Informal caregivers have an important role in caring for family members at home. Supporting persons with a chronic illness such as heart failure (HF) in managing their self-care is reported to be a challenge and telemonitoring has been suggested to be of support. Aim: to explore informal caregivers experiences with performing non-invasive telemonitoring to support persons with HF at home for 30 days following hospital discharge in Norway and Lithuania. Methods: A qualitative explorative study of informal caregivers performing non-invasive telemonitoring using lung-impedance measurements and short message service (SMS). Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers of persons with HF in NYHA class III-IV in Norway and Lithuania. Results: Nine interviews were conducted with informal caregivers of persons with HF who performed non-invasive telemonitoring at home. A sequential process of three categories emerged from the data: access to support, towards routinizing, and mastering non-invasive telemonitoring. Conclusion: Informal caregivers performed non-invasive telemonitoring for the first time in this study. Their experiences were of a sequential process that included access to support from health care professionals, establishing a routine together, and access to nurses or physicians in HF care as part of mastering. This study highlights involving informal caregivers and persons with HF together in the implementation and future research of telemonitoring in HF care.

Background: Self-care is key to the daily management of chronic heart failure (HF). After discharge from hospital, patients may struggle to recognize and respond to worsening HF symptoms. Failure to monitor and respond to HF symptoms may lead to unnecessary hospitalizations. Objective: This study aimed to (1) determine the feasibility of lung impedance measurements and a symptom diary to monitor HF symptoms daily at home for 30 days following hospital discharge and (2) determine daily changes in HF symptoms of pulmonary edema, lung impedance measurements, and if self-care behavior improves over time when patients use these self-care monitoring tools. Methods: This study used a prospective longitudinal design including patients from cardiology wards in 2 university hospitals-one in Norway and one in Lithuania. Data on HF symptoms and pulmonary edema were collected from 10 participants (mean age 64.5 years; 90% (9/10) male) with severe HF (New York Heart Association classes III and IV) who were discharged home after being hospitalized for an HF condition. HF symptoms were self-reported using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for Heart Failure. Pulmonary edema was measured by participants using a noninvasive lung impedance monitor, the Cardio Set Edema Guard Monitor. Informal caregivers aided the participants with the noninvasive measurements. Results: The prevalence and burden of shortness of breath varied from participants experiencing them daily to never, whereas lung impedance measurements varied for individual participants and the group participants, as a whole. Self-care behavior score improved significantly (P=.007) from a median of 56 (IQR range 22-75) at discharge to a median of 81 (IQR range 72-98) 30 days later. Conclusions: Noninvasive measurement of lung impedance daily and the use of a symptom diary were feasible at home for 30 days in HF patients. Self-care behavior significantly improved after 30 days of using a symptom diary and measuring lung impedance at home. Further research is needed to determine if daily self-care monitoring of HF signs and symptoms, combined with daily lung impedance measurements, may reduce hospital readmissions.

Self-care monitoring at home can be a challenge for patients with heart failure (HF). Tools that leverage information and communication technology (ICT), comprise medical devices, or have written material may support their efforts at home. The aim of this study was to describe HF patients experiences and their prioritization of tools that support, or could support, self-care monitoring at home. A descriptive qualitative design employing semi-structured interviews was used with HF patients living at home and attending an HF outpatient clinic in Norway. We used a deductive analysis approach, using the concept of self-care monitoring with ICT tools, paper-based tools, medical devices, and tools to consult with healthcare professionals (HCPs) as the categorization matrix. Nineteen HF patients with a mean age of 64 years participated. ICT tools are used by individual participants to identify changes in their HF symptoms, but are not available by healthcare services. Paper-based tools, medical devices, and face-to-face consultation with healthcare professionals are traditional tools that are available and used by individual participants. HF patients use traditional and ICT tools to support recognizing, identifying, and responding to HF symptoms at home, suggesting that they could be used if they are available and supplemented by in-person consultation with HCPs.

Right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation are common and strongly associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of heart failure hospitalizations and death. While medical therapy for right-sided heart failure is limited, treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation include surgery and, based on recent developments, several transcatheter interventions. However, the patients who might benefit from tricuspid valve interventions are yet unknown, as is the ideal time for these treatments given the paucity of clinical evidence. In this context, it is crucial to elucidate aetiology and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation in order to recognize when tricuspid regurgitation is a mere bystander and when it can cause or contribute to heart failure progression. Notably, early identification of right heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation may be crucial and optimal management requires knowledge about the different mechanisms and causes, clinical course and presentation, as well as possible treatment options. The aim of this clinical consensus statement is to summarize current knowledge about epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of tricuspid regurgitation in right-sided heart failure providing practical suggestions for patient identification and management.

Right heart failure (RHF) following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a common and potentially serious condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with an unfavourable effect on patient outcomes. Clinical scores that predict the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) failure have included multiple clinical, biochemical, imaging and haemodynamic parameters. However, unless the right ventricle is overtly dysfunctional with end-organ involvement, prediction of RHF post-LVAD implantation is, in most cases, difficult and inaccurate. For these reasons optimization of RV function in every patient is a reasonable practice aiming at preparing the right ventricle for a new and challenging haemodynamic environment after LVAD implantation. To this end, the institution of diuretics, inotropes and even temporary mechanical circulatory support may improve RV function, thereby preparing it for a better adaptation post-LVAD implantation. Furthermore, meticulous management of patients during the perioperative and immediate postoperative period should facilitate identification of RV failure refractory to medication. When RHF occurs late during chronic LVAD support, this is associated with worse long-term outcomes. Careful monitoring of RV function and characterization of the origination deficit should therefore continue throughout the patient's entire follow-up. Despite the useful information provided by the echocardiogram with respect to RV function, right heart catheterization frequently offers additional support for the assessment and optimization of RV function in LVAD-supported patients. In any patient candidate for LVAD therapy, evaluation and treatment of RV function and failure should be assessed in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner.

BackgroundPatient-reported symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (MI) may be affected by recall bias depending on when and where symptoms are assessed.AimThe aim of this study was to gain an understanding of patients symptom description in more detail before and within 24 hours after a confirmed MI diagnosis.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to examine symptoms described in calls between the tele-nurse and the patient compared with symptoms selected by the patient from a questionnaire less than 24 hours after hospital admission. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately and then merged into a final interpretation.ResultsThirty patients (median age, 67.5 years; 20 men) were included. Chest pain was the most commonly reported symptom in questionnaires (24/30). Likewise, in 19 of 30 calls, chest pain was the first complaint mentioned, usually described together with the symptom onset. Expressions used to describe symptom quality were pain, pressure, discomfort, ache, cramp, tension, and soreness. Associated symptoms commonly described were pain or numbness in the arms, cold sweat, dyspnea, weakness, and nausea. Bodily sensations, such as feeling unwell or weak, were also described. Fear and tiredness were described in calls significantly less often than reported in questionnaires (P = .01 and P = .02), whereas "other" symptoms were more often mentioned in calls compared with answers given in the questionnaire (P = .02). Some symptoms expressed in the calls were not listed in the questionnaire, which expands the understanding of acute MI symptoms. The results showed no major inconsistencies between datasets.ConclusionPatients MI symptom descriptions in tele-calls and those reported in questionnaires after diagnosis are comparable and convergent.

Background: Research on ethnic and socioeconomic treatment differences following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) largely draws on register data. Due to the correlational nature of such data, it cannot be concluded whether detected differences reflect treatment bias/discrimination - whereby otherwise identical patients are treated differently solely due to sociodemographic factors. To be able to establish discrimination, experimental research is needed. Objective: The primary aim of this experimental study was to examine whether simulated IHCA patients receive different treatment recommendations based on ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES), holding all other factors (e.g., health status) constant. Another aim was to examine health care professionals (HCP) stereotypical beliefs about these groups. Methods: HCP (N = 235) working in acute care made anonymous treatment recommendations while reading IHCA clinical vignettes wherein the patients ethnicity (Swedish vs. Middle Eastern) and SES had been manipulated. Afterwards they estimated to what extent hospital staff associate these patient groups with certain traits (stereotypes). Results: No significant differences in treatment recommendations for Swedish versus Middle Eastern or high versus low SES patients were found. Reported stereotypes about Middle Eastern patients were uniformly negative. SES-related stereotypes, however, were mixed. High SES patients were believed to be more competent (e.g., respected), but less warm (e.g., friendly) than low SES patients. Conclusions: Swedish HCP do not seem to discriminate against patients with Middle Eastern or low SES backgrounds when recommending treatment for simulated IHCA cases, despite the existence of negative stereotypes about these groups. Implications for health care equality and quality are discussed.

When COVID-19 came as an uninvited guest into our everyday lives, nursing in intensive care was affected and thus the studies contain data from both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, most intensive care units, which care for patients with critical illness in a technical setting, allowed family members to visit the patient 24 hours a day. The intensive care unit is a stressful and frightening environment for both the patient and their family. They can be affected both mentally and physically, showing symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, stress and depression. The intensive cared patient often does not remember anything from the time they were cared for in the intensive care unit, and the family needs to explain and recount this unconscious time. During the pandemic, this changed, with restrictions and limited opportunities to visit the hospital and patient due to virus outbreaks. Family members received information about the patient's medical condition by phone from a physician.   

The overall aim of this thesis was to explore and conceptualise the family functioning of families with a family member treated in the intensive care unit. There was also an intention to describe and evaluate how an intervention affects the family and individual family members in families where a family member received intensive care.

In these studies, qualitative, quantitative, as well as mixed methods were utilised. Participants were adult intensive cared patients from seven intensive care clinics, and their families. The results examined between families are based on the patient and family characteristics.   

The results from study I show that families who have experienced COVID-19 and with a family member who was cared for in an intensive care unit, have existential thoughts.   

Study II shows no major impact on family function between families, but the answers differ within the families who experienced intensive care.   

In study III, concerning families experiencing intensive care and attending family health conversations, there was an awareness of family function. The conversations brought the family closer together, through improved understanding of each other.  

In study IV family functioning, hope and sense of coherence were com-pared among the participants in two intervention groups: Family health conversations and support group conversations. Family functioning and hope were higher in the group that participated in the family health conversations and comprehensibility, meaningfulness and vitality were higher among the participants in the support group conversation.  

By exploring how family function affects the individual family member and the family as a unit during critical illness and intensive care, new ways of working can be strengthened in the care of patients and their families.    

Objectives: In order to provide a deeper understanding of family functioning, the aim of this study was to identify, describe and conceptualise the family functioning of families where a formerly critically ill family member had stayed at the intensive care unit, with the impact of a pandemic.Research methodology/design: The study has a grounded theory design including interviews with eight families.Setting: Former adult intensive care patients cared for Covid-19 infection and their family. Eight patients and twelve family members from three different intensive care units.Main outcome measures: The results presented are grounded in data and identified in the core category "Existential issues" and the categories "Value considerateness; Anxiety and insecurity in life; Insight into the unpredictability of life." Findings: The core category could be found in all data and its relationship and impact on the categories and each other. The core is a theoretical construction, whereas the family functioning of families where a formerly critically ill family member had stayed at the intensive care unit was identified, described, and conceptualised. Being able to talk repeatedly about existential issues and the anxiety and insecurity in life, with people that have similar experiences helps the patient and their family to consider and gain insight into the unpredictability of life, and thereby better cope with changes in life.Conclusion: There is awareness about the love that exists within the family. A willing to supporting each other in the family even if the critical illness made the family anxious and afraid. Implications for clinical practice: Even if the pandemic Covid-19 led to restrictions inhibiting family focused nursing, it is important to confirm the family as a part of the caring of the ICU patient. The patients are not alone, their family are fighting together for the future.

BACKGROUND: The whole family is affected if one family member is critically ill. The Family Health Conversation Intervention may give the family tools that support healthier family functioning.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify which components of family function are affected when families participate in Family Health Conversations.

DESIGN: A secondary analysis was performed of existing qualitative interviews. The Family Health Conversation is an intervention where nurses ask the family reflective questions, and reflection is made possible in three conversation sessions.

METHODS: This study included transcribed data from 13 follow-up interviews from seven families attending Family Health Conversations after three and 12 months. Data were analysed with narrative analysis, focusing on family function.

RESULTS: Three themes were identified. The families' family functioning had been supported with: improved understanding of each other-there was an understanding of being in the same situation but still having totally different experiences; more concern for each other-they talked about their different experiences and felt they had become closer to each other; and a process of working through-they had experienced working through various experiences, standing by and supporting, and then being able to move on.

CONCLUSIONS: The Family Health Conversation Intervention is provided to families, accompanied by nurses. The families in this study gained an awareness of their family function that brought the family closer because of improved understanding of each other and the situation. The families experienced openness, and the family members spoke more freely with each other, which facilitated the progress of working through the experience of critical illness and helped to maintain healthy family functioning.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important to have an overall perspective and to recognize the patient and the family as equally important within the family for awareness of family function.

Being cared for in an intensive care unit affects both the patient being cared for and the family in various ways. The family is of great importance for the recovery of the former intensive-care patient. The aim is to explore family functioning and family hardiness in families of former intensive care patients. A cross-sectional study using two self-reported questionnaires. Former adult intensive care patients and their family were recruited to participate between December 2017 and June 2019. The data were coded and entered the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25, for analysis. To explore questionnaire data, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Scale values were calculated on, both family wise and between the patients and the family members. STROBE checklist was used. Data was collected from 60 families (60 former intensive cared patients and 85 family members) and showed that 50 families scored healthy family functioning and 52 high strengths in hardiness. The data showed small variations between and within families for family functioning and family hardiness, there were only two families scoring low for both family functioning and hardiness. The variation was higher within the families, but there was no significance level.The conclusions were that family functioning and hardiness was, to a large extent, assessed as good by the families. Nevertheless, it is important to help the family obtain information and support. So, the family need to continue to communicate, finding coping abilities and strengths in adopting new strategies to protect the family unit. The family are very important for members mental and physical recovery as the health of one family member affects the family as a unit.

Introduction: When a family member has been critically ill and cared for at an intensive care unit the individual family member as well as the family system are affected and in need of support. The aim of this study was to compare and contrast the responses from 2 different types of follow-up interventions for families of critically ill persons, focusing on individual hopes, health-related quality of life, family functioning and ability to cope with challenges. Method: Adult family members from 3 hospitals attended 1 of 2 interventions 2 months after intensive care. The family health conversation included the family. The support group conversation included just family members and not the patient who had experienced intensive care. Data were collected via self-reported questionnaires and follow-up interviews with family members. Quantitative and qualitative data were first analyzed separately, and the results were then integrated through mixed methods analysis. Results: A total of 38 family members took part in the interventions. Family members in the 2 intervention groups talked about how they had more hope for the future, and about how talking within the family and the group had helped them justify their feelings, which empowered them in the transition toward a healthier quality of life. Comparisons of the interventions show a higher significance of family function and hope in the family health conversation. Discussion: The article illustrates a disparity between how family members function and the needs they have for follow-up. We discuss what kind of follow-up these persons need.

In patients with heart failure, the beneficial effects of drug and device therapies counteract to some extent ongoing cardiac damage. According to the net balance between these two factors, cardiac geometry and function may improve (reverse remodelling, RR) and even completely normalize (remission), or vice versa progressively deteriorate (adverse remodelling, AR). RR or remission predict a better prognosis, while AR has been associated with worsening clinical status and outcomes. The remodelling process ultimately involves all cardiac chambers, but has been traditionally evaluated in terms of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. This is the second part of a review paper by the Study Group on Biomarkers of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology dedicated to ventricular remodelling. This document examines the proposed criteria to diagnose RR and AR, their prevalence and prognostic value, and the variables predicting remodelling in patients managed according to current guidelines. Much attention will be devoted to RR in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction because most studies on cardiac remodelling focused on this setting.

Background: A low intake of selenium has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality, and supplementation of selenium and coenzyme Q10 influences this. The mechanism behind is unclear although effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and microRNA expression have been reported. Fructosamine, a marker of long-term glycaemic control, is also a marker of increased risk of heart disease and death, even in non-diabetics. Objective: To analyse the impact of selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the concentration of fructosamine. Also, the relation between pre-intervention serum selenium concentration and the effect on fructosamine of the intervention was studied. Methods: Fructosamine plasma concentration was determined in 219 participants after six and 42 months of intervention with selenium yeast (200 mu g/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/ day) (n = 118 of which 20 had diabetes at inclusion), or placebo (n = 101 of which 18 had diabetes at inclusion). Pre-intervention, the serum selenium levels were 67 mu g/L (active treatment group: 66.6 mu g/L; placebo group: 67.4 mu g/L), corresponding to an estimated intake of 35 mu g/day. Changes in concentrations of fructosamine following intervention were assessed by the use of T-tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses. Results: Post-intervention selenium concentrations were 210 mu g/L in the active group and 72 mu g/L in the placebo group. A lower concentration of fructosamine could be seen as a result of the intervention in the total population (P = 0.001) in both the males (P = 0.04) and in the females (P = 0.01) in the non-diabetic population (P = 0.002), and in both the younger ( < 76 years) (P = 0.01) and the older (>= 6 years) participants (P = 0.03). No difference could be demonstrated in fructosamine concentration in the diabetic patients, but the total sample was small (n = 38). In subjects with a low pre-intervention level of serum selenium the intervention gave a more pronounced decrease in fructosamine compared with those with a higher baseline selenium level. Conclusion: A significantly lower concentration of fructosamine was observed in the elderly community-living participants supplemented with selenium and coenzyme Q10 for 42 months compared to those on the placebo. As oxidative mechanisms are involved in the glycation of proteins, less glycoxidation could be a result of the supplementation of selenium and coenzyme Q10, which could have contributed to lower cardiac mortality and less inflammation, as has earlier been reported.

Purpose Selenium and coenzyme Q10 have synergistic antioxidant functions. In a four-year supplemental trial in elderly Swedes with a low selenium status, we found improved cardiac function, less cardiac wall tension and reduced cardiovascular mortality up to 12 years of follow-up. Here we briefly review the main results, including those from studies on biomarkers related to cardiovascular risk that were subsequently conducted. In an effort, to explain underlying mechanisms, we conducted a structured analysis of the inter-relationship between biomarkers. Methods Selenium yeast (200 mu g/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/ day), or placebo was given to 443 elderly community-living persons, for 48 months. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to investigate the statistical inter-relationships between biomarkers related to inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin-like growth factor 1, expression of microRNA, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction and their impact on the clinical effects. The main study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov at 30th of September 2011, and has the identifier NCT01443780. Results In addition to positive clinical effects, the intervention with selenium and coenzyme Q10 was also associated with favourable effects on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. Using these results in the SEM model, we showed that the weights of the first-order factors inflammation and oxidative stress were high, together forming a second-order factor inflammation/oxidative stress influencing the factors, fibrosis (beta = 0.74; p < 0.001) and myocardium (beta = 0.65; p < 0.001). According to the model, the intervention impacted fibrosis and myocardium through these factors, resulting in improved cardiac function and reduced CV mortality. Conclusion Selenium reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. According to the SEM analysis, these effects reduced fibrosis and improved myocardial function pointing to the importance of supplementation in those low on selenium and coenzyme Q10.

Objectives To determine the association between symptoms and signs reported in primary care consultations following a new diagnosis of heart failure (HF), and 3-month hospitalisation and mortality.Design Nested case-control study with density-based sampling.Setting Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked to hospitalisation and mortality (1998-2020).Participants Database cohort of 86 882 patients with a new HF diagnosis. In two separate analyses for (1) first hospitalisation and (2) death, we compared the 3-month history of symptoms and signs in cases (patients with HF with the event), with their respective controls (patients with HF without the respective event, matched on diagnosis date (+/- 1 month) and follow-up time). Controls could be included more than once and later become a case.Main outcome measures All-cause, HF and non-cardiovascular disease (non-CVD) hospitalisation and mortality.Results During a median follow-up of 3.22 years (IQR: 0.59-8.18), 56 677 (65%) experienced first hospitalisation and 48 146 (55%) died. These cases were matched to 356 714 and 316 810 HF controls, respectively. For HF hospitalisation, the strongest adjusted associations were for symptoms and signs of fluid overload: pulmonary oedema (adjusted OR 3.08; 95% CI 2.52, 3.64), shortness of breath (2.94; 2.77, 3.11) and peripheral oedema (2.16; 2.00, 2.32). Generic symptoms also showed significant associations: depression (1.50; 1.18, 1.82), anxiety (1.35; 1.06, 1.64) and pain (1.19; 1.10, 1.28). Non-CVD hospitalisation had the strongest associations with chest pain (2.93; 2.77, 3.09), fatigue (1.87; 1.73, 2.01), general pain (1.87; 1.81, 1.93) and depression (1.59; 1.44, 1.74).Conclusions In the primary care HF population, routinely recorded cardiac and non-specific symptoms showed differential risk associations with hospitalisation and mortality.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a common condition, and its prevalence is expected to increase. The illness trajectory is unpredictable, and its effects will include a potential impact on informal carers, i.e., family, friends, and significant others. Sometimes these persons are affected by the help and care they provide in such a way that they might themselves need support. However, they may be unrecognised in their endeavours, and might also experience a lack of support, especially from healthcare. Online solutions are considered to have the potential to provide accessible support to carers that is also anticipated to be cost-effective.   

Aim: This thesis focuses on support to informal carers to persons living with HF, but also take the viewpoint of the person with HF by exploring social supports associations with their health and well-being. The overall aim was to explore perceptions, development, and experiences of online support for informal carers.  

Method: This thesis comprises four studies. Study I had a cross-sectional design using self-reported data and data from the Swedish Pace-maker and ICD Registry. Data from 1,550 persons with HF who were living with an ICD and who had complete data on the outcome variable were utilised for both descriptive analysis and logistic regression. The outcome variable, perceived social support, was measured using the questionnaire Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), which includes measuring support from significant others, family, and friends. The logistic regression was conducted to compare those dichotomised as having low/medium perceived social support to those having high levels of support. Study II had a qualitative design, and data were collected through 8 focus groups with 23 informal carers of persons with HF to explore their perceptions of how online solutions could be of value for support. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Study III had a descriptive design. It describes the co-design process of an online support pro-gramme for carers through three phases. In phase I, topics and content that reflected carers needs and preferences were identified. In phase II, the content for the support programme was developed and through phase III the content was refined and finalised. Informal carers participated in every phase, and the co-design process also involved professionals with expertise in, for example, HF and caregiving, for the development of content. It was an iterative process, moving back and forth between phases, and the re-search group acted as coordinators and ensured that carers’ voices were kept central to the process. Study IV had a qualitative design, and data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 15 carers. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The study focused on informal carers' experiences of online, co-designed support pro-gramme while being participants in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that has the aim of studying the effects of engaging with the programme.  

Results: The findings show that one in five diagnosed with HF and living with an ICD reported low/medium levels of social support and that these persons had higher odds of negative psychosocial outcomes. This un-derscores the value and importance of support from informal carers for the well-being of those with HF. The thesis focused on perceptions, development, and experiences of online support for informal carers. The findings suggest that a co-designed support programme has the potential to be usable and useful for carers considering the online format and its content. It may provide insights, preparedness, and validation in relation to being a carer of a person with HF. However, carers may have an ‘ambiguous stance’ towards the online format and going online for support may not be the preferred form of support for all carers.   

Conclusion: A co-designed online support programme, when built on a trusted platform within a healthcare context, may be considered both usable and useful for carers. The online format and content also provide the potential to offer timely and adaptable support. The content, developed in a collaboration between carers and professionals, offers evidence-based, relevant information, thereby possibly avoiding seeming impersonal, which can also be beneficial. The programme acknowledges the intertwined lives of carers and those with HF, and its content reflects this, potentially also enhancing its perception as usable and useful for carers. Still, the potential of the support programme depends on carers being aware of its existence, or being made aware, and can further recognise its value. The support programme is considered to have the capacity to be relevant for a broad group of carers, and therefore efforts may be of importance to ensure it is accessed and utilised. However, it is also important to take into account that not everyone may be willing or able to go online for support, or may wish to stay in a caring role. Healthcare also needs to recognise this when offering support to carers and the online support may be regarded an option among several. 

Aim To describe the co-designing process of an online support programme with and for informal carers of people with heart failure.Design A co-design process built on core concepts and ideas embedded in co-design methodology.Data sources Our co-design process included three phases involving 32 informal caregivers and 25 content creators; (1) Identification of topics and content through literature searches, focus group interviews and user group sessions; (2) Development of the online support programme and; (3) Refinement and finalization which included testing a paper prototype followed by testing the online version and testing and approval of the final version of the support programme.Outcomes The co-design process resulted in a support programme consisting of 15 different modules relevant to informal carers, delivered on a National Health Portal.Conclusion Co-design is an explorative process where researchers need to balance a range of potentially conflicting factors and to ensure that the end users are genuinely included in the process.Relevance to clinical practice Emphasizing equal involvement of end users (e.g. carers or patients) in the design and development of healthcare interventions aligns with contemporary ideas of person-centred care and provides a valuable learning opportunity for those involved. Furthermore, a co-designed online support programme has the capacity to be both accessible and meet end users information and support needs, thereby optimizing their self-care abilities. Additionally, an online support programme provides the opportunity to address current challenges regarding scarce resources and the lack of healthcare personnel.Reporting methods Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).Patient or public contribution Both informal carers and content creators were involved in developing the support programme.

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Objective Fast-track concepts have been implemented in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery cancer care to improve postoperative recovery. For optimal postoperative care, patient participation is also required. The aim was to investigate and analyse whether an intervention with patient-owned fast-track protocols (PFTPs) may lead to increased patient participation and improve information for patients who underwent surgery for hepatopancreatobiliary cancer. Methods A quantitative comparative design with a control and intervention group was used. The participants in the intervention group followed a PFTP during their admission. After discharge, the patients answered a questionnaire regarding patient participation. Data analyses were performed with descriptive statistics and ANCOVA. Results The results are based on a total of 222 completed questionnaires: 116 in the control group and 106 in the intervention group. It is uncertain whether the PFTP increased patient participation and information, but its use may indicate an improvement for the patient group. Conclusion A successful implementation strategy for the use of PFTP, with daily reconciliations, could be part of the work required to improve overall satisfaction with patient participation.

Objective: Women who experience obstetric interventions and complications during childbirth have an increased risk of developing postnatal post-traumatic stress and mental illness. This study aimed to test the effect of a trauma-informed support programme based on psychological first aid (PFA) to reduce the mothers ' symptoms of stress, fear of childbirth (FOC), anxiety and depression after a complicated childbirth. Methods: The study population consisted of women >= 18 years old who had undergone a complicated childbirth (i.e. acute or emergency caesarean section, vacuum extraction, child in need of neonatal care, manual placenta removal, obstetric anal sphincter injury, shoulder dystocia or major haemorrhage ( >1000 ml)). A total of 101 women participated in the study, of whom 43 received the intervention. Demographic questions and three self-assessment instruments measuring stress symptoms, FOC, anxiety and depression were answered one to three months after birth. Results: The women in the intervention group scored significantly lower on the stress symptom scale, with a halved median score compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding FOC, depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Our results indicate that this PFA-based support programme might reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms in women who have gone through a complicated childbirth. With further studies in a larger population, this support programme has the potential to contribute to improved maternal care optimizing postnatal mental health.

Background: The use of technology has the potential to support the patients active participation regarding treatment of hypertension. This might lead to changes in the roles of the patient and health care professional and affect the partnership between them. Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the partnership between patients and health care professionals and the roles of patients and professionals in hypertension management when using an interactive web-based system for self-management of hypertension via the patients own mobile phone. Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 15 professionals participating in a randomized controlled trial in Sweden aimed at lowering blood pressure (BP) using an interactive web-based system via mobile phones. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: the technology, the patient, and the professional. The technology enabled documentation of BP treatment, mainly for sharing knowledge between the patient and the professional. The patients gained increased knowledge of BP values and their relation to daily activities and treatment. They were able to narrate about their BP treatment and take a greater responsibility, inspired by new insights and motivation for lifestyle changes. Based on the patients understanding of hypertension, professionals could use the system as an educational tool and some found new ways of communicating BP treatment with patients. Some reservations were raised about using the system, that it might be too time-consuming to function in clinical practice and that too much measuring could result in stress for the patient and an increased workload for the professionals. In addition, not all professionals and patients had adopted the instructions regarding the use of the system, resulting in less realization of its potential. Conclusions: The use of the system led to the patients taking on a more active role in their BP treatment, becoming more of an expert of their BP. When using the system as intended, the professionals experienced it as a useful resource for communication regarding BP and lifestyle. Patients and professionals described a consultation on more equal grounds. The use of technology in hypertension management can promote a constructive and person-centered partnership between patient and professional. However, implementation of a new way of working should bring benefits and not be considered a burden for the professionals. To establish a successful partnership, both the patient and the professional need to be motivated toward a new way of working.

Objective To explore in a primary care setting the associations between patients' daily self-measured blood pressure (BP) during eight weeks and concurrent self-reported values of wellbeing, lifestyle, symptoms, and medication intake. We also explore these associations for men and women separately. Design and setting The study is a secondary post-hoc analysis of the randomised controlled trial PERson-centeredness in Hypertension management using Information Technology (PERHIT). The trial was conducted in primary health care in four regions in Southern Sweden. Patients Participants (n = 454) in the intervention group in the PERHIT-trial used an interactive web-based system for self-management of hypertension for eight consecutive weeks. Each evening, participants reported in the system their wellbeing, lifestyle, symptoms, and medication adherence as well as their self-measured BP and heart rate. Main outcome measures Association between self-reported BP and 10 self-report lifestyle-related variables. Results Self-reported less stress and higher wellbeing were similarly associated with BP, with 1.0 mmHg lower systolic BP and 0.6/0.4 mmHg lower diastolic BP (p < 0.001). Adherence to medication had the greatest impact on BP levels (5.2/2.6 mmHg, p < 0.001). Restlessness and headache were also significantly associated with BP, but to a lesser extent. Physical activity was only significantly associated with BP levels for men, but not for women. Conclusion In hypertension management, it may be important to identify patients with high-stress levels and low wellbeing. The association between medication intake and BP was obvious, thus stressing the importance of medication adherence for patients with hypertension.

