Researchers analyzed breast milk samples from 15 nursing mothers to track gene expression changes in mammary gland cells. The study identified various changes linked to factors such as hormone levels, illness, and lifestyle changes.
A new early warning detection system implemented at a hospital reduced medical emergencies and mortality rates by detecting subtle changes in patients' vital signs and cardiac rhythm. The system, which includes real-time alerts and collaboration between nurses, aims to improve the quality of care delivered to critically ill patients.
A recent study found that cancer treatment side effects significantly affect patients' and caregivers' eating habits, food preferences, and overall well-being. The research team identified six themes, including managing symptoms, losing taste, and caregiver burden.
A large trial found that maintaining body temperature at 35.5C during surgery does not reduce the risk of cardiac complications or other serious outcomes. The study suggests that routine care with a target temperature of 36C is sufficient and may even be unnecessary.
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
A Rutgers study of New Jersey nurses reveals that the combined effect of COVID-19 fears and workplace racism has a devastating impact on nonwhite workers. The research found that nurses of color experience higher levels of emotional distress due to these factors.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.
A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that rehabilitation at home (RAH) can lead to lower costs ($8,404 vs. $9,215) and improved patient experiences, including increased activities of daily living. The study also showed signals towards greater functional status improvement.
A new study will measure the effectiveness of oral hygiene in preventing non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) among hospitalized patients. NVHAP is the most deadly and costly type of hospital-acquired infection, affecting approximately one in 100 hospitalized patients.
In a cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship and to mentor others. The team's influence on female healthcare professionals was found to be significant, promoting a supportive environment for growth and development.
A four-year cohort study found children who survived invasive mechanical ventilation had significantly lower subsequent IQ scores than matched siblings. Researchers also identified the existence and epidemiology of pediatric post-intensive care syndrome after acute respiratory failure.
A new analysis found that healthcare workforce employment levels declined in mid-2020, with skilled nursing facilities experiencing a 13.6% decline compared to 2019. Healthcare sector wages also increased at a lower rate relative to the national average, with a 5% increase in 2020 and 1.5% in 2021.
A systematic review found that intersectional identities are associated with lower diagnostic screening and reception of preventative services. Patients with these identities face increased distrust of the healthcare system and negative cancer outcomes.
A new study found that severe mental health symptoms among nurses are linked to lower ratings of patient care quality and safety. The research highlights the importance of addressing work environment factors, such as heavy workloads and inadequate staffing, to protect nurse mental health.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has validated two predictive screeners to identify urban Black men at high risk of developing depression and PTSD after a traumatic injury. The researchers found that these risk markers may share core similarities across populations and countries.
A new symptom management approach, WRITE Symptoms, guides patients to reflect on their symptoms and develop strategies for addressing target symptoms. Both nurse-led and self-directed versions of the tool improved women's sense of control over their symptoms after eight weeks.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that night shift nurses are more likely to suffer from poor sleep, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and inflammation. The researchers also discovered a significant disparity in sleep quality among Black nurses, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on their health.
A recent study found that more than half of nurses experienced difficulty sleeping during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced sleep increasing odds of anxiety and depression. The researchers urge employers to address work stress and provide support for mental healthcare.
A study found that nearly 70% of pediatric patients missed an average of two five-day school weeks post-hospital discharge and half of their primary caregivers missed an average of eight workdays. This highlights the need for interventions to mitigate absenteeism and support families during and after pediatric hospitalization.
The article shares actionable steps to position nurses as leaders in innovation, highlighting Penn Nursing's successful infusion of innovation into its mission and curriculum. Key findings include the importance of developing a shared meaning of innovation within the university and healthcare community.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that patients with acute painful admitting diagnoses were almost twice as likely to have a self-directed discharge than those without. Inadequate pain assessment may be a motivator for this behavior, leading to poorer health outcomes and preventable financial costs.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that injured Black men from disadvantaged neighborhoods experience higher mortality rates and psychological symptoms due to their environmental surroundings. The study emphasizes the need for intervention at critical windows of care, including better communication ...
A study found that the Patient Driven Payment Model is associated with increased use of rehabilitation therapy and improved health outcomes for patients in skilled nursing facilities. The model, implemented by Medicare in 2019, is designed to incentivize healthcare providers to prioritize patient needs over volume-driven reimbursement.
Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.
The pandemic has led to significant progress in increasing practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) across the US. Several states have made emergency changes permanent, expanding full practice authority for APRNs in Delaware and Massachusetts.
A new study shows that Medicare support for clinical training for nurse practitioners increased their numbers and addressed the national shortage of primary care. The Graduate Nurse Education Demonstration successfully increased the number of primary care NPs graduated by universities participating in the program.
The Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging (PennAITech) aims to explore the use of artificial intelligence to improve in-home care for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The collaboratory will leverage expertise in AI, consumer informatics, and aging from various departments acro...
A longitudinal study found extremely concerning levels of psychological distress in the UK nursing and midwifery workforce during COVID-19. Key workplace-related factors, including redeployment and inadequate training, were associated with adverse psychological effects.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are using a $2 million grant to install in-home sensors that monitor older adults' daily activities. The sensors can detect falls, track vital signs, and alert care teams to abnormalities, enabling timely interventions.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that Illinois hospitals with better nurse staffing have lower patient death rates and shorter hospital stays. The proposed Safe Staffing Limits Act could lead to over 1,595 avoided deaths and $117 million in annual savings.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores the effectiveness of telehealth in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) in low-barrier clinic settings. The research highlights how telehealth can facilitate treatment for many patients, but also notes digital divide limitations and clinician comfort issues.
A team of nurse-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center doubled the hospital's ICU capacity by 93% to care for critically-ill patients. They developed a proning team, redeployed staff, and implemented modifications to hospital rooms to minimize staff exposure to the virus.
A study by the Technical University of Munich discovered that pungent substances from chili, ginger, and pepper are transferred to breast milk after consumption. These substances can be detectable in breast milk for several hours, with maximum concentrations being 70- to 350-fold below the taste perception threshold of an adult.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University conducted a cross-adoption experiment with fruit bat pups to determine whether boldness is genetic or learned. The findings indicate that the pups behave like their adoptive mothers, not biological mothers, suggesting that boldness is an acquired trait passed on through mother's milk.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that older adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity are particularly vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, more than half of participants remained free of clinically significant levels of adverse mental health conditions.
A new study found that most personal protective equipment (PPE) masks are not designed for Black And Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and women, leading to inadequate protection. The research highlights the need for further studies on PPE development to account for differences in facial dimensions across gender and ethnicity.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that telehealth reduced stress for nursing home residents while increasing access to convenient care. However, it also removed socialization opportunities and created confusion for residents with cognitive difficulties.
A UBCO study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that negative health experiences and withdrawal symptoms are major barriers to quitting e-cigarettes. Gradual reduction methods, including tapering nicotine concentration and using distraction techniques, were preferred by over 65% of quitters.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that robotic pet cats improved mood scores and cognitive function in adults with mild to moderate dementia. The intervention involved 12 visits with the robotic cat, where participants interacted with it and reported positive emotions.
The study aims to identify strategies that nursing homes used to overcome challenges related to the pandemic and develop recommendations for improving quality of care and patient health outcomes. By analyzing more than 500 Missouri nursing homes, researchers hope to find patterns for what went well or what can be improved.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing argue that conflating race and genetics leads to misdiagnoses and reinforces racist beliefs. The conflation is perpetuated in medical research, such as studies on neonatal abstinence syndrome, which can result in inequitable treatment according to race.
A new study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that home care patients who prefer a language other than English are more likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days. The study suggests that addressing language gaps is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
A survey study found that nearly 1 in 18 US nurses (5.5%) considered suicide within the past year, with burnout and depression symptoms being independent risk factors for suicidal ideation.
A national survey of over 7,000 US nurses found that they experience suicidal ideation at a rate nearly 1% higher than the general workforce, with 40% screening positive for depression and 33% exhibiting burnout symptoms. The findings highlight the need for urgent attention and system-based interventions to address nurse well-being
Nurses who worked in operating rooms for 15 or more years are at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure to surgical smoke and disinfectants can lead to a higher risk of COPD.
A study of over 29,000 American women found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Women who breastfed for longer periods had lower rates of postpartum depression, with those breastfeeding for 6-12 months showing the greatest reduction.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing indicates that disparities in readmissions between Black and White stroke patients may be linked to the level of nurse staffing in hospitals. Hospitals with better nurse staffing have been shown to reduce racial disparities in stroke readmissions.
A study found that 73% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients developed delirium, leading to lasting cognitive impairment and increased need for skilled nursing care. The disease itself, sedatives, and inflammation can contribute to this outcome.
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Linda Bullock found that infants of mothers with only one abusive partner had worse cognitive outcomes compared to those with multiple male partners, including some who were abusive. This suggests that the absence of support from a father figure can hinder a child's development.
Researchers found that modest weight loss was achieved through financial incentives and environmental changes, but participants felt more guidance would have helped. The study suggests that ongoing support and personalized coaching could lead to better weight loss outcomes.
A new study found hospitals employing more inpatient nurse practitioners have lower surgical mortality, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs of care. Nurse practitioners enhance hospital success by improving clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and reducing per-patient expenditures.
A national study compares three state laws aimed at increasing hospital nurse staffing: mandated staffing ratios, staffing committees, and public reporting. The study found that staffing mandates lead to a significant increase in RN staffing, while alternative approaches have little impact on hospital nursing levels.
A research team led by Jie Deng, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN, is conducting a three-year study comparing the effects of clinic-based and home-based complete decongestive therapy (CDT) on changes in lymphedema and symptoms in head and neck cancer survivors. The study aims to provide evidence for informed decision-making about lymphedema care.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that COVID-19 patient care volume and PPE workarounds increase moral distress, while effective leadership communication decreases it. The study's findings should motivate leaders to provide guidance for nurses during ongoing crises.
Research from the University of Florida found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk, providing passive immunity to newborns. The study suggests that vaccinated mothers can help protect their babies from COVID-19 illness.
UMass Lowell is part of a nationwide program to evaluate rapid COVID-19 diagnostic methods. Researchers will assess the reliability and sensitivity of new products using clinical trials and community testing sites.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing clarifies the post-trial needs of patients who withdraw from cancer clinical trials. The study defines what constitutes responsible transitions when patients exit CCTs, providing insights into patient experiences and care after withdrawal.
A new health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.
The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing will increase the number of trained and certified SANES in rural and underserved communities in Louisiana with a $1.4 million grant. The program aims to address the high prevalence of sexual assault cases in southeast Louisiana, where 456 reported offenses were recorded in 2019.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing documents essential components of hospital care models for patients with opioid use disorder. The review found that addiction medicine consult services facilitate connection to post-discharge care and improve outcomes.