Objective: Nurses' palliative care practice ability is the key to evaluating the quality of palliative care. This study aimed to identify the current situation of palliative care practices, competence and difficulties among nurses and determine whether difficulties play a mediating role between practices and competence.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The online survey comprised demographics, the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale, the Palliative Care Nursing Self-competence Scale and the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, linear regression and mediation analysis.Results: A total of 284 questionnaires were included for statistical analysis. The mean scores for practices, competence and difficulties were 67.81 (SD = 13.60), 124.28 (41.21) and 44.32 (12.68), respectively. There was a correlation between practices, competence and difficulties (p < 0.01). Competence and difficulties were independent predictors of practices (R 2 adj = 0.384, p < 0.001). Furthermore, difficulties mediated the relationship between practices and competence (b = 0.052, 95% confidence interval: 0.008-0.155).Conclusions: Continuous efforts should be made to enhance nurses' practices, competence and problem-solving abilities in palliative care. This study suggested further targeted education programmes, especially in special symptom management, interagency and multidisciplinary communication.

Aims and Objectives:The aim was to identify latent trajectories in physical activity (PA) and their determinants in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on the socio-ecological model.Background: PA has been linked to poor long-term outcomes in patients with COPD.However, few studies have explored their PA trajectories and their predictors.Design: Cohort study. Methods:We used data from a national cohort and included 215 participants. PA was quantified using a short PA questionnaire, and group-based trajectory modelling was used to explore the PA trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify the predictors of PA trajectories. Generalised linear mixed models were used to elucidate the associations between predictors and PA during follow-up. A STROBE checklist was used to guide the reporting of this study.Results: Three PA trajectory patterns were identified among 215 COPD participants with an average age of 60.51 ± 8.87: stable inactive group (66.7%), sharp decline group (25.7%) and stable active group (7.5%). The logistic regression showed that age, sex, income, peak expiratory flow, upper limb capacity, depressive symptoms, the frequency of contact with children were PA predictors. Upper limb capacity weakness and depressive symptoms were found to be associated with a sharp decline in PA during follow-up.Conclusions: This study revealed three PA trajectories among patients with COPD. In addition to strengthening the physical functions and mental health of patients, support from the family, community and society also play a crucial role in promoting PA of patients with COPD. Relevance to ClinicalPractice: It is essential to identify distinct PA trajectories in patients with COPD to develop future interventions that promote PA. No Patient or Public Contribution: A national cohort study was used and no patients or the public were involved in the design and implementation of this study.