Blood pressure variability (BPV) represents a cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of mean level of blood pressure (BP). In this post-hoc analysis from the PERson-centredness in Hypertension management using Information Technology (PERHIT) study, we aimed to explore BPV in daily home measurements in hypertensive patients from primary care, to identify factors associated with high BPV and to investigate whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and pulse pressure, as markers of target organ damage (TOD), are associated with BPV. For eight consecutive weeks, 454 participants reported their daily BP and heart rate in their mobile phone, along with reports of lifestyle and hypertension-related factors. Systolic BP (SBP) values were used to calculate BPV with coefficient of variation (CV) as primary estimate. Background characteristics and self-reports were tested between fifths of CV in a linear regression model, adjusted for age and sex. Associations between BPV and eGFR and pulse pressure were tested with linear and logistic regression models. Higher home BPV was associated with higher age, BP, heart rate, and smoking. BPV was lower for participants with low alcohol consumption and treatment with calcium channel blockers. There was a significant association between BPV and pulse pressure (P = 0.015), and between BPV and eGFR (P = 0.049). Participants with high BPV reported more dizziness and palpitations. In conclusion, pulse pressure and eGFR were significantly associated with home BPV. Older age, high BP, heart rate, and smoking were associated with high BPV, but treatment with calcium channel blockers and low alcohol consumption was associated with low BPV. Trial registration: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT03554382].

Objectives:To increase the proportion of individuals with hypertension obtaining a blood pressure (BP) of less than 140/90 mmHg by improving the management of hypertension in daily life from a person-centred perspective.Methods:In this unblinded randomized controlled trial, we tested an interactive web-based self-management system for hypertension. A total of 949 patients with hypertension from 31 primary healthcare centres (PHCCs) in Sweden were randomized 1 : 1 to either the intervention or usual care group. The intervention included daily measurement - via the participants mobile phone - of BP and pulse and reports of well being, symptoms, lifestyle, medication intake and side effects for eight consecutive weeks. It also included reminders and optional motivational messages. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants obtaining BP of less than 140/90 mmHg at 8 weeks and 12 months. Significance was tested by Pearsons chi(2)-test.Results:A total of 862 patients completed the trial, 442 in the intervention group and 420 in the control group. The primary outcome (BP <140/90 mmHg) at 8 weeks was achieved by 48.8% in the intervention group and 39.9% in the control group (P = 0.006). At 12 months, 47.1% (intervention) and 41.0% (control group) had a BP less than 140/90 mmHg (P = 0.071).Conclusion:The proportion of participants with a controlled BP of less than 140/90 mmHg increased after using the interactive system for self-management of hypertension for 8 weeks compared with usual care. Although the trend continued, there was no significant difference after 12 months. The results indicate that the effect of the intervention is significant, but the long-term effect is uncertain.

Background All professions in surgical care have a responsibility to include patients in their health care. By Swedish law, all care should be done in dialogue with the patient. The essential part of health care is the meeting between patient and healthcare professional. In the interaction, a decision can be made, and needs can be identified to a safer care. Previous studies on patient participation have focussed on patients perspectives in surgical care, but there is a paucity of studies about the personnels perspective of estimated patient involvement in surgical care. Aim The aim of this study was to identify and describe healthcare personnels view and behaviour regarding patient involvement in surgical care. Method A quantitative study with various professions was conducted. A validated questionnaire was used, remaining questions grouped under following areas: patient involvement, acute phase, hospital time, discharge phase and questions on employment and workplace. Results A total of 140 questionnaires were sent out to a surgical clinic in Sweden, and 102 questionnaires were answered. All professionals stated that clear information is an important part of patient involvement in surgical care. Statistically significant differences existed between the professions in the subscale information. Physicians rated their information higher than the Registered Nurses (p = 0.005) and the practical nurses did (p = 0.001). Hindrances to involving patients were lack of time and other priority tasks. Conclusions Professionals in surgical care graded information to be the most important thing for patient involvement. Participation in important decisions, including the possibility to express personal views and ask questions, is important factors for patient involvement. Barriers against patient involvement are lack of time and prioritisation of other work activities.

Aims Eating a varied diet promotes adequate micronutrient intake. Poor appetite could decrease the desire to eat a varied diet leading to dietary micronutrient insufficiencies. The interrelationships among appetite, diet variety, and dietary micronutrient intake have not been investigated in patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of the study was to determine whether the relationship between appetite and micronutrient insufficiency was mediated through diet variety. Methods and results A total of 238 patients with HF, mean age 61 +/- 12.1; 68% male, and 45% NYHA class III/IV were included in this secondary analysis. Data collection consisted of a 4-day food diary and self-reported appetite on a 10-point visual analogue scale. Micronutrient insufficiency was defined as the total number of 17 minerals and vitamins that were insufficient in the diet. Diet variety was calculated as the number of 23 food types consumed over the 4 days. Mediation analysis, controlling for covariates age, gender, NYHA class, and body mass index showed that diet variety mediated the relationship between appetite and micronutrient insufficiencies [indirect effect = -0.0828, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.1585 to -0.0150]. There was no direct effect of appetite on micronutrient insufficiency (c = -0.1802; 95% CI = -0.3715 to.0111). Conclusions Diet variety played a previously unrecognized role in the relationship between appetite and dietary micronutrient intake in patients with HF. More research is needed to validate these associations in patients with HF.

Objectives To investigate long-term effects of a 1-year problem-based learning (PBL) on self-management and cardiac risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Design A prospective, randomised, parallel single centre trial.Settings Primary care settings in Sweden.Participants 157 patients with stable CHD completed the study. Subjects with reading and writing impairments, mental illness or expected survival less than 1 year were excluded.Intervention Participants were randomised and assigned to receive either PBL (intervention) or home-sent patient information (control group). In this study, participants were followed up at baseline, 1, 3 and 5 years.Primary and secondary outcomes Primary outcome was patient empowerment (Swedish Coronary Empowerment Scale, SWE-CES) and secondary outcomes General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), self-rated health status (EQ-VAS), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), body mass index (BMI), weight and smoking. Outcomes were adjusted for sociodemographic factors.Results The PBL intervention group resulted in a significant improved change in SWE-CES over the 5-year period (mean (M), 39.39; 95% CI 37.88 to 40.89) compared with the baseline (M 36.54; 95% CI 35.40 to 37.66). PBL intervention group increased HDL-C level (M 1.39; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.50) compared with baseline (M 1.24; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.33) and for EQ-VAS (M 77.33; 95% CI 73.21 to 81.45) compared with baseline (M 68.13; 95% CI 63.66 to 72.59) while these outcomes remained unchanged in the control group. There were no significant differences in BMI, weight or scores on GSES, neither between nor within groups over time. The overall proportion of smokers was significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental group.Conclusion One-year PBL intervention had positive effect on patient empowerment, health status and HDL-C at a 5-year follow-up compared with the control group. PBL education aiming to improve patient empowerment in cardiac rehabilitation should account for sociodemographic factors.

BACKGROUND: Decreased appetite can contribute to malnutrition in patients with heart failure (HF). Little is known about the trajectory of appetite over time in patients with HF and the factors associated with decreased appetite after discharge from the hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate changes in appetite over time and explore how fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life are associated with decreased appetite.

METHODS: Data from the multicenter randomized Coordinating study evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counseling in Heart Failure were used. Logistic regression and mixed-effects logistic regression were used to investigate changes in appetite over time and to explore the relationship between appetite and fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life.

RESULTS: A total of 734 patients with HF (mean age, 69 years) were included. Decreased appetite was present at all follow-up measurements; however, decreased appetite was significantly lower at the 1-month (odds ratio [OR], 0.43; confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.63), 6-month (OR, 0.31; CI, 0.20-0.47), 12-month (OR, 0.22; CI, 0.14-0.34), and 18-month (OR, 0.24; CI, 0.15-0.37) follow-ups compared with baseline. Decreased appetite was associated with fatigue (OR, 3.09; CI, 1.98-4.84), depressive symptoms (OR, 1.76; CI, 1.35-2.29), and low quality of life (OR, 1.01; CI, 1.01-1.02) across all measurement points adjusted for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS: Appetite improved after discharge; however, at all time points, at least 22% of patients reported decreased appetite. Fatigue, depressive symptoms, and low quality of life are factors associated with decreased appetite. Decreased appetite is a long-standing problem in that it does not disappear spontaneously after an acute HF deterioration.

Background People with cognitive impairment often need support to perform everyday-life activities. Interventions are available, but evidence-based interventions are lacking. Aim This pilot RCT aimed to investigate use of an intervention with an interactive digital calendar with mobile phone reminders (RemindMe) in relation to change in outcomes and impact on occupational performance, independence, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial impact of the support for people with cognitive impairment. Method The study design was a multi-centre parallel-group pilot RCT [ClinicalTrails.gov, identifier: NCT04470219]. Fifteen participants from primary rehabilitation centres in Sweden were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention group (n = 8) receiving the intervention with RemindMe, or control group (n = 7) receiving usual treatment by an occupational therapist. Data were collected at baseline, after two- and four months, and analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. Result The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM item n-r) showed significant differences. There were no significant differences in health-related quality of life nor in the psychosocial impact of the used support. Conclusion Plausible changes in outcome measures were found in COPM and FIM (items n-r). These instruments indicate change in outcome measures and impact on occupational performance and independence.

The aim of this study is to increase evidence-based interventions by investigating the feasibility of an intervention using an interactive digital calendar with mobile phone reminders (RemindMe) as support in everyday life. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from participating patients (n = 8) and occupational therapists (n = 7) from three rehabilitation clinics in Sweden. The intervention consisted of delivering the interactive digital calendar RemindMe, receiving an individualized introduction, a written manual, and individual weekly conversations for two months with follow-up assessments after two and four months. Feasibility areas of acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, and integration were examined. Patients expressed their interest and intention to use RemindMe and reported a need for reminders and individualized support. By using reminders in activities in everyday life their autonomy was supported. The study also demonstrated the importance of confirming reminders and the possible role of habit-forming. Occupational therapists perceived the intervention to be useful at the rehabilitation clinics and the weekly support conversations enabled successful implementation. This study confirmed the importance of basing and tailoring the intervention to patients needs and thus being person-centered.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on carers’ experiences of being involved in the development of a web-based support programme for carers of people with heart failure (CPwHF), and discuss the challenges related to their involvement in the development process. The focus was on the different phases in the project as well as the methodological challenges and opportunities that occurred in the user group sessions conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopt an explorative design studying a co-design process to develop an information and communication technology based support programme for and with CPwHF. Habermas’ concepts of lifeworld and system are used as a theoretical framework to analyse the co-design process employed in the study.

Findings

Reflecting on the co-design approach adopted, the findings highlight the methodological challenges that arise with carer involvement and the possible tensions that occur between researchers’ ambitions to include users in the design process, and the goal of developing a product or service, in the different phases of the design process.

Originality/value

Findings highlight that there is a tension between the system and lifeworld in the co-design process which are not totally compatible. The paper highlights that there is a need to develop flexible and reflexive human-centred design methodologies, able to meet carers’ needs and ideas, and at the same time balance this with proposed research outcomes.

Background: Post COVID-19 diagnosis in children has been difficult as there has been a lack of knowledge within the healthcare system, leading to uncertainty concerning how these children should be assessed and treated. To understand the aspects of how parents experience seeking care for their child with an array of symptoms and how the child's symptoms affect their everyday life and family situation, we need to listen to the parents' stories about having a child living with post COVID-19. Purpose: To describe parents' experiences of seeking professional care for their child with post COVID-19 symptoms and what kinds of impacts there are on their children's daily life. Design and methods: A qualitative study with an inductive and exploratory approach including seventeen parents of children with post COVID-19. Face-to-face interviews were conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 and analyzed with thematic analysis. Results: The findings describe how the parents' constant struggle for their child and how the child's symptoms affect their daily life and their family situation in three themes: Navigating the unknown, Navigating life with post COVID-19, and Navigating between fear and hope for an uncertain future. Conclusions: This study corroborates the parents' struggle for acceptance of the children's problems in the health system. Practice implications: It is important that health care focuses on the everyday world and the problems that the child and parents express to understand the family's perspective and the problems that arise in everyday life. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

ObjectiveThis study aimed to 1) investigate the relationships between hair cortisol concentration (HCC), insomnia symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in preschool children with severe early childhood caries, 2) compare HCC, insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL in preschool children with severe early childhood caries with these factors in children without clinical signs of dental caries, and 3) explore correlations between caries scores and HCC, insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL.Material and MethodsA case-control pilot study, including 12 children with severe early childhood caries and 28 controls, aged 3-5 years. Dental examination was performed and hair samples for cortisol were taken. Parents filled out questionnaires about their childs insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL. Interpreters were used in families with language difficulties.ResultsThe key findings in this pilot study were tendencies that children with severe early childhood caries had more insomnia symptoms, and poorer OHRQoL than the controls. Caries scores was correlated with insomnia symptoms and OHRQoL.ConclusionsDentists should include questions about the childs sleep when they see the child, as insomnia related to dental caries may lead to several physical, mental, and social problems.

Background: Painful menstruation is common among girls. To optimize school nurses' work more knowledgeabout their experiences of supporting these girls is needed. The aim of this study was to describe school nurses'experiences of supporting girls with menstrual pain.Methods: Interviews were conducted with 15 school nurses in Sweden and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Three themes emerged: Taking menstrual pain seriously, Being a disseminator of knowledge, andExternal conditions for conducting professional work as a school nurse.Conclusion: School nurses felt competent in supporting girls with menstrual pain. However, they lacked struc-tural, written guidelines and routines for how to treat, support, follow-up and refer girls with menstrual pain.Practice implications: School education about menstruation and sexual health needs to be strengthened. Cooper-ation with other healthcare facilities and networks with other school nurses should be increased. Specific guide-lines on how to support girls with menstrual pain should be implemented.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Background

To increase health and well-being in young children, it is important to acknowledge and promote the child’s sleep behaviour. However, there is a lack of brief, validated sleep screening instruments for children. The aims of the study were to (1) present a Swedish translation of the PISI, (2) examine the factor structure of the Swedish version of PISI, and test the reliability and validity of the PISI factor structure in a sample of healthy children in Sweden.

Methods

The English version of the PISI was translated into Swedish, translated back into English, and agreed upon before use. Parents of healthy 3- to 10-year-old children filled out the Swedish version of the PISI and the generic health-related quality of life instrument KIDSCREEN-27 two times. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for baseline and test-retest, structural equation modelling, and correlations between the PISI and KIDSCREEN-27 were performed.

Results

In total, 160 parents filled out baseline questionnaires (test), whereof 100 parents (63%) filled out the follow-up questionnaires (retest). Confirmative factor analysis of the PISI found two correlated factors: sleep onset problems (SOP) and sleep maintenance problems (SMP). The PISI had substantial construct and test-retest reliability. The PISI factors were related to all KIDSCREEN-27 dimensions.

Conclusions

The Swedish version of the PISI is applicable for screening sleep problems and is a useful aid in dialogues with families about sleep.

AimTo investigate strategies used by professionals in pediatric rehabilitation to engage children in every step of the intervention process, including assessment, goal setting, planning and implementation of the intervention, and results evaluation.MethodsA scoping literature review was conducted, and seven databases were searched, including CINAHL and MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, PsycINFO, Social Science Premium Collection, PubMed, and Web of Science. A citation search of included articles was completed. Predetermined criteria, quality standards, and PIO framework guided the selection process. Results were presented in relation to Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the contextual model of therapeutic change.ResultsIn total, 20 studies were included in the review. Pediatric professionals reported that therapeutic use of self and their own engagement in the intervention facilitated the establishment of a supportive relationship. Providing clear explanations about their role and therapy rationale developed positive expectations. By making the child feel successful within-session and outside-session activities, professionals enhanced child mastery. Professionals' strategies were abstractly described.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to investigate strategies that are effective in the different steps of the intervention. More observational, longitudinal studies are required to capture fluctuations in in-session engagement.

BackgroundThere is mixed evidence regarding the impact of interactive digital devices on child development. Tentatively some studies suggested that the use of digital devices may correlate negatively with language, executive function, and motor skills. However, attempts to amalgamate this evidence has been limited related to the available number of experimental and cohort studies that have evaluated the impact of digital technology use on child development. We conducted this review to determine the impact of interactive digital devices on child development among children aged 7 years or younger. Interactive technology has been defined as methods, tools, or devices that users interact with in order to achieve specific tasks. Data sourceTo carry out this systematic review, databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies. Study selectionWe used the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews. Data extractionData extraction and synthesis was carried out by two reviewers and checked by a third reviewer. Studies were stratified into tiers depending on the level of evidence provided and the domain of development assessed. ResultsFifty-three studies were eligible for inclusion in the review, 39 Tier 1 (randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies) and 16 Tier 2 (descriptive studies). Childrens use of interactive digital technology was positively associated with receptive language and executive function and negatively associated or unrelated to motor proficiency. Other critical aspects informing the evidence, such as dose of exposure, intensity, or duration, were inconsistently reported, making estimates of exposure tentative and imprecise. ConclusionThe studies included in this review were predominantly correlational or comparative in nature and focuses on cognitive domains of learning rather than a specific developmental outcome. It is difficult to generalize our findings beyond the digital devices or applications that have been evaluated by earlier studies. The contextual factors that may moderate the relationship require elaboration in future studies.

BackgroundIdentifying pain in infants is challenging due to their inability to self-report pain, therefore the availability of valid and reliable means of assessing pain is critical.ObjectiveThis meta-review sought to identify evidence that could guide the selection of appropriate tools in this vulnerable population.MethodsWe searched Scopus, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, MIDRIS, EMCare and Google Scholar for eligible systematic reviews. Eligible reviews documented psychometric properties of available observational tools used to assess pain in infants.ResultsA total of 516 reviews were identified of which 11 met our inclusion criteria. We identified 36 pain assessment tools (evaluated in 11 reviews) of which seven were reported in at least three reviews. The level of evidence reported on the psychometric properties of pain assessment tools varied widely ranging from low to good reliability and validity, whilst there are limited data on usability and clinical utility.ConclusionsCurrently, no observer administered pain assessment tool can be recommended as the gold standard due to limited availability and quality of the evidence that supports their validity, reliability and clinical utility. This meta-review attempts to collate the available evidence to assist clinicians to decide on what is the most appropriate tool to use in their clinical practice setting. It is important that researchers adopt a standard approach to evaluating the psychometric properties of pain assessment tools and evaluations of the clinical utility in order that the highest level of evidence can be used to guide tool selection.

Objective: Develop and validate a text message bank to support healthier lifestyle behaviors in older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease utilizing a codesign approach. Methods: Initially, the researchers, based on literature, developed a bank of 68 SMS text messages focusing on healthy eating (24 messages), physical activity (24 messages), and motivational feedback (20 messages), based on a scoping review of the literature on promoting behavioral change to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. In the next step, a panel of five experts analyzed every subset of SMS text messages. Further validation was conducted by nine older adults (>= 60 years). The user demographics, telephone literacy, understanding, and appeal for every SMS text message were evaluated using a 31-item questionnaire. Results: Participants provided an acceptable understanding of the critical concept found in the 49 SMS text message (physical activity M = 1.73 +/- 0.18; diet M = 1.73 +/- 0.26; motivation M = 1.85 +/- 0.25; range 0-2). The average ratings for physical activity (i.e., likability), healthy eating, and motivation were 8.62 +/- 0.64, 8.57 +/- 0.76, and 8.40 +/- 0.83, respectively (range 0-10). Conclusion: Co-designers were able to identify the technological and content requirements for each text message and infographic to enhance understanding and appeal. Practice implications: A feasibility study will need to be conducted as a next step to testing the effectiveness of text messages in a mobile-based intervention to promote healthy behaviors in older adults at high CVD risk. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aims This study aimed to describe symptom prevalence of pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and nausea and to identify factors associated with symptom relief in patients with heart failure during their last week of life. Methods and results This nationwide study used data from the Swedish Register of Palliative Care and the Swedish Causes of Death Certificate Register. The sample included 4215 patients with heart failure as the underlying cause of death. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse data. Pain was the most prevalent symptom (64.0%), followed by anxiety (45.1%), shortness of breath (28.8%), and nausea (11.4%). Pain was the most often totally relieved (77.5%), followed by anxiety (68.4%), nausea (54.7%), and shortness of breath (37.1%). Key aspects of palliative care such as documented palliative care in the patient record, individual medication prescriptions by injection, symptom assessment with validated scales, documented end-of-life discussions with patients and/or family members, and external consultation were significantly associated with symptom relief. Relief of pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and nausea were significantly better managed in nursing homes and hospice/inpatient palliative care compared with care in hospitals. Conclusions The results show that key aspects of palliative care during the last week of life are significantly associated with symptom relief. Increased access to palliative care could provide a way to improve care during the last week of life for patients with heart failure. Home-based settings provided more symptom relief than hospitals, which may indicate that the latter focuses on treatments and saving lives rather than promoting life before death.

Background Safe health care of good quality depends on structured and unceasing efforts to progress, promoting strategies tailored to the context, including elements such as patients preferences. Although patient participation is a common concept in health care, there is yet limited understanding of the factors that facilitate and hinder it in a healthcare context. Aims This paper identifies what patients and health professionals depict in terms of enablers and barriers for patient participation in dialysis care. Methods An explorative qualitative design was applied with seven focus group discussions with patients, staff, and managers across different types of hospitals, with the texts analyzed with content analysis. Results The dialysis context represents three key elements-people, resources, and interactions-that can both enable and hinder patient participation. Both barriers and facilitators for patient participation were found to reside at individual, team, and organizational levels, with a greater number of enabling factors implied by both patients and staff. Linking Evidence to Action While the dialysis context comprises opportunities for progress in favor of patient participation, a shared understanding of the concept is needed, along with how contextual factors can facilitate conditions for participation by patient preferences. In addition, the most favorable strategy for implementing person-centered care is not yet known, but to facilitate patient participation from a patient perspective, creating opportunities to enable staff and patients to share a common understanding is needed, along with tools to facilitate a dialogue on patient participation.

