Randomized trial of 100 mechanically ventilated ICU patients finds daily music therapy curbs agitation, lowers propofol requirements, and cuts tracheostomy rates

Nurse staffing ratios remain central to inpatient quality and nurse retention, yet prior meta-analyses relied largely on coarse categorical groupings rather than quantifying marginal mortality shifts per extra patient. In this systematic review and per-unit linear random-effects meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD420261368891), researchers searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science through July 10, 2026, for observational studies of acute care adults reporting fully adjusted per-unit effect estimates. Thirteen low-risk-of-bias studies spanning 3,831,327 patients across 1,593 hospitals were synthesized using restricted maximum likelihood and Bayesian hierarchical modeling. Each additional patient per nurse was associated with higher odds of 30-day all-cause mortality (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.057, 95% CI: 1.041–1.074; I² = 43.3%; 95% prediction interval: 1.018–1.098). Bayesian modeling yielded a 1.000 posterior probability of a positive association. Although small-study effects were detected (Egger test t = 4.33, p < 0.001), trim-and-fill adjustment maintained significance. Because all included data were observational, evidence certainty was rated very low under GRADE, indicating estimates serve as policy reference parameters rather than definitive causal proof.

Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is one of the most common and distressing bedside nursing procedures, frequently triggering severe nasal pain, pharyngeal trauma, and reflexive gagging. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD420251177888) searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL through October 28, 2025, to assess the efficacy and safety of non-nebulized topical anesthetics or lubricants during adult NGT placement. Five randomized controlled trials evaluating topical lidocaine in formulations including nasal sprays, drops, viscous gels, and atomized solutions versus placebo or routine water-soluble lubricant were included. Methodological quality was independently appraised using the 13-item JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for RCTs. Despite variation in dosing and administration routes, all five trials reported consistent reductions in procedural pain and discomfort scores. Best-evidence synthesis demonstrated strong evidence supporting lidocaine for procedural pain reduction and moderate evidence for reducing discomfort and insertion-related cough. Topical administration was well tolerated across all trials without serious hemodynamic or local mucosal adverse events.

Chemotherapy-induced taste alterations (dysgeusia) affect up to 70% of oncology patients, contributing to malnutrition, severe anorexia, and diminished quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized 13 randomized controlled trials encompassing 1,049 cancer patients across eight electronic databases (PROSPERO CRD420261348257). Investigators evaluated five distinct non-pharmacological interventions: oral cryotherapy (ice chips), photobiomodulation therapy, traditional Chinese medicine-based modalities, dietary and nutritional education, and psycho-educational support. Non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduced the overall incidence of taste disorders compared to control care (risk ratio [RR]: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61–0.86; 12 trials pooled) and significantly alleviated subjective severity of perceived taste alterations (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -1.21; 95% CI: -1.78 to -0.63). Objective taste testing confirmed significant improvement in salty taste threshold sensitivity (SMD: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.56–1.12). Subgroup analysis indicated dietary/nutritional interventions produced a 46% reduction in taste disorder incidence (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32–0.91), while oral cryotherapy exerted a substantial benefit on perceived symptoms (SMD: -1.62; 95% CI: -3.16 to -0.07).