Evaluation of the mental health of COVID-19 patients discharged from the intensive care unit

In this editorial,I address the mental health status of patients who have been discharged from intensive care units(ICUs)after battling coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).An ICU admission is generally a stressful experience,and for severe COVID-19 survivors prolonged treatment in the ICU can lead to significant psychological consequences.These individuals may experience psychiatric distress,including symptoms such as insomnia,anxiety,depression,and even posttraumatic psychological issues.Research indicates that during the first 6 months to 1 year following an ICU stay,nearly one-third of survivors exhibit symptoms similar to those of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.Several factors may have contributed to the development of depressive and anxious symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic,particularly for those who underwent an ICU stay.The ICU environment itself is inherently stressful,filled with the constant noise of various medical devices.Studies have provided strong evidence that the prolonged need for ventilation support and the loss of freedom of movement are key factors in the development of psychological problems among COVID-19 patients who had been treated in the ICU.

Discharging patients home from the intensive care unit:A new trend

Discharging patients directly to home from the intensive care unit(ICU)is becoming a new trend.This review examines the feasibility,benefits,challenges,and considerations of directly discharging ICU patients.By analyzing available evidence and healthcare professionals'experiences,the review explores the potential impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.The practice of direct discharge from the ICU presents both opportunities and complexities.While it can potentially reduce costs,enhance patient comfort,and mitigate complications linked to extended hospitalization,it necessitates meticulous patient selection and robust post-discharge support mechanisms.Implementing this strategy successfully mandates the availability of home-based care services and a careful assessment of the patient's readiness for the transition.Through critical evaluation of existing literature,this review underscores the significance of tailored patient selection criteria and comprehensive post-discharge support systems to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.The insights provided contribute evidence-based recommendations for refining the direct discharge approach,fostering improved patient outcomes,heightened satisfaction,and streamlined healthcare processes.Ultimately,the review seeks to balance patientcentered care and effective resource utilization within ICU discharge strategies.

Improvement of the nutritional support management system for patients in intensive care units

BACKGROUND Nutritional support for patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit(ICU)is an important part of clinical treatment and care,but there are significant implementation difficulties.AIM To introduce a modified nutritional support management system for ICU patients based on closed-loop information management and psychological counseling.METHODS The division of functions,personnel training,system construction,development of an intelligent decision-making software system,quality control,and improvement of the whole process were carried out to systematically manage nutritional support for ICU patients.RESULTS Following the implementation of the whole process management system,the scores of ICU medical staff’s knowledge,attitudes/beliefs,and practices regarding nutritional support were comprehensively enhanced.The proportion of hospital bed-days of total enteral nutrition(EN)in ICU patients increased from 5.58%to 11.46%,and the proportion of EN plus parenteral nutrition increased from 42.71%to 47.07%.The rate of EN initiation within 48 h of ICU admission increased from 37.50%to 48.28%,and the EN compliance rate within 72 h elevated from 20.59%to 31.72%.After the implementation of the project,the Self-rating Anxiety Scale score decreased from 61.07±9.91 points to 52.03±9.02 points,the Self-rating Depression Scale score reduced from 62.47±10.50 points to 56.34±9.83 points,and the ICU stay decreased from 5.76±2.77 d to 5.10±2.12 d.CONCLUSION The nutritional support management system based on closed-loop information management and psychological counseling achieved remarkable results in clinical applications in ICU patients.

Patient-centered care in diabetes care-concepts,relationships and practice

We still do not have comprehensive knowledge of which framework of patientcentered care(PCC)is appropriate for diabetes care,which elements of PCC are evidence-based,and the mechanism by which PCC elements are associated with outcomes through mediators.In this review,we elaborate on these issues.We found that for diabetes care,PCC elements such as autonomy support(patient individuality),cooperation and collaboration(system-level approach),communication and education(behavior change techniques),emotional support(biopsychosocial approach),and family/other involvement and support are critically important.All of these factors are directly associated with different patient outcomes and indirectly associated with outcomes through patient activation.We present the practical implications of these PCC elements.

Effect of CICARE communication nursing model combined with motivational psychological intervention in patients with postintensive care unit syndrome

BACKGROUND Post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)is a term used to describe a constellation of new or worsened dysfunctions in the physical,cognitive,or mental health status of critically ill patients after their discharge from the intensive care unit(ICU).These dysfunctions persist beyond the acute phase of illness and have a significant impact on both the patient and their family.Connect,Introduce,Communicate,Ask,Respond,Exit(CICARE)communication advocates that patients should be respected and accepted when receiving medical services.Clinicians should attach importance to the communication mode of feelings,including connection,introduction,communication,ask,response,and exit 6 steps.AIM To assess the impact of CICARE communication on the reduction of anxiety,depression,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)symptoms in patients transitioning from the ICU to other care settings.METHODS This prospective,randomized,controlled study was performed between October 2021 and March 2023.Intensive Care Unit Memory Tool was used to evaluate patients’ICU memory.The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to determine the presence of anxiety or depression symptoms.Impact of Event Scale-Revised was utilized to assess the presence of PTSD.All data were processed and analyzed using R language software version 4.1.0.The measurement data were expressed as mean±SD,and the t test was used.The count data were analyzed by theχ2 test and expressed as[n(%)].RESULTS In total,248 subjects were included in this study.Among them,206 were successfully followed up for three months after transfer from the ICU,and 42 cases were lost to follow-up.There was no significant difference in the composition of ICU memory between the two groups.The application of the CICARE communication nursing model combined with the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,as well as the adoption of only the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,demonstrated favorable effects on PICS.Both groups of patients showed a reduction in anxiety scores,depression scores,and PTSD scores following the implementation of these two nursing models.However,it is noteworthy that the experimental group exhibited greater improvements compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CICARE communication nursing mode may have good influence on relieving PICS.

Evaluating the influence of a structured nursing protocol on targeted outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective:Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)requires comprehensive management.Structured nursing protocols may enhance outcomes,but evidence is limited.This study evaluated the effect of a structured nursing protocol on RA outcomes.Materials and Methods:In this one-group pre-post study,30 Egyptian RA patients completed assessments before and after a 12-week nursing protocol comprising education,psychosocial support,and self-management promotion.Assessments included clinical evaluation of joint counts,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and C-reactive protein(CRP)and patient-reported Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale(ASES),Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ),Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain,and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).Results:The study demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical-and patient-reported outcomes.Joint count decreased from 18.4±4.2 to 14.2±3.8(P<0.001),ESR from 30.1±6.8 mm/h to 25.5±6.8 mm/h(P<0.01),and CRP levels from 15.2±3.6 mg/L to 11.8±2.9 mg/L(P<0.01)postintervention.Patient-reported outcomes showed a marked increase in ASES score from 140±25 to 170±30(P<0.001)and reductions in HAQ from 1.6±0.4 to 1.3±0.3(P<0.01),VAS pain score from 7.8±1.7 to 6.2±1.2(P<0.001),and HADS anxiety and depression scores from 11±3 to 8±2(P<0.05)and 10±2 to 7±1(P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:A structured nursing protocol significantly improved clinical disease activity,physical functioning,pain,self-efficacy,and emotional well-being in RA patients.A multifaceted nursing intervention appears beneficial for optimizing RA outcomes.

Effect of internet multiple linkage mode-based extended care combined with in-hospital comfort care on colorectal cancer patients undergoing colostomy

