A core curriculum for the continuing professional development of nurses: Developed by the Education Committee on behalf of the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions of the ESC

Background: The European Society of Cardiology and the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions share a vision; to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe. Nurses represent the largest sector of the health professional workforce and have a significant contribution to make, which has not yet been fully realised. Recent evidence highlights an association between the level of nurse education and inpatient mortality making this an important topic, particularly as the provision of nurse education in Europe is variable. Aim: To develop a core curriculum to inform the education of nurses following initial qualification for work in cardiovascular settings. Method: A syllabus was developed using published literature, policy documents and existing curricula with expert input from service users, specialist nurses, cardiologists, educationalists and academics. The syllabus formed the framework for the development of the core curriculum. Results: Eight key themes characterise the core curriculum which are presented together with an account of the development process. While the curriculum is not intended to cover all aspects of the highly complex role of the cardiovascular nurse, the themes do exemplify the science and art of nursing and are transferable across different levels of clinical practice and settings. The curriculum functions both as a ‘map’, which identifies key themes to include in nurse education, and as a ‘tool’ to inform educational provision that bridges’ the gap between initial nurse education and advanced specialist practice. Content can be adapted for use to fit the national context and reflects the specific needs, health priorities, legislative and regulatory standards that govern safe nursing practice across different countries. Conclusion: The core curriculum can be used as a learning framework to guide nurse education, in particular the continuing professional education of post-qualifying nurses working in cardiovascular settings. This represents a significant step towards streamlining cardiovascular nurse education in Europ

Validation of polish version of the Basel extent of rationing of nursing care revised questionnaire

Development of simple, valid and reliable instruments to determine nursing care rationing is a subject of ongoing research. One such instrument, which is gaining popularity worldwide and has significant research applicability, is the Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care (BERNCA) and its revised version, the BERNCA-R. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the BERNCA-R into a Polish-language version and to assess its reliability and validity in evaluating the level of implicit rationing of nursing care in Poland. Standard methodological requirements were followed during translation and cultural adaptation of the English version of the BERNCA-R questionnaire into Polish. The cross-sectional validation study was conducted between May and September 2017, which included 175 nurses undergoing specialisation and qualification courses at the European Postgraduate Education Centre in Wrocław, Poland. Cronbach’s alpha and inter-item correlations were used to analyse the internal consistency of the Polish BERNCA-R questionnaire. The mean total BERNCA-R score was 1.9 points (SD = 0.74) on a scale of 0-4. Cronbach’s alpha for the unidimensional scale was 0.96. The mean inter-item correlation was 0.4 (range 0.1-0.84), which indicates high internal consistency. A single-factor solution demonstrated stable loadings above 0.5 for almost all items of the Polish BERNCA-R questionnaire. The study using the Polish BERNCA-R questionnaire demonstrated that the instrument is valid and reliable for use in investigating care rationing in groups of Polish nurses

Heart Failure Care: Testing Dyadic Dynamics Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM)— A Scoping Review

: Self-care behaviors are essential for the effective treatment of heart failure (HF), and poor self-care may lead to adverse clinical events in patients with HF. A growing body of literature addresses the need to analyze the characteristics of both patient and caregiver since they are in mutual, long-term interaction, and their reactions to events are dependent on each other. One of the most common approaches for analyzing data on HF self-care dyads is the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review to answer the following question: what did we learn from HF dyadic studies based on the APIM approach? Medline, Academic Search Ultimate, and CINAHL Complete databases were searched, using the terms "dyad," "dyadic," and "heart failure," for studies published between 2009 and April 2021. Fifteen studies were reviewed from a pool of 106 papers. Studies using the APIM approach revealed interrelated patient and caregiver characteristics that influence self-care and explain many complex dyadic behaviors. Our analysis provided evidence that (1) APIM is a useful analytical approach; (2) a family-oriented approach can improve the functioning of a patient with HF; and (3) social support from caregivers significantly enhances patients' adaptation to illness

Challenges Psoriasis and Its Impact on Quality of Life: Challenges in Treatment and Management

Małgorzata Ponikowska,1 Ercole Vellone,2,3 Michał Czapla,4– 6 Izabella Uchmanowicz3,7 1Division of Clinical Trials and Registries, University Centre of General Dermatology and Oncodermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 2Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; 3Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 4Department of Emergency Medical Service, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 5Institute of Heart Diseases, University Hospital, Wrocław, Poland; 6Group of Research in Care (GRUPAC), Faculty of Health Science, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain; 7Centre for Cardiovascular Health, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, UKCorrespondence: Michał Czapla, Department of Emergency Medical Service, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland, Tel +48713468275, Email [email protected]: Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 3% of the global population, presents complex challenges that extend beyond its physical manifestations. This comprehensive review examines the multidimensional impact of psoriasis on patients’ lives, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects. We analyze current therapeutic approaches, from traditional systemic treatments to cutting-edge biological therapies and emerging oral medications, evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and accessibility. The review explores how disease severity correlates with quality of life measures and psychological burden, noting the high prevalence of depression (20%), anxiety (21%), and suicidal ideation (0.77%) among affected individuals. However, emerging evidence suggests that clinical severity, as measured by PASI or BSA, does not always correlate with the psychoemotional burden experienced by patients, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive assessment of disease impact. We discuss the evolution of treatment strategies, highlighting recent developments in targeted therapies, including JAK inhibitors, particularly selective TYK2 inhibitors, and PDE4 inhibitors, which offer promising alternatives to traditional treatments. Additionally, we examine the role of various assessment tools and quality of life measures in evaluating treatment outcomes. The analysis emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to patient care that integrates medical interventions with psychological support, addressing both the visible and invisible burdens of the disease. This review underscores the importance of personalized treatment strategies that consider not only clinical efficacy but also patient preferences, accessibility, and long-term safety profiles.Keywords: psoriasis, quality of life, treatment challenges, psychological impact, biologics, systemic treatments, TYK2 inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitor

Family members’ experiences with intensive care unit diaries

Background: The admission of a family member to intensive care represents an emotionally complex experience, often characterised by anxiety, stress and uncertainty. ICU diaries, compiled by nurses and family members, have been proposed as a useful tool to support caregivers’ psychological well-being, improve communication and humanise the care environment. The aim of the study was to describe the content of ICU diaries filled out by family members to explore the experiences and meanings attributed to the diaries. Methods: The study used a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis of diaries completed by 16 family members of patients admitted to intensive care units. The data were coded and analysed to identify recurrent themes and to understand the emotional and psychological experience of the family members. Results: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: time, the family context (including maintaining contact with the patient, the relatives‘emotions, fear of suffering, spirituality, the person at the centre of the relatives’ lives and connection with the outside world) and the usefulness of the diary in understanding the care process. The diaries facilitated the continuity of the affective bond with the patient, offered a space to express emotions and improved communication with healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The results highlight the value of ICU diaries in supporting family members during the patient’s admission, reducing stress and strengthening the relationship with the healthcare team. The practical implications suggest the importance of promoting the structured use of diaries to foster more empathetic and family-centred care. Clinical trial number: Not applicable

