TOPIC

Medical-surgical research

Everything we have read on medical-surgical. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

76 PAPERS · PAGE 1 OF 2 · NEWEST FIRST

• RNCohort2026Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy interruption in hospitalized people living with HIV: a retrospective cohort.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PAmong 208 hospitalized people with HIV, 82 had interrupted HIV medication. Male sex, alcohol or other drug use, homelessness, longer travel to pick up medication, previous interruption, and late diagnosis were linked with interruption.
• RNSurvey2026Investigation of Discharge Readiness and Influencing Factors in Post-Surgical Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome.Nursing openPost-surgical OSAHS patients' discharge readiness was lower in those living alone and higher with better discharge teaching, higher education level, and more social support. Nurses can assess these before discharge.
• RNQualitative2026More Than Their Bodies. Aesthetic Dimensions of Nursing Care to People With Eating Disorders.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesSmall joyful activities, such as piano, games, walks and flowers, were described by an experienced eating disorder nurse as ways to meet patients beyond illness on the ward. He said they gave hope, not evidence that the activities improve recovery.
• RNSurvey2026Educational Needs Analysis for Postoperative Early Ambulation Among Surgical-Ward Nurses and Patients: Using Borich Needs Assessment and Locus for Focus Models.Journal of clinical nursingNurses and postoperative patients identified large gaps between recognizing the importance of early ambulation and performing preparatory exercises. Knee-to-chest, ankle exercises, and upper extremity movements were the top priorities for education.
• RNOther2026Validation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the Nurse Intuition Patient Deterioration Scale: A Methodological Study.Nursing openNurses' intuition ratings of 250 hospitalized patients stayed consistent and stable on a Persian scale, but its high-risk cut-off was not tested against ICU transfer, cardiac arrest, or death.
• RNSurvey2026Current Status and Associated Factors of Discharge Readiness in Ambulatory-Surgery Patients Based on Transition Theory: A Cross-Sectional Study.Nursing openMost ambulatory surgery patients had moderate discharge readiness, but 17% were unprepared. Quality of discharge teaching was the strongest factor linked to readiness. Older age, living alone, and lower health literacy were associated with lower readiness.
• RNRCT2026Body mass index and baricitinib treatment effect in hospitalized adults with COVID-19: A secondary analysis of ACTT-2.Heart & lung : the journal of critical careBaricitinib plus remdesivir did not show a substantially different recovery benefit across BMI in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Diabetes and hypertension also did not change the recovery benefit.
• RNOther2026Intravenous Smart Pump Alarms in Everyday Hospital Use: A Real-world Descriptive Analysis.Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCNBaxter IV pumps produced 5,129,505 alarms over 1,102,303 infusions. Most were downstream occlusion, air-in-line, infusion-complete, or upstream occlusion. 99% of starts generated a completion alarm.
• RNOther2026Leveraging Natural Language Processing for Symptom Identification in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using Clinical Notes from Electronic Health Records.Cancer nursingA tool that reads AML inpatient notes found symptom terms in most encounters, including GI (97.26%), pain (95.88%), myelosuppression symptoms (95.73%), and cardiovascular symptoms (92.85%). It was not tested to improve care.
• RNSystematic Review2026Comparative effectiveness of various intubation fixation devices for patients undergoing tracheal intubation in the ICU: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.International journal of nursing sciencesIn ICU patients with a breathing tube through the mouth, overall comparisons did not show clear differences in tube movement or facial pressure injuries among ways to hold the tube. Tape-and-strap fixation may reduce discomfort compared with dental pads, but evidence is limited.
• RNCohort2026Post-discharge evaluation of patients with hospital-acquired pressure injuries: prospective cohort study.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemStroke was associated with slower early healing of hospital-acquired pressure injuries after discharge. Among those interviewed at day 60, 48 of 57 improved or healed, but 22.1% of the group died and 10.6% to 16.8% were readmitted within 60 days.
• RNCase Series2026Evaluation of Continuous Z-Plasty Technique for Linear Scar Repair on the Face: A Retrospective Analysis.Advances in skin & wound careIn 21 patients with stable facial linear scars, continuous Z-plasty was followed by lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, narrower scars, and 18 patients reported satisfaction. This was a small retrospective series without a control group.
• RNQualitative2026Using Social Media Listening to Understand the Pressure Injury Experience: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.JMIR nursingPeople posting about pressure injuries blamed missed care, poor knowledge, equipment shortages and delayed discharge, and asked for clear education and ongoing support. Most posts came from observers and caregivers, not patients themselves.
• RNSystematic Review2026Continuous Insulin Infusion System and self-care in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: scope review.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemFrequent glucose checks, regular insulin pump boluses, and bolus calculator use were linked to lower HbA1c in type 1 diabetes, but many pump users reported inadequate education and support.
• RNOther2026Prevalence and factors associated with severe pain in the postoperative period of orthopedic surgery.Revista brasileira de enfermagemSevere pain affected 63.5% of 63 postoperative orthopedic patients, with the highest incidence on the first and second postoperative day. Mobilization was associated with severe pain, while regular physical activity was associated with fewer severe pain reports.
• RNQualitative2026Challenges Experienced by Patients With Chronic Venous Disease in Unresolved Postoperative Recovery After Iliac Vein Stenting: A Phenomenological Study.The Journal of cardiovascular nursingAfter iliac vein stenting, 12 patients with unresolved recovery described unexplained pain, stiffness and movement limits, then endured and delayed asking for help until distress forced them to seek care. Some later created self-paced routines to regain control.
• RNSurvey2026Posttraumatic Stress in Caregivers of Burn-Injured Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.The American journal of nursing48.33% of caregivers of children with burn injuries reached the score threshold for posttraumatic stress symptoms. Witnessing the burn had a greater influence among factors tested. The finding points to caregiver distress, not only child injury.
• RNCase Report2026Conversion Practices in Eating Disorder Treatment: A Lived Experience Narrative.Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursingA trans man's account describes eating disorder inpatient care that pathologised his gender distress, withheld gender-affirming medical care, and used coercion. He reports lasting trauma and delayed access to care. Nurses can assess gender dysphoria and protect autonomy.
• RNCohort2026A Retrospective Analysis of Deep Tissue Pressure Injury Prevalence and Incidence Using a Large-scale Wound Care Database in Long-term Care Settings Across North America.Advances in skin & wound careIn skilled nursing facilities in the United States and Canada, deep tissue pressure injury prevalence rose to 7.16% in 2021 and stayed at 6.20% in 2022 and 2023; rates were highest in the 81 to 90 age group and slightly higher in females.
• RNRCT2026Family Health Conversations-A Short-Term Supportive Intervention to Improve Family Well-Being, Functioning, and Involvement in Care After Open-Heart Surgery: A Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-Group Superiority Trial.Journal of family nursingNurse-led video family conversations added to usual care did not improve family well-being at 90 days after open-heart surgery. Some health-related quality of life subscales favoured intervention, but the main outcome was null.
• RNCohort2026Decision-Making Readiness and Its Influencing Factors Among Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study.Nursing openPatients receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer scored a median 62.00 on a 20 to 100 decision-readiness scale, moderate. Wanting to take part was linked with higher readiness, and conflict with lower. Nurses can assess and target support.
• RNOther2026Correlation between physical symptoms and overall comfort in hospitalized cancer patients in palliative care.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PHigher symptom scores were linked to lower comfort in hospitalized cancer patients receiving palliative care. Pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, appetite and well-being all tracked inversely; breathlessness did not.
• RNRCT2026Dermatological Safety of Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Dressings in Paediatric Intensive Care: A Randomised Clinical Trial.Nursing in critical careSkin lesions were not clearly different overall between PICU central line dressings. Infants with chlorhexidine developed lesions much earlier. Catheter infections were lower, but that was a secondary outcome.
• RNOther2026Concordance Between Patient-Reported and Clinically Documented Symptoms in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.Oncology nursing forumIn 31 hospitalized adults with AML, drowsiness and sadness were often reported but rarely recorded in the chart. Skin changes and swelling were recorded more often than patients reported them.
• RNOther2026Perspectives and Experiences of People Receiving Care on a De-escalation Intervention to Reduce Restrictive Practices in Acute Mental Health Units.International journal of mental health nursingStandardised measures of empowerment, dehumanisation and staff actions showed no significant change after implementing a nurse-led de-escalation framework. Patients described how clear communication, gentle care and meaningful activities supported safety, while coercion and system strain harmed recovery.
• RNSurvey2026The Mediating Roles of Self-Disclosure and Social Support in the Relationship Between Self-Perceived Burden and Benefit Finding Among Postoperative Colorectal Cancer Patients.Nursing openPostoperative colorectal cancer patients who felt more burdened by their illness reported fewer positive changes from it. Social support and sharing worries were linked to more positive changes, but the study did not test whether changing them helps.
• PTRNCase Report2026Case Series: Episodes of Care in an Intensive Care Garden-Does Fresh Air Matter?Nursing in critical careICU patients used a garden space for end-of-life care and rehabilitation. Relatives and staff described it as private, natural and supportive, but the report cannot show fresh air improved outcomes.
• RNRCTDraining Urinary Sediments Through Conventional Eyelet Catheters and New Intermittent Micro-Hole Zone Catheters.Journal of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing : official publication of The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses SocietyClear urine from healthy volunteers and intermittent catheter users drained through both eyelet and micro-hole catheters. In cloudy urine with visible particles, micro-hole catheters needed wiggling in 10 samples and failed in 6 eyelet-drained samples.
• RNSystematic Review2026Rules and Limit-Setting in Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Wards: A Systematic Narrative Review.Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing : official publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, IncNo agreed standard for adolescent psychiatric ward rules emerged, but reviewed wards mostly set limits on aggression, sexual activity, participation and schedules. Young people said rules felt fairer when staff explained why they existed and applied them consistently.
• RNQualitative2026Intensive Home Treatment in Mental Health: A Qualitative Exploration of Carers' Experiences.International journal of mental health nursingFamily carers during intensive home mental health treatment described exhaustion, disrupted routines and anxiety, but also closer relationships. They wanted private time with professionals without the patient present to express doubts and distress.
• RNCohort2026Potential Drug-Drug Interactions With Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Among Long-Term Care Facility Residents.Journal of the American Medical Directors Association85.9% of long-term care residents given nirmatrelvir/ritonavir also received a potentially interacting medication on the same day. Atorvastatin (28.1%), amlodipine (21.6%), and apixaban (15.9%) were common. This supports medication review, but does not show harm.
• RNSurvey2026Families' View on Primary Nursing in Intensive Care Units - A Cross-Sectional Study.Nursing in critical careFamilies of ICU patients rated nursing care similarly under primary nursing and standard care. Only three of 14 satisfaction items differed, and the groups were not comparable.
• RNOther2026Analysis of Characteristics Associated With Advanced-Stage Pressure Injury Classification Among Korean Hospitalised Patients: A Secondary Data Analysis.Nursing openAmong hospitalised patients with pressure injuries, urinary incontinence, malnutrition, older age, male sex and longer stay were linked to advanced-stage classification; fall history and Alzheimer's disease were linked to mild-stage classification.
• RNOther2026Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the ICU: A Nurse-Led Evidence Based Quality Improvement Initiative.Nursing openA nurse-led CVC maintenance flowchart with training, bedside reminders and audits coincided with a fall in CLABSI rates. No concurrent control group, so other trends cannot be excluded.
• RNOther2026Delirium-Related Distress of Hospitalised Older Adults Within the Framework of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Literature.International journal of mental health nursingHospitalised older adults recalled delirium as frightening, lonely and confusing, with fear, shame and distrust. Family presence, calm validation and hand holding were described as easing distress, while rushed or critical staff communication was linked to more distress.
• RNSystematic Review2026The Core Competencies of Nurses Providing Home-based Palliative Care to Patients with Incurable Diseases: A Scoping Review.International journal of community based nursing and midwiferyNurses delivering home-based palliative care need knowledge of disease and health systems, attitudes supporting teamwork and ethics, and skills in pain, symptom, psychological, spiritual, and social care. These competencies span the whole disease trajectory from diagnosis through death.
• RNSurvey2026The Mediating Role of Patient Satisfaction With Nursing Care Quality in the Association Between Provision of Compassionate Care and Patient Loyalty: A Cross-Sectional Study.Nursing openHospitalized patients who rated nurses' compassionate care higher also reported greater satisfaction with nursing care and loyalty to the hospital. Patients expected more compassionate care than they received, and their satisfaction was linked to loyalty.
• RNRCT2026Effect of a Stoma Care Training Belt on Stoma Care Skills, Adjustment, Anxiety and Satisfaction in Intestinal Stoma Patients: Randomized Controlled Study.Nursing openIn intestinal stoma patients, preoperative nurse training with a wearable belt raised skill and adjustment scores, lowered anxiety after discharge, and improved education satisfaction versus standard care.
• RNQualitative2026Coping with COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit admission.Revista brasileira de enfermagemSurvivors of COVID-19 intensive care described lasting fatigue, breathlessness, memory problems, anxiety and depression. They valued nurses' comforting words, touch, listening and monitoring, and said the experience made them cherish health, family and simple daily moments.
• RNOther2026Development and Validation of a Chinese Version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Instrument After Initial Invasive Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage: A Methodological Study.Nursing openA Chinese 22-item questionnaire for patients with biliary drains asks about drain knowledge, coping, personal readiness and support. It may help nurses spot gaps before discharge, but has not yet been shown to reduce complications or readmission.
• RNQualitative2026Ethnic Disparities in Clinical Decision-Making for Rapid Tranquillisation in Adult Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Settings: A Qualitative Study.International journal of mental health nursingStaff documentation showed similar medication and restraint patterns across ethnic groups, but ethnic-minority patients had shorter warning signs, less documented negotiation and planning, and less debriefing after forced sedation.
• RNOther2026Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated With Pressure Injuries in Surgical Patients Assessed With the ELPO Scale.International journal of nursing practiceIn 2698 surgical patients, lateral positioning and thermal mattress use were linked to more pressure injuries, while protective cover use was linked to fewer. The prediction models were not ready to guide care.
• RNQualitative2026Patient Experiences of Perioperative Care in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Qualitative Study.Nursing openPatients after lumbar spine surgery described severe preoperative pain, fear of losing ability to walk, relief after surgery, and early difficulty moving. Clear explanations and trust in staff were important to feeling safe; some still worried about recurrence.
• PTRNOther2026Application of patient-reported outcome instruments in nonsurgical management of pelvic organ prolapse: a scoping review.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PCare for pelvic organ prolapse without surgery uses many questionnaires completed by patients, mainly for symptoms, quality of life or treatment outcomes. No one tool covers all key concerns, and timing varies. This maps practice; it does not prove any treatment works.
• RNQualitative2026Project-of-being in transformation: existential experience in bariatric surgery in light of phenomenology.Revista brasileira de enfermagemPeople after bariatric surgery described hope and anguish: improved self-esteem alongside fear of regain, compulsive eating, unfamiliar bodies, regret, and missing emotional support.
• RNQualitative2026A model for professional nurses to facilitate culturally sensitive nursing care for children.CurationisNurses and mothers of hospitalised children described cultural care as strained by nurses’ knowledge gaps, misunderstood expectations and disregard for cultural practices. A model developed from these interviews asks nurses to clarify values, assess culture and partner with families.
• RNQualitative2026Appreciation and coping strategies adopted by children hospitalized for COVID-19 and their primary caregivers.Revista brasileira de enfermagemChildren hospitalized for COVID-19 and their caregivers described fear, boredom, isolation, pain and worry about death. They coped through family contact, screens, play, self-care, faith, staying with the child and talking with staff.
• RNQualitative2026Collaboration With Clinicians in Inpatient Mental Healthcare: A Qualitative Investigation of Consumer Perspectives.International journal of mental health nursingConsumers in involuntary mental health care said collaboration often failed, especially around medication decisions. They felt dismissed as psychotic when ordinary concerns were recorded as illness. Warm, present relationships with clinicians, including nurses, made them feel safe enough to collaborate.
• RNCohort2026Trends in Pediatric Mental Health-Related Emergency Department Visits During the School Year and School Breaks.The Journal of school healthSchool breaks did not coincide with more suicidal ideation visits, but visits during breaks were more often admitted or transferred. Youth mental health ED visits rose after August 2020.
• RNCohort2026Sleep Characteristics of Parents of Children in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Observational Study.Nursing in critical careParents of children in a Korean PICU reported poor sleep, and 14 parents met insomnia criteria. Wrist sensors did not line up with questionnaire scores, and stress was not linked to sleep, so asking and measuring may give different pictures.