BACKGROUND Patients with colorectal cancer may need postoperative nursing to improve prognosis,and conventional nursing is not effective.Clinical research is needed to explore nursing methods that can more effectively improve postoperative conditions on colorectal cancer patients undergoing colostomy.AIM To explore the effect of internet multiple linkage mode-based extended care combined with in-hospital comfort care on colorectal cancer patients undergoing colostomy.METHODS Data from 187 patients with colostomy treated in our hospital from May 2019 to March 2022 were collected and divided into three groups,A(n=62),B(n=62)and C(n=63),according to different intervention methods.Group A received internet multiple linkage mode-based extended care combined with in-hospital comfort care.Group B received internet multiple linkage mode-based extended care.Group C received usual care intervention.Complications were compared among the three groups.The stoma self-efficacy scale,Hamilton Anxiety Scale,RESULTS The complication rate of group A,B and C(16.13%,20.97%and 60.32%,respectively)was significantly different(all P<0.05).The incidence of complications in groups A and B was lower than that in group C,and there was no significant difference between groups A and B(P>0.05).After intervention,the scores of ostomy care,social contact,diet choice,confidence in maintaining vitality,confidence in self-care of ostomy,confidence in sexual life,confidence in sexual satisfaction and confidence in physical labor in the three groups were all higher than before intervention,and the scores of groups A and B were higher than those of group C,with statistical significance(P<0.05).The Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores of the three groups after intervention were lower than those before intervention.The scores of groups A and B were lower than those of group C,and the score of group A was lower than that of group B,all with statistical significance(all P<0.05).There was a statist-ically significant difference in cancer-induced fatigue among the three groups(P<0.05).After intervention,the scores of physical health,psychological health,social health and mental health of the three groups were lower than before the intervention.The scores of group A and B were lower than that of group C;and the score of group A was lower than that of group B,all with statistical significance(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Internet multiple linkage mode-based extended care combined with in-hospital comfort care can effectively improve self-efficacy,bad mood,cancer-related fatigue and life quality of colorectal cancer patients undergoing colostomy.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Sub-syndromal Delirium in Patients after Cardiac Surgery

[Objectives]This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with SSD in patients following cardiac surgery.[Methods]A total of 378 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Taihe Hospital were recruited and screened.Diagnosis of delirium was made using evaluation methods and DSM-5 criteria.SSD was defined as the presence of one or more core features of delirium without meeting the full diagnostic criteria.Statistical analysis included independent samples t-test for group comparisons and binary logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for SSD after cardiac surgery.[Results]Among the 378 subjects,112(29.63%)had SSD,28(7.41%)had delirium,and the remaining 238 patients(62.96%)did not present with delirium.Univariate analysis revealed that age,APACHE II score,duration of aortic clamping,length of ICU stay,duration of sedation use,and daily sleep time were significant risk factors for the occurrence of SSD(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis identified age>70 years old,APACHE II score>20 points,length of ICU stay>5 d,and duration of sedation use>24 h as independent risk factors for SSD after cardiac surgery(P<0.05).A functional model was fitted based on the analysis results of the binary logistic regression model,yielding the equation logit P=1.472X_(1)+2.213X_(2)+3.028X_(3)+1.306X_(4).[Conclusions]Comprehensive clinical assessment is crucial for patients undergoing cardiac surgery,and appropriate preventive measures should be taken for patients with identified risk factors.Close monitoring of the patient s consciousness should be implemented postoperatively,and timely interventions should be conducted.Further research should focus on model validation and optimization.

Research on the Application of Evidence-Based Quality Control Circle to Improve the Implementation Rate of Airway Management Measures in Adult Critically Ill Patients

Objective: To explore the effect of evidence-based quality control circle (QCC) in improving the implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients. Methods: Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence-based health care model, the best evidence of airway management in adult critically ill patients was obtained and applied to the clinic. Results: The total implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients increased from 23.62% before the implementation of quality control circle to 88.82%, and the pulmonary infection rate in critically ill patients decreased from 42.31% to 21.74%, with statistical significance between the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Evidence-based quality control circle activities can standardize the practice standards of airway management in critically ill patients, reduce the occurrence of patients’ airway related complications, and improve clinical outcomes.

Family resilience of cancer patients:a concept analysis

Objective:The concept of family resilience of cancer patients was discussed through literature review,which provided reference for nursing of cancer patients.Methods:China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,SinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase were systematically searched,and the concept analysis method proposed by Walker and Avant was adopted.Results:In this study,we defined the concept of family resilience,identified attributes,and analyzed the antecedents and consequences.The proposed operational definition of family resilience was:After a family member is diagnosed with cancer,the whole family can actively explore its own unique internal and external resources and advantages,strengthen self-regulation,jointly cope with the crisis by establishing close family relationships,providing mutual support to family members,and interacting with the outside world.Conclusions:The definition of family resilience of cancer patients is conducive to the development of measurement tools and the improvement of family outcomes of adult cancer patients by intervening family resilience factors.

