The perceptions of living with diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

BackgroundDiabetic foot ulcers are associated with decreased quality of life in patients with diabetes and impose a heavy burden on patients, their families, and the health care system. For health providers, a deeper understanding of the perceptions of patients is significant. They can provide better management and direction to patients with diabetic foot ulcers, thus improving their quality of life.ObjectivesTo synthesize the findings of qualitative studies to explore the perceptions of individuals living with diabetic foot ulcers.DesignA systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.MethodsPublished qualitative research articles were identified in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Ovid, and Scopus from inception to January 2022, and bibliographical reports were reviewed. In addition, combing with the search for unpublished studies in the Google Scholar ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, we conducted a meta-synthesis.ResultsFourteen articles were eligible for inclusion, and the total number of included individuals was 226, with ages ranging from 28 to 84 years. The perceptions of individuals with diabetic foot ulcers synthesized four overarching themes and their subthemes: perceptions of diabetic foot ulcers (Realization, Reasons), living with diabetic foot ulcers (Change in life, Physical burdens, Emotional burdens, Economic burdens), coping with diabetic foot ulcers (Hospital attendance, Attitude toward amputation, Treatment, Management), and expectations (Expectation of health-personnel, Future expectation).ConclusionsIndividuals with diabetic foot ulcers suffer greatly in their physical, psychological, and social aspects. Comprehensive and individualized patient-centered care and appropriate families and social support for patients with diabetic foot ulcers should be provided.     

Research misconduct knowledge and associated factors among nurses in China: A national cross-sectional survey

AimTo measure the knowledge level of research misconduct and explore its associated factors among nurses.BackgroundEngagement in research misconduct by nurses may transfer to professional misconduct in the clinical setting, thereby jeopardizing the quality of patient care. We still know little about the research misconduct situation among nurses. Previous attempts also hardly reflected participants' real knowledge level of research misconduct.MethodsWe applied multistage sampling (province, hospital, and participants) in this cross-sectional survey, and recruited 4112 nurses from 200 tertiary hospitals in 25 provinces.ResultsThe average knowledge score of the participants was 15.99 ± 5.79. Associated factors of scientific misconduct knowledge score included career situation, educational level, fertility status, research activities index, and perceived consequences for research misconduct.ConclusionIt is urgent and necessary to design continuing research integrity training for nurses. Hospital managers and policy-makers should pay more attention to key trainees, including newcomers, nurses from less developed groups and institutions, and those from clinical departments. Training designers should also consider how to help nurses with offspring balance their family and work, and should not neglect the training for nurses with extensive research experience. In addition to conveying knowledge and information, the training can integrate cognitive education of research misconduct to improve the effect.