Meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials reveals non-pharmacological interventions reduce chemotherapy-induced taste disorders by 28% in cancer patients

Ventilator weaning in the intensive care unit is often complicated by severe patient distress, agitation, and escalating sedative requirements that paradoxically lengthen mechanical ventilation. In a parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in a general adult ICU, 100 critically ill patients ventilated for at least 48 hours were randomized to standard weaning care alone or standard care with daily individualized music therapy. The intervention consisted of daily sessions averaging 25 minutes delivered by a music therapist, incorporating music-assisted relaxation, guided listening, and clinical improvisation tailored to patient preferences. The primary outcome—ventilator weaning duration—did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.97). However, patients receiving music therapy exhibited significant reductions in agitation and sedation instability on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) on days 1 and 3 (p = 0.048, 0.005, and 0.024). Significantly fewer music therapy patients required propofol infusions during weaning (p = 0.028), and tracheostomy placement was significantly reduced (14% rate reduction, p = 0.025). Perceived pain and vital signs showed no significant differences.

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.