Utilization Management:Walking the Line Between Patient Needs and Healthcare Economics-Short Communication

Utilization management plays a crucial role in healthcare by optimizing resource allocation,improving patient outcomes,and effectively controlling costs.By balancing patient needs with economic considerations,healthcare institutions can ensure efficient and sustainable service delivery.Utilization management encompasses various strategies,including prior authorization,concurrent review,and clinical pathways,to enhance care quality,manage expenses,and streamline resource use.The benefits of utilization management include cost containment,improved care standards,and the implementation of consistent treatment guidelines,thereby increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Nursing Experience of Early Application of Nasoenteric Tube for Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill ICU Patients

Objective:To investigate the effective nursing measures of early application of nasoenteric tube for enteral nutrition in critically ill patients in ICU,and to summarize the nursing experience.Methods:The study was carried out in June 2023–November 2023.62 samples of ICU critically ill patients were selected,all of whom used enteral nutrition by mesenteric tube and were grouped into an observation group(n=31)and a control group(n=31)by using the numerical table randomization method.The patients in the control group were basic nursing interventions,and the patients in the observation group were comprehensive quality care,comparing the nutritional indexes,complication rates,and nursing satisfaction between the two groups.Results:All nutritional indicators of the observation group were higher than those of the control group after nursing intervention(P<0.05);the complication rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive quality nursing care during the early application of a gastroenteric tube for enteral nutrition in critically ill patients in the ICU can improve nutritional indexes,reduce the incidence of complications and improve nursing satisfaction.

The Preventive Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients in the Hemodialysis Room

Objective:To explore the preventive effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on arteriovenous fistula failure in patients in the hemodialysis room.Methods:82 patients with arteriovenous fistula in the hemodialysis chamber treated in our hospital from July 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.The random number table method divided them into a control group and an experimental group of 41 cases each.The control group received general nursing intervention measures,while the experimental group underwent comprehensive nursing intervention.The incidence of complications(internal fistula failure,bleeding,thrombosis,infection),psychological emotions(SAS scale,SDS scale),quality of life(physical pain,physiological function,emotional function,social function),and nursing satisfaction(very satisfied,basically satisfied,satisfied,dissatisfied)were compared between the two groups of patients.Results:The incidence of complications in the experimental group(4,9.76%)was significantly lower than that in the control group(29,70.73%);the SAS scores and SDS scores of the patients in the experimental group after intervention were both lower than those in the control group;the quality of life score(physical pain,physiological function,emotional function,and social function)was all higher than those of the control group;the post-intervention nursing satisfaction of the experimental group(40,97.57%)was also significantly higher than that of the control group(29,73.17%);and the listed differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:For patients with hemodialysis ventricular arteriovenous fistula failure,comprehensive nursing intervention can reduce the incidence of complications,relieve anxiety and stress,improve quality of life and nursing satisfaction,and achieve better preventive effects.

Palliative oral care in terminal cancer patients:Integrated review

BACKGROUND Palliative care(PC)aims to improve quality of life in patients and its families against life threatening diseases,through suffering’s prevention and relief.It is the duty of the dental surgeon to possess the knowledge needed to treat a patient with little life span,in order to establish an adequate treatment plan for each situation.AIM To synthesize the published evidence on oral conditions,impact,management and challenges in managing oral conditions among palliative patients.METHODS Articles were selected from PubMed and Scopus electronic platforms,using a research strategy with diverse descriptors related to“palliative care”,“cancer”and“oral health”.The article’s selection was done in two phases.The first one was performed by the main researcher through the reading of the abstracts.In the second phase two researchers selected eligible articles after reading in full those previous selected.Data was tabulated and analyzed,obtaining information about what is found in literature related to this subject and what is necessary to be approached in future researches about PC.RESULTS As results,the total of 15 articles were eligible,being one a qualitative analysis,13(92.8%)clinical trials and one observational study.Of the 15 articles,8(53.4%)involved questionnaires,while the rest involved:one systematic review about oral care in a hospital environment,2 oral exams and oral sample collection,one investigation of terminal patient’s(TP)oral assessment records,2 collection of oral samples and their respective analysis and one treatment of the observed oral complications.CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the oral manifestations in oncologic patients in terminal stage are,oral candidiasis,dry mouth,dysphagia,dysgeusia,oral mucositis and orofacial pain.Determining a protocol for the care of these and other complications of cancer–or cancer therapy–based on scientific evidence with the latest cutting-edge research results is of fundamental importance for the multidisciplinary team that works in the care of patients in PC.To prevent complications and its needed to initial the dentist as early as possible as a multidisciplinary member.It has been suggested palliative care protocol based on the up to date literature available for some frequent oral complications in TP with cancer.Other complications in terminal patients and their treatments still need to have further studying.

