Knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals and students regarding recovery: A systematic review

This review was conducted to synthesize and critically appraise the literature on knowledge, attitudes, understanding, perceptions, and expectations of mental health professionals (MHPs) and mental health professional (MHP) students' regarding recovery. A systematic search in Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase as well as Google scholar and web-based repositories was conducted. The searches were conducted using a combination of key terms: "mental health professionals", "students", 'knowledge', "understanding", "perception" "attitude", "expectation", "recovery". After screening and quality assessment, the review included 29 studies (18 quantitative, 8 qualitative, and 3 mixed-method studies) published in English, from January 2006 to June 2019, and was analysed systematically using a mixed-method synthesis. The findings revealed that there is increasing evidence (especially among MHPs) of knowledge, attitudes, understanding, perceptions, and expectations regarding recovery. However, there are disparities in how MHPs perceive and understand recovery. While some understood it to mean a personal process, others explained it as a clinical process. In addition, there was limited knowledge among the MHPs and MHP students regarding the nonlinearity nature of the recovery process and expectations regarding recovery. The implications from these findings are the need for more in-service training for MHPs, and examination of the curriculum used to educate MHP students. In particular, they should be sufficiently informed about the nonlinearity nature of the recovery process and how to develop hopeful and realistic expectations for consumers throughout the recovery process. The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (Registration No: CRD42019136543).

Compassion fatigue in critical care nurses. An integrative review of the literature

Objectives:

To provides a critical evaluation of current empirical evidence related to the prevalence, causes and outcomes of compassion fatigue among critical care nurses. Compassion fatigue is characterized the development of emotional, physical, and/or spiritual exhaustion as a result of working with traumatized individuals.

Methods:

Data was collected using an integrated review framework via an advanced search of healthcare databases; namely, ProQuest, Science Direct, and CINAHL for research articles on compassion fatigue among nurses in critical care settings. Analysis was performed on the articles which met the inclusion criteria for this review (n=10) to identify the key themes and issues related to the compassion fatigue in critical care situations. Articles were assessed for quality and rigor using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. The search was limited to research studies undertaken from 2000 to 2018.

Results:

The main findings to emerge from this integrative review was that the prevalence of compassion fatigue among nurses varied across the range of critical care settings. In terms of the causes and consequences of compassion fatigue, this review found work environment and nurse demographics such as age and years of experience, were predictors of compassion fatigue, and the factors mitigating compassion fatigue affects among critical nurse included leader and administrative support within the clinical setting and the coping strategies employed by the nurses.

Conclusion:

There is inconclusive evidence to identify unequivocal predictors of compassion fatigue among critical nurses. However, it is likely the onset of compassion fatigue among critical care nurses may be reduced with close monitoring of physical and emotional wellbeing in the critical care environment as well as through the provision of education to nurses to assist with the development of coping strategies to avoid compassion fatigue.

Living with diabetes and disadvantage: A qualitative, geographical case study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the experiences of people living with diabetes, residing in an urban diabetogenic area.

BACKGROUND

Community-level social and environmental factors have a role to play in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Socio-economic deprivation; high obesity rates; high access to fast foods; and multiculturalism contribute to higher rates of diabetes in some geographical areas. However, there is a lack of research examining people's experiences of living with diabetes in diabetogenic areas. The word diabetogenic implies that the phenomenon of interest contributes to the development of diabetes.

DESIGN

Qualitative, geographical case study approach.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 17 people living with diabetes in a diabetogenic, low-socio-economic urban area participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. This paper adheres to the COREQ guidelines.

FINDINGS

Four main themes were identified: 1. Diabetes fatalism: Inevitability and inertia; 2. Living with Inequity: Literacy and intersectionality; 3. Impersonal services: Intimidating and overwhelming; and, 4. Education in the community: Access and anecdotes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has highlighted the need to develop local solutions for local problems. In this geographical area, solutions need to address generally lower health literacy, how the community would prefer to receive diabetes education and the issue of diabetes fatalism.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Findings from this study have highlighted a need to re-examine how diabetes education is delivered in communities that are already experiencing multiple disadvantages. There are research and practice connotations for how fatalism is positioned for people at high risk of developing diabetes.

A systematic review of the prevalence and risk factors of smoking among Saudi adolescents

Objectives:

To systemically review the evidence concerning the prevalence and reported risk factors of smoking among adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

Following the PRISMA guidelines, studies that examined the prevalence and risk factors of smoking among adolescents in Saudi Arabia were identified through a computerized literature search using the following databases up to March 2018: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and BIOSIS. The following search terms were used: smoking OR smok* OR tobacco OR cigar* OR shisha OR shesha OR sheesha AND Saudi Arabia OR KSA. Peer-reviewed articles published within the period from 2007 to 2018 were selected. Studies that reported prevalence data, patterns, and risk factors of smoking among adolescents were included. Extracted data from each study were tabulated, and data were narratively synthesized.

