Dose–Response Relationship between High-Fidelity Simulation and Intensive Care Nursing Students’ Learning Outcomes: An Italian Multimethod Study

Background: The best application modality of high-fidelity simulation in graduate critical care nursing courses is still rarely investigated in nursing research. This is an important issue since advanced nursing skills are necessary to effectively respond to critically ill patients’ care needs. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of a modified teaching model based on multiple exposures to high-fidelity simulations on both the learning outcomes and the perceptions of graduate students enrolled in a critical care nursing course. Methods: A multimethod study involving a sample of graduate critical care nursing students was conducted. A theoretical teaching model focused on multiple exposures to high-fidelity simulations is currently applied as a teaching method in an Italian critical care nursing course. According to the Kirkpatrick model for evaluating training programs, the performance, self-efficacy, and self-confidence in managing critically ill patients were considered learning outcomes, while satisfaction with learning and students’ lived experiences during the experimental phases were considered students’ perceptions. Results: Multiple exposures to high-fidelity simulations significantly improved performance, self-efficacy, and self-confidence in managing virtual critically ill patients’ care needs. The satisfaction level was high, while lived experiences of participants were positive and allowed for better explanation of quantitative results of this study. Conclusions: Multiple exposures to high-fidelity simulations can be considered a valuable teaching method that can improve the learning outcomes of graduate nurses enrolled in an intensive care course.

New-onset Constipation After Stroke: Caspian Nursing Process Projects

Introduction: The impacts of new-onset constipation outcomes in stroke clients have remained unclear. It seems helpful to update the structure planning with nursing-led intervention. Objective: The current study aimed to present a protocol and methods of Caspian Nursing Process Projects in new-onset constipation by nursing-led intervention considering the experts’ point of view. Materials and Methods: The current multi-stage evolutionary study describes the protocol and methods of Caspian Nursing Process Projects, which were conducted on stroke constipation, such as new-onset constipation. The study was conducted in several phases, including searching for scientific sources, formal-content validity, RAND and Delphi methods, and changes made at the Delphi stage and the experts’ panel. We selected 21 studies published between January 2004 and December 2019 in the Cochran database, Medline, Science Direct, PubMed, Elsevier, and Scopus. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AGREE II (The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation) were used to evaluate the articles and guidelines. Results: After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles and guidelines were entered. Most of the authorities were 16 men (72.7%), 11 cases had MD degrees (50%), and 4 (18.2%) were neurologists. Regarding the priority, the highest agreement was found on patient and companion education (98%) and the lowest on disability in daily activity (75.6%). In terms of benefits, patient education again achieved the highest agreement with 97.2%, and use of the Bartel index with 73.6% obtained the lowest agreement. Regarding the applicability, registration, and reporting, the water and electrolyte impairment and educational booklet obtained the highest agreement with 93.6%. Conclusion: All recommendations had reached over 70% agreement in all four areas of the initial draft, and some care should be taken only by stroke nurses or critical care nursing. The study results can be used for developing national guidelines or criteria.

Critical care nursing role in low and lower middle-income settings: a scoping review

ObjectivesA scoping review was conducted to answer the question: How is critical care nursing (CCN) performed in low-income countries and lower middle-income countries (LICs/LMICs)?DesignScoping review guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis.Data sourcesSix electronic databases and five web-based resources were systematically searched to identify relevant literature published between 2010 and April 2021.Review methodsThe search results received two-stage screening: (1) title and abstract (2) full-text screening. For sources of evidence to progress, agreement needed to be reached by two reviewers. Data were extracted and cross-checked. Data were analysed, sorted by themes and mapped to region and country.ResultsLiterature was reported across five georegions. Nurses with a range formal and informal training were identified as providing critical care. Availability of staff was frequently reported as a problem. No reports provided a comprehensive description of CCN in LICs/LMICs. However, a variety of nursing practices and non-clinical responsibilities were highlighted. Availability of equipment to fulfil the nursing role was widely discussed. Perceptions of inadequate resourcing were common. Undergraduate and postgraduate-level preparation was poorly described but frequently reported. The delivery of short format critical care courses was more fully described. There were reports of educational evaluation, especially regarding internationally supported initiatives.ConclusionsDespite commonalities, CCN is unique to regional and socioeconomic contexts. Nurses work within a complex team, yet the structure and skill levels of such teams will vary according to patient population, resources and treatments available. Therefore, a universal definition of the CCN role in LIC/LMIC health systems is likely unhelpful. Research to elucidate current assets, capacity and needs of nurses providing critical care in specific LIC/LMIC contexts is needed. Outputs from such research would be invaluable in supporting contextually appropriate capacity development programmes.

Effect of an educational programme on critical care nurses’ competence at two tertiary hospitals in Malawi

BackgroundCritical care specialty deals with the complex needs of critically ill patients. Nurses who provide critical care are expected to possess the appropriate knowledge and skills required for the care of critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an educational programme on the competence of critical care nurses at two tertiary hospitals in Lilongwe and Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsA quantitative pre- and post-test design was applied. The training programme was delivered to nurses (n = 41) who worked in intensive care and adult high dependency units at two tertiary hospitals. The effect of the training was assessed through participants’ self-assessment of competence on the Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale and a list of 10 additional competencies before and after the training.ResultsThe participants’ scores on the Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale before the training, M = 608.2, SD = 59.6 increased significantly after the training, M = 684.7, SD = 29.7, p <.0001 (two-tailed). Similarly, there was a significant increase in the participants’ scores on the additional competencies after the training, p <.0001 (two-tailed). ConclusionThe programme could be used for upskilling nurses in critical care settings in Malawi and other developing countries with a similar context.

Does heavy mental workload affect moral sensitivity among critical care unit nursing professionals? a cross-sectional study

Background Moral sensitivity creates the basic attitude in providing effective ethical care to patients. Heavy mental workload is a major concern of critical care nursing professionals, which could adversely affect nursing staff and patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mental workload and some demographic variables on the moral sensitivity of critical care nursing professionals. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study was performed on 181 nursing professionals working in the critical care units of Shahid Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the moral sensitivity questionnaire, and the NASA-task load index to assess mental workload. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation-coefficient, and regression analysis. Results The results of regression analysis yielded no statistical significant relationship between heavy mental workload and moral sensitivity of the critical care nursing professionals, while clinical experience had a positive, significant association with moral sensitivity. Conclusions Although care nursing professionals experience a heavy mental workload in critical care units, it does not decrease their moral sensitivity. In addition, experienced nurses have higher moral sensitivity and lower mental workload. Therefore, it seems that nursing managers should pay special attention to the importance of employing experienced nurses along with younger nurses.

Legal and Ethical Concerns in Critical Care Nursing to Covid-19

The devasting pandemic covid 19 that has stricken the worldwide population induced an unprecedented influx of sever ARDS patient dramatically exceeding ICU bed capacities in several areas of many countries. the devasting pandemic covid 19 that has stricken the worldwide population induced an unprecedented influx of sever ARDS patient dramatically exceeding ICU bed capacities in several areas of many countries. A public health emergency, such as a surge of person seeking health care as Wall as critically ill patient with covid 19 or another severe respiratory illness, disrupts normal process for supporting ethically sound patient care.