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and morbidity. Patients with aSAH in Sweden are cared for at one of six neuro intensive care units (NICU) or at a general intensive care unit (ICU).This study aimed to describe the incidence, length of stay, time in ventilator and mortality for these patients. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with aSAH, registered in the Swedish Intensive care Registry between 2017 and 2019. The cohort was divided in sub-cohorts (NICU and general ICU) and regions. Mortality was analysed with logistic regression. Results: A total of 1520 patients with aSAH from five regions were included in the study. Mean age of the patients were 60.6 years and 58% were female. Mortality within 180 days of admission was 30% (n = 456) of which 17% (n = 258) died during intensive care. A majority of the patients were treated at one hospital and in one ICU (70%, n = 1062). More than half of the patients (59%, n = 897) had their first intensive care admission at a hospital with a NICU. Patients in the North region had the lowest median GCS (10) and the highest SAPS3 score (60) when admitted to NICU. Treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation differed significantly between regions; 91% (n = 80) in the region with highest proportion versus 56% (n = 94) in the region with the lowest proportion, as did mortality; 16% (n = 44) versus 8% (n = 23). No differences between regions were found regarding age, sex and length of stay. Conclusions: Patients with aSAH treated in a NICU or in an ICU in Sweden differs in characteristics. The study further showed some differences between regions which might be reduced if there were national consensus and treatment guidelines implemented.

The aim of the study was to describe the role of brief-admission (BA) in treating high-risk patients with self-harm from the perspective of outpatient healthcare staff in Sweden. Ten outpatient healthcare professionals from three psychiatric clinics were interviewed. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis. The findings of this study help support the role of BA as an acute crisis management intervention, and describe how BA serves as a useful adjunct to outpatient treatment, especially for patients with complementarily psychotherapeutic interventions. The findings also suggest that implementing BA may increase treatment opportunities for outpatient staff and strengthen the concept of person-centered care.

BACKGROUND: There is variability in the use of sedatives and analgesics in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We aimed to investigate the use of analgesics and sedatives and the management of neonatal pain and distress.

METHODS: This was a global, prospective, cross-sectional study. A survey was distributed May-November 2022. The primary outcome of this research was to compare results between countries depending on their socio-sanitary level using the sociodemographic index (SDI). We organized results based on geographical location.

RESULTS: The survey collected 1304 responses, but we analyzed 924 responses after database cleaning. Responses from 98 different countries were analyzed. More than 60% of NICUs reported having an analgosedation guideline, and one-third of respondents used neonatal pain scales in more than 80% of neonates. We found differences in the management of sedation and analgesia between NICUs on different continents, but especially between countries with different SDIs. Countries with a higher SDI had greater availability of and adherence to analgosedation guidelines, as well as higher rates of analgosedation for painful or distressing procedures. Countries with different SDIs reported differences in analgosedation for neonatal intubation, invasive ventilation, and therapeutic hypothermia, among others.

CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic status of countries impacts on neonatal analgosedation management.

IMPACT: There is significant variability in the pain management practices in neonates. There is a lack of knowledge related to how neonatal pain management practices differ between regions. Sociodemographic index is a key factor associated with differences in neonatal pain management practices across global regions.

Purpose: Transmasculine persons may experience stigma, which increases the risk of psychological distress. They may need reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health care; however, qualitative studies addressing transgender individuals experiences are scarce. This study aimed at interpreting and describing the experiences of transmasculine persons in encounters with health care professionals (HCPs) within reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health care. Methods: Nine qualitative semi-structured online interviews were conducted via email with transmasculine persons, and data were analyzed by using Braun and Clarkes thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were identified. The first theme is normalization and confirmation of the gender identity. This theme comprises the knowledge and experience that these transmasculine persons are facing. The verbal approach from the HCPs was important as well as could be addressed with a non-binary approach. The second theme is Respect in an especially exposed situation. This theme shows the great importance of being involved in the care and at the same time being met with openness and empathy. There must be good prospects of being able to preserve dignity. Conclusion: Transmasculine persons are in an exposed position in reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health care. The encounters in health care could be negatively affected if HCPs show inadequate knowledge or express gender stereotypical attitudes. A good encounter is characterized by respect, preserved integrity, involvement in the care, and an open attitude toward gender variations.

Background: Short and long-term side effects of oncological treatment negatively affect daily living and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patient with cancer. Exercise during treatment is beneficial for HRQoL, however evidence as to what exercise intensity is most optimal for improving HRQoL and cost-effectiveness is lacking. Cost-effectiveness is important information for decisionmakers when implementing healthcare interventions, such as exercise programmes. The overall aim of this thesis was to study functioning in daily life, HRQoL, costs, and cost-effectiveness of an exercise intervention of different exercise intensities in patients with cancer receiving oncological treatment. 

Method: Study I was qualitative and explored how individuals with cancer receiving curative treatment and participating in an exercise intervention experienced their functioning in daily life. Semi-structured individual interviews (n =21) were performed and analysed with thematic analysis. Studies II–IV were quantitative and used data from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of high-intensity (HI) and low-to-moderate-intensity (LMI) exercise of combined resistance and endurance training with or without self-regulatory behaviour change support. The RCT was preceded by a descriptive longitudinal study with usual care (UC). Participants were diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colon cancer and received (neo)adjuvant oncological treatment. Study II evaluated the effects on HRQoL of exercising at HI (n =288) and LMI (n =289) versus UC (n =89) up to 18 months after start of oncological treatment, using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Study III evaluated resource utilisation and societal costs of the exercise intervention in the RCT (n =534) versus UC (n =85), and of HI (n =269) versus LMI (n =265) exercise 18 months after start of oncological treatment. Societal costs included costs of healthcare resource utilisation (healthcare visits, hospitalisation, prescribed medication), productivity loss (disability pensions and sick leave), and the exercise intervention. Study IV evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the exercise intensities in the RCT (HI: n =99 and LMI: n =90) at 1-year follow-up post intervention. Cost data were retrieved from Study III and health outcome were collected using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and calculated for quality-adjusted life-years. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). 

Results: Participants experienced impairments from oncological treatment but strove to maintain function in daily life. The exercise programme improved physical and psychological wellbeing during treatment (Study I). There were no significant differences in HRQoL between exercise intensities up to 1 year after the exercise intervention. The exercise groups scored significant better HRQoL compared to UC over time (Study II). There was no significant difference in mean societal costs between the exercise intervention and UC, nor between the exercise intensities (Study III). There was no significant difference in cost or in effect between the exercise intensities. Although the mean ICER indicated that HI was cost-effective compared to LMI, the uncertainty was large (Study IV). 

Conclusion: Participating in an exercise programme during oncological treatment was a positive and supportive experience that contributed to increase physical and psychological wellbeing. Exercise of HI and LMI during oncological treatment had similar effect on HRQoL and societal costs. In addition, the exercise group had beneficial effects on HRQoL and no significant difference in societal costs compared to UC, meaning the exercise programme did not save or add societal cost. Thus, based on cost-effectiveness we suggest decisionmakers and clinicians implement exercise programmes including both HI and LMI in cancer care and recommend exercise regardless of intensity according to the patient’s preferences to improve or to maintain aspects of HRQoL during oncological treatment.