{"title":"DCCN on the Web.","authors":"","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000790","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000790","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haojie Wang, Yaxuan Wu, Jielu Song, Huiqin Zhang, Weiqing Zhang, Kun Wang, Yabing Cao
{"title":"Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version Critical Care Nurses' Evaluation Scale of Nursing Activities for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Supported Patients.","authors":"Haojie Wang, Yaxuan Wu, Jielu Song, Huiqin Zhang, Weiqing Zhang, Kun Wang, Yabing Cao","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000771","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000771","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Given the lack of an instrument for evaluating nursing activities related to extracorporeal membrane venovenous oxygenation (ECMO) in intensive care settings. We then examined the psychometric properties of the critical care nurses' evaluation scale of nursing activities for ECMO-supported patients (ECMO-SP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Utilizing the Brislin translation model and expert consultation, we translated and cross-culturally adapted the scale, then employed convenience sampling to select nurses from the intensive care units (ICUs) of 3 tertiary hospitals in Henan Province.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Chinese version scale comprised 4 dimensions with 20 items, demonstrating a cumulative variance contribution of 67.76%. The content validity index (CVI) for the overall scale was 0.921, S-CVI/Ave ranging from 0.857 to 1.000. The Cronbach α was 0.945, and the Cronbach α for each dimension ranged from 0.864 to 0.919. The split-half reliability coefficient was 0.864, and the test-retest reliability (ICC) was 0.612. The scale demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Chinese version of the scale exhibits robust reliability and validity, thus supporting its use for ECMO-SP nursing activities among ICU nurses in China.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"250-259"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy of Sensory Stimulation in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Chunyan Han, Xiujie Sun, Yanan Zhu, Chenchen Jing, Shujuan Wang, Huihui Xu","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000776","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sensory stimulation (SS) on the level of consciousness, the incidence and duration of ICU delirium, the awakening time, and the length of mechanical ventilation in ICU patients.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through a comprehensive search across 7 digital databases. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials. In case of disagreement, a third author decided whether to include or exclude the article. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan V.5.3.5 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 22 RCTs involving 1,522 patients were included. Compared with routine care, SS improved the level of consciousness (MD: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.50 to 2.68; P < .001) and reduce the incidence (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.62; P < .001) and duration of delirium (MD: -2.63; 95% CI: -3.32 to -2.03; P < .001) in ICU patients, shorten the Awakening time (MD: -7.39; 95% CI: -8.76 to -6.01; P < .001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SS may improve the level of consciousness, reduce the incidence of delirium, and shorten the Awakening time in ICU patients. For improvement in the level of consciousness, subgroup analyses suggest that SS delivered by family members is more effective than that delivered by nurses, multisensory stimulation (MSS) is more effective than single-modality stimulation, and an intervention period of at least 7 days is required to achieve a significant effect, with twice-daily SS appearing to be the optimal frequency.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"226-241"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brian Fung Ming Lau, Tammy Sin Kwan Ma, Kit Yu Lau, Agnes Ming Sum Leung, Pinky Wing Hang Tai, Man Hung Chan, Peter Chi Keung Lai, Wai Kit Chan, Chun Wai Ngai, Wai Ching Sin, Pauline Yeung Ng, Polly Wai Chi Li
{"title":"Bridging Theory and Nursing Practice in the Management of Patients on Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device Through Simulation-Based Training: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.","authors":"Brian Fung Ming Lau, Tammy Sin Kwan Ma, Kit Yu Lau, Agnes Ming Sum Leung, Pinky Wing Hang Tai, Man Hung Chan, Peter Chi Keung Lai, Wai Kit Chan, Chun Wai Ngai, Wai Ching Sin, Pauline Yeung Ng, Polly Wai Chi Li","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000777","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Simulation-based training has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance clinical competence in managing complex devices like percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD), addressing a critical gap between theoretical knowledge and practical nursing proficiency.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to examine whether simulation-based training improves nurses' knowledge and self-efficacy in managing the pVAD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong involving 27 critical care nurses. Participants engaged in high-fidelity simulation scenarios focused on emergency pVAD management. Quantitative measures include pre-month, immediate post-month, and 3-month follow-up assessments of pVAD knowledge and self-efficacy (Self-efficacy Scale relating to pVAD management, SES-Impella). Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews explored participants' learning experiences, perceptions, and recommendations for training improvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median knowledge scores increased from 11 (Interquartile range [IQR]: 9 to 14) at baseline to 14 (IQR: 14 to 15) immediately post-training (P < .001) and were maintained at 14 (IQR: 12 to 15) at 3 months (P = .015 vs. baseline). Median SES-Impella self-efficacy scores increased from 21 (IQR: 18 to 26) at baseline to 30 (IQR: 30 to 32) immediately post-training (P < .001). Qualitative findings revealed that participants valued structured debriefing, realistic scenarios, and opportunities for hands-on practice, and reported enhanced confidence in troubleshooting alarms in managing real pVAD cases.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Simulation-based training seems to be an effective and feasible approach to strengthening nurses' knowledge and self-efficacy in pVAD management and to supporting standardized team-based care. Future research should investigate optimal refresher intervals and explore direct links between simulation training and patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"260-269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Implementing a Stop the Bleed Course and Active Shooter Principles With Prelicensure Nursing Students: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Michael D Bury, Jody Smitherman, Susanna Barroso","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000780","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Deaths by firearms have surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death within the United States. Mass shootings have increased annually, leading to civilian trauma systems implementing military trauma training and rapid tourniquet use to treat extremity injuries.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>The American College of Surgeons' Stop the Bleed course has become a widely adopted public education initiative focused on the immediate treatment of life-threatening bleeding caused by firearm injuries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty prelicensure nursing students engaged in a structured simulation that included a high‑fidelity active shooter scenario utilizing Run‑Hide‑Fight response strategies. Learning objectives were aligned with the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice, emphasizing psychological safety, structured debriefing, and reflective learning. Postsimulation surveys measured perceived learning outcomes and the relevance of the activity to nursing curricula.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Students reported strong engagement and perceived educational value (M=4.87). Confidence in hemorrhage control (4.70) and tourniquet application (4.83) was high, and participants strongly agreed the training should be mandatory (4.74). Motivation to pursue additional emergency preparedness education was also high (4.83).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In the simulation-based training, facilitators can introduce emotionally provocative scenarios to enhance realism and challenge learners' decision-making under stress. Within a high-stress environment, students deployed principles from a Stop the Bleed course, implementing hemorrhage control interventions using rapid triage, tourniquet application, and hemostatic gauze application.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Stop the Bleed courses are not the answer to implementing trauma care within prelicensure nursing curricula, but they can be a bridge for faculty to gain comfort in teaching trauma-related topics and scenarios. Nurses trained in basic trauma care can make a vital impact on reducing deaths related to gun violence through a focus on community health and education.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"270-273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Anticipatory Grief and Coping in Families of Critically Ill Patients: Implications for Nursing Support and Intervention.","authors":"Krista Wonderly, Rick S Zimmerman","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000779","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000779","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research suggests that recognizing and addressing anticipatory grief, as well as employing proactive coping strategies, is crucial to mitigating its negative effects on psychological well-being and decision-making in families of critically ill patients.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to validate the Anticipatory Grief Scale in family members of intensive care unit patients, examine the extent of anticipatory grief in this population, and investigate the relationship between coping styles and anticipatory grief in these family members.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study in a Medical Intensive Care Unit collected data from family members of critically ill patients. Participants were English-speaking family members aged 18+. The study used the Anticipatory Grief Scale (AGS) and Brief COPE to measure grief and coping, analyzing data with statistics and regression. Cognitive interviews validated the Anticipatory Grief Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 40 family members of critically ill patients who completed the study, most were women and from diverse racial backgrounds. The study found that family members experienced anticipatory grief, with single, nonmarried individuals reporting the highest levels. Avoidant coping was a nearly significant predictor of anticipatory grief. The Anticipatory Grief Scale effectively measured grief in this population; however, cognitive interviews highlighted some issues with the survey in the ICU context.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The AGS-13 shows promise as a tool for use with families of ICU patients; however, additional research is needed to establish its utility in this setting. Studies with larger sample sizes are warranted, along with the development and testing of targeted nursing interventions, such as the Caregiver Pathway intervention and stress-reduction strategies, to support family members.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"242-249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Finding Workforce Wellness Solutions in Lived Experiences-Before Burnout Was a Thing.","authors":"Kathleen A Gould","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000787","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000787","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Participation in Actual Resuscitation Events on Nurses' Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Toward Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Acute Care: Mixed Methods Research.","authors":"Ayman Ateq Alamri","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000786","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the cornerstone of acute response to cardiac arrest. Psychosocial factors, such as self-efficacy and attitudes toward CPR, play an important role in determining whether and how effectively nurses perform under the intense pressures of a real cardiac arrest.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the impact of nurses' participation in actual resuscitation events on their self-efficacy and attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-method study design was employed. Quantitatively, a cross-sectional survey of 362 nurses identified predictors of CPR attitudes and self-efficacy through regression analysis, while qualitatively semi-structured interviews with 20 nurses provided in-depth insights using Braun and Clarke's thematic framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Quantitative findings indicate that only 37.6% of nurses demonstrated positive attitudes toward CPR, and 46.4% reported high self-efficacy. These were more prevalent among older, female, non-Saudi nurses with advanced qualifications, critical care experience, or prior exposure to CPR policies and training. Qualitative findings reinforced that real CPR experience boosts both confidence and attitude.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Participation in actual resuscitation events, awareness of institutional CPR policies, and completion of advanced CPR training significantly contribute to improving nurses' attitudes and self-efficacy. This study emphasizes that structured education, regular training, and simulation improve nurses' resuscitation skills, with tailored support boosting confidence and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"274-284"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Book and Media Review.","authors":"Kathleen A Gould","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000785","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000785","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"293-294"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Code to Calm: Hot, Cold, and Spiritual Debriefing Implementation.","authors":"Cailin Ford, Taryn Sheehy, Julie Mackenzie, Jeanne Hlebichuk","doi":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000778","DOIUrl":"10.1097/DCC.0000000000000778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Debriefing after critical clinical events is recognized as essential for supporting health care providers' emotional well-being and improving clinical care, yet its implementation remains inconsistent due to competing demands and logistical challenges.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the outcomes of nurse-led hot, cold, and spiritual debriefing practices in a surgical cardiovascular intensive care unit following resuscitation events.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The project was conducted in 2 plan-do-study-act cycles: cycle 1 introduced nurse-led hot debriefs (immediate postevent) and cold debriefs (delayed peer support), while cycle 2 added monthly spiritual care debrief sessions led by the unit chaplain. Outcome measures included the frequency of debriefs, nurse participation, nurses' comfort in code roles, perceived benefit of debriefs, and nurses' resilience scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Since project initiation, there has been an increase in hot debriefing frequency, improved nurse comfort in code roles, and self-reported perceived benefits for both hot and cold debriefs. Fourteen spiritual debrief sessions were held, with resilience scores remaining consistent over 1 year and positive anecdotal feedback.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Nurse-led debriefing practices enhanced emotional support, team cohesion, and unit culture, highlighting the importance of structured, adaptable approaches to foster psychological safety and well-being in critical care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":46646,"journal":{"name":"Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing","volume":"45 5","pages":"285-292"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}