Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences最新文献

Background and aim: Radiography science is a health sciences discipline and a knowledge system focusing on research into medical imaging and radiation therapy-related phenomena: patient care, technology, safety and quality in these environments. This study aims to understand the nature of knowledge in radiography research by investigating epistemic interests and knowledge types.

Methodological design: The study used nursing science critical normative epistemology as a framework for the analysis. We used document analysis as a method, and the selected documents for the study were dissertations from the field of radiography between the years 1998 and 2020. The data corpus consisted of the methodology section of the dissertations and the study's aim and purpose. Data was analysed with an abductive analysis approach.

Findings: The findings of the study indicate that radiography research has a dedicated type of knowledge according to epistemic interest. Knowledge is acquired through varying methodologies, and there does not seem to be any typical radiography methodology used, even though some methods are more common than others. According to our study, epistemic interests in radiography science are, in the majority of cases, inferential, that is, they aim to explain and explore phenomena within the domain of medical imaging and radiation therapy. However, there are also referential studies, aiming to understand different actors, processes and caring actions involved in the practice of this domain. Radiography research also furthers transformative interests, such as transformation focused on suppressed groups or practices in need of critical reflection. To a lesser extent, radiography research seems to further normative interests.

Conclusions: Pragmatism describes the nature of radiography knowledge. The different knowledge types generated indicate a need for generalisable knowledge and subjective knowledge, as well as further critical reflection on the current practices in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy.

Background: Young carers provide significant care for their significant others, and this group of people is often hidden in schools and society. Previous research has shown that young carers face several wellbeing deficits. There is little nationally representative research on the health of this vulnerable group of young people.

Aims: This study first examined how young carer background is associated with psychosomatic symptoms among 16-18-year-olds in a general population. Secondly, the study analysed how young carer background and socio-demographic variables explain psychosomatic symptoms when confounding factors are controlled.

Methods: The data source was the School Health Promotion (SHP) study, a nationwide self-report survey of students (n = 61,448) in upper secondary and vocational schools in Finland. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results: Almost 9% of the students had experiences of caring relationships at least monthly, and 5% at least weekly. Psychosomatic symptoms were more frequent among 16-18-year-old students who had caring responsibilities at least weekly than among those who had caring responsibilities monthly or less often. In addition, several socio-demographic variables such as female gender, economic situation of the family, living with only one or without parents, and confounding factors, that is, self-perceived health and anxiety, were associated with psychosomatic symptoms. After controlling for all factors, this study found that a caring relationship was still associated with a higher frequency of perceived psychosomatic symptoms.

Conclusions: These findings could promote professionals in health promotion, health care, and education, to be more aware of the existence and support needs of young people with caring responsibilities.

Background: In this study, we have used drama as a pedagogical strategy to facilitate students work with their research questions related to their master thesis in psychosocial work. This strategy creates and promotes a transdisciplinary team approach, as the group of students represents a variety of professions with different perspectives and creates an interdisciplinary discussion.

Aim: To describe and analyse the use of drama and Enhanced Forum Theatre (EFT) as a teaching strategy to activate the student's practice-based knowledge when exploring challenges in various psychosocial fields to identify and define research questions for their master theses.

Method: A qualitative approach is used, consisting of the researchers' participatory and field observations of a one-day drama workshop. Three role plays were prepared and performed as EFT.

Results: The staging of EFT from real life experiences made professional knowledge available for group discussion and analysis. The process induced a transdisciplinary exploration of identified challenges together with possible research questions being elaborated upon. Issues of power, marginalisation, vulnerability and empowerment in the psychosocial fields became visible and tangible in a direct and relevant way across the plays.

Value: To our knowledge, EFT has not been applied before with the objective to develop research questions for master's theses in health and welfare studies/psychosocial work.

Background: The nurse-patient relationship is central to quality nursing care, yet its impact remains difficult to quantify. While existing models assess caring competencies from the perspective of nursing students and professionals, there is a lack of validated instruments incorporating direct patient feedback.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate the Nursing Interaction in Caring_Competence Assessment-Patient (NIC_CA-Patient) tool, a patient-centred instrument designed to measure caring interaction in nursing practice and establish a predictive model of its development from the patient's perspective.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight hospitals within the Andalusian Health Care System, involving 1060 patients admitted to internal medicine units. The NIC_CA-Patient tool was adapted from the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions (CNPI) scale and validated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Results: The final model identified three key dimensions-therapeutic relationship, problem management and adaptation-explaining 79% of the variance in patient-reported experiences. The predictive model demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.97) and excellent model fit indices (SRMR = 0.03, AVE > 0.7).

Conclusion: The NIC_CA-Patient tool provides a quantifiable and predictive measure of caring interaction from the patient's perspective. Its implementation in clinical practice and research can enhance patient-centred care by identifying relational factors that improve health outcomes and patient experience.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the level and reasons for missed nursing care by intensive care nurses.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023, involving 300 nurses working in the intensive care units (ICUs) of a training and research hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Nurse Descriptive Information Form" and the "Missed Nursing Care (MISSCARE) Survey". After data collection, post hoc calculations were performed to assess the theoretical power of the study. With an effect size of 0.50, α error set at 0.05, β error at 0.05, and a sample size of 300, the power of the study was calculated to be 0.95. Data analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: The mean age of the ICU nurses was 31.65 ± 6.81 years; 65.8% were female, and 86.3% held a bachelor's degree. Missed nursing care was significantly more frequent among nurses who lacked awareness of the concept (U = 9711.50, p = 0.040), perceived insufficient management support (KW = 10.950, p = 0.040), or were considering leaving the ICU (U = 8492.50, p = 0.024). Gender (U = 8350.50, p = 0.014) and education level (KW = 7.84, p = 0.049) were associated with missed care.

Conclusion: Missed nursing care negatively impacts the quality and cost of healthcare. Interventions targeting organisational support and staff education may help reduce its prevalence in the future.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between self-care ability, health literacy (HL) and self-efficacy of people with spinal cord injury (PSCI) and their quality of life (QoL); and to evaluate it within the framework of Bandura's social cognitive theory.

Method: This descriptive and relational study was carried out among 273 PSCI. Data for the study were collected using a descriptive information form, the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (ASIA), Self Efficacy-Sufficiency Scale (SE-SS), Health Literacy Survey Europa (HLS-EU), Self-Care Agency (SCA), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief-Turkish (WHOQOL-BREF-TR). The study investigated the predictors of QoL in PSCI using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and discussed the findings within the framework of social cognitive theory.

Results: The participants' physical, mental, social and environmental subscales of the WHOQL-BREF were 6.00 ± 2.25; 7.00 ± 2.25; it was found that these scores were 6.78 ± 2.16 and 6.59 ± 2.14, respectively, and that all areas of QoL were affected. Female gender, single status, literacy level, age and ASIA injury level were found to be negative predictors of QoL. Receiving QoL counselling, high HL, self-care ability and self-efficacy were found to be positive predictors of QoL.

Discussion: It was concluded that the QoL of PSCI was related to descriptive characteristics such as marital status, gender, advanced age, level of education and their self-care ability, HL and self-efficacy.

Purpose: To describe the implementation of knowledge management in health and social care organisations, as assessed by managers.

Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. Data were collected from all eligible managers of six Finnish public health and social care organisations (N = 649) using an electronic version of the Managers' Competence in Knowledge Management (MCKM) instrument in February and August 2022. The data included responses from 116 managers and were analysed using descriptive statistical methods.

Findings: Almost half of the managers reported that their organisations did not allocate sufficient resources to knowledge management or systematically map and assess staff competence, even though knowledge development was mentioned in almost all of the organisations' strategies. The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the work area and the clear definition of responsibilities in knowledge management and the utilisation of data to assess staff competence. In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed in the health and social care sector and between organisations' allocation of sufficient resources to knowledge management, the clear definition of responsibilities in knowledge management, and the systematic mapping of staff competences. The most used staff competence development methods included student mentoring, discussions, and familiarisation, while the least used were peer evaluation and study circles.

Originality/value: The results help identify weaknesses in the implementation of knowledge management, enabling more efficient resource allocation and competency development to improve organisational performance and ensure success.

Background: Caregivers often lack access to comprehensive information on young-onset dementia (YOD), leaving them unprepared for their caregiving roles. Especially, spousal caregivers of people with (YOD) face challenges, balancing caregiving with work and personal responsibilities in everyday life. However, their specific needs remain underexplored.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify and map the lived experiences and unmet needs of spousal caregivers of persons with YOD.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across several databases (Embase, Scopus, Academic Search Premier, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Ultimate, and PubMed via EBSCOhost), including MEDLINE to identify studies on spousal caregivers of people with YOD. Articles were screened and selected based on inclusion criteria, and key data were extracted and categorised into themes that captured the lived experiences and unmet needs of this caregiver population.

Findings: The review identified five overarching themes related to the needs of spousal caregivers of people with YOD: psychoeducational, social support, practical support, emotional and psychological support, and navigational support needs. Caregivers often lack access to comprehensive information on YOD, leaving them unprepared for their caregiving roles. Social isolation, financial burdens, and role conflicts were common experiences. Emotional distress, identity loss, and lack of recognition for caregiving efforts contributed to psychological strain. Moreover, caregivers encountered significant challenges in accessing and coordinating healthcare services, often having to advocate for appropriate support. The need for tailored services, respite care, financial and legal guidance, and professional counselling was strongly emphasised.

Conclusion: This scoping review identified a wide range of unmet needs among spousal caregivers of persons with YOD, underscoring the need for psychoeducational, social, practical, emotional, and navigational support. The findings revealed gaps in current support systems across personal, social, and systemic levels, emphasising the complex and disruptive nature of the caregiving experience. Future interventions should prioritise accessible, comprehensive, and tailored support services to effectively address these unique caregiving challenges.

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with intellectual disabilities often face significant challenges in emotional regulation, social participation, and daily functioning. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has emerged as a complementary intervention that may enhance psychosocial outcomes and promote social integration in this population. This study aimed to explore the effects of animal-assisted therapy on the social integration processes of adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities from caregivers' perspectives.

Methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological design. Data were collected through three focus group interviews with 13 caregivers at a support centre in Turkey. Researchers used a semi-structured interview guide to facilitate the discussions and create an interactive environment with participants. Data were analysed using MAXQDA software, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Results: The analysis revealed three main themes and seven sub-themes. The first main theme, 'Psychological and Social Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy', includes anxiety and stress management improvements, enhanced emotional awareness and self-esteem, and increased confidence and self-expression skills. The second main theme, 'Development of Social Skills,' highlights enhanced social interactions, group dynamics, and increased empathy and responsibility awareness. Participants noted that AAT reduced social isolation and improved group communication skills. The third main theme, 'Changes in Daily Routines and Skills', underscores noticeable advancements in attention, focus, and motor skills and improvements in daily living skills.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that incorporating AAT into care programmes can enhance emotional, social, and physical outcomes for AYAs with intellectual disabilities, offering caregivers a valuable tool to support their holistic development and social integration.

Aims and objectives: The current paper intends to focus on healthcare professional values, specifically on a scarcely referred to or mentioned value in the nursing literature of love, which is often crucial when it comes to genuine and humane interactions. Our aim was to investigate the role of humanitarian love and its psychosocial impact on health professionals, aiming to establish it as a core value in values-based practice.

Methodological design: We conducted a database search in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed Central, and Elsevier/Scopus, specifically targeting studies published in English up to 8 September 2024. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, and bias assessment.

Results: Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 2045 participants. We found that the literature on humanitarian love lacks a clear and consistent definition, often conflating it with concepts such as compassion, emotional support, and empathy. Humanitarian love involves helping others, alleviating suffering, and promoting growth. When healthcare professional's direct humanitarian love towards themselves, it fosters positive emotions, enhancing their ability to provide high-quality care and effectively support patient's needs. Additionally, humanitarian love towards patients helps reduce feelings of burnout, emotional exhaustion, and compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals.

Study limitations: The number of qualifying studies was limited due to the scarcity of publications, and no randomised controlled trials were identified, which affects the assessment of efficacy. The inclusion of only 16 studies may restrict the review's conclusiveness. Additionally, the sample size and mean age of health professionals do not adequately represent all sectors, and some studies were of moderate quality. Heterogeneity among the studies and the absence of a meta-analysis further complicate the findings.

Conclusions: Humanitarian love has the potential to enhance healthcare professionals' psychosocial well-being, emphasising its role as a core value in values-based practice.