Högskolan i Skövde

There is a national call for digital health innovations in the provision of health and social care, especially for older adults in the context of home. The Reflective STRENGTH-Giving Dialogue (STRENGTH) method is used to provide individual and holistic care using recurrent dialogues. The SelfSTRENGTH application (app) was developed to support reflection and stimulate activity that enables achievement of meaningful life projects. The objective of the study was to describe how the use of the SelfSTRENGTH app is perceived by older adults living with long-term health problems. A qualitative, descriptive and inductive design. Data, analyzed using a phenomenographic approach, consisted of individual qualitative interviews with older adults (age range = 74-96) conducted before (n = 34) and after (n = 27) participation in the STRENGTH intervention. The results consist of five categories of description: Resistance to use apps and digital tools; Health problems hinder its usefulness; Need of assistance is a prerequisite to be able to use the app; the app supports memory and reflection; and Using the app disperses thoughts and creates motivation. The outcome space thus contains descriptions of both barriers and possibilities regarding how the use of the SelfSTRENGTH app is perceived. The potential of using technology such as applications in health care is immense. However, long-term health problems in older adults, along with care providers' attitudes and opportunities to support, must be taken into consideration when implementing apps in health and social care.

Background

Newly graduated healthcare and social work professionals can experience stress and a perceived lack of competence when transitioning from academia to clinical practice, which can lead to health problems or leaving the profession. Globally, creating healthy workplaces remains a challenge. The aim of this study, which had a salutogenic approach, was to explore health-promoting resources and workplace experiences among newly graduated healthcare and social work professionals.

Methods

This multicenter cross-sectional study included Swedish healthcare and social work professionals in their second year after graduation, recruited from six universities. Data were collected in March 2023 via a self-reported, web-based survey using validated instruments: the salutogenically oriented 13-item Sense of Coherence (SOC) Scale, the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS), and the 32-item Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS), along with questions on health, well-being, lifestyle and social factors at work, including three from the General Nordic Questionnaire (QPSNordic). Data were analyzed in SPSS 28 with nonparametric tests and Spearman correlations.

Results

A total of 115 newly graduated healthcare and social work professionals completed the questionnaire. The results indicated that those who expressed they were sure to stay in the profession reported a higher total WEMS score (p < 0.001), as well as higher scores in five out of six dimensions: supportive working conditions (p < 0.001), internal work experience (p < 0.001), autonomy (p < 0.001), time experience (p = 0.006), and management (p = 0.029). Participants who rated their well-being as good scored higher in supportive working conditions (p = 0.025) and the change process (p = 0.008). Those living with children reported higher internal work experience scores (p = 0.019).

The results revealed positive and medium-strong to strong correlations between WEMS, SHIS, and SOC total scores. Specifically, there were medium-strong correlations between SHIS and SOC and two dimensions of WEMS: supportive working conditions and time experience, and between SHIS and the change process dimension.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of salutogenic resources in supporting newly graduated professionals. Factors such as supportive working conditions, autonomy, and internal work experience were linked to well-being and intention to stay in the profession. Understanding these factors can inform workplace interventions to promote retention and health in early career stages.

Background: Trait emotional intelligence (EI) is often assessed using the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). However, previous research using item response theory (IRT) modelling has identified several underperforming items. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate, refine, and optimize the TEIQue-SF using IRT, with the goals of identifying and eliminating underperforming items, and examining whether items in the refined version function differently across sexes. Furthermore, the study sought to further validate the Swedish version of the TEIQue-SF.

Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 845 first-year students aged 19–59 (87% women) from seven healthcare and social work programs across six universities in southern Sweden. Participants completed the TEIQue-SF and health-related measures for convergent validity. IRT modeling employed the Graded Response Model (GRM) using the 2-Parameter Logistic Model in IRT for Patient-Reported Outcomes (IRTPRO). Marginal reliability and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed with IRT, internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and mean inter-item correlations, and validity through evaluating Direct Discrepancy Dynamic fit index (DDDFI) and bivariate correlations.

Results: The IRT modeling identified underperforming items, leading to a refined 12-item TEIQue-SF that effectively captures trait EI with high-quality items. The item selection process is detailed and supplemented. The shortened measure showed a strong correlation with the original (r = .94), demonstrated good reliability, and exhibited uniform DIF for only one item (Item 15). A comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fit statistics using the DDDFI indicated a fair fit for the TEIQue-SF. Consistent with previous research on the TEIQue-SF, both 30-item and 12 item versions demonstrated strong convergent validity with health-related measures within the Swedish context.

Conclusions: The 12-item TEIQue-SF is a brief, precise, and valid measure for assessing trait EI while preserving its global conceptual structure. IRT modeling and validity testing against health-related measures confirm that 12-item TEIQue-SF effectively captures trait EI.

Background: Older persons’ use of digital technology is becoming more prominent due to society’s heavy reliance on mobile and web applications. A positive attitude has been detected among older persons regarding the use of mobile solutions. Digital technology is increasingly used in the provision of health and social care, which can help older persons continue to be independent, and in turn can contribute to older persons’ overall well-being and sense of safety. However, current digital technology has been found to be difficult for older persons. Additional explorations into older persons’ experiences using digital technology are therefore relevant.

Method: A qualitative design was used with data collected using semi-structured interviews with 17 older persons in the age span 72–101, living in 12 diferent municipalities. The older persons were admitted to municipality health care. Interviews were conducted in the older persons home, and were audio recorded. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed through a qualitative conventional content analysis. The study method was compliant with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Results: The analysis resulted in two main categories; Enrichment, dependance and mixed feelings of using digital technology in daily life and Divided preferences and use of digital technology in contact with health and social care. The first is divided into three sub-categories; divided usage and feelings about digital technology, enriching daily life with digital technology, and need for support when using digital technology. The second is divided into two; divided experiences regarding digital communication with health and social care and a longing for information about healthcare through digital technology.

Conclusion: The diversity showed how older persons cannot be seen as a homogeneous group regarding the use of digital technology. Individual preferences of older persons should be acknowledged by health care professionals and policy makers prior to deciding whether the use of digital technology is preferable, and in which situations. Support and education for older person in using digital technology is essential, as is involving older persons in designing the digital technology that is developed for them to use. Otherwise, older persons may become more dependent on others to manage their everyday life.

The meal environment is the first impression of a meal, and, if it is not appealing, it lowers the willingness to eat. Malnutrition is the registered nurses’ (RN) responsibility in the municipality. However, the responsibility of the meal environment is unclear. Therefore, semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses were held, aiming to explore RNs’ experiences of meal environment within long-term care facilities for older persons, analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The study method was compliant with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. The meal environment became a grey area of responsibility, overshadowed by focus on nutrition for the RN. The RN expressed how they did not consider it part of their role to create a positive mealtime environment, avoiding the meal environment at mealtimes. However, they experienced an obstacle of raising these needs were lack of time and a stagnant view of the division of labor between the RN and assistant nurse, leading to the meal environment becoming no one’s responsibility. 

Aim: This study described healthcare professionals' experiences of tasks that contribute to job satisfaction.

Design: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted.

Methods: Data were collected through a survey questionnaire with an open-ended question on job satisfaction. 5464 healthcare professionals responded to the questionnaire. Data were analysed through manifest qualitative content analysis.

Results: The theme ‘Enhancing healthcare professionals' job satisfaction through coherence, manageability, and meaningfulness’ emerged with the following five categories: Enhancing person-centred care, Enhancing education, mentorship, and patient communication, Enhancing active participation in organisational development and transformation, Enhancing multi-professional teamwork and collaborative care, and Enhancing rewards and support.

Conclusion: This study emphasises that job satisfaction among healthcare professionals depends on meaningful caring activities, a supportive work environment, and workplace resources. These factors boost resilience, reduce stress, and improve retention and patient care. A resource-based, salutogenic approach promotes both professional and personal well-being, fostering healthier, more effective healthcare environments.

Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.

Introduction: In ambulance services, personnel often work together in teams. There are two personnel in ambulances, at least one of whom is a registered nurse. Besides leading nursing work, the registered nurse should be able to lead and work in teams. The registered nurse develops an intuitive approach through work experience, enabling them to act without analysing their actions.

Aim: This study illuminates registered nurses’ perceptions of factors affecting teamwork and solo work in ambulance care.

Method: The sample consisted of ten registered nurses from ambulance stations in western Sweden. Semi-structured individual interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis, according to Graneheim and Lundman (2004).

Results: Ambulance healthcare nurses emphasise continuous teamwork, where clear roles and effective communication are key. Team continuity fosters trust among colleagues for a safer work environment. Striking a balance between new and experienced staff is crucial. Experience and reflection are vital for building professional knowledge, instilling confidence, and fostering an intuitive approach.

Conclusion: Secure teamwork and solo work require experience, continuity, distinct roles, communication, and reflection.

