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Purpose of the studyHealth education is essential to improve health care behavior and self-management. However, educating frail, older nursing home residents about their health is challenging. Focusing on empowerment may be the key to educating nursing home residents effectively. This paper examines educational interventions that can be used to empower nursing home residents.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and Embase, screening for clinical trials that dealt with resident education and outcomes in terms of their ability to empower residents. An additional, manual search of the reference lists and searches with SIGLE and Google Scholar were conducted to identify gray literature. Two authors independently appraised the quality of the studies found and assigned levels to the evidence reported. The results of the studies were grouped according to their main empowering outcomes and described narratively.ResultsOut of 427 identified articles, ten intervention studies that addressed the research question were identified. The main educational interventions used were group education sessions, motivational and encouragement strategies, goal setting with residents, and the development of plans to meet defined goals. Significant effects on self-efficacy and self-care behavior were reported as a result of the interventions, which included group education and individual counseling based on resident needs and preferences. In addition, self-care behavior was observed to significantly increase in response to function-focused care and reasoning exercises. Perceptions and expectations were not improved by using educational interventions with older nursing home residents.ConclusionIndividually tailored, interactive, continuously applied, and structured educational strategies, including motivational and encouraging techniques, are promising interventions that can help nursing home residents become more empowered. Empowering strategies used by nurses can support residents in their growth and facilitate their self-determination. Further research on the empowerment of residents using empowerment scales is needed.

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The objective of this study was to assess burdens placed on and consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nursing home staff. Design We conducted a qualitative descriptive interview study. Methods We interviewed 18 nurses, nursing aides and care aides from five different nursing homes by using a semi‐structured interview guideline between June and September 2020. Data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis method by combining an inductive and deductive coding frame. Results Results show that the qualitative work load and work organization were major concerns. Regarding the qualitative work load, participants stated that they were required to perform additional tasks to care for residents, because the pandemic interventions placed the residents under stress and dealing with relatives presented significant challenges. Nursing home staff reported that psychological consequences such as uncertainty, fear and stress represented major effects of the COVID‐19 situation. Conclusion We could show that qualitative workloads were assessed and perceived differently. Most nursing home care staff members experienced the changes in working conditions as both physically and psychologically challenging. Impact We highly recommend that nursing home staff receive support in such pandemics by being allowed, for example personal protective equipment breaks. Individually tailored programs need to be established to enhance wellbeing and decrease psychological stress and fear in such challenging times.

Aim The study aim was to explore the physical, mental, and social effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Austrian nurses working in hospitals. Background The COVID‐19 pandemic required nurses to work extremely hard and over long periods, which can have physical, psychological, and social consequences. Methods This study was carried out using a qualitative descriptive design and data was collected through individual interviews using an interview guide. A qualitative content analysis was conducted taking both deductive and inductive approaches. Findings Eighteen nurses (average age of 34.7 years) participated in the study. Their general attitude and feelings regarding working during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the hospital setting were positive. Several behavioral changes in the nurses’ daily working and private daily lives were reported. Psychological impacts included the fear of infecting someone at home, insomnia, and sadness. Headaches, diarrhea, muscle tension, skin redness, and increased sweating were identified as the most common physical impacts. In terms of social impact, all nurses mentioned social isolation and the increased use of (new) media. Conclusions Working with people suffering from COVID‐19 had psychological and physical effects on caregivers. Caregivers felt socially isolated in their private environments; however, they often compensated for this isolation by using social media. Implications for nursing and implications for nursing policy Staff perceived the provision of sufficient information, regular team meetings, and the employer's positive reinforcement as supportive, enhancing their feelings of security. We recommend providing more psychological support and making structural adjustments in daily clinical practice to counteract the negative effects of working during a pandemic.