Results:

Thirty-two studies that reported the prevalence of smoking in the adolescent age group were included in the narrative evidence synthesis. These studies were conducted on secondary school students (n=11), college students (n=14), and an adolescent age group without educational specifications (n=7). According to published reports between 2007 and 2018, the prevalence of tobacco smoking among adolescents in Saudi Arabia ranged from 2.4% to 39.6%. Influence of friends, and family negligence were the most commonly reported risk factors for smoking.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of smoking is relatively high among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. The social influence of friends, teachers or parents, low academic performance, having spare time, living away from home, and the desire to relieve stress were the most commonly reported risk factors for smoking.

PROSPERO REG. NO: CRD: 42018108053

Meaningful Engagement With Aboriginal Communities Using Participatory Action Research to Develop Culturally Appropriate Health Resources

Introduction: This article outlines the processes used to meaningfully and authentically engage Australian Aboriginal communities in Northern New South Wales, Australia, to develop culturally appropriate stroke health resources. Methodology: Participatory action research using the research topic yarning framework is a collaborative, culturally safe way to uncover vital information and concepts. There were two stages in the participatory action research project: community engagement and evaluation of the processes involved in developing the localised, culturally appropriate health resources. Results: Establishing relationships built on trust, mutual sharing of knowledge, and bringing together the wider community, enabled the health message to be embedded within the community, ensuring the message was culturally appropriate and sustainable. Discussion: The stroke education resource is a tangible outcome and a major achievement; however, the process of authentic engagement to achieve the final product was the ultimate accomplishment.

Women's health-related vulnerabilities in natural disasters: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

There is a paucity of evidence identifying both the physical and psychological health risks and underlying causes of women's health-related vulnerabilities related to natural disasters. Therefore, this systematic review will be conducted to determine the impact of natural disasters on women's health from a global perspective.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Five electronic databases of health research, including ProQuest, ProQuest Health and Medicine, PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL, will be searched to retrieve relevant literature where Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords will be used depending on the search method of each database. Google Scholar will also be searched for preliminary information on the topic and to check for further evidence that may have been missed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be developed and refined by the research team. We will restrict our search for empirical full-text articles published in the English language peer-reviewed journals between July 2008 and June 2018 to ensure contemporary evidence is retrieved. Two authors will participate in each step in the process, including title, abstract and full-text screening against inclusion criteria, data extraction and quality appraisal. The quality of selected studies will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis will follow a sequential explanatory approach. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative findings will be merged under themes and described using a narrative approach.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Formal ethical approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. The results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019123809.

Innovations in research dissemination: research participants sharing stories at a conference

BACKGROUND

The dissemination of findings is a crucial part of research. There are many forms of dissemination and audiences differ depending on the focus of the dissemination.

AIM

To present using a recent experience as an example an overview of the benefits to vulnerable research participants of participating in the dissemination of research, as well as potential issues that may occur.

DISCUSSION

There are many benefits to involving research participants in conference presentations. However, it is crucial to provide appropriate support and debriefing, and to put plans in place to ensure they are safe.

CONCLUSION

Multifaceted dissemination strategies are needed to meet the various audiences for research. Involving research participants can provide unique perspectives. However, careful planning is required to produce the best possible outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Researchers preparing to disseminate research findings with research participants in a conference setting can use this article to assist with the recognition of benefits and challenges that may arise.

Personal characteristics, coping strategies, and resilience impact on compassion fatigue in critical care nurses: A cross-sectional study

Compassion fatigue is known to impact the well-being of nurses and patient safety outcomes. Currently, there is limited academic understanding of the role of demographic factors in contributing to compassion fatigue in critical care nurses. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nurse demographic characteristics and the development of compassion fatigue, as indicated by level of burnout and compassion satisfaction in critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia. The cross-sectional study design included administering three surveys to critical care nurses (n = 321) in four Saudi public hospitals to examine the nurse demographic variables in relation to compassion fatigue, the compassion fatigue coping strategies of nurses, and nurse resilience. The results show both demographic and workplace structural elements, such as length of work shift, education level, and nationality, were all significant factors in resilience to compassion fatigue among Saudi critical care nurses, whereas factors of age and sex were not significant. This study concludes that the demographic characteristics of critical care nurses enable the identification of levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction, and their resilience to the effects of compassion fatigue.