Efficient teamwork is crucial to provide optimal health care. This paper focuses on teamwork between Anaesthesiologists (ANES), Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists’ (CRNA) and Critical Care Registered Nurses (CCRN) working in challenging environments such as the intensive care unit (ICU) and the operating room (OR). Conflicts are common between physicians and nurses, negatively impacting teamwork. Social hierarchies based on professional status and power inequalities between nurses and physicians plays a vital role in influencing teamwork. Foucault was a famous thinker especially known for his reasoning regarding power/knowledge. A Foucauldian perspective was therefore incorporated into this paper and the overall aim was to explore CCRN/CRNA perception of knowledge/power in teamwork with ANES.

Methods A mixed-method approach was applied in this study. Data was collected using a web-based questionnaire containing both closed-end and open-ended questions. A total of 289 CCRNs and CRNAs completed the questionnaire. Data analysis was then conducted through five stages as outlined by Onwuebugzie and Teddlie; analysing quantitative data in SPSS 27.0 and qualitative data with a directed content analysis, finally merging data together in ATLAS.ti v.23.

Results The result reveals a dissonance between quantitative and qualitative data; quantitative data indicates a well-functioning interdisciplinary teamwork between CCRN/CRNA and ANES - qualitative data highlights that there are several barriers and inequalities between the two groups. Medicine was perceived as superior to nursing, which was reinforced by both social and organisational structures at the ICU and OR.

Conclusion Unconscious rules underlying current power structures in the ICU and OR works in favour of the ANES and biomedical paradigm, supporting medical knowledge. To achieve a more equal power distribution between CCRN/CRNAs and ANES, the structural hierarchies between nursing and medicine needs to be addressed. A more equal power balance between the two disciplines can improve teamwork and thereby reduce patient mortality and improve patient outcomes.

Nursing students are important future health care providers to the growing number of older persons in society. However, two barriers are their common ageist attitudes and lack of interest in geriatrics. This is a concern in light of the global demand for nurses and a challenge that need to be addressed in nurse education. Age suit simulation has been shown to affect the attitudes of students toward older persons, but the important context of home is often missing from studies. Accordingly, the present study employed a quantitative approach with the goal of investigating the effects of aging simulation with an age suit in a home context as a part of experiential learning among second-year nursing students. The age simulation allowed the students to experience both specific and common health problems from the patient’s point of view in a controlled environment and a relevant context: the home. Data were collected using a questionnaire in a quasi-experimental pretest – posttest design with a control group. Results showed that the intervention had a positive effect on various aspects of the nursing students’ perspectives on caring for older persons. Work experience was associated with more positive attitudes. The control group was more negative toward geriatrics as a career choice than the intervention group. In conclusion, age suit simulation can be an innovative part of nurse education because it raises awareness and understanding of the health challenges of older persons, which are important in combating ageism among future nurses.

Background: It has been suggested that the university environment, to improve students’ health status and educational outcomes, should be based on a health promoting approach. More knowledge is needed about health promoting resources and lifestyle factors that may be of value for students in higher education and their future work-life balance. The aim of this study was to explore health-promoting resources, general health and wellbeing, and health promoting lifestyle factors among fourth and final semester students in higher education in healthcare and social work.

Methods: This longitudinal study is based on self-reported data collected through a web-based questionnaire that included questions about general health, wellbeing, and healthy lifestyle factors and made use of instruments: the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS), and five questions from the General Nordic Questionnaire (QPS Nordic). The questionnaire was distributed among students enrolled in seven different healthcare and social work programmes at six universities in Sweden. Data was collected when students were in their fourth (2019/2020) and final (2020/2021) semesters analysed with multiple linear and logistic regressions.

Results: The survey included responses from students during the fourth (n = 498) and the final (n = 343) semester of higher education programmes in health and social work. Total SOC scores decreased between the fourth semester and the final semester. The prevalence of the health promoting lifestyle factor of physical exercise decreased between the fourth and final semesters. Students in their final semester reported valuing group work more highly than did students in their fourth semester. Despite this, students in both the fourth and the final semester reported high SOC, low levels of good general health and perceived wellbeing, and sleeping problems.

Conclusions: Students’ report of good general health were associated with wellbeing, high-intensity physical training, and no sleeping problems A high SOC level was associated with good general health, perceived wellbeing, and no sleeping problems. A higher SHIS level was also associated with wellbeing and no sleeping problems. Therefore, we suggest further research focusing on how to prepare students in healthcare and social work during higher education for a future work-life in balance targeting effects on sleep quality.