Development and psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy Scale for transfers for caregivers of children requiring transfer assistance

OBJECTIVE: To test the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure of caregiver self-efficacy, the Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale for Transfers (CSEST), a 14-item questionnaire that measures the perceived self-efficacy of adult caregivers of dependent children and focuses on their perceived abilities and the challenges of assisting a child with restricted transfer ability. DESIGN: Reliability and validity study using survey data. SETTING: Community-based survey study. PARTICIPANTS: Adult caregivers (eg, mother, father, grandparent) of dependent minors who require transfer assistance. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Using the Rasch measurement model, the CSEST was tested for reliability and separation, validity (hierarchical and content), and factor structure. RESULTS: The CSEST yields data with sufficient reliability (reliability indices of .96 and .94 for respondents and items, respectively) as well as sufficient separation of levels of self-efficacy (item separation index, 4.13; person separation index, 5.23). The CSEST has a stable hierarchical structure with adequate content validity (standardized chi2 fit statistics <2.0) and point biserial correlations greater than .67. Factor analysis confirmed 2 insubstantial subscales; the 14-item CSEST accounted for greater than 85% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS: The CSEST yields reliable data and valid inferences of self-efficacy from adult caregivers of children requiring transfer assistance. The CSEST may identify areas of need and/or difficulty with transfers for parents caring for dependent children.     

Evaluation and care of international living kidney donor candidates: Strategies for addressing common considerations and challenges

End-stage kidney disease patients in the United States may have family members or friends who are not US citizens or residents but are willing to serve as their living kidney donor in the United States (“international donors”). In July 2017, the American Society for Transplantation (AST) Live Donor Community of Practice (LDCOP) convened a multidisciplinary workgroup of experts in living donation care, including coordinators, social workers, donor advocates, administrators, and physicians, to evaluate educational gaps related to the evaluation and care of international donors. The evaluation of international living donor candidates is a resource-intensive process that raises key considerations for assessing risk of exploitation/inducement and addressing communication barriers, logistics barriers, and access to care in their home country. Through consensus-building discussions, we developed recommendations related to: (a) establishing program guidelines for international donor candidate evaluation and selection; (b) initial screening; (c) logistics planning; (d) comprehensive evaluation; and (e) postdonation care and follow-up. These recommendations are not intended to direct formal policy, but rather as guidance to help programs more efficiently and effectively structure and execute evaluations and care coordination. We also offer recommendations for research and advocacy to optimize the care of this unique group of living donors.     

Promoting positive and safe care in forensic mental health inpatient settings: Evaluating critical factors that assist nurses to reduce the use of restrictive practices

Reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices, such as seclusion and restraint, is a national priority for Australia's mental health services. Whilst legislation, organization and practice changes have all contributed to a reduction in these practices, forensic mental health services continue to report high rates. This paper details the findings of research that examined the experiences of nurses working in the inpatient forensic mental health setting. The research aimed to (i) document the experiences of nurses working in the forensic mental health setting, (ii) articulate their perceived unique skill set to manage challenging patient behaviours, and (iii) determine how their experiences and skill set can inform practice changes to reduce the use of restrictive practices. Thirty‐two nurses were recruited from one Australian forensic mental health service. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. Four categories were identified that influenced practice experiences: (i) working in a challenging but interesting environment, (ii) specialty expertize, (iii) exposure to aggression and resilience as a protective factor, and (iv) the importance of effective teamwork and leadership. Forensic mental health care is complex, highly specialized, and often delivered in an unpredictable environment. Whilst high rates of restrictive practices may be linked to the unique characteristics of forensic patients, training, teamwork, and leadership are critical factors influencing their use in this setting. Nurses working in this area need to be educated and supported to work confidently and safely with this high‐risk patient cohort.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the critically endangered frog Telmatobufo bullocki and cross-species amplification in two related species

Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed for Telmatobufo bullocki, a critically endangered frog species from Chile. Genetic diversity that was assessed in 29 individuals from one location showed 3–19 alleles per locus. These markers were then tested for cross-species amplification in two related and similarly threatened species. The markers will be used in genetic studies aiding the management and conservation of T. bullocki.