Self-management behavior preferences and influencing factors in Chinese patients with recurrent gout:A qualitative study

Objectives:This study aimed to explore the preferences and influencing factors of self-management behaviors in patients with recurrent gout and provide a theoretical basis for developing targeted strategies to improve self-management preferences.Methods:A total of 10 patients with recurrent gout were recruited from the gout specialist outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in Shenyang,Liaoning Province,China.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with these patients,and the Kawakita Jiro(KJ)method was used to analyze the interview data.Results:After four rounds of screening by five researchers,35 codes were selected from an initial 132.After three rounds of discussion and induction,the KJ method identified seven domains of selfmanagement behavior preferences in patients with recurrent gout:1)extensive knowledge of gout,yet difficulty in distinguishing between accurate and inaccurate information;2)a passive attitude of“no pain,no management”;3)the challenge of changing entrenched daily habits;4)the optimistic but unrealistic belief of“self-delusion”;5)a tendency to seek medical attention late due to hopelessness of cure and familiarity with recurrences;6)preference for analgesics for gout recurrences while neglecting long-term urate-lowering therapy(ULT);and 7)gout-related stigma.Conclusion:The results of this study showed that the self-management behavior of patients with recurrent gout could be improved,especially in the aspects of medical seeking behavior,medication compliance,daily management and emotional management.At the same time,we found that gout stigma,difficulty in distinguishing true and false knowledge of gout and negative attitude of“ignoring pain”were significantly associated with self-management behavior.

Perceptions and factors influencing exercise interventions in elderly patients with debilitating spinal surgery and healthcare professionals:A qualitative study

BACKGROUND Older spine surgery patients have a high incidence of debilitation,which can be managed with certain exercises.AIM To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and professionals.METHODS Descriptive research methods were used to classify and summarize patients and professionals’perceptions and factors affecting exercise interventions.Data were analysed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method to distill and refine themes.RESULTS A total of 7 themes were identified:(1)The current status of patients'exercise is unsatisfactory;(2)patients'health literacy is low,coupled with a lack of social and family support;(3)there are numerous challenges with systematic exercise interventions;(4)healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance and need for exercise interventions;(5)there's a pronounced willingness among patients to participate in exercise intervention programs;(6)healthcare professionals believe that exercise interventions are beneficial;and(7)participants offered invaluable insights and suggestions on perioperative exercise during spinal surgery.CONCLUSION To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and the related healthcare professionals to provide a reference for the construction of exercise management programs for these patients.

Feelings and Thoughts of Infected Nursing Undergraduates with COVID-19 in China: A Qualitative Study

Background: COVID-19 had become much less virulent but still infectious, and China had loosened controls on its prevention after three years of zero-COVID policy. Nursing students were faced with infection. However, the symptoms of the vast majority of them were not serious. Objectives: To understand the feelings and thoughts of nursing undergraduates first infected with COVID-19 after implementing the policy of loosening controls on COVID-19 prevention in China. Methods: A semi-structured in-depth interview was adopted to collect data from 19 nursing undergraduates in a nursing school in China in January 2023, which were then analyzed using the Colaizzi analysis method. Results: Two main themes and seven sub-themes were induced: feelings after the diagnosis of being infected (feeling calm by professional confidence, feeling afraid of the consequences of being infected, feeling depressed, feeling relieved/lucky/happy), and thoughts brought by COVID-19 infection (becoming more active in learning, committed to a nursing career, and feeling shaken about becoming a nurse). Conclusions: Schools and hospitals should pay attention to infected nursing students’ mental reactions and changes in study motivation and professional intention. Targeted measures, such as education for epidemic prevention and education for cultivating the professional spirit, should be taken to promote their mental health and reserve their talents for nursing.