Predictors of Quality of Life in Psoriasis Patients: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Patrycja Walniczek,1 Malgorzata Ponikowska,2 Ewelina Barbara Kolarczyk,3 Paulina Spaleniak,4 Katarzyna Mróz-Kijowska,5 Michał Czapla,6– 8 Izabella Uchmanowicz9,10 1Institute of Health, DSW University of Lower Silesia, Wrocław, Poland; 2Division of Clinical Trials and Registries, University Centre of General Dermatology and Oncodermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, 50-368, Poland; 3Department of Propaedeutics of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; 4European Center for Postgraduate Education, Wrocław, Poland; 5Zieba Clinic, Katowice, Poland; 6Division of Scientific Research and Innovation in Emergency Medical Service, Department of Emergency Medical Service, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, 51-618, Poland; 7Institute of Heart Diseases, University Hospital, Wrocław, Poland; 8Group of Research in Care (GRUPAC), Faculty of Health Science, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain; 9Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, 51-618, Poland; 10Centre for Cardiovascular Health, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11 4DN, UKCorrespondence: Michał Czapla, Division of Scientific Research and Innovation in Emergency Medical Service, Department of Emergency Medical Service, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Parkowa 34, Wrocław, 51-618, Poland, Tel +48 71 346 82 75, Email [email protected]: Psoriasis significantly impacts patients’ mental health and social relationships, often leading to feelings of stigmatization and shame due to the visibility of skin lesions. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the quality of life in patients with psoriasis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to December 2020, involving 100 patients treated for psoriasis. The research utilized the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref), the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The analysis included demographic, clinical, and psychological variables to evaluate their impact on quality of life.Results: The multivariate linear regression model revealed that significant independent predictors of quality of life included age (p=0.001), duration of disease (p=0.004), and nutritional status (p=0.002). In the physical domain, factors such as phototherapy (r=2.46) and anxiety levels assessed by the HADS anxiety subscale (r=− 0.23) were particularly relevant. In the psychological domain, the presence of psoriatic arthritis (r=1.978), hand and foot psoriasis (r=2.34), and scores on the HADS anxiety (r=− 0.212) and depression subscales (r=− 0.226) were significant. Male gender (r=1.632) and depressive symptoms (r=− 0.352) impacted the social domain. In the environmental domain, predictors included erythrodermic psoriasis (r=1.98), hand and foot psoriasis (r=2.312), phototherapy (r=1.877), PASI score (r=− 0.04), and depression as measured by HADS (r=− 0.228).Conclusion: The primary predictors of quality of life in patients with psoriasis are the type of psoriasis, the presence of anxiety and depressive disorders, and treatment with phototherapy. However, the study’s single-center design and relatively small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. Further multi-center studies are needed to confirm these results and broaden their applicability.Keywords: quality of life, psoriasis, disease acceptance, anxiety, depression, nutritional statu

Call to action for acute myocardial infarction in women: International multi-disciplinary practical roadmap

\ua9 2024 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women, and the incidence among younger women has shown the greatest increase over the last decades, in particular for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Moreover, the prognosis of women post-AMI is poor when compared with men of similar ages. Since the 1990s, an abundant literature has highlighted the existing differences between sexes with regard to presentation, burden, and impact of traditional risk factors and of risk factors pertaining predominantly to women, the perception of risk by women and men, and the pathophysiological causations, their treatment, and prognosis. These data that have been accumulated over recent years highlight several targets for improvement. The objective of this collaborative work is to define the actions required to reverse the growing incidence of AMI in women and improve the patient pathway and care, as well as the prognosis. We aim to provide practical toolkits for different health professionals involved in the care of women, so that each step, from cardiovascular risk assessment to symptom recognition, to the AMI pathway and rehabilitation, thus facilitating that from prevention to intervention of AMI, can be optimized

EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015

Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened

Definitions of clinical study outcome measures for cardiovascular diseases: The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart)

Background and Aims: Standardized definitions for outcome measures in randomized clinical trials and observational studies are essential for robust and valid evaluation of medical products, interventions, care, and outcomes. The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomised Trials (EuroHeart) project of the European Society of Cardiology aimed to create international data standards for cardiovascular clinical study outcome measures. Methods: The EuroHeart methods for data standard development were used. From a Global Cardiovascular Outcomes Consortium of 82 experts, five Working Groups were formed to identify and define key outcome measures for: cardiovascular disease (generic outcomes), acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention (ACS/PCI), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A systematic review of the literature informed a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on a final set of variables. For each variable, the Working Group provided a definition and categorized the variable as mandatory (Level 1) or optional (Level 2) based on its clinical importance and feasibility. Results: Across the five domains, 24 Level 1 (generic: 5, ACS/PCI: 8, AF: 2; HF: 5, TAVI: 4) and 48 Level 2 (generic: 18, ACS-PCI: 7, AF: 6, HF: 2, TAVI: 15) outcome measures were defined. Conclusions: Internationally derived and endorsed definitions for outcome measures for a range of common cardiovascular diseases and interventions are presented. These may be used for data alignment to enable high-quality observational and randomized clinical research, audit, and quality improvement for patient benefit