There is limited literