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- ItemPhysiology knowledge retention in third-year nursing students(2023) Sharma, Prabal; Narnaware, YuwarajThere is a growing concern that medical, allied health & nursing students struggle to retain & apply physiological knowledge in the subsequent years of their disciplines (Narnaware & Neumeier, 2020). However, physiological knowledge retention has not been studied as extensively as anatomical knowledge retention in healthcare, with very few studies focusing on nursing students (Aari et al., 2004). The present study evaluates physiological knowledge retention in third-year nursing students. Students were quizzed on ten major organ systems using an online platform, Kahoot (Kahoot, Inc. Oslo, Norway). The results show that the mean class average in the first year was 64.9 ± 10.5 (±SD), which significantly (P<0.05) decreased to 50.95 ± 9.2 (±SD) in the third year. This equates to a knowledge retention rate of 88.1% or 11.9% knowledge loss within three years. Organ-specific knowledge retention was the highest for inflammation (100%), respiratory physiology (99.10%), and vascular physiology (95.01%), followed by blood (89.16%), digestive physiology (86.28%), endocrinology (83.76%), defences (82.50%) and renal physiology (82.19%). Retention was comparatively lower for fluid and electrolyte balance (79.36%) and reproductive physiology (77.54%). Although organ-specific knowledge retention was found, this study identifies the potential gaps in knowledge retention, which helps develop an effective and robust interventional strategy to improve knowledge retention in nursing students.
- ItemBMI and labour: how does obesity in pregnancy affect intrapartum outcomes for pregnant patients?(2023) Glew, Erin; Goulding, Karissa; Le, Don; Popiel, Helena; Walker, Samantha; Croxen, HannekeA significant number of Canadians are considered obese or overweight; however, there is minimal accessible research which describes the impact that obesity has on labour and delivery. Our group members conducted a thorough literature review to investigate how obesity in pregnancy affects intrapartum outcomes for pregnant patients. Using CINAHL and EBSCO, a boolean search was conducted, using keywords including pregnancy, obesity, C-section, labour, postpartum hemorrhage, respiratory, and similar terms. We limited the search results to those with a publishing date from 2010-2022 and from peer-reviewed journals. Twelve research articles were utilized. Research analysis found that obesity during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, cesarean sections, intrapartum hypertension, and hypoventilation syndrome. It is concluded that maternal obesity is correlated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes during the intrapartum period. Because of this high risk for complications, pregnant patients who are obese should be considered high-risk pregnancies. Further research should be conducted to research the effect of gestational weight gain on intrapartum outcomes for pregnant patients.
- ItemAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a predictor of homelessness in mothers: a narrative review(2022) Kohler, Ashley; Reisdorfer, EmileneIncreasingly, research is conducted focusing on mothers and families experiencing homelessness. Mothers experiencing homelessness present as a uniquely vulnerable population. Current research tends to focus on the immediate factors causing homelessness like loss of employment, intimate partner violence, and other economic pressures. The aim of this integrative review was to analyze what research is currently available regarding the lifelong experiences that lead mothers into homelessness. The focus is on the predictability of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a contributing factor of homelessness during adulthood. After the initial search on CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX databases, 303 studies were retrieved, and 9 of those studies were included in this project after further screening. These studies were analyzed for repeating patterns, similarities, and differences. The findings lay groundwork for future research in nursing and interdisciplinary health professions. Future directions should consider early nursing intervention in childhood as a preventative measure of family homelessness. Additionally, knowing that ACEs are a predictor of homelessness could assist nurses in tailoring trauma informed treatment when working with homeless families.
- ItemEthical dilemmas and considerations for nurses during the MAID process: a literature review(2022-11-11) Hoyer, Kaitlyn; Reisdorfer, EmileneThis literature review aims to investigate the ethical dilemmas nurses face following the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada and identifies recommendations to mitigate moral distress felt within the nursing community. The CINAHL database was used to conduct a search for primary studies inclusive of MAID relating to the ethics within nursing and published since 2018. From the search results, three peer-reviewed articles were used to compare and contrast the ethical dilemmas that have arised from MAID within the nursing community. A vast majority of the moral conflicts presented are rectifiable and have occurred due to misinformation, lack of adequate education, distress caused by misunderstandings and judgment, and a lack of collegial support. To mitigate these moral tensions, it is recommended that education and training on MAID be implemented, as well as opening up conversations about ethics and MAID to help ensure nurses feel supported emotionally and professionally throughout the MAID process.
- ItemPerceptions of clients about healthcare professionals (HCP) who have visible body art: a scoping review of the literature(2022) Graff, Sheri; Wildeman, Amy; Reisdorfer, EmileneIn healthcare, appearance plays a significant role in a patient's first impression of a healthcare worker's competence, compassion, performance, and quality of care. Given that nurses are an essential part of the patient care team, it is imperative for nurses and other healthcare providers to recognize the use of personal expressions such as tattoos while still being able to achieve therapeutic relationships with clients. This scoping review aims to answer the following question: What is known from the existing literature about clients' perceptions about healthcare professionals who have visible body art? Keywords included terms related to body art, healthcare professionals, and to perceptions and understanding. A total of 435 studies published until January 2022 were identified, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. Out of eight studies included in this review, six identified that body art is negatively associated with patient care, and two found there is no impact on body art and patient perceptions. Additionally, results show that clients attribute a higher degree of professionalism to HCP without visible body art. Finally, some studies indicate that female HCP with visible tattoos were perceived as being less professional than their male counterparts. It is essential to understand patient perceptions of healthcare professionals with and without body art and determine if appearances can alter the relationship between patient and provider.