Showing papers by "Robin Whittemore published in 2018"

Occupational Therapy Intervention Improves Glycemic Control and Quality of Life Among Young Adults With Diabetes: the Resilient, Empowered, Active Living with Diabetes (REAL Diabetes) Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of a manualized occupational therapy (OT) intervention (Resilient, Empowered, Active Living with Diabetes [REAL Diabetes]) to improve glycemic control and psychosocial well-being among ethnically diverse young adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eighty-one young adults (age 22.6 ± 3.5 years; hemoglobin A 1c [HbA 1c ] = 10.8%/95 mmol/mol ± 1.9%/20.8 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned to the REAL Diabetes intervention group (IG) or an attention control group (CG) over 6 months. IG participants received biweekly sessions guided by a manual composed of seven content modules; CG participants received standardized educational materials and biweekly phone calls. Blinded assessors collected data at baseline and 6 months. The primary outcome was HbA 1c ; secondary outcomes included diabetes self-care, diabetes-related quality of life (QOL), diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Change scores were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. RESULTS Intent-to-treat analyses showed that IG participants showed significant improvement in HbA 1c (−0.57%/6.2 mmol/mol vs. +0.36%/3.9 mmol/mol, P = 0.01), diabetes-related QOL (+0.7 vs. +0.15, P = 0.04), and habit strength for checking blood glucose (+3.9 vs. +1.7, P = 0.05) as compared with CG participants. There was no statistically significant effect modification by sex, ethnicity, diabetes type, recruitment site, or SES. No study-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The REAL Diabetes intervention improved blood glucose control and diabetes-related QOL among a typically hard-to-reach population, thus providing evidence that a structured OT intervention may be beneficial in improving both clinical and psychosocial outcomes among individuals with diabetes.

Measurement of Physiological Monitor Alarm Accuracy and Clinical Relevance in Intensive Care Units.

Abstract: Background Alarm fatigue threatens patient safety by delaying or reducing clinician response to alarms, which can lead to missed critical events. Interventions to reduce alarms without jeopardizing patient safety target either inaccurate or clinically irrelevant alarms, so assessment of alarm accuracy and clinical relevance may enhance the rigor of alarm intervention studies done in clinical units. Objectives To (1) examine approaches used to measure accuracy and/or clinical relevance of physiological monitor alarms in intensive care units and (2) compare the proportions of inaccurate and clinically irrelevant alarms. Methods An integrative review was used to systematically search the literature and synthesize resulting articles. Results Twelve studies explicitly measuring alarm accuracy and/or clinical relevance on a clinical unit were identified. In the most rigorous studies, alarms were annotated retrospectively by obtaining alarm data and parameter waveforms rather than being annotated in real time. More than half of arrhythmia alarms in recent studies were inaccurate. However, contextual data were needed to determine alarms' clinical relevance. Proportions of clinically irrelevant alarms were high, but definitions of clinically irrelevant alarms often included inaccurate alarms. Conclusions Future studies testing interventions on clinical units should include alarm accuracy and/or clinical relevance as outcome measures. Arrhythmia alarm accuracy should improve with advances in technology. Clinical interventions should focus on reducing clinically irrelevant alarms, with careful consideration of how clinical relevance is defined and measured.

The Experience of Partners of Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: an Integrative Review.

Abstract: The purpose of this review was to synthesize the research on the experience of partners living with adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Eleven studies were included in the review. Three themes on the experience of living with a person with T1D were identified: the undercurrent of hypoglycemia, partners’ involvement in diabetes care, and the impact on partners’ lives. Due to considerable fear of hypoglycemia, partners had pervasive and deliberate ways in which they made attempts to minimize hypoglycemia in the person with diabetes and its cascade to a health emergency. As a result, partners of adults with T1D experienced considerable distress and disrupted lives. Partners also expressed a need for more support from family, friends, and health professionals. Research is needed on the partner experience across the lifespan and the specific supportive services they need in order to optimize their health outcomes.

