A realist synthesis of dementia education programmes for pre-registration nurses

AimsThe escalating prevalence of dementia globally highlights the urgency for effective nursing care and dementia education. The aim of this review was to synthesize evidence on dementia education programmes for pre-registration nursing, exploring the types implemented, the contexts in which they operate, the mechanisms influencing their success, and their intended and unintended outcomes.DesignA realist synthesis approach was employed to explore the functioning of complex interventions within specific contexts, acknowledging the intricate nature of dementia education programmes and the diverse settings in which they are implemented.Data sourcesA rigorous search strategy was implemented across databases including Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest Health and Medical, supplemented by hand searching and citation searching. Preliminary screening and refinement processes ensured comprehensive coverage of relevant literature.Review methodsA systematic and iterative approach was adopted, involving quality assessment under the headings of relevance, rigour, and richness. Data extraction and synthesis processes were focused on identifying contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes relevant to dementia education in nursing.ResultsA total of 25 studies were reviewed. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of narrative-based learning, varied educational methods, and experienced providers in improving nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and confidence. These approaches influenced care priorities and increased interest in working with people living with dementia. However, there is a noted gap in understanding the long-term benefits and academic impact of these programmes.ConclusionsDementia education programmes are pivotal in preparing nursing students for effective dementia care. The co-production and design involvement of people living with dementia in curricula development is recommended to enhance relevance and applicability. We call for further research into the long-term benefits of dementia education, the impact of academic recognition, and the alignment of programmes with nursing curricula

A dementia education programme for pre-registration nurses: a protocol for process and outcomes evaluation

Background:Dementia’s increasing prevalence, particularly among the ageing population, highlights the urgent need for specialised care. Nurses play a critical role, but often lack sufficient training, leading to low confidence in dementia care. The Dementia Education Programme (DEP) was launched to address this, offering a multi-level curriculum for student nurses.Aims:This paper presents a protocol for evaluating the DEP for nursing students. This study aims to assess the programme’s impact on students’ knowledge, attitudes and confidence while exploring the mechanisms influencing the programme’s implementation and effectiveness.Methods:The protocol employs a dual-fold evaluation, incorporating outcomes and process evaluation. The study uses a mixed-methods strategy, specifically a sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data are gathered longitudinally at four time points using validated instruments to assess knowledge, attitudes and confidence. Based on the results of the quantitative analysis, qualitative data is then collected through interviews and detailed field notes.Results:The DEP is described in detail, emphasising essential elements and underpinning theories. The protocol addresses ethical considerations as well as possible strengths and weaknesses of the study.Conclusions:By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the research aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation, informing future educational practices and policy development in dementia care

Powder Reuse in Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of Ti6Al4V—Changes in Mechanical Properties during a Powder Top-Up Regime

The properties of Extra Low Interstitials (ELI) Ti6Al4V components fabricated via the laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process are prone to variation, particularly throughout a powder reuse regime. Interstitial pick-up of interstitial elements within the build chamber during processing can occur, most notably, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which can impair the mechanical properties of the built component. This study analyses ELI Ti6Al4V components manufactured by the L-PBF process when subjected to a nine-stage powder reuse sequence. Mechanical properties are reported via hardness measurement and tensile testing. Results showed that from 0.099 wt.% to 0.126 wt.% oxygen content, the mean hardness and tensile strength increased from 367.8 HV to 381.9 HV and from 947.6 Mpa to 1030.7 Mpa, respectively, whereas the ductility (area reduction) reduced from around 10% to 3%. Statistical analysis based on the empirical model from Tabor was performed to determine the strength–hardness relationship. Results revealed a significant direct relationship between tensile strength and Vickers hardness with a proportionality constant of 2.61 (R-square of 0.996 and p-value of 6.57 × 10(−6))

Preparation and properties of polyamide-6-based thermoplastic laminate composites by a novel in-mold polymerization technique

In this work, a method for preparation of polyamide-6 (PA6) based laminates reinforced by glass fiber- (GFL) or polyamide-66 (PA66) textile structures (PL) via reactive injection molding is disclosed. It is based on in-mold anionic polymerization of eps-caprolactam carried out at 165º C in the presence of the respective reinforcements performed in newly developed prototype equipment whose design concept and operation are described. Both composite types were produced for reaction times of 20 min, with conversion degrees of 97–99%. Initial mechanical tests in tension of GFL samples displayed almost twofold increase of the Young’s modulus and stress at break values when compared with the neat anionic PA6. The improvement was proportional to the volume fraction Vf of glass fiber fabric that was varied in the 0.16–0.25 range. A 300% growth of the impact strength was registered in PL composites with Vf of PA66 textile of 0.1. Removing the surface finish of the latter was found to be a factor for improving the adhesion at the matrix–fiber interface. The mechanical behavior of GFL and PL composites was discussed in conjunction with the morphology of the samples studied by optical and electron microscopy and the matrix crystalline structure as revealed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia; German Synchrotron Radiation Source - DESY, Hambur