ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2486-9814
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.14964
Abstract: To explore the experiences of being an older nurse or midwife employed in the healthcare workplace. A qualitative descriptive study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nurses and midwives who self‐identified as older workers. All Australian states were represented and given recruitment was undertaken nationally, most interviews were conducted via telephone. Data were collected between November 2018 and October 2019. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and then thematically analysed. A total of 50 nurses and midwives were recruited, aged between 46 and 74 years. Three themes were identified. Ageing body: Being an older worker meant increased fatigue and physical changes affecting their ability to function at full capacity. Youth focus: For many, being an older worker was about being viewed as a poor‐quality worker, with limited access to education and promotional opportunities because of their age. Wise worker: For a small number of older nurses and midwives, it was about being valued and respected for their knowledge, experience and skills. Participants self‐identifying as older nurses or midwives represented a wide age range. Spanning across the age spectrum, many experienced fatigue, physical changes or loss of value to the workplace which often impacted on their working lives. The findings contributed to an understanding about what it is to be an older nurse or midwife in terms of how their contribution is regarded and valued by others in the workplace. This study highlighted there is a need for support of older nurses and midwives in managing age‐related fatigue and physical changes. It also suggests consideration of a wise‐worker model as a means to recognize the important contribution that older workers can offer.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-09-2020
Abstract: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) management for haemodialysis (HD) is one of the most challenging aspects of clinical care. A successful cannulation outcome when an AVF or arteriovenous graft (AVG) is used for the first time can be influenced by many factors, including access maturity, staff skill, and patient factors. This study examined AVF/AVG outcomes at initiation of HD across two major metropolitan public hospitals. Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect data retrospectively for a cohort of all newly commencing ESRD HD starts during 2018 to identify cannulation outcomes in the first 6 weeks. Of the 117 patients included, AVG use was low (5%). Twenty-four percent of patients required a surgical intervention to salvage a poorly functioning AVF prior to commencing HD. About 32.5% of the cohort had an uneventful start with all successful cannulations. For the remainder of the cohort the number of treatments with unsuccessful cannulation ranged from 1 to 4 or more. About 36% required a surgical intervention for a poorly functioning AVF after commencing HD. Commencing HD with a CVC is associated with a lower likelihood of subsequent successful cannulation ( p 0.001). Even in experienced centres, a subset of patients experienced complicated cannulation in the first 6 weeks of HD. Several areas of improvement could be considered for these patients timely referral for access creation, post-operative surveillance to ensure AVF maturation inclusive of duplex ultrasonography, gentle induction using small gauge needles and low blood flows, and consideration of a single needle HD initiation pathway.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2017
DOI: 10.1111/INR.12344
Abstract: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the influencing factors of suicidal ideation in Chinese patients diagnosed with stomach cancer. More recently, links have been made between suicide and cancer. For inpatients with cancer, nurses are at the front line to cope with suicidal issues in clinical settings. This study was part of a larger study that investigated psychological strains and related factors associated with suicidal ideation. Thirty-two patients with stomach cancer participated in a face-to-face interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Four themes were identified as protective factors against suicidal ideation: suicidal denial and fears of stigmatization positive coping skills family connectedness and desire to live well and longer. Consistent with previous research, these four protective factors may encourage participants to think more positively about life and cancer. Our findings suggest four protective factors for targeted suicide prevention, which may play an important role in future suicide-prevention programmes for Chinese patients diagnosed with stomach cancer. Nurses may help reduce patients' risk for suicidal ideation more effectively by discussing beliefs, family and meaning in life perspectives, as well as offering health education about positive coping skills. Clinical nurses, hospitals and the government should work collaboratively with each other. It is suggested that Chinese national guidelines for working with the high-risk suicide populations should be considered within a future mental health working plan.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2015.05.016
Abstract: This paper demonstrates the establishment of an extra-curricular education program in Chinese context and evaluates its effectiveness on undergraduate nursing students' self-directed learning. Zimmerman's self-directed learning model was used as the theoretical framework for the development of an education program. Mixed-method was applied in this research study. 165 undergraduate students from a nursing college were ided into experimental group (n=32) and control group (n=133). Pre- and post-tests were implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of this education program using the self-directed learning scale of nursing undergraduates. Qualitative interview was undertaken within participants from the experimental group to obtain their insights into the influence of this program. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that the program contributed to nursing students' self-directed learning ability. In the experimental group, the post-test score showed an increase compared with pretest score (p<0.05). The score of experimental group was higher than control group (p<0.05) after 18months training, while there was no difference between them before this program. Qualitative results from 9 students' experience were formulated as three main thematic categories: influence on awareness, influence on learning activities and influence on learning environment. It can be found in the qualitative analysis that learners benefited from this program. The education program contributes to the improvement of nursing undergraduates' self-directed learning. Various pedagogic methods could be applied for self-directed learning.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.ORCP.2011.04.007
