Five-year change scores in old age for six neuropsychological tests and normative data for the Useful Field of View (UFOV) test: The influence of physical health

Introduction: Neuropsychological assessment of cognitive change over time is often conducted in clinical settings, but whether neuropsychological change scores are influenced by physical health has, as far as we know, not been examined previously.

Method: In a sample of 153 older Swedish adults (age range, 72–86 years), we evaluated the influence of common age-related diseases, terminal decline pathology, age, education, and gender, to provide (a) preliminary test-specific regression weights and 90% confidence intervals to assess significant change in performance after five years on tests of visual scanning, mental shifting, visual spatial ability, memory, reaction time, and selective attention, and (b) normative data for the Useful Field of View test (UFOV) from a single testing occasion.

Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that test–retest changes were affected by physical health for mental shifting, visual spatial ability, memory, and reaction time, by age for mental shifting and visual reaction time, by education for visual spatial ability, and by Age × Education for auditory reaction time. Gender did not affect any of the change scores. The overall average of variance explained was 2.5%: up to 8.1% for physical health, 4.4% for age, and 3.6% for education. The UFOV scores were mostly influenced by age, but also by physical health and education.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that considering the influence of health on normative change scores in old age in addition to demographic factors leads to more accurate predictions of whether true change has occurred.     

Race to Beat the Heat: Climate Change Impacts Physical Activity

Climate change has led to increased frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events with dire consequences for health. These are the deadliest of climate change impacts with preventable mortality from heat-related illnesses and increased threat to safe participation in physical activity and sports. Nurse practitioners can collaborate with community and professional sports health organizations to ensure evidence-based health and safety policies to reduce health-related risks. Adverse consequences on engagement in key health-promoting physical activity and sports may catalyze urgent action to address climate change.     

Exploring the implementation of evidence-based optimisation strategies: A qualitative study of the experience of diagnostic radiographers

IntroductionRadiographers are responsible for ensuring safe and effective use of ionising radiation. Through evidence-based practice (EBP), valuable optimisation strategies can be implemented to fulfil these responsibilities. This study aimed to explore radiographers' attitudes, perceptions, and experience of using evidence-based optimisation strategies.MethodsA Grounded Theory approach using in-depth interviews. UK-based radiographers were recruited. Discussions focused on (1) the role of evidence-based optimisation strategies in daily practice, (2) assistance in implementing evidence-based optimisation strategies, and (3) the role of EBP and optimisation strategies in the future. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using open and axial coding.ResultsParticipants (n = 13) stated that EBP is not frequently used to implement optimisation strategies. Participants relied on the knowledge taught in education settings and their professional skills to optimise in daily practice, alongside departmental protocols. Barriers identified as affecting the implementation of optimisation strategies related to reluctance to change, a lack of support from superiors, and a lack of resources to engage with EBP. Some participants expected the use of optimisation strategies to become unnecessary due to technology advancements.ConclusionThe results indicate that effective operationalisation of EBP is not part of daily practice among radiographers to implement valuable optimisation strategies in daily practice.Implications for practiceThe potential barriers to implementing evidence-based optimisation strategies highlighted in this study suggest that improving access to resources and empowerment of individual radiographers is required to enable radiographers to implement optimisation strategies.     

Recommendations for a safe restart of elective aerosol-generating oral surgery procedures following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak: An Italian multicenter study

Among healthcare workers, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are some of the most exposed to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The aim of this retrospective study was to develop suggestions for continuing the work of oral and maxillofacial surgeons using a safe protocol for elective and urgent aerosol-generating procedures that could prevent the onset of new clusters.Based on the results obtained and a guidelines review of those Asian countries that had promptly managed the current pandemic, the following safety protocol was developed: