Healthy work environment: A systematic review informing a nursing professional practice model in the US Military Health System

AIM

The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for creating a healthy work environment based on current literature for nurses working within the US Military Health System (MHS). However, our findings would likely benefit other nursing populations and environments as well.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted a systematic literature search for articles published between January 2010 until January 2024 from five databases: PubMed, Joanna Briggs, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus.

METHODS

Articles were screened, selected and extracted using Covidence software. Article findings were synthesized to create recommendations for the development, implementation and measurement of healthy work environments.

RESULTS

Ultimately, a total of 110 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The articles informed 13 recommendations for creating a healthy work environment. The recommendations included ensuring teamwork, mentorship, job satisfaction, supportive leadership, nurse recognition and adequate staffing and resources. Additionally, we identified strategies for implementing and measuring these recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

This thorough systematic review created actionable recommendations for the creation of a healthy work environment. Based on available evidence, implementation of these recommendations could improve nursing work environments.

IMPACT

This study identifies methods for implementing and measuring aspects of a healthy work environment. Nurse leaders or others can implement the recommendations provided here to develop healthy work environments in their hospitals, clinics or other facilities where nurses practice.

REPORTING METHOD

PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Plus Usual Care Is Better than Usual Care Alone for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Plantar fasciitis (PF) results in pain-related disability and excessive healthcare costs. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has shown promise for decreasing both pain and disability related to PF.

Purpose

The purpose was to assess the clinical impact of PBMT on pain and function in people with PF.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods

A convenience sample of adults with PF were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) usual care, (2) usual care plus nine doses of PBMT with 25W output power over three weeks, or (3) usual care plus nine doses of PBMT with 10W output power over three weeks. Both 10W and 25W PBMT participants received the same total dose (10J/cm2) by utilizing a simple area equation. Pain (with Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale) and function (by Foot and Ankle Ability Measure) were measured at baseline, weeks 3, and 6 for all groups, and at 13 and 26 weeks for PBMT groups.

Results

PBMT groups experienced a reduction in pain over the first three weeks (from an average of 4.5 to 2.8) after which their pain levels remained mostly constant, while the UC group experienced a smaller reduction in pain (from an average of 4 to 3.8). The effects on pain were not different between PBMT groups. PBMT in both treatment groups also improved function more than the UC group, again with the improvement occurring within the first three weeks.

Conclusions

Pain and function improved during the three weeks of PBMT plus UC and remained stable over the following three weeks. Improvements sustained through six months in the PBMT plus UC groups.

Level of Evidence

Level II- RCT or Prospective Comparative Study.

Recommendations From a Systematic Review of Leadership Development to Support a New Nursing Practice Model

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new nursing practice model for use within the US military, researchers aimed to create evidence-based recommendations for nursing leadership development based on current literature.

BACKGROUND

The role of nursing leadership has many implications, including better nurse and patient outcomes. Therefore, an actionable compilation of recommendations informing how to develop effective nurse leaders could be helpful for current and aspiring nurse leaders.

METHODS

Researchers conducted a systematic literature review of 5 databases searching for relevant articles published from 2001 to 2020.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight articles were synthesized to develop a list of 5 broad yet actionable recommendations for leadership development.

CONCLUSIONS

Leadership development is essential for current and future nurse leaders. The recommendations identified from this review can assist in developing leaders. Leaders can use these recommendations to guide leadership training initiatives, engage in self-development, or begin succession planning.

Development of a Joint Professional Practice Model for the Total Nursing Force of the United States Military: Describing an Evidence-Based Process Across Multiple Entities

Professional practice models are a hallmark of professional organizations. Creating a model that can apply across contexts, however, can be a challenge. This article describes the process that a team of nurse leaders and researchers used to create a professional practice model that would serve active-duty and civilian nurses working in military treatment facilities.

Components, Implementation, and Outcomes of a Nursing Professional Practice Model: A Systematic Review

Nursing professional practice models (PPMs) are known to have beneficial effects on nurse and patient outcomes. Determining what components should be present in a PPM, how to implement a PPM, and evaluating the outcomes associated with a PPM is less certain. Therefore, as part of a larger project to develop a nursing PPM for use within the United States Military Health System, this study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on nursing PPMs. Specifically, the review sought to investigate components, implementation, and outcomes of PPMs in current literature. A total of 37 articles were included in the review. The literature supported the development of 12 recommendations for creating, implementing, and evaluating a nursing PPM. As health care facilities develop their own PPMs or reassess their current PPMs, findings from this review may assist hospital leadership by providing the most recent evidence on the strategic value of nursing PPMs in contemporary health care.