Abstract: Obesity has been widely regarded as a public health concern because of its adverse impact on in iduals' health. Systematic reviews have been published in examining the effect of obesity on depression, but with major emphasis on general obesity as measured by the body mass index. Despite a stronger effect of abdominal obesity on in iduals' physical health outcomes, to our best knowledge, no systematic review was undertaken with regard to the relationship between abdominal obesity and depression. This paper reports the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies examining the relationship between abdominal obesity and depression in a general population. Multiple electronic databases were searched until the end of September 2009. 15 articles were systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. The analysis showed that the odds ratio of having depression for in iduals with abdominal obesity was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.22-1.57) as compared to those who are not obese. Furthermore, it was found that this relationship did not vary with potential confounders including gender, age, measurement of depression and abdominal obesity, and study quality.:
Publisher: Cambridge Media
Date: 08-11-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.15494
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore healthcare managers' perceptions about older nurses' and midwives' and their contribution to the workplace. A qualitative descriptive methodology. Twenty healthcare managers working in Australia participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were collected between April 2019 and April 2021. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analysed using thematic analysis. All healthcare managers said older nurses and midwives contributed to the workplace through their experience and knowledge. Managers viewed them as a different type of worker and while there were some positive aspects to this, it was mostly negative. Although managers identified a broad age range for the older nurses or midwives, there was a common perception that if they were no longer able to perform their duties, they should leave the workforce. Healthcare managers' perceptions towards older nurses and midwives are mostly negative, and their understanding of older workers' contribution is contradictory and poor. These negative views co‐exist with the lack of agreement on who is the older worker, which explain the reluctance of healthcare organizations to invest in their older workforce. Future research is needed to better understand the unique contribution of older nurses and midwives in healthcare and how they can be supported at work. The global ageing population will result in a rise in complex age‐related health issues and will require an experienced and knowledgeable workforce. Given the greater experience of older nurses and midwives they are an important part of the health workforce. Yet managers' perception of the contribution by older nurses and midwives were often negative. The findings of this study highlight the need for organizational change so that the contribution of older nurses and midwives is recognized and supported by managers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-09-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1442-2018.2012.00734.X
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence the quality of life among Tianjin Chinese living with type 2 diabetes. In this study, the quality of life was assessed in 174 participants. The dependent variables included demographic and clinical data, depressive symptoms and lifestyle behavioral factors. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify significant factors. Using multiple regression analyses, the odds ratios (ORs) of having low quality of life were 4.53 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.89-10.87), 2.83 (95% CI = 1.21-6.63), and 2.48 (95% CI = 1.03-5.96) for patients with microvascular complications, diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease, respectively. Coronary heart disease, depression, and unhealthy eating habits were also found to have significant negative effects on quality of life. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that regular exercise (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12-0.71) was a protective factor for health-related quality of life. The identification of these influencing factors will assist nurses to provide continuous care to people living with diabetes, thus to postpone or avoid complications as well as improve their quality of life.
Publisher: American Society for Clinical Investigation
Date: 15-07-2021
DOI: 10.1172/JCI149459
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-01-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JORC.12313
Abstract: In iduals receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) report low levels of physical activity, which increases their risk of morbidity and mortality. Little is known about their perceptions towards barriers and benefits of exercise or physical activity. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of exercise among people receiving PD. Cross-sectional survey. Thirty-nine adults (12 female and 27 male) with a mean age of 65 years and a median of 8 months receiving PD from one Australian dialysis service. The 26-item Dialysis Patient-Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers Survey was adapted to PD in order to measure self-reported barriers and benefits of exercise for people being treated with PD. The majority of the respondents reported positive perceptions towards exercise with 84.6% of the participants agreeing that exercise prevents muscular wasting 71.8% agreed that exercise can postpone a decline in body function and 69.2% agreed that exercise improves general well-being. In terms of barriers, symptoms including tiredness (69.2%) and body pain (43.6%), worrying about a fall (33.3%) and lack of exercise-related information (25.6%) were the main perceived barriers to exercise. Only 10% agreed that exercise may affect their PD catheter with 23% agreeing that fluid in their peritoneum was a barrier to exercise. People on PD hold positive perceptions towards exercise but face a number of perceived barriers to physical activity. Clinicians can acknowledge these barriers and focus on helping people on PD to overcome their perceived barriers to encourage sustained exercise participation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SMRV.2017.12.001
Abstract: Light plays an essential role in maintaining alertness levels. Like other non-image-forming responses, the alerting effect of light is influenced by its spectral wavelength, duration and intensity. Alertness levels are also dependent on circadian rhythm (process C) and homeostatic sleep pressure (process S), consistent with the classic two-process model of sleep regulation. Over the last decade, there has been increasing recognition of an additional process (referred to as the third process) in sleep regulation. This third process seems to receive sensory inputs from body systems such as digestion, and is usually synchronised with process C and process S. Previous studies on the alerting effect of light have been mostly conducted in laboratories. Although these studies are helpful in delineating the impact of process C and process S, their ability to assist in understanding the third process is limited. This systematic review investigated the factors that influence the alerting effect of light by examining randomised controlled trials and randomised or counterbalanced crossover studies. Factors that influence light's alerting effect were examined with reference to the three-process model. The post-illuminance alerting effect was examined separately due to its potential to offer flexible workplace-based light interventions to increase or maintain employees' alertness.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2014.09.011
Abstract: Sleep disturbance is a common complaint for women going through the menopausal transition. A previous systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed a small but significant relationship between self-reported sleep disturbance and menopausal stage and highlighted a possible influence of culture. However, the longitudinal relationship between self-reported sleep disturbance and menopausal transition has not been explored. This paper aimed to review literature on the longitudinal relationship between self-reported sleep disturbance and menopausal transition among community dwelling midlife women. Multiple electronic databases were systematically searched. Literature published prior to 2013 was reviewed. A narrative synthesis was used to analyse the results due to high level of heterogeneity across the included studies. Overall, review of eligible studies showed a small increased risk of self-reported sleep disturbance as women go through the menopausal transition after adjustment of potential confounders. Although the methodological quality of the majority of included studies was classified as high, the impact of culture on this relationship could not be explored, as all of the included studies were conducted in western countries. Like vasomotor symptoms, self-reported sleep disturbance is one of the core menopausal symptoms. Management strategies should be put in place to help women manage sleep disturbance to prevent complications and to improve health related quality of life.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-04-2016
DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2015.1037443
Abstract: We investigated the percentage of women with poor sleep quality and its related factors among mainland Chinese women. Sleep quality and menopausal status were self-reported. We explored the contribution of possible risk factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle, psychological status, stressful life events, and vasomotor symptoms. We found that 38.6% of midlife Chinese women were poor sleepers. This percentage was higher in comparison with women from other Asian countries. Our multiple logistic regression showed that anxiety, comorbidities, perceived stress, and vasomotor symptoms were risk factors for poor sleep quality.
Publisher: Cambridge Media
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-11-2010
DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2010.486096
Abstract: We investigated the temporal relationship between lifestyle and mental health among 564 midlife women. The mental health measured included anxiety, depression, and mental well-being the lifestyle measures included body mass index (BMI), exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and caffeine consumption. We found that BMI was positively related with mental well-being (r = .316, p = .009) smokers had lower mental well-being than nonsmokers (β = 6.725, p = .006), and noncaffeine drinkers had higher mental well-being (β = 5, p = .023). Past alcohol-drinkers had less anxiety than nondrinkers (β = 1.135, p = .04). Therefore, lifestyle is predictive of mental health among midlife and older women.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/WVN.12634
Abstract: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex health condition that profoundly impacts an in idual's general health and well‐being throughout their entire lifetime. People with CKD require the knowledge, confidence, and skills to actively self‐manage their health. This is referred to as patient activation. The efficacy of interventions to increase patient activation in the CKD population is unclear. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of patient activation interventions on behavioral health‐related outcomes among people with CKD stages 3–5. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with CKD stages 3–5 was performed. MEDLINE, EMCARE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO databases were searched between 2005 and February 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Bridge Institute critical appraisal tool. Nineteen RCTs that enrolled 4414 participants were included for synthesis. Only one RCT reported patient activation using the validated 13‐item patient activation measure (PAM–13). Four studies demonstrated strong evidence that the intervention group developed a higher level of self‐management compared to the control group (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.12, 95% CI [0.36, 1.87], p = .004). Eight RCTs led to a significant improvement in self‐efficacy (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI [0.39, 1.06], p .0001). There was weak to no evidence on the effect of the strategies shown on the physical component and mental components of health‐related quality of life, and medication adherence. This meta‐analysis highlights the importance of including tailored interventions using a cluster approach including patient education, goal setting with in idualized action plan, and problem‐solving to engage patients to be more actively involved in the self‐management of their CKD.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-03-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JORC.12411
Abstract: Haemodialysis plastic cannulae have been limited to incident arterio‐venous fistulae cannulation or in those who require a more flexible in situ access device. The feasibility of plastic cannulae in prevalent patients on haemodialysis has not been reported. To determine the feasibility of plastic cannulae in prevalent haemodialysis patients. Prospective feasibility crossover randomised control trial. Adults diagnosed with chronic kidney disease G5 requiring haemodialysis three or more times per week via a native arteriovenous fistula previously cannulated for at least 6 weeks. Cannulation success rate, cannulation manipulation type, arterial and venous needle pressure. Patient needle‐related anxiety as measured by the 4‐item Patient Health Questionnaire and Meditation in Dialysis Questionnaire and nurse satisfaction. Eight patients completed 12 weeks plastic canulae and metal needles. Plastic cannulae were less likely to be successful in cannulation compared to metal needles (odds ratio = 0.15 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05–0.48 p = 0.001). There was no effect of type of needle on the change in arterial needle pressure or change in venous needle pressure and no effect of plastic needle on repositioning (relative risk [RR] = 1.09 95% CI: 0.385, 3.089 p = .871) or gauze pillow application (RR = 0.936 95% CI: 0.467, 1.874 p = .851) than metal needles, relative to no manipulation. There were low rates of psychological distress or needle‐related anxiety towards plastic or metal needles. Plastic cannulae are feasible in prevalent haemodialysis patients, however, metal needles are still preferred in a haemodialysis center that has historically used metal needles.
No related grants have been discovered for Qunyan Xu.