Evidence-Based Nursing

Nursing as a profession is deeply rooted in caring and advocating for the well-being of others, linking it to social justice praxis.1 Social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and upholding the rights of individuals within society, regardless of their characteristics such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, religious belief, age, disability and other protected characteristics. The tenets of social justice are diversity, equity and inclusion. In this editorial, we focus on racial diversity because it has a very important place in nursing and nurses should be continually taught how to embed racial diversity in practice.Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in evidence-informed nursing practice is crucial to ensuring that healthcare is accessible, culturally competent, socially just and addresses the unique needs of all individuals and communities. We hold the view that diversity is not and should not be a one-off showcase in the...

Commentary on: Langdon, P.E., Apanasionok, M.M., Scripps, E., Barrowcliff, A., Biswas, A., Bunning, K., Burbidge, C., Byron-Daniel, K., Cookson, A., Croom, S. and Filipczuk, M.2024. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: The BEAMS-ID feasibility study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 375, p.e13282.Implications for practice and researchThe BEAMS-ID study demonstrates that behavioural interventions, when properly adapted, are both feasible and acceptable for adults with autism and moderate-to-severe intellectual disabilities.A larger randomised controlled trial is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of these adapted interventions in reducing anxiety in this population.ContextPeople with autism, particularly those experiencing moderate-to-severe intellectual impairments, face an increased likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.1 2 Although anxiety is common among this group, there is limited research demonstrating the effectiveness of psychological treatments for addressing anxiety in autistic adults with intellectual disabilities.

Commentary on: Danne et al. Association Between Treatment Adherence and Continuous Glucose Monitoring Outcomes in People With Diabetes Using Smart Insulin Pens in a Real-World Setting. Diabetes Care. 2024.47 (6),:995-10031Implications for practice and researchHealthcare providers should emphasise consistent insulin adherence for people with diabetes, as even a few missed doses can worsen overall glycaemia.Future research should identify barriers to consistent usage of insulin and develop strategies to enable patients’ adherence, such as increasing patient engagement with smart insulin pens and continuous glucose monitoring systems.ContextDiabetes is a widespread chronic disease, with steadily rising prevalence in most countries. In 2019, the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 9.3%, affecting 463 million people. This figure is projected to rise to 10.2% by 2030 and 10.9% by 2045.2 All people with type 1 diabetes and many people living with type 2 diabetes require insulin, by injection...

Commentary on: Brewster RCL, Gonzalez P, Khazanchi R, et al. (2024) Performance of ChatGPT and Google Translate for Pediatric Discharge Instruction Translation. Pediatrics. 2024;154(1).Implications for practice and researchArtificial intelligence (AI) has significant potential to impact healthcare, but further research is required to evaluate validity of translation for communication.Enhanced clinician communication is needed for non-native speaking patient groups, and AI translations may be useful. However, content must reflect true clinical ‘meaning’.ContextToday’s world is increasingly augmented by AI, and use and application of natural language process-based translation services could enhance clinical communications. They have the potential to support confidential and cost-effective communication mechanisms for non-native language patients. This study1 evaluates quality, cultural sensitivity, terminology, context, consistency and risks associated with use of AI translators for Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian paediatric patients, illustrating shortcomings in quality, accuracy and patient preference, thus substantiating the theoretical ‘stochastic parrot’ where AI-generated,...

Commentary on: Veresova M, Michail M, Richards H, et al. Emergency department staff experiences of working with people who self-harm: A qualitative examination of barriers to optimal care. Int J Mental Health Nurs. 2024. doi: 10.1111/inm.13353Implications for practice and researchSupport from specialist mental health clinicians is a key mechanism for improving self-harm care among emergency department (ED) staff.Findings underpin the need for compassion and empathy when treating people presenting in distress, especially those who present multiple times.Future research should focus on strategies for improving implementation of self-harm clinical guidelines in EDs.ContextEmergency departments (EDs) have a crucial role in suicide prevention. Around 18% of people who died by suicide presented to ED in the month prior to death, commonly for self-harm.1 A hospital presentation for self-harm is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide; in one UK-based study, around 0.5% of people presenting to hospital...