Effectiveness of a diabetes prevention program for rural women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus: study protocol of a multi-site randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: In China, about 53.4 million women (11%) have type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Women with prior 2 (GDM) are at a high risk for T2DM. Postpartum lifestyle interventions have been effective in reducing T2DM for this population, but the evidence is limited to interventions provided in urban areas, despite the fact that a higher prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM was found in rural areas in China. The primary purpose of this proposed study is to examine the effect of a postpartum intensive lifestyle modification (ILSM) program on physiological health outcomes (T2DM development, insulin resistance, and weight-related variables), weight-related health behaviors (dietary intake and physical activity), and psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy, perceived stress, social support, and health-related quality of life) compared to usual care at 3, 6, and 18 months post baseline assessment. The secondary outcomes are to identify potential mediators and moderators on change of physiological health outcomes. A multi-site randomized clinical trial (RCT) will be conducted to examine the efficacy of an evidence-based Intensive Lifestyle Modification (ILSM) program compared with usual care for women with prior GDM living in rural areas in China. A total sample of 256 participants will be recruited in the study. The intervention consists of six bi-weekly in-person group sessions, five bi-weekly telephone consultation sessions, and three monthly telephone consultations to encourage behavior change. The usual care provided to the control group will utilize current clinical guideline and recommendations for T2DM prevention. Outcome measures include physiological variables (OGTT-2 h, HbA1c, weight, and waist circumference); weight-related health behavioral (dietary intake and physical activities); and psychosocial variables (self-efficacy and social support) at 3-, 6- and 18- month after baseline. We will also assess the potential cost-effectiveness of ILSM (net cost per T2DM case and per DALY averted) compared with usual care. If successful, this ILSM program can be adapted and used in rural areas as a blueprint for clinical guidelines to decrease T2DM by improving postpartum GDM care in China. Findings of this study are expected to make a significant contribution to public health practice and health policy related to T2DM prevention in China. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800015023 . Registered 1 March 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/default.aspx .

Development of an eHealth Program for Parents of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of parenting an adolescent with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), to develop a prototype of an eHealth program for parents of adolescents with T1DM, and to evaluate the prototype content and acceptability from the perspective of parents and health care providers. Methods A multiphase method was used generating both qualitative and quantitative data at multiple time points. There were 27 parents of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with T1DM and 16 health care providers who participated in semistructured interviews to identify parental challenges; 53 parents and 27 providers evaluated the prototype. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey data. Results Challenges experienced by parents of adolescents with T1DM included understanding the developmental and hormonal changes of adolescence that affect diabetes care, feeling tension between adolescent independence and parent control, communicating without nagging or conflict, transferring diabetes care responsibility safely, dealing with feelings of stress and distress, and perceiving a lack of resources for T1DM care and insufficient personal time for self-care. In the prototype evaluation, both parents and providers found content to be relevant and provided feedback to guide the development of the full program. Conclusions Parents of adolescents with T1DM and providers expressed a need for parents to have more support in transitioning diabetes care from parent to adolescent. eHealth programs offer an ideal way to address these needs and ultimately can be linked to electronic medical records improving quality and efficiency of health care in this population.

Videoconferencing for Management of Heart Failure: An Integrative Review

Abstract: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease associated with poor prognosis, poor quality of life (QOL), and high medical costs among older adults. Monitoring symptoms, interpreting symptoms, and decision making are self-care skills required for effective HF management. Telemonitoring (TM) is increasingly used to reduce incidence of symptom exacerbation leading to rehospitalization. An integrative review was performed to describe the efficacy of TM interventions that include videoconferencing (VC) on the HF outcomes of hospital service s use, self-care, and QOL. A review of 11 studies using VC combined with remote physiological monitoring demonstrated promising results in all areas except self-care. Additional research is needed to better specify the goals of VC interventions, the mechanisms by which VC interventions improve health outcomes, and the effect of VC interventions with adults of diverse race and ethnicity. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(4), 45-52.].

Supporting self-management in palliative care throughout the cancer care trajectory.

Abstract: Purpose of review Despite increased survivorship and the subsequent need for chronic management of cancer, the association of self-management and palliative care is still emerging within cancer care. Routine and timely use of self-management strategies in the palliative setting can help reduce self-management burden and maximize quality of life. In this review, we consider the complementary relationship of self-management and palliative care and how they support living with cancer as a chronic illness. Recent findings Recent studies provide evidence of support among patients, family caregivers and healthcare professionals for integration of self-management interventions into palliative cancer care. As a guiding framework, components of the revised Self and Family Management Framework correspond to the provision of palliative care across the care trajectory, including the phases of curative care, palliative care, end-of-life care and bereavement. Additional work among self-management partners facing cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, that is patients, family caregivers and healthcare professionals, would be useful in developing interventions that incorporate self-management and palliative care to improve health outcomes. Summary There is an increasing acceptance of the complementarity of self-management and palliative care in cancer care. Their integration can support patients with cancer and their family caregivers across the care trajectory.

Participants' Experience and Engagement in Check It!: a Positive Psychology Intervention for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract: Problems with adherence are common among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who must follow a complex treatment regimen. Positive psychology interventions increase adherence and improve health outcomes in adults with chronic conditions; however, they have not been translated to pediatric populations. We evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of Check It!, a positive psychology intervention to improve adherence in adolescents with T1D. Adolescents with T1D and their parents were randomized to a positive psychology intervention (via phone or text message) or an attention control (education) group. Exit interviews and satisfaction surveys were conducted with adolescents (n=63) and parents (n=55) to assess the acceptability and feasibility of Check it! from a representative sample of each group. Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA and content analysis methods were used to analyze data. Parents and adolescents indicated interest in the intervention, and enrollment numbers support feasibility. In terms of intervention delivery, we identified challenges in implementing the positive psychology reminders to adolescents, particularly in the phone group. Parents in the positive psychology group appreciated the reminders to provide affirmations to their children, and adolescents enjoyed the affirmations and reported using the positive psychology exercises. Regarding acceptability, participants in both groups reported high satisfaction with the intervention overall. Participants reported favorable experiences with Check It!, and findings indicate that text messages are more feasible than phone calls for interventions with adolescents. Overall, a positive psychology intervention delivered with automated text messages is feasible and acceptable to adolescents with T1D and their parents.

Obesity-risk behaviours and their associations with body mass index (BMI) in Korean American children.

Abstract: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe obesity-risk behaviours (diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour) and examine the relationships of the obesity-risk behaviours with body mass index (BMI) in school-aged Korean American children. BACKGROUND Korean American children have a risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing obesity-related complications; however, there is limited research about obesity-risk behaviours in Korean American children. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHODS Obesity-risk behaviours of children were assessed with well-validated self-report questionnaires (i.e., Elementary-level School-based Nutrition Monitoring Questionnaire) from children and their mothers. Height and weight of children were measured. Data were analysed with bivariate and multivariate analyses using mixed effects models to incorporate the correlation within siblings. RESULTS A total of 170 Korean American children (mean age 10.9 [2.0] years; 52.4% girls; mean BMI 19.3 [3.2]; 28.7% ≥85 percentiles) participated in the study. Only 38.3% of Korean American children met established recommendations of five fruits/vegetables per day; 56.5% met recommendations for more than 3 days per week of vigorous physical activity; and 40.8% met recommendations for <2 hr of recreational screen time per day. Sixty per cent and 88.8% of children met the recommendation of sleep on a weekday and weekend, respectively. Only screen time was positively associated with child BMI z-score (β = 0.08; p < .03). CONCLUSION Healthcare providers need to be aware of the increased rate of overweight and obesity in Korean American children and initiate clinical interventions to improve obesity-risk behaviours, especially sedentary behaviour, in Korean American children. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Clinical assessment and management of the risk of developing overweight and obesity as well as obesity-related behaviours are important to improve obesity-related complications in overall Korean Americans.

Church-Based Recruitment to Reach Korean Immigrants: An Integrative Review.

Abstract: Although the Korean church has been frequently used to recruit Korean immigrants in research, little is known about the specific strategies and process. The purpose of this integrative review was to describe recruitment strategies in studies of Korean immigrants and to identify the process of Korean church-based recruitment. Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Four stages of church-based recruitment were identified: initiation, endorsement, advertisement, and implementation. This review identified aspects of the church-based recruitment process in Korean immigrants, which are different from the Black and Hispanic literature, due to their hierarchical culture and language barriers. Getting permission from pastors and announcing the study by pastors at Sunday services were identified as the key components of the process. Using the church newsletter to advertise the study was the most effective strategy for the advertisement stage. Despite several limitations, church-based recruitment is a very feasible and effective way to recruit Korean immigrants.

Challenges of Customizing ECG Alarm Settings in Intensive Care Units: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract: Sigma Theta Tau International Doris Bloch award; Connecticut Nurses Foundation; Halley Ruppel is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholar

Psychosocial and Behavioral Correlates of A1C and Quality of Life Among Young Adults With Diabetes.

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships between behavioral and psychosocial constructs, A1C, and diabetes-dependent quality of life (DQoL) among low-socioeconomic status, eth...

Building the Science of Nursing Interventions in Latin America

Abstract: Once the protocol has been developed, feasibility and pilot studies are necessary to determine recruitment, participation, implementation, as well as to explore the potential effect on outcomes of interest. Upon successful completion of pilot studies, intervention protocols are finalized and efficacy trials are conducted to determine the effect of the nursing intervention on mediating and proximal outcomes. While this process can take considerable time and effort, much can be learned to enhance intervention implementation, outcomes, and scalability.