Culturally competent care across borders: Implementing culturally responsive teaching for nurses in diverse workforces

The migration of healthcare professionals, including nurses, is a global phenomenon. It is driven by various factors, including the pursuit of better opportunities, living conditions, and professional development, as well as political instability or conflict in their home countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that high-income countries often rely on foreign-trained nurses to fill gaps in their healthcare systems [1]. For instance, as of 2021, over 40% (52 million) of all nurses in the United States (US) were expatriates [2]. In the United Kingdom (UK), the percentage of expatriate nurses was even higher, reaching approximately 18% in 2021 [3]. Owing to globalization and migration, healthcare providers must possess cultural competence to deliver improved care [4,5]. Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) is rooted in the idea that culture plays a vital role in shaping people's behaviors, beliefs, values, and communication styles [6]. Furthermore, these cultural factors influence patients' perspectives on health, illness, healing, and their preferences for care and communication [7]. By recognizing and embracing these cultural differences, nurses can provide more effective and compassionate care to their diverse patient population [8]. This paper explores the significance of CRT for nurses in diverse multinational workforces and provides examples from various countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Qatar, and Singapore. The previously mentioned countries represent diverse geographical regions and contain multicultural societies. They are representative examples of places where healthcare systems must adapt and cater to a culturally diverse population.Implementing CRT in diverse nursing workforces has challenges and obstacles, primarily arising from the intricacies of cultural differences and the necessity for systemic backing. Nurses may lack sufficient cultural awareness, even with the noblest intentions, leading to stereotypes, misunderstandings, or misinterpretations [28]. Language barriers can complicate crucial patient-nurse interactions, and although language services exist in many healthcare institutions, they may not be instantly accessible, and subtle language nuances could be lost in translation [29]. Balancing cultural sensitivity with evidence-based care presents a dilemma, as some traditional health beliefs and practices might conflict with scientific healthcare recommendations. Systemic barriers to CRT implementation may manifest as a lack of institutional support, limited resources, or inadequate recognition of the importance of culturally competent care.Scopu

Lessons from Beta-Thalassemia for Improving Iron Overload Monitoring and Management in Kidney Failure.

Iron overload is a well-recognized complication in patients suffering from beta-thalassemia major (BTM) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), recently known as kidney failure (KF), particularly in those who receive frequent blood transfusions or long-term iron supplementation. The mechanisms leading to iron overload differ slightly between these two conditions, but the management principles share considerable overlap. Lessons learned from monitoring and managing iron overload in patients with BTM can provide valuable insights into managing iron overload in patients with KF. This narrative review explores the parallels between these two conditions concerning iron overload, emphasizing the importance of early detection, personalized therapy, multidisciplinary care, patient education, and preventive strategies

Transforming Hospital Quality Improvement Through Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

This policy analysis focuses on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in hospital quality improvement to transform quality and patient safety. It examines the application of AI at the two following fundamental levels: (1) diagnostic and treatment and (2) clinical operations. AI applications in diagnostics directly impact patient care and safety. At the same time, AI indirectly influences patient safety at the clinical operations level by streamlining (1) operational efficiency, (2) risk assessment, (3) predictive analytics, (4) quality indicators reporting, and (5) staff training and education. The challenges and future perspectives of AI application in healthcare, encompassing technological, ethical, and other considerations, are also critically analyzed

Acute pancreatitis-induced by platinum compounds in patients with cancer: a review of the literature

The purpose of this review of the literature was to describe the relationship between use of platinum-based antineoplastics and development of acute pancreatitis in patients with cancer. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar databases for articles published from 1985 to 2014. The headings and/or text words (platinum compounds), (acute pancreatitis-induced by platinum compounds), and (cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin) were entered, and the search was limited to articles describing case reports in adults with cancer. A total of 12 cases were reported between 1985 and 2012; including three platinum compounds; cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. In conclusion, it is highly recommended to include baseline assessment for acute pancreatitis risk factors and to consider acute pancreatitis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in patients who have received platinum-based chemotherapy

Bridging the gap: How investing in advanced practice nurses could transform emergency care in Africa

Aim: This paper aims to highlight the vital importance of investing in advanced practice nursing (APN) for enhancing emergency care throughout Africa. Background: APN's role is increasingly recognized as pivotal in optimizing healthcare, particularly in emergency settings in Africa. It offers improved patient care quality and strengthens the healthcare workforce. Sources of evidence: Evidence is drawn from successful implementations of APN in various healthcare environments. This includes the development of APN-specific curricula and training, mentorship initiatives, clinical supervision, and defining advanced nursing roles within healthcare organizations. Investing in APNs in emergency care in Africa can lead to improved quality and access to care, cost-effectiveness, enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement in the healthcare workforce. Discussion: Despite facing barriers in implementation, APN in emergency care presents innovative solutions. Investing in APN can help healthcare entities and policymakers surmount these challenges, providing specialized patient care and improving health outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the benefits such as enhanced access to care, reduced healthcare costs, and improved patient outcomes, alongside bolstering the healthcare workforce. Conclusion: The necessity and benefits of investing in APN for emergency care in Africa are clear. It is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes. Implications for nursing practice: APN investment leads to a more competent and efficient nursing workforce, capable of addressing complex emergencies and improving patient care. Implications for nursing policy and health/social policy: The paper advocates for policies that support APN development and integration into the healthcare system, emphasizing the need for research to assess APN's long-term impact and establish best practices for its implementation in emergency care across Africa.The publication of this article was funded by Qatar National Library.Scopu

Dissecting Loneliness in the Digital Age: An Insight into the Experiences of Medical Students Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

This narrative review explores loneliness among medical students, particularly heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to narratively describe how the digital age, both pre- and post-pandemic, influences loneliness and to assess the psychological effects of the pandemic on medical students. Our literature search, adhering to SANRA guidelines, scrutinized studies published in the last ten years focusing on loneliness among medical students. Our findings reveal that medical students experienced significant loneliness during the pandemic, attributed to virtual learning environments and decreased social interactions. Notably, the transition to online education has mitigated and exacerbated feelings of isolation. The review also highlights the dual role of social media in either alleviating or intensifying loneliness, depending on usage patterns and platform types. Overall, our study underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the mental well-being of medical students in the digital age and beyond, providing crucial insights for future research and policy-making in educational and psychological support frameworks

Current Landscape and Future Directions of Deprescribing and Polypharmacy Practices in Jordan

This review explores the current landscape and future directions of deprescribing and polypharmacy practices in Jordan. The prevalence of polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications by an individual, has been increasing in recent years due to various factors, such as population aging and the greater availability of medications. However, polypharmacy can lead to adverse drug events, suboptimal medication adherence, increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Deprescribing, on the other hand, involves the discontinuation or reduction of unnecessary or potentially harmful medications to improve patient outcomes. The findings presented in this review highlight the current state of deprescribing and polypharmacy practices in Jordan, including factors influencing their prevalence. Additionally, it discusses the challenges healthcare professionals face in implementing deprescribing strategies and identifies potential solutions for enhancing these practices in Jordanian healthcare settings. Moreover, this paper provides insights into future directions for deprescribing and polypharmacy practices in Jordan. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the current landscape of deprescribing and polypharmacy practices in Jordan while also providing recommendations for future directions to optimize medication management strategies that can ultimately benefit patient outcomes within a sound healthcare system framework

Risk communication with Arab patients with cancer: a qualitative study of nurses and pharmacists

Objectives To explore pharmacist and nurse views and experiences in educating patients regarding their treatment safety and tolerability as well as the roles of other professions in this regard. Design In this qualitative study, six focus group discussions were conducted. Setting The National Center for Cancer Care and Research in Qatar. Participants Eleven pharmacists and 22 nurses providing direct patient care. Results Concepts related to three key themes were drawn from the seeding questions and included factors for determining the level of risk they communicated: the specific treatment regimen in question; the patient; and their assessment of the patient. Patient-related considerations arose from additional subthemes; both nurses and pharmacists described aspects related to the perceived psychological health status of the patient, as well as anticipated comprehension, as ascertained by demonstrated education and language abilities. In all discussions, it was noted that physician and family non-disclosure of cancer diagnosis to the patient profoundly influenced the nature of information they provided. While a high level of cohesion in safety communication prioritisation among these two health disciplines was found, a number of pharmacists asserted a more formal role compared to informal and repeated teaching by nurses. Conclusions Nurses and pharmacists in this Middle East healthcare environment were not reluctant to discuss treatment side effects with patients and draw on similar professional judgements in prioritising treatment risk information. We found that they did not always recognise each other's informal educational encounters and that there are opportunities to explore increased collaboration in this regard to enhance the patient care experience.Undergraduate Research Experience Program award (UREP 14-001-3-001) from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation)