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Ong P, Cong X, Yeo Y, Shorey S. Experiences of nurses managing parenthood and career: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Int Nurs Rev 2024; 71:610-625. [PMID: 37724722 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Consolidate and synthesize evidence on working nurse-parent experiences of parenthood. BACKGROUND Demands in healthcare strain the workforce, causing burnout and high turnover rates, especially among nurses. Balancing work and family responsibilites is even more challenging for nurse-parents. INTRODUCTION Nursing is highly stressful, and the experiences of nurse-parents are under-researched highlighting the need to better understand and support nurse-parents in their dual roles. METHODS Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for published and unpublished primary qualitative studies. Extracted data were meta-summarized and synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso's approach. FINDINGS Twelve peer-reviewed studies, conducted between 2007 and 2022, investigated the challenges faced by 339 female nurse-parents across various countries. The meta-synthesis revealed two main themes: (a) Clashes of dual roles, and (b) Accept, adapt, and compromise, which were supported by six subthemes. Nurse-parents struggled with dual roles, often neglected self-care, and experienced work-family conflicts. However, they learned to accept their situations, adapt by seeking help from family, friends, and colleagues, and compromise on career aspirations to prioritize their families. The importance of organizational support and flexibility in accommodating their dual roles was emphasized. DISCUSSION Female nurse-parents face challenges in balancing their dual roles, resulting in fatigue, compromised self-care, and limited social interactions. The culture of self-sacrifice in nursing contributes to these challenges, impacting patient safety. Supportive interventions like mindfulness programs and exercise classes can promote well-being. Staffing shortages and shift work further affect the work-life balance for nurse-parents. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY Creating a supportive work environment for nurse-parents is crucial. Family-friendly shifts revised parental leave policies, and improved childcare support are needed. Supporting nurse-parents benefits their well-being and enhances patient care. Collaboration between healthcare organizations and policymakers is essential to address workforce shortages and implement changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl Ong
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaomei Cong
- Yale University School of Nursing, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yumi Yeo
- Alice Lee Center for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Center for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Silva I, Costa D. Consequences of Shift Work and Night Work: A Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101410. [PMID: 37239693 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonstandard work schedules such as shift work and night work tend to trigger problems for workers in different areas. To illustrate the diversity of areas affected and the relative interest of the scientific community, we conducted a literature review of the effects of shift work and night work on workers. In particular, we intended to identify the main variables addressed in the field of health, the family sphere, and the organizational context. The literature review was carried out using the Web of Science with the following terms: "shift work", "rotating shifts", and "night work". Inclusion criteria incorporated empirical studies and articles written in Portuguese or English published in 2019. We selected 129 of the 619 articles identified. Regarding the impacts of shift work and night work, there existed a high discrepancy of focus between the three defined areas: health, family life, and organizational context. Specifically, health-related variables were the most studied (83.4%), followed by organizational variables (9.2%), and, lastly, family variables (7.4%). Based on these results, it is essential to extend the study of the two underrepresented impacts to other crucial areas, not only for the worker but also for organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Silva
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA.UMinho), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- School of Psychology (EPsi-UMinho), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- School of Psychology (EPsi-UMinho), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Weaver SH, Hessels AJ, Paliwal M, Wurmser TA. From dusk to dawn: A healthy work environment for nurses working night shift. Nurs Manag (Harrow) 2023; 54:18-27. [PMID: 36998184 DOI: 10.1097/01.numa.0000921912.36370.fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan H Weaver
- Susan H. Weaver is a nurse scientist at Hackensack Meridian Health Ann May Center for Nursing in Neptune, N.J., and the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing in Newark, N.J. Amanda J. Hessels is an assistant professor at Columbia University School of Nursing in New York, N.Y., and a nurse scientist at Hackensack Meridian Health Ann May Center for Nursing in Neptune, N.J. Mani Paliwal is a senior biostatistician at Hackensack Meridian Health , Institute for Evidence Based Care in Edison, N.J. Theresa A. Wurmser is the vice president of nursing research, grants and academic affairs at Hackensack Meridian Health Ann May Center for Nursing in Neptune, N.J., the dean of the Georgian Court-Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing in Lakewood, N.J., and a member of the Nursing Management Editorial Board
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Weaver SH, de Cordova PB, Vitale TR, Hargwood P, Salmond S. Experiences and perceptions of nurses working night shift: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth 2023; 21:33-97. [PMID: 35975311 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to examine the available evidence on the experiences and perceptions of nurses working the night shift within any specialty in the acute care, subacute, or long-term care setting. INTRODUCTION Nurses are required for around-the-clock patient care. Night shift nurses can experience detrimental effects because of their work hours, which disrupt their normal circadian rhythm. Understanding nurses' experiences and perceptions when working night shift will facilitate the development of strategies to minimize the potential negative effects of working at night. In examining nurses' experiences and perceptions of working night shift, there is scope to explore how to improve night shift nurses' practice environment and job satisfaction, which will then translate to improved nurse and patient outcomes. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review included qualitative studies focused on the experiences and perceptions of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who work the night shift or rotate between day and night shift. METHODS This review followed the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The methodology used was consistent with the a priori protocol. Studies included in this review were those published in full text, English, and between 1983 (when the seminal work on hospitals that attract and retain nurses was published) and February 2021, when the search was completed. The main databases searched for published and unpublished studies included MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science.From the search, two reviewers independently screened the studies against the inclusion criteria, and then papers selected for inclusion were assessed for methodological quality. Qualitative data were extracted from the included papers independently by the four reviewers. Results from each reviewer were discussed and clarified to reach agreement. The extracted findings were pooled and examined for shared meaning, coded, and grouped into categories. Common categories were grouped into meta-synthesis to produce a comprehensive set of synthesized findings. The final synthesized findings were graded using the ConQual approach to determine the level of confidence (trust) users may have in the value of the synthesized findings. RESULTS Thirty-four papers, representing 33 studies, met the criteria for inclusion. The studies were conducted in 11 countries across six continents, with a total of 601 participants. From these, a total of 220 findings were extracted and combined to form 11 categories based on similarity in meaning, and three syntheses were derived: i) The "Other" Shift: the distinctiveness of night nursing; ii) Juggling sleep and all aspects of life when working nights; and iii) Existing in the Twilight Zone: battling the negative impact of sleep deprivation consumes nurses who strive to keep patients, self, and others safe. CONCLUSIONS The major conclusions from this review are the uniqueness of working the night shift and the sleep deprivation of night nurses. Organizational strategies and support are needed for those working this shift, which will enhance nurse and patient safety. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019135294.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan H Weaver
- Hackensack Meridian Health, Ann May Center for Nursing, Neptune, NJ, USA.,School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pamela B de Cordova
- School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Tracy R Vitale
- School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pamela Hargwood
- Robert Wood Johnson Library of the Health Sciences, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Susan Salmond
- School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,The Northeast Institute for Evidence Synthesis and Translation (NEST): A JBI Centre of Excellence, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Ogbuabor D, Ghasi N, Eneh R. Nurses' perceptions of quality of work life in private hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria: A qualitative study. AIMS Public Health 2022; 9:718-733. [PMID: 36636153 PMCID: PMC9807407 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2022050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being essential for retaining nurses, not much is known about nurses' quality of work life (QWL) in private hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. We explored nurses' perceptions of QWL, factors influencing it, how it affects motivation, and strategies for its improvement. The study was conducted in seven private hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. The design was qualitative, using focus group discussion (n = 7) with registered nurses (n = 66) purposively selected using maximum variation sampling and the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using verbatim transcription and thematic analysis. The nurses understood QWL from work-family life, work design, work context and work world perspectives. Opportunities for skill acquisition, resource availability, helpfulness from colleagues, and a hygienic work environment improved the QWL and motivation of nurses. Work-family life factors including caring obligations, night shifts, long hours, burnout, and inappropriate leave policies; work design factors including declining autonomy, inadequate staffing, and a high workload; work context factors consisting of a lack of participatory decision-making, blaming nurses for gaps, restrictive training policy, limited training opportunity, and insecurity; and work world factors related to poor remuneration, poor community view of nursing and ease of job termination undermined QWL and demotivated nurses. Strategies identified by the nurses to improve QWL included improving staffing, vacation, care coordination, supportive supervision, teamwork, promotion, participatory decision-making, training opportunities, timely hand-over of shifts, job recognition, and compensation. The quality of nursing work life in private hospitals in Enugu needs improvement. Quality improvement programs addressing the barriers to nurses' QWL are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ogbuabor
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria,Department of Health Systems and Policy, Sustainable Impact Resource Agency, Enugu, Nigeria,* Correspondence: ; Tel: +2348038774436
| | - Nwanneka Ghasi
- Department of Management, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Raymonda Eneh
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Sustainable Impact Resource Agency, Enugu, Nigeria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses need a better understanding of fathers' needs and perceptions in order to provide more family holistic care. Previous research aimed at exploring fathers' experiences in the NICU resulted in identifying some needs; however, these studies mostly occurred outside the United States where practices may differ. Therefore, research is needed to explore NICU fathers' needs within the United States. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of fathers who previously had a premature infant in the NICU. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study used semistructured interviews collected to obtain in-depth knowl-edge of fathers' needs in the NICU. Twenty-eight fathers were recruited through 3 parent support organizations: Hand to Hold, NICU Parent Support Network, and March of Dimes. RESULTS Results revealed 3 themes: need for support, clarity and to be recognized. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Fathers have specific needs in the NICU that need to be addressed and that may differ from mothers. Awareness of addressing fathers' needs promotes more holistic care to fathers, supports coping within the NICU environment and the multifaceted impact of the experience, and helps them engage in the care of their infant. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Further research is needed to explore the needs of fathers from diverse backgrounds and those who perceive to be or are less involved in their infant's care as well as their experiences and needs related to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Comparative research is also needed to identify differences between mothers' and fathers' needs in order to determine interventions that promoting more holistic, family-centered care.
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Yoo HJ, Shim J. Child-rearing experiences of female nurses working three shifts in South Korea: A qualitative study. Int Nurs Rev 2022; 69:318-329. [PMID: 35452559 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the experience of balancing a career with raising school-aged children and working three shifts and to suggest working environment changes to balance these roles BACKGROUND: Female nurses working three-day shift rotations experience irregular life patterns, parenting conflicts, and confusion over nursing roles. INTRODUCTION This qualitative study examined nurses with early school-aged children who work three-day shift rotations in South Korea. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological approach employed in-depth interviews to collect data from 12 married, female nurses with children aged 4-9 years. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, and reporting rigor was demonstrated using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. FINDINGS Four themes emerged in our findings: (1) challenging phase: facing a great crisis that completely shatters the axis of life; (2) chaos phase: endless inner conflict between work and parenting; (3) solutions for coping phase: struggling to continue a nursing career; and (4) expanding phase: stepping into the expanded world of care. CONCLUSION Nurses working three-day shift rotations try to balance their lives through interactions between nursing and child-rearing. Further research is needed to create an environment that promotes this balance. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY To provide a better work-life balance, policymakers should foster a participatory and supportive management style, ensure adequate nurse staffing, implement a flexible work system, provide clinical career opportunities, encourage professional autonomy and responsibility, and promote in-service and shared social information or continuing education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Yoo
- College of Nursing, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - JaeLan Shim
- College of Nursing, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, South Korea
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Nurses' experiences and preferences around shift patterns: A scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256300. [PMID: 34398904 PMCID: PMC8367008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the evidence on nurses’ experiences and preferences around shift patterns in the international literature. Data sources Electronic databases (CINHAL, MEDLINE and Scopus) were searched to identify primary studies up to April 2021. Methods Papers reporting qualitative or quantitative studies exploring the subjective experience and/or preferences of nurses around shift patterns were considered, with no restrictions on methods, date or setting. Key study features were extracted including setting, design and results. Findings were organised thematically by key features of shift work. Results 30 relevant papers were published between 1993 and 2021. They contained mostly qualitative studies where nurses reflected on their experience and preferences around shift patterns. The studies reported on three major aspects of shift work: shift work per se (i.e. the mere fact of working shift), shift length, and time of shift. Across all three aspects of shift work, nurses strive to deliver high quality of care despite facing intense working conditions, experiencing physical and mental fatigue or exhaustion. Preference for or adaptation to a specific shift pattern is facilitated when nurses are consulted before its implementation or have a certain autonomy to self-roster. Days off work tend to mitigate the adverse effects of working (short, long, early or night) shifts. How shift work and patterns impact on experiences and preferences seems to also vary according to nurses’ personal characteristics and circumstances (e.g. age, caring responsibilities, years of experience). Conclusions Shift patterns are often organised in ways that are detrimental to nurses’ health and wellbeing, their job performance, and the patient care they provide. Further research should explore the extent to which nurses’ preferences are considered when choosing or being imposed shift work patterns. Research should also strive to better describe and address the constraints nurses face when it comes to choice around shift patterns.
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Cappadona R, Di Simone E, De Giorgi A, Boari B, Di Muzio M, Greco P, Manfredini R, Rodríguez-Borrego MA, Fabbian F, López-Soto PJ. Individual Circadian Preference, Shift Work, and Risk of Medication Errors: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey among Italian Midwives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165810. [PMID: 32796648 PMCID: PMC7460124 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: In order to explore the possible association between chronotype and risk of medication errors and chronotype in Italian midwives, we conducted a web-based survey. The questionnaire comprised three main components: (1) demographic information, previous working experience, actual working schedule; (2) individual chronotype, either calculated by Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ); (3) self-perception of risk of medication error. Results: Midwives (n = 401) responded “yes, at least once” to the question dealing with self-perception of risk of medication error in 48.1% of cases. Cluster analysis showed that perception of risk of medication errors was associated with class of age 31–35 years, shift work schedule, working experience 6–10 years, and Intermediate-type MEQ score. Conclusions: Perception of the risk of medication errors is present in near one out of two midwives in Italy. In particular, younger midwives with lower working experience, engaged in shift work, and belonging to an Intermediate chronotype, seem to be at higher risk of potential medication error. Since early morning hours seem to represent highest risk frame for female healthcare workers, shift work is not always aligned with individual circadian preference. Assessment of chronotype could represent a method to identify healthcare personnel at higher risk of circadian disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Cappadona
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (R.M.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
| | - Emanuele Di Simone
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.D.S.); (M.D.M.)
- Clinica Medica Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.D.G.); (B.B.)
| | - Alfredo De Giorgi
- Clinica Medica Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.D.G.); (B.B.)
| | - Benedetta Boari
- Clinica Medica Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.D.G.); (B.B.)
| | - Marco Di Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.D.S.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (R.M.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Manfredini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (R.M.)
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Clinica Medica Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.D.G.); (B.B.)
| | - María Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Department of Nursing Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fabio Fabbian
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (R.M.)
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Clinica Medica Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.D.G.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-237071
| | - Pablo Jesús López-Soto
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Department of Nursing Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
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