Characteristics of people with pressure ulcers using one year's routinely collected data in a defined diverse community

OBJECTIVE

To determine if meaningful patient characteristics pertaining to pressure ulcers (PU) can be derived from routinely collected community health data.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of records was carried out. To provide a detailed dataset on PU for the community of interest, demographic, general medical and PU data were extracted from mandatory incident reports and audit of electronic and paper medical records. This study is reported in accordance with the RECORD Guidelines from the Equator Network. Adult patients were enrolled from a district nursing service in the target region (n=1085) during 2015. The target region was based on a geographical region bounded by a single postcode district (target region) consisting of 62,000 people of whom approximately 50,000 were adults, 3000 of whom were aged >75 years.

RESULTS

The total number of recorded PUs was n=137 in 103 individuals. Data from mandatory incident reports was obtainable for nearly all variables. Electronic and paper medical records were less reliable due to missing data.

CONCLUSION

Detailed characteristics of community-dwelling PU patients can be derived from routinely collected data, and provides various forms and levels of information which could feed into different projects. The use of mandatory reporting fields increases the level of reporting and reduces missing data. Data enriched with information from electronic and paper records could inform the addition of variables to mandatory forms to improve characterisation of community dwellers with PUs.

Share or perish: Social media and the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

The impact of published research is sometimes measured by the number of citations an individual article accumulates. However, the time from publication to citation can be extensive. Years may pass before authors are able to measure the impact of their publication. Social media provides individuals and organizations a powerful medium with which to share information. The power of social media is sometimes harnessed to share scholarly works, especially journal article citations and quotes. A non-traditional bibliometric is required to understand the impact social media has on disseminating scholarly works/research. The International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (IJMHN) appointed a social media editor as of 1 January 2017 to implement a strategy to increase the impact and reach of the journal's articles. To measure the impact of the IJMHN social media strategy, quantitative data for the eighteen months prior to the social media editor start date, and the eighteen months after that date (i.e.: from 01 July 2015 to 30 June 2018) were acquired and analysed. Quantitative evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of one journal's social media strategy in increasing the reach and readership of the articles it publishes. This information may be of interest to those considering where to publish their research, those wanting to amplify the reach of their research, those who fund research, and journal editors and boards.

Patterns and features of methamphetamine-related presentations to emergency departments in QLD from 2005 to 2017

This study explores the patterns and features of methamphetamine-related presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Queensland. Despite an overall decrease in the use of methamphetamine in Australian, an increase in the use of the crystalized form of methamphetamine has been noted over recent years. A descriptive observational study was utilized to analyse emergency department (ED) injury surveillance data sourced from Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) from 2005 to 2017. Data were analysed for presentations related to stimulants (n = 564) with methamphetamine (n = 250) included as a subcategory. Descriptive statistics were used to identify patterns and features of presentations related to methamphetamines. The relationship between demographic variables, service type variables, and drug type was assessed using chi-square and z-tests. Results included the following: 84.4% of methamphetamine-related presentations were allocated a triage score of 1, 2, or 3; 14.8% of all methamphetamine-related presentations required police involvement; 18% were brought in by ambulance; and 15.6% exhibited behaviour that was either, agitated, aggressive, or violent in nature. Methamphetamine-related presentations more frequently required police or ambulance services and more often included aggression or agitation. Methamphetamine-related presentations to ED have a high acuity and often require other emergency resources (police and ambulance). There is a need to develop policy for managing aggressive and agitated people presenting to EDs as a result of methamphetamine use and to further explore the experience of personnel (police and ambulance) managing persons under the influence of methamphetamine.

Using consensus from experts to inform a shared understanding of subjective terms

BACKGROUND

Consensus methods such as Delphi studies or the group nominal method have long been used in healthcare research to develop services, processes or policies and inform further research. However, concept analysis and meta-synthesis tools are used more frequently to seek a collective understanding of subjective terms.

AIM

To examine the use of consensus methods to develop linguistic clarity in healthcare research.

DISCUSSION

The authors argue that consensus methods are appropriate for determining linguistic clarity when researching subjective terms. The paper includes a sample research design that incorporates this approach. Consensus methods, supported by interpretive synthesis of the concept and research, can enrich our understanding of subjective terms used in healthcare research.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the importance of linguistic clarity is an important step for healthcare researchers. Consensus methods, if managed effectively and conducted in line with the appropriate research guidelines, can bring a richer understanding to concepts.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This paper presents a research example that incorporates the use of a consensus method and which healthcare researchers can use to reduce the potential ambiguity of subjective terms in their research.