Nurse Education Today

Volume 110, March 2022, 105270

The effectiveness of branching simulations in improving nurses' knowledge, attitudes, practice, and decision-making related to sepsis assessment and management

This research from Nurse Education Today investigated whether branching simulations, an interactive educational method, could effectively enhance nurses' ability to recognize and manage sepsis, a critical condition often under-treated due to deficiencies in clinical skills. Through an experimental study involving seventy emergency room nurses, the findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group's practices and decision-making immediately following and two weeks after the simulations compared to the control group. Ultimately, the study concludes that incorporating interactive learning strategies like branching simulations into professional development is an effective way to improve nurses' knowledge and clinical outcomes for patients with sepsis

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume 174, February 2026, 105302

Children's experiences of functional constipation: A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis

This qualitative study investigated the often-overlooked perspectives of children, aged 6–14, regarding their experiences with functional constipation and its treatments, which frequently include oral and rectal medications administered at home. The research design involved interviews with 20 participants in Sweden, aiming to explore a private and often stigmatized situation concerning bowel movements and care. Key findings indicated that children often procrastinate toilet visits and view treatments, such as enemas, as a complex mixture of being both a "nightmare and a relief." Ultimately, the study emphasizes that care providers must validate the child’s perspective to improve collaboration and outcomes when discussing diagnoses and proposed treatment plans for constipation.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume 134, October 2022, 10428

The role of nurses in euthanasia: A scoping review

This scoping review aimed to clearly define the nursing role and scope of practice within the emotionally and ethically fraught process of euthanasia across the globe by analyzing both international laws and scientific literature. The research highlights an urgent need to establish these roles because, despite nurses frequently assuming significant tasks, existing legislation often fails to provide well-defined guidance for nurses' participation. By identifying 15 roles and 80 tasks, the study categorized the spectrum of nursing involvement from initial patient care to post-procedure notification, ultimately concluding that this lack of legislative clarity often leads nurses to operate outside explicit legal boundaries. Therefore, the authors strongly recommend that policymakers acknowledge the broad responsibilities nurses undertake to ensure proper support, education, and effective inclusion within this complex healthcare service.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume 131, July 2022, 104239

Comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for preventing delirium in critically ill adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

This systematic review and network meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and shorten delirium in critically ill patients within intensive care units. The study pooled data from 29 randomized control trials to compare the effects of different strategies, specifically finding that a multicomponent strategywas the most effective approach for reducing the incidence of ICU delirium. Furthermore, specific multi-treatment interventions that included early mobilization and family participation showed particularly significant benefits in reducing both the incidence and duration of delirium. The findings offer valuable evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals seeking to optimize critical care protocols.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume 151, March 2024, 104688

Educating nursing students for sustainable future rural health-care services: An umbrella review

This umbrella review aimed to distill existing scientific literature on rural nursing education to propose "best practice" recommendations for programs striving to build a sustainable nursing workforce in rural regions. The study analyzed sixteen different types of reviews, covering the period from 2000 to 2022, to synthesize crucial knowledge regarding program organization, necessary competencies for rural practice, and optimal learning environments. Key findings emphasize the importance of fostering context-sensitive and collaboratively designed education that utilizes tailored curricula and locally developed clinical placements. Ultimately, the research concludes that a sustainable and flexible rural nursing program fundamentally relies upon a well-functioning collaboration between university faculty and local community stakeholders.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume 126, February 2022, 104135

Palliative care organization and staffing models in residential hospices: Which makes the difference?

This study analyzed data from nearly a thousand adult patients across thirteen Italian residential hospices to determine the most effective organizational framework for managing symptoms in palliative care. Utilizing predictive modeling, the researchers identified an "optimal" staffing modelwith specific patient-to-professional ratios and staff compositions—notably, a high percentage of registered nurses—that significantly improved the likelihood of controlling six key symptoms over time. Furthermore, the analysis concluded that the educational level of physicians and registered nurses, specifically those with palliative care qualifications, was crucial for achieving the best patient outcomes. These results offer evidence-based information for policymakers and hospice managers regarding ideal staffing and organizational structures, including a suggested range of 12 to 25 beds and a minimum 12-day patient length of stay, all aimed at enhancing quality care.