Qualitative exploration of home life experiences and care needs among elderly patients with temporary intestinal stomas

BACKGROUND This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs.Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer.However,the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications,as well as fluid,electrolyte,and nutritional imbalances,posing challenges to effective management.The successful selfmanagement of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy;nonetheless,there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront.AIM To investigate the lived experiences,perceptions,and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment,with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol.METHODS Over the period of June to August 2023,a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai,China.Employing a phenomenological research approach,a semi-structured interview guide was developed,and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques.The acquired data underwent coding,analysis,organization,and summarization following Colaizzi’s seven-step method.RESULTS The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes:Firstly,Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression;secondly,patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits,resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals;thirdly,patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment;and finally,patients express a significant need for emotional and social support.CONCLUSION Home-living patients with temporary intestinal stomas confront multifaceted challenges encompassing burdens,inadequate self-care abilities,informational deficits,and emotional needs.Identifying factors influencing patients’self-care at home and proposing strategies to mitigate barriers can serve as a foundational framework for developing and implementing nursing interventions tailored to the needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas.

Surgeon Perspectives on Anastomotic Leaks and FluidAI’s StreamTM Platform: Integrating Qualitative Insights for Technological Innovation

Purpose: This article investigates the critical importance of integrating surgeons’ direct input into the development of innovative technologies that address gaps in surgical care, including those aimed at reducing anastomotic leaks (AL), a major complication in gastrointestinal surgery. While traditional quantitative research methods are prevalent, they often overlook the invaluable insights of the surgeons who manage these complications firsthand. Subjects and Methods: This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 40 surgeons from various specialties, including general, bariatric, colorectal, trauma, hepato-biliary, and thoracic surgery. The interviews were designed to probe the needs of surgeons, challenges currently faced, and gaps in clinical practice, research, and technology for detection and/or management of AL. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed significant gaps in current technologies for early detection and prevention of leaks. Results: Surgeons expressed strong interest in FluidAI’s Stream™ Platform, a non-invasive medical device designed to monitor postoperative drainage fluid in real-time, providing continuous data on AL risk. The ability of this platform to offer early prediction through pH and electrical conductivity analysis was particularly appealing to participants, who emphasized the importance of timely interventions in improving patient outcomes. The study’s findings highlight not only the clinical challenges but also the emotional toll that AL takes on surgeons, underlining the need for innovations that are both data-driven and humanistic. Conclusion: By centering surgeons’ perspectives, this research advocates for a human-centered approach to technological advancement, ensuring that new tools are both clinically effective and aligned with the real-world needs of surgical practitioners.

A Qualitative Assessment of Medical Diagnosis Capabilities of Three Artificial Intelligence Models: ChatGPT-4o, CodyMD, and Dr. Gupta

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform medical diagnostics by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic processes. Its application in clinical practice can greatly support medical professionals by offering improved tools for faster and more precise diagnoses. Understanding AI’s capabilities is essential for its successful integration into medical diagnostics. In this context, evaluating the performance of different AI models in the diagnostic process becomes particularly important. The objective of this study is to qualitatively evaluate the diagnostic performance of three AI models—ChatGPT-4o, CodyMD, and Dr. Gupta—based on patient-reported symptoms. Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the three AI models in terms of diagnostic accuracy, the level of detail in the provided information, the interaction between the models and patients, and the number of differential diagnoses offered. Results: ChatGPT-4o achieved the highest accuracy, correctly diagnosing 90% of the cases. The model provides basic information and focuses on a single most likely diagnosis. CodyMD and Dr. Gupta achieved 50% accuracy, with CodyMD using an interactive approach and offering differential diagnoses with probability percentages for each. Dr. Gupta provided educational medical information and differential diagnoses without probability estimates. Conclusions: The AI models assessed can assist medical professionals in the diagnostic process, but they require further refinement and optimization. ChatGPT-4o stands out for its high accuracy, though increased patient interaction is needed. CodyMD excels in offering an interactive approach and more detailed responses, but requires improved accuracy. Dr. Gupta provided differential diagnoses, but the information provided is suitable for educational purposes. While these models show potential for clinical use, further research is needed to optimize and validate them in real-world settings.

