Journal of Research in Nursing最新文献

Background: Nurses' mental health has become an increasingly pressing concern worldwide because of its impact on health systems, patient health outcomes, job satisfaction, and workforce attrition.

Aim: This study updates and compares findings from a national survey initially conducted in 2017 to assess the mental health of Portuguese nurses and examine associations with socio-professional variables.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was expanded to include 1894 nurses working in hospitals, primary care, and other settings. The General Health Questionnaire-24 was used to assess mental health perception.

Results: Results indicate a substantial decline in mental health perceptions across all indicators compared with 2017. Participants reported more negative assessments of overall mental health, with notable increases in somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia (the most affected domain), social dysfunction, and severe depression. Moreover, participants reported increased use of psychotropic drugs. Protective factors identified include specialised training, increased time off (particularly weekends), and engagement in sports or hobbies.

Conclusions: Being the largest group in Portugal's healthcare workforce, and reflected globally, nurses play a pivotal role in the health system. Their mental well-being directly impacts patient care quality and safety. These findings support the implementation of targeted strategies to safeguard nurses' mental health and enhance healthcare delivery.

Background: Palliative care addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual suffering in patients with advanced disease. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may help alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life. Previous reviews have explored MBIs' efficacy, but evidence remains inconclusive.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effects of MBIs on pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients receiving palliative care.

Methods: Six databases and grey literature were searched from databases inception to 22 May 2025. Outcomes included pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Meta-analyses with forest plots estimated pooled standardised mean differences (SMDs). Egger's test assessed publication bias, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis evaluated result stability.

Results: Thirteen trials were included. MBIs significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = -0.68, 95% CI = -1.15 to -0.21, I ² = 65.37%, p < 0.001) and depression (SMD = -0.43, 95% CI = -0.68 to -0.18, I ² = 0.00%, p < 0.001). Effects on pain and quality of life were less clear, with insufficient evidence to confirm significant benefit.

Conclusions: MBIs appear to alleviate anxiety and depression in palliative care patients, highlighting their potential as supportive interventions. Further research is warranted to clarify effects on pain and quality of life.

Background: Night shifts in intensive care units (ICUs) are associated with significant physical and cognitive fatigue among nurses, which may affect staff well-being and patient safety. Although short naps have been shown to reduce fatigue, their implementation in ICUs remains limited and poorly understood.

Aim: This study explored ICU nurses' and nurse managers' perceptions of planned napping.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used, involving nine focus group interviews (n = 20) across three Finnish ICUs. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results: Participants described severe fatigue during night shifts and acknowledged the benefits of planned napping, including improved alertness, reduced errors, and enhanced well-being. Informal napping was common, but formal structures were lacking. Barriers included unclear policies, cultural resistance, and logistical challenges; whereas facilitators involved organisational culture, environment, scheduling, and managerial support. Emphasis was placed on fairness, flexibility, and clear protocols.

Conclusions: Planned napping was perceived as a valuable strategy for managing fatigue, but successful implementation requires institutional support and context-sensitive planning. This study provides practical insights into implementing planned napping in high-acuity environments and supports the development of structured, evidence-informed protocols to promote staff well-being, patient safety and sustainable nursing practices.