ 15 dB), or slight (PTA4, 16-25 dB), mild (PTA4, 26-40 dB), moderate (PTA4, 41-55 dB), or severe (PTA4, ≥ 56 dB) hearing loss]. Both standard scoring and alternate MoCA scoring for people with hearing loss (deleting MoCA items that rely on auditory function) were used in data analysis. The analysis was adjusted for the confounders age, sex, education, and health covariates., Results: The pattern of results for the alternate scoring was similar to that for standard scoring. Compared with the normal-hearing group, only individuals with moderate or severe hearing loss performed worse in the MoCA. In addition, people with slight hearing loss performed better in the MoCA than those with moderate or severe hearing loss. Within the hearing loss group, hearing aid use was associated with better performance in the MoCA. No interaction was observed between hearing aid use and participants' hearing status with performance on the MoCA test., Conclusion: While hearing loss was associated with poorer performance in the MoCA, hearing aid use was found to be associated with better performance in the MoCA. Future randomized control trials are needed to further examine the efficacy of hearing aid use on the MoCA performance. When compared with standard scoring, the alternate MoCA scoring had no effect on the pattern of results., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Moradi, Engdahl, Johannessen, Selbæk, Aarhus and Haanes.)

Background: Many newly qualified nurses experience transition challenges because they feel unprepared for the reality of the nursing profession owing to the theory-practice gap. Transition challenges amongst newly qualified nurses have profound consequences for the nursing profession and patient care. A detailed and nuanced understanding of the complexity in transition-related challenges during extraordinary conditions like the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is needed for newly qualified nurses to remain in the nursing profession., Objective: This study explored the experience of newly qualified nurses entering the nursing profession who had their clinical placement education missed, shortened, or substituted since they had to serve as health care assistants during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic., Design: An exploratory and descriptive study design was used., Settings: Workplaces for newly qualified nurses., Participants: A purposive sample of 10 newly qualified Norwegian nurses working in various clinical placement nursing settings were included., Methods: Data were collected in April and May 2022 via individual interviews conducted via Zoom. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes. Triangulation was employed to ensure trustworthiness., Findings: Three major themes emerged: relational aspects of nursing, practical aspects of nursing, and inadequacies in the pedagogical plan of teaching and learning. The themes indicate that the limited or suspended clinical placement education during the pandemic affected the competence of newly qualified nurses., Conclusions: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, clinical placement education for student nurses was limited or suspended owing to safety concerns. The short clinical placement durations affected the competence of newly qualified nurses, as they lacked exposure to real-world patient care scenarios as in non-pandemic times. Furthermore, our findings indicate that newly qualified nurses' clinical placement experiences provide important knowledge and insight for educators in terms of education and support for future student nurses going into situations with short clinical placement hours. The conclusion highlights the implications of the findings and recommendations and the need for further support and education for newly qualified nurses after the pandemic., Study Registration Details: The study was approved by the Norwegian Social Data Service (project number 396247). The registration date was 2021-11-04., Tweetable Abstract: Transition-related challenges became more prominent during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic than during non-pandemic times., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between hearing loss severity, hearing aid use, and subjective memory complaints in a large cross-sectional study in Norway., Methods: Data were drawn from the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4 Hearing, 2017-2019). The hearing threshold was defined as the pure-tone average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in the better ear. The participants were divided into five groups: normal hearing or slight/mild/moderate/severe hearing loss. Subjective self-reported short-term and long-term memory complaints were measured by the nine-item Meta-Memory Questionnaire (MMQ). The sample included 20,092 individuals (11,675 women, mean age 58.3 years) who completed both hearing and MMQ tasks. A multivariate analysis of variance (adjusted for covariates of age, sex, education, and health cofounders) was used to evaluate the association between hearing status and hearing aid use (in the hearing-impaired groups) and long-term and short-term subjective memory complaints., Results: A multivariate analysis of variance, followed by univariate ANOVA and pairwise comparisons, showed that hearing loss was associated only with more long-term subjective memory complaints and not with short-term subjective memory complaints. In the hearing-impaired groups, the univariate main effect of hearing aid use was only observed for subjective long-term memory complaints and not for subjective short-term memory complaints. Similarly, the univariate interaction of hearing aid use and hearing status was significant for subjective long-term memory complaints and not for subjective short-term memory complaints. Pairwise comparisons, however, revealed no significant differences between hearing loss groups with respect to subjective long-term complaints., Conclusion: This cross-sectional study indicates an association between hearing loss and subjective long-term memory complaints but not with subjective short-term memory complaints. In addition, an interaction between hearing status and hearing aid use for subjective long-term memory complaints was observed in hearing-impaired groups, which calls for future research to examine the effects of hearing aid use on different memory systems., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Moradi, Engdahl, Johannessen, Selbæk, Aarhus and Haanes.)

Introduction: The severity of age-related hearing and vision impairments increases with age. Such sensory impairments are risk factors for functional decline, reduced social participation, withdrawal, depression and accidents, and hence they make people vulnerable and adversely affect their quality of life., Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how the oldest old recipients of home care experience sensory impairments in daily life., Design: An inductive, descriptive research design was used., Method: Ten recipients of home care with a mean age of 89 years were interviewed in their homes. The study was implemented in accordance with the suggestions from Elo and Kyngäs for inductive content analysis., Findings: The main theme concerned acceptance and adjustment in daily life. Subcategories concerning the category of reduced hearing were identified as "acceptable though annoying" and "hesitant about using hearing aids." Subcategories concerning the category of reduced vision were "reading is increasingly challenging" and "living with vision diseases." The third category of feeling weak was elucidated in the subcategories "troublesome bodily changes" and "strenuous days with limited energy.", Conclusions: It is imperative to recognise that the oldest old are in a distinct phase of the lifespan. Despite this population being aware of their hearing and vision impairments, they do not always have the strength to alter the situation. Instead they accept it; they often struggle with more serious health challenges. Therefore, they are not prioritising using their limited energy reserves to try to improve or optimise their hearing and vision impairments themselves., Implications for Practice: The oldest old with sensory impairments cannot be expected to perform all the necessary activities of daily living or address their functional sensory impairments. Close monitoring and assistance need to be applied to the oldest old., (© 2019 The Authors. International Journal of Older People Nursing Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims and Objectives: To determine whether there is consistency between self-assessments and standardised tests of vision and hearing abilities in older people., Background: Home-based detection of vision and hearing impairments in older people are generally based on self-assessments of vision and hearing abilities., Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study., Methods: Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare self-assessments of vision and hearing abilities with a gold-standard test. The vision and hearing abilities of 93 people aged ≥80 years in the home-care setting were screened with a LogMAR chart, a pure-tone audiometer, and a self-assessment screen., Results: Comparison of findings using the cut-off points on the self-assessment scale with those of the gold-standard tests yielded 40 false negatives for vision and 18 false negatives for hearing, indicating that a significant proportion of older people report their vision and hearing abilities as being good when standardised tests indicate that they are not. Alternative cut-off points on the self-assessment scale were tested, but no cut-off point was found to provide a sound basis for identifying vision and hearing impairments., Conclusion: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for self-assessment of vision was 69%, indicating that the self-assessment questions constituted a poor test. It appears that results from self-assessments cannot be relied upon to accurately identify visual acuity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the self-assessment of hearing was 73%, which may therefore be considered a "fair" test. However, self-assessment of hearing is still insufficient for detecting hearing impairment., Relevance to Clinical Practice: Vision and hearing abilities are crucially important to managing daily living. In addition to treatments for suppressing the further development of existing diseases, standardised tests could be a good starting point for health prevention and promotion. Nurses should apply standardised tests to detect sensory impairments in older people., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)