Unveiling the challenges encountered by newly graduated nurses during night shifts:A descriptive qualitative study

Objectives:Newly graduated nurses commence night shifts during a phase of heightened vulnerability to reality shock,exacerbating the challenges faced by these graduates.Therefore,this study aimed to identify the challenges experienced by newly graduated nurses when undertaking night shifts in order to help identify a strategy for supporting their adaptation to these shifts.Methods:Semi-structured personal interviews were used to collect data.Fifteen newly graduated nurses were selected to participate in the study by purposive sampling method from November 2021 to March 2022 in one of four general hospitals situated in the southwestern region of Japan.Semi-structured interviews were analyzed by using thematic analysis.Results:The analysis revealedfive central themes and nine subthemes:challenges in task efficiency(task organization challenges,challenges in time-constrained task performance),challenges in responding to patients’changing conditions(challenges in responding to patients’irregular conditions,challenges in responding to nighttime changes in patients’behaviors),challenges in independent practice(challenges in engaging in independent nursing practice,challenges in dealing with unexpected events),challenges in establishing collaborative relationships(challenges in working closely with other staff,challenges in establishing collaborative relationships during night shifts with limited resources),challenges in adapting to shift work(challenges in managing physical conditions for shift work).Conclusions:Newly graduated nurses often encounter challenges in performing their tasks during the transition period.When working night shifts,they face additional hurdles unique to nocturnal duties.Thefindings underscore the necessity for these graduates to develop night shift-specific readiness to effectively navigate the demands inherent in such work schedules.

Facilitating and hindering factors of community nurses'emergency and critical care treatment abilities:A qualitative study

BACKGROUND This study adopts a descriptive phenomenological approach to investigate the facilitators and barriers of community nurses'abilities in managing critical and emergency conditions.With the transition of healthcare systems to the community,the evolution of nursing practices,and the attention from policies and practices,community nurses play a crucial role in the management of critical and emergency conditions.However,there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the factors that promote or hinder their capabilities in this area.AIM To understand the facilitators and barriers of community nurses in managing critical and emergency conditions,exploring the fundamental reasons and driving forces influencing their treatment capabilities.METHODS This study utilized the destination sampling method between May 2023 and July 2023.It employed a descriptive phenomenological approach within qualitative research methodologies.Through objective sampling,17 community nurses from 7 communities in Changning District,Shanghai,were selected as the study subjects.Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data,which were subsequently organized and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method,leading to the extraction of final themes.RESULTS The barrier factors identified from the interviews encompassed three topics:resource allocation,professional factors,and personal literacy.The facilitators comprised three themes:professionalism,management attention,and training and continuing education.We identified that the root causes of the barriers included the lack of practical treatment experience among community nurses,insufficient awareness of self-directed learning,and limited knowledge and technical proficiency.The professional quality of community nurses and management attention serve as motivation for them to enhance their treatment abilities.CONCLUSION To enhance the capability of community nurses in treating acute and critical patients,it is recommended to bolster training specifically tailored to acute and critical care,raise awareness of first aid practices,and elevate knowledge and skill levels.

Measures of Variability for Qualitative Variables Using the R Software

Although there are many measures of variability for qualitative variables, they are little used in social research, nor are they included in statistical software. The aim of this article is to present six measures of variation for qualitative variables of simple calculation, as well as to facilitate their use by means of the R software. The measures considered are, on the one hand, Freemans variation ratio, Morals universal variation ratio, Kvalseths standard deviation from the mode, and Wilcoxs variation ratio which are most affected by proximity to a constant random variable, where the measures of variability for qualitative variables reach their minimum value of 0. On the other hand, the Gibbs-Poston index of qualitative variation and Shannons relative entropy are included, which are more affected by the proximity to a uniform distribution, where the measures of variability for qualitative variables reach their maximum value of 1. Point and interval estimation are addressed. Bootstrap by the percentile and bias-corrected and accelerated percentile methods are used to obtain confidence intervals. Two calculation situations are presented: with a sample mode and with two or more modes. The standard deviation from the mode among the six considered measures, and the universal variation ratio among the three variation ratios, are particularly recommended for use.

Nurse anesthetists’perceptions and experiences of managing emergence delirium:A qualitative study

BACKGROUND This study employs a descriptive phenomenological approach to investigate the challenges anesthesia nurses face in managing emergence delirium(ED),a common and complex postoperative complication in the post-anesthesia care unit.The role of nurses in managing ED is critical,yet research on their understanding and management strategies for ED is lacking.AIM To investigate anesthetic nurses’cognition and management experiences of ED in hopes of developing a standardized management protocol.METHODS This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach from qualitative research methodologies.Purposeful sampling was utilized to select 12 anesthetic nurses from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai as research subjects.Semi-structured interviews were conducted,and the data were organized and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method,from which the final themes were extracted.RESULTS After analyzing the interview content,four main themes and eight subthemes were distilled:Inefficient cognition hinders the identification of ED(conceptual ambiguity,empirical identification),managing diversity and challenges(patientcentered safe care,low level of medical-nursing collaboration),work responsibilities and pressure coexist(heavy work responsibilities,occupational risks and stress),demand for high-quality management(expecting the construction of predictive assessment tools and prevention strategies,and pursuing standardized management processes to enhance management effectiveness).CONCLUSION Nursing managers should prioritize the needs and suggestions of nurses in order to enhance their nursing capabilities and provide guidance for standardized management processes.

Bowel preparation experiences and needs before follow-up colonoscopy in older adult postoperative colorectal cancer patients: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND The bowel preparation process prior to colonoscopy determines the quality of the bowel preparation,which in turn affects the quality of the colonoscopy.Colono-scopy is an essential procedure for postoperative follow-up monitoring of colorec-tal cancer(CRC)patients.Previous studies have shown that advanced age and a history of colorectal resection are both risk factors for inadequate bowel prepara-tion.However,little attention has been paid to the bowel preparation experiences and needs of predominantly older adult postoperative CRC patients.AIM To explore the experiences and needs of older adult postoperative CRC patients during bowel preparation for follow-up colonoscopy.METHODS Fifteen older adult postoperative CRC patients who underwent follow-up colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai were selected using purposive sampling from August 2023 to November 2023.The phenomenological method in qualitative research was employed to construct an interview outline and conduct semi-structured interviews with the patients.Colaizzi's seven-step analysis was utilized to organize,code,categorize,summarize,and verify the interview data.RESULTS The results of this study were summarized into four themes and eight sub-themes:(1)Inadequate knowledge about bowel preparation;(2)Decreased physiological comfort during bowel preparation(gastrointestinal discomfort and sleep deprivation caused by bowel cleansing agents,and hunger caused by dietary restrictions);(3)Psychological changes during different stages of bowel preparation(pre-preparation:Fear and resistance due to previous experiences;during preparation:Irritation and helplessness caused by taking bowel cleansing agents,and post-preparation:Anxiety and worry while waiting for the colonoscopy);and(4)Needs related to bowel preparation(detailed instructions from healthcare professionals;more ideal bowel cleansing agents;and shortened waiting times for colonoscopy).CONCLUSION Older adult postoperative CRC patients'knowledge of bowel preparation is not adequate,and they may encounter numerous difficulties and challenges during the process.Healthcare professionals should place great emphasis on providing instruction for their bowel preparation.

Qualitative analysis of aromatic compounds via 1D TOCSY techniques

The aromatic compounds,including o-xylene,m-xylene,p-xylene,and ethylbenzene,primarily originate from the catalytic reforming of crude oil,and have a wide variety of applications.However,because of similar physical and chemical properties,these compounds are difficult to be identified by gas chromatography(GC)without standard samples.With the development of modern nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques,NMR has emerged as a powerful and efficient tool for the rapid analysis of complex and crude mixtures without purification.In this study,the parameters of one-dimensional(1D)total correlation spectroscopy(TOCSY)NMR techniques,including 1D selective gradient TOCSY and 1D chemicalshift-selective filtration(CSSF)with TOCSY,were optimized to obtain comprehensive molecular structure information.The results indicate that the overlapped signals in NMR spectra of nonpolar aromatic compounds(including o-xylene,m-xylene,p-xylene and ethylbenzene),polar aromatic compounds(benzyl alcohol,benzaldehyde,benzoic acid),and aromatic compounds with additional conjugated bonds(styrene)can be resolved in 1D TOCSY.More importantly,full molecular structures can be clearly distinguished by setting appropriate mixing time in 1D TOCSY.This approach simplifies the NMR spectra,provides structural information of entire molecules,and can be applied for the analysis of other structural isomers.

Perspectives and Challenges of Family Members in Providing Mental Support to Cancer Patients:A Qualitative Study in Beijing,China

This study explores the perspectives and challenges faced by family members providing mental support to cancer patients in Beijing,China.The primary objective is to understand the emotional and practical roles family members undertake and the difficulties they encounter.Utilizing a qualitative research design,data were collected through semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of cancer patients.Thematic analysis revealed several key themes:the dual burden of emotional support and caregiving responsibilities,the impact on daily life and personal well-being,the role and effectiveness of external support systems,perceptions of medical staff support,and the common challenges and conflicts faced in caregiving.The findings highlight the critical need for comprehensive support systems that address both the emotional and practical needs of family caregivers.Recommendations for enhancing family-centered support programs in oncology settings are discussed.

Development of an adolescent coping model in seasonal flood-prone areas:a qualitative feasibility study

Objective:The aim is to develop and verify the feasibility of an adolescent coping model in seasonal flood-prone areas.This coping model supports mental health nurses'practical application to adolescents in flood-prone areas.Methods:We developed the adolescent coping model based on the processes established in three integrated theories:self-care management for vulnerable populations,coping approaches,and coping with disaster.We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 participants to explore their perspectives and experiences with flood disasters.We used purposeful sampling for maximum diversity.Data were collected through face-to-face,in-depth interviews.Data were transcribed verbatim,followed by qualitative content analysis.The coping model of adolescents in flood-prone areas was analyzed qualitatively and inductively from the viewpoint of acceptability.Results:The following five categories were identified:(1)coping process post-disaster;(2)coping approach;(3)community power;(4)vulnerability;and(5)self-potential.These domains formed a model for coping model adolescents in seasonal flood-prone areas.Accordingly,our findings showed that the model could be practical for mental health community nursing.Conclusions:Mental health nurses can use the coping model for disaster mental health nursing in adolescents in flood-prone areas.The application of this model will help adolescents increase self-efficacy.

Core competencies and perceived training needs of nurses in the background of Internet plus nursing service:a qualitative descriptive study

Background:The Internet plus nursing service program is being piloted in China,which has become a new home nursing service model led by nurses.To enable safe and effective homecare service delivery,nurses working in the program need a high level of competency.However,the content of these core competencies and the training needs of nurses for Internet plus nursing services are still unknown.Aim:To describe nurses’perceptions of core competencies and training needs to work in the Internet plus nursing service program,thereby providing a reference for the development of training programs.Methods:A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted on 15 nurses with experience of working in the Internet plus nursing service program.Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim,and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results:Core competencies involved comprehensive assessment competence,direct care practice competence,health education and consulting competence,risk estimation and response competence,and communication competence.Training needs involved complex operational items,knowledge of chronic disease management,professional communication,risk identification and response,nursing standards,norms,and procedures,and utilization of information technology.Conclusions:The training system may be developed based on nurses’core competencies and their training needs to promote professional development of the Internet plus nursing service.

A qualitative study to explain the criteria of nursing managers in selecting effective nursing diagnosis

Objective:This study aimed to explain the criteria of managers at different levels of nursing in selecting effective nursing diagnosis.Methods:In conventional content analysis,10 nursing managers at different levels including head nurse,supervisor,and nursing manager were interviewed.Data was collected with semi-structured interviews and a narrative approach.Data analysis was performed using the Zhang–Wildemuth method simultaneously with sampling.Results:Four head nurses,four supervisors(educational,clinical),and two nursing managers were interviewed.The results of the a nalysis led to the extraction of two main categories:centrality of the nursing profession,with the sub-categories compatibility with nursing p ractices and compliance with organizational and professional principles of nursing,and covering the patient care aspect,with s ub-categories of having potential to facilitate and adapting to patient care conditions.Conclusions:The analysis of the views of nursing managers shows that health managers should consider various management aspects such as functional and organizational to increase the efficiency of nursing interventions in the selection of nursing diagnostic systems.From the point of view of health managers,nursing diagnoses should cover the considerations of patients,nurses,and work environments.

Establishment of Event-specific Qualitative PCR Method for Genetically Modified Soybean MON 89788

[Objective] The aim was to establish an event-specific qualitative PCR method for transgenic soybean MON89788.[Method] Firstly,the 3′-junction sequence between host plant DNA and integrated DNA of transgenic MON89788 soybean was isolated using thermal asymmetric interlaced-PCR （TAIL-PCR）,and the specific PCR primers were designed based on the 3′-junction sequence.Secondly,the specificity and sensitivity of the qualitative PCR detection methods employing these primers were tested.[Result] 1 142-bp 3′-junction sequence was obtained.According to the sequence,event-specific qualitative PCR method was established,amplifying a 170-bp product specifically from MON89788 event,and the limit of detection was 0.05%,approximately 40 initial template copies.[Conclusion] The method was highly specific,sensitive,and suitable for detection of MON89788 event.

Assessment of China's Qualitative Demographic Dividend for Economic Growth during 2016-2020

Given the great strides that China＇s education sector has made in recent decades, it can be expected that the overall workforce quality of exiting China＇s labor market in coming one or two decades will be relatively low, while the overall quality of workforce newly entering into China＇s labor market will be high. As the new, bettereducated generation takes over, China＇s workforce quality will be vastly improved. This in turn will promote economic growth. We refer to economic growth arising from improved workforce quality as qualitative demographic dividend. Using the computable general equilibrium （CGE） model, this paper investigates the relationship between workforce quality improvements and economic growth. According to the model＇s results, an improvement in workforce quality will raise the economic growth rate by about two percentage points per annum between 2016 and 2020 and by 10 percentage points cumulatively by 2020. In other words, GDP will be 1.1 times the level of baseline GDP by 2020 due to the improved education levels. Given different production functions across sectors, the improvement of workforce quality will affect different sectors in different ways. On the whole, the improvement of workforce quality is more favorable to the development of capital-intensive sectors and sectors with rapid technology progress. According to this paper, considering the improvement of workforce quality, we cannot conclude that China＇s potential economic growth rate has already begun to decline. Despite diminishing conventional quantitative demographic dividends, China ＂s qualitative demographic dividends will keep rising. Qualitative demographic dividends will further push forward China＇s industrial restructuring and the strategic transition of industrial competitiveness from quantitative to qualitative and from an extensive to an intensive pattern of development.

A Qualitative Research on the Relationship between Prior Success and Motivation of Chinese EFL Readers

In this study the author will pay attention to the relationship between the prior success of Chinese EFL readers and their motivation of reading. This essay is to investigate the question about whether prior success has a positive effect on Chinese EFL readers' motivation.

Qualitative Research on Learner's Beliefs about Learning English

In the ESOL/SLA field, qualitative studies try to explain the language learning process not merely from psychological points of view, but also from social and cultural perspectives. In this study, a Chinese learner's perceptions of mainstream English instruction in China has been investigated through the interview, and the problem was explained from social and cultural perspectives.