A Review of Grief Counselling Practices for Family Members of Oncology Patients in Hospice Care

In cancer patients, especially terminal patients, the family members of the patients will develop more serious sadness and find it difficult to face death rationally, which affects the quality of life and activities. Because of this, in the clinical treatment of oncology patients, strengthening hospice care for family members, doing a good job of death education, assisting them to face and participate in the clinical treatment of oncology in a positive way, and avoiding excessive grief can simultaneously improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Effects of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care on mood and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND With the intensification of social aging,the susceptibility of the elderly population to diseases has attracted increasing attention,especially chronic heart failure(CHF)that accounts for a large proportion of the elderly.AIM To evaluate the application value of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care in elderly patients with CHF.METHODS This study recruited 116 elderly CHF patients admitted from October 2018 to October 2020 and grouped them according to the nursing care that they received.The elderly patients who underwent health concept model-based detailed behavioral care were included in a study group(SG;n=62),and those who underwent routine detailed behavioral nursing intervention were included as a control group(CG;n=54).Patients’negative emotions(NEs),quality of life(QoL),and nutritional status were assessed using the self-rating anxiety/depression scale(SAS/SDS),the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ),and the Modified Quantitative Subjective Global Assessment(MQSGA)of nutrition,respectively.Differences in rehabilitation efficiency,NEs,cardiac function(CF)indexes,nutritional status,QoL,and nursing satisfaction were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS A higher response rate was recorded in the SG vs the CG after intervention(P<0.05).After care,the left ventricular ejection fraction was higher while the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular end systolic diameter were lower in the SG compared with the CG(P<0.05).The post-intervention SAS and SDS scores,as well as MQSGA and MLHFQ scores,were also lower in the SG(P<0.05).The SG was also superior to the CG in the overall nursing satisfaction rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Health concept model-based detailed behavioral care has high application value in the nursing care of elderly CHF patients,and it can not only effectively enhance rehabilitation efficiency,but also mitigate patients’NEs and improve their CF and QoL.

Towards an Effective Communication in the Care of Patients with Long Term Disease in Kenya via Cybernetic—A Systematic Review

In this paper, to effectively treat chronic disorders and improve the standard of care, effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals was essential. The aim of the study was to review the literature on how good communication might improve treatment outcomes for Kenyan patients with chronic and terminal illnesses and to determine whether Cybernetic electronic communication can improve those outcomes even more. We uncovered the history of treatment outcomes for chronic and terminal diseases in this research study, both with and without communication at the core of the patient’s care plan. We discussed the importance of good communication in the treatment of patients with chronic and terminal illnesses and why it is a momentous endeavor comparable to medical diagnosis and treatment for the long-term health of patients. To locate pertinent material for the background literature study, we carried out a comprehensive literature search. Although the preliminary literature review was a continuation of the introduction research, it also highlighted the paucity of local Kenyan literature and suggested that improved communication might help patients with chronic and terminal illnesses have better treatment outcome. Methodology maintained the literature search, as a systematic literature review focused on core of the study, making separate sections of the same body necessary. This ensured that a methodological literature search section is as comprehensive as possible. We used an integrated PRISM model to limit a comprehensive literature search and a systematic literature review design as part of the overall process. Non-probability sampling and snowball approaches on literary papers over the previous 17 years were used in this arrangement. Since this was a multidisciplinary study, the four experts who also serve as authors were chosen from within their respective fields of expertise to design the study. They created search strategies, generated key words, looked up keywords in database engines, assessed the results of the literature using the PRISMA logical model, looked over successful literature, and triangulated their findings. The conclusions of the experts individually revealed a convergence of thoughts, beliefs, and practices across. The study concluded that even though there isn’t much research done in Kenya on the same subject;what is available illustrates how crucial good communication is for patients with chronic illnesses. The study’s findings also highlighted the positive effects of effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals on treatment plan adherence, patient satisfaction, and overall health outcomes. The results also noted that in order to improve patient care and outcome, Kenyan healthcare workers should underscore developing their communication skills. The study also found that the incorporation of cybernetics is crucial if a truly effective communication is required so as to enable centered care for patients with long-term diseases in Kenya. The goal of the Cybernetics is to activate genuinely effective communication in the care of Patients with long-term disease in Kenya. This study is organized to begin with an abstract, followed by keywords, an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and finally conclusions.

Rational-emotive behavioral intervention helped patients with cancer and their caregivers to manage psychological distress and anxiety symptoms

There is a dearth of evidence-based data on how psychological distress and death anxiety symptoms experienced by cancer patients and caregivers are treated in developing regions. This article sheds light on the report of the findings from a 2016 study that revealed a rational-emotive behavioral intervention helped a select group of cancer patients and their family caregivers to manage problematic assumptions, psychological distress, and death anxiety symptoms in Nigeria.Based on my experience as a co-investigator and corresponding author of this previous study, I addressed the challenges of conducting such a study and the implications for future research in this article. This article encourages future researchers to replicate the study and endeavor to overcome the limitations of the previous study. Funders were also encouraged to ensure increased access to funds for conducting similar studies with cancer patients and their family caregivers in developing countries and other parts of the world.

A mixed method analysis of patients' complaints: Underpinnings of theory-guided strategies to improve quality of care

Purpose:Patients'complaints can be predictors of patient care quality and safety.Understanding patients'complaints could help healthcare organizations target the areas for improvements.The purpose of this study is to use a mixed method analysis to a)examine the characteristics and categories of patients'complaints,b)explore the relationships of patients'complaints with professions and units,and c)propose theory-based strategies to improve care quality.Methods:This is a descriptive mixed method study.Data examined are patients'complaints filed at a university-affiliated hospital in China from January 2016 to December 2017.A qualitative content analysis was conducted to categorize complaints.A TwoStep cluster analysis was performed to provide an overall profile of patients'complaints.Chi-Square tests were conducted to investigate the relationships among complaints,professions,and units.Results:838 complaints were filed,with 821 valid cases for analysis.Six categories surfaced from the qualitative analysis:uncaring attitudes,unsatisfactory quality of treatment or competence,communication problems,the process of care,fees and billing issues,and other miscellaneous causes.Physicians received most of the complaints(56.6%).The unit receiving the most complaints were outpatient clinics and medical support units(52.7%).The cluster analysis indicated four distinct clusters.Significant relationships existed between complaints and professions(x2(20)=178.82,P<0.01),and between complaints and units(x2(15)=42.72,P<0.01).Conclusions:Patients'complaints are valuable sources for quality improvements.Healthcare providers should be not only scientifically knowledgeable,but also humanistic caring.Caring-based theories may provide guidance in clinical practice.

Continuing Care for Older Patients During the Transitional Period

Background： The world is facing increasing pressure with the continuous growth of the older population. Older patients are usually discharged with complex medical problems, high stress and vulnerability, and these factors place the elderly at risk for poor outcomes. Purpose： The present review summarizes a method for providing appropriate and affordable health services by nursing professionals to meet older patient＇s health care needs during their transitional period which is defined as a period from discharge after hospitalization for a major disorder to recovery in a home setting. Summary： Older patients with chronic diseases need seamless health care during a transitional period-a highly stressful and vulnerable period for them. Nurse professionals can conduct decent discharge planning to assist older patients with transitional problems through continuous healthcare. This review summarized the need of continuing care for older patients during the transitional period, the definition of discharge planning, the conceptual framework of discharge planning, and the professionals involved in discharge planning. It also highlighted the problems of discharge planning and follow-up intervention implementation in the mainland of China. Clinical implications： Inadequate discharge planning and follow-up were leading factors associ- ated with the readmission of discharged older patients. Further nursing-led discharge planning should be reinforced in China.