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.

940 PAPERS · PAGE 18 OF 19 · NEWEST FIRST

• RNOther2026Management of Moderate-to-Highly Exuding Chronic Leg Ulcers With Superabsorbent Wound Dressings Versus Foams Dressings in Polish Settings: An Early-Stage Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation.International journal of nursing practiceSuperabsorbent dressings were cost-saving versus foam dressings in a Polish chronic leg ulcer model: PLN 11144 versus PLN 14685 per patient, with projected healing 34% versus 32%. This is a model, not direct patient evidence.
• RNCohort2026Dislodgement Rates of Tunneled Femoral Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Pediatric Oncology Patients.Journal of infusion nursing : the official publication of the Infusion Nurses SocietyIn children with cancer, tunneled femoral PICCs had a 12.41% dislodgement rate compared with 40.95% for upper arm PICCs. They also stayed in longer, averaging 181.50 days versus 114.97 days. This supports tunneled femoral placement for reducing catheter loss.
• RNRCT2026Impact of Self-Management Education on Self-care Behaviors, Quality of Life and, Readmission in Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.International journal of community based nursing and midwiferyHeart failure patients who received four weekly self-management videocasts with routine care had better self-care scores, better quality of life, and no readmissions during follow-up than routine care alone.
• RNCohort2026Risk Profiles in Hospitalized Adults Based on Functional Capacity, Pressure Injury Risk, and Fall Risk: A Cluster and Multiple Correspondence Analysis.Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of NursingHospital admission assessments grouped adults into low, moderate, and high combined risk profiles for dependency, pressure injuries, and falls. Older patients, women, and urgent medical admissions were more likely to be high risk.
• RNCohort2026Factors Associated With Postsurgical Pain in Children and Adolescents With Cognitive Dysfunction.Journal of clinical nursingIn children with cognitive dysfunction who could not verbally report pain, 12.1% of assessments showed moderate to severe pain, with higher scores in girls after analgesia and in autism or neurodegenerative disease before analgesia.
• RNOther2026Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Complications: A Comparative Analysis of 6 Reference Documents.Journal of infusion nursing : the official publication of the Infusion Nurses SocietySix peripheral IV catheter guidance documents vary in terminology and coverage. Important complication prevention topics were missing from all documents, especially thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, and infiltration.
• RNQualitative2026Through a Filter of Empathy and Understanding: Patients' Experiences of Missed Nursing Care.Journal of clinical nursingPatients noticed delays and omissions in nursing care but often excused them because they understood staff were busy. Many held back from asking for help, so their unmet needs could go unseen.
• RNCohort2026Symptom Networks in Postsurgical Cancer Pain Across Recovery Stages.Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management NursesHelplessness and sleep disturbance were most connected within 3 months of surgery in cancer pain patients seen in the emergency department; pain interference was the main link later. Overall symptom patterns did not differ.
• RNSurvey2026Examination of the Relationship Between Foot Care Behaviour, Self-Efficacy, and Diabetes Self-Care Among Individuals With and Without Diabetic Foot Wounds.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesFoot care behaviour and overall diabetes self-care scores did not differ between patients with and without diabetic foot wounds, but patients with wounds reported lower confidence in foot care.
• RNCase Report2026The Effects of Nursing Care Applied in the Intensive Care Unit on a Case of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Case Report.Nursing in critical careA man with toxic epidermal necrolysis involving 100% of his skin survived while receiving ICU nursing, medication, nutrition, and specialist care. This is a case report, not evidence that any part caused survival.
• RNCohort2026Development of a Prediction Model for Postoperative Hypoproteinemia in Patients Undergoing Microsurgical Reconstructive Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.Nursing openIn 192 patients after limb reconstructive surgery, 139 developed postoperative hypoproteinemia; low preoperative albumin and haemoglobin and longer operating time were associated with it, and a combined model identified 80.6% of cases.
• PTOTRNSurvey2026Patient and Family Perspectives of Pressure Injury Prevention and Management in Acute Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey.Journal of clinical nursingMany patients and caregivers knew pressure injuries exist, but most did not hear about their risk or receive prevention resources during hospital admission. They preferred verbal information and brochures. Not hearing about risk was linked to more self-reported pressure injuries.
• RNCohort2026Garment-related patient-reported outcomes: a longitudinal pre-post comparison of autologous versus implant-based breast reconstruction.European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing SocietyAfter breast reconstruction, patients reported better bra fit, clothing comfort, and appearance. Autologous surgery improved these more than implant-based surgery. Body image concerns rose after reconstruction but stayed below the clinical concern level.
• RNCase-Control2026Risk Factors for Dysfunctional Liver Graft Response: A Case-Control Study.Nursing & health sciencesIn 588 liver transplant records, younger recipient age, higher BMI, renal dysfunction, fewer transfusions, older male donors, high donor sodium, and longer ischemia times were associated with early graft dysfunction. This is risk profiling, not proof of cause.
• 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.