Aim The aim of this study was to explore the COVID‐19 pandemic as it was experienced by people on the front line in residential care settings for older people in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Background The COVID‐19 pandemic had a disproportionate effect in residential care settings for older people in Ireland. Methods A two‐phased mixed methods study was conducted, consisting of an online survey administered shortly after the first wave of the virus to staff, residents and family members and one‐to‐one interviews with family members shortly after wave 2 of the virus. Results Isolation, loss of connectedness as well as a reduction in the level/quality of care provision led to significant adverse impacts for both residents and their families. Staff reported high levels of stress, trauma and burnout. Family input to care was suspended, with adverse consequences. Conclusion The pandemic had an extremely adverse impact on residents, family members and staff in care settings for older people. Implications for Nursing Management Strategies to ensure that residents' physical, emotional and social needs and staffs' professional and personal needs are appropriately supported during future waves of the pandemic should now be implemented.

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BackgroundGrip strength is widely used for estimating whole body strength but there is a lack of information relating to grip endurance. Comparison between endurance of different muscle groups has received little attention. The main aim of the present study was to determine the endurance characteristics of hand grip and quadriceps muscles in healthy young adults and then to examine the association between fatigability of the two muscle groups.MethodsTwenty one healthy participants (8 males and 13 females) aged 18–35 years were studied. A maximal intermittent endurance test, consisting of 12 isometric contractions held for 3 seconds separated by 5 second rest periods, was utilised to measure muscle endurance. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer and Jamar dynamometer were used to assess quadriceps and hand grip respectively. The mean of first (M1) and last (M2) three repetitions was calculated. Fatigue index values were calculated for both muscle groups by the 1st peak torque (PT) minus the last (12th) PT, divided by the 1st PT multiplied by 100.ResultsQuadriceps torque (M1:197.3 ± 65.2 Nm; M2:163.1 ± 47.6 Nm) and grip strength (M1:33.6 ± 9.9 Kg; M2:25.2 ± 8.1 Kg) both declined significantly during the 12 repetitions (p < 0.05). Hand grip showed a significantly higher mean fatigue index of 30% compared to 18% in the quadriceps (p < 0.05).ConclusionsQuadriceps showed better fatigability than hand grip. The findings therefore indicate caution against using grip endurance as a surrogate measure of quadriceps endurance. Further research is warranted to confirm observed differences between genders and to study endurance in different age groups.

Assessment of coping strategies among the transplant population should be further explored in clinical practice, and steps employed to promote the use of positive coping strategies in order to maximize quality of life after transplant.

Aim and objectives To develop a suite of metrics and indicators to measure the quality of children's nursing care processes. The objectives were to identify available metrics and indicators and to develop consensus on the metrics and indicators to be measured. Background The Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, Health Service Executive, in Ireland established seven workstreams aligned to the following care areas: acute, older persons, children's, mental health, intellectual disability, public health nursing and midwifery. Design A comprehensive design included stakeholder consultation and a survey with embedded open‐ended questions. Methods A two‐round online Delphi survey was conducted to identify metrics to be measured in practice, followed by a two‐round online Delphi survey to identify the associated indicators for these metrics. A face‐to‐face consensus meeting was held with key stakeholders to review the findings and build consensus on the final metrics and indicators for use. A STROBE checklist was completed. Results A suite of eight nursing quality care process metrics and 67 associated process indicators was developed for children's nursing. Conclusions By creating a national suite of metrics and indicators, more robust measurement and monitoring of nursing care processes can be achieved. This will enable the provision of evidence for any local and/or national level changes to policy and practice to enhance care delivery. Relevance to clinical practice The roll‐out of the metrics and indicators in clinical practice has commenced. This national suite of metrics and indicators will ensure that a robust system of measurement for improvement is in place to provide assurance to Directors of Nursing of the quality of nursing care being provided to children and their families. It supports the value of nursing sensitive data to inform change and improvement in healthcare delivery and to demonstrate the contribution of the nursing workforce to safe patient care.