Evidence-Based Nursing

Commentary on: Dmowska A, Fielding-Singh P, Halpern J, Prata N. The intersection of traumatic childbirth and obstetric racism: A qualitative study. Birth. 2023 Oct 17. doi: 10.1111/birt.12774. Epub ahead of print. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Despite the established link between traumatic childbirth and practitioner maltreatment, understanding of ethnically diverse mothers’ experiences of obstetric racism within the context of traumatic childbirth is lacking. Changes are required to address both systemic and interpersonal racism. This requires practitioner awareness training, access to doulas, greater racial/ethnic diversity among maternity care staff, and improvements in educational curricula. Context Traumatic childbirth is prevalent in the USA, with a substantial number of mothers deeming their experience traumatic.1 This paper explores obstetric violence, characterising it as healthcare practitioners neglecting women’s preferences and experiences, resulting in disrespectful care.2 Obstetric violence is inextricably linked to obstetric racism, wherein...

There is a growing recognition of the need to include children and young people (CYP) in health research. Increasingly, funding bodies emphasise early engagement with those with lived experience, and to recruit participants who represent the diversity of the remit of the study. People with life-limiting conditions are typically under-represented in research because of their perceived vulnerability and as such, key voices are not represented in the research on which practice is based. While effective recruitment strategies can begin to address the breadth of CYP participating in research, data collection methods must meet their diverse needs, experiences, ages, stages of development and values to maximise the likelihood of engagement and involvement. We will outline participatory research methods aimed at facilitating CYP contribution to studies, drawing on our research and experiences of working with CYP with life-limiting conditions. Engaging CYP with life-limiting conditions in research Together for Short Lives...

Commentary on: Sutherland D, Flynn S, Kurzeja O, Griffin J, Hastings R. Family-systems interventions for families of people with an intellectual disability or who are autistic: a systematic review. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2023 Oct;67(10):1003-1028. doi: 10.1111/jir.13068. Epub 2023 Aug 2. Implications for practice and research While there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of family-systems interventions for families of people with an intellectual disability or who are autistic, clinicians can consider integrating systemic techniques and ideas with other treatment methods. Additional research on routine use of family-systems interventions in this population is needed to better establish its role in treatment. Context Having a family member with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism can have problematic psychological effects on the individual’s parents and siblings. Family systems interventions have been suggested as one way to help support these families. These interventions target the...

Commentary on: Singh S, Keller PR, Busija L, McMillan P, Makrai E, Lawrenson JG, Hull CC, Downie LE. Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Aug 18;8(8):CD013244. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013244.pub2. Implications for practice and research Current evidence suggests that blue-light filtering lenses may not significantly relieve eye strain. Practitioners are advised against relying solely on these lenses. Future research is essential to clarify the effects of blue-light filtering lenses on visual performance, sleep and macular health, exploring potential differences in outcomes among diverse study populations. Context In the present digital age, with widespread screen use, concerns about visual discomfort and eye strain are prevalent. The popularity of blue-light filtering lenses has surged, claimed to benefit visual performance, retinal protection and sleep quality. This study critically assesses empirical evidence on these advantages, focusing on their...

Commentary on: Tadros HJ, Saidi A, Rawlinson AR, et al. Assessment of parental decision making in congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy and heart transplantation: an observational study analysing decisional characteristics and preferences. Arch Dis Child. 2023;108(8):641-646. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324373. Epub 2023 Feb 2. Implications for practice and research Healthcare providers need to understand that parents generally prefer equal influence on decision-making (DM) between medical teams and parents when caring for children with heart disease (HD). Future mixed-method design studies, involving qualitative interviews, would increase our understanding of the parents’ preference in DM and the influencing factors. Context Shared DM (SDM) is a universally accepted patient-centred component in the healthcare system and it is defined as a collaborative DM process among the patient and/or significant others and the healthcare professionals.1 In paediatrics, parents are invited to make decisions for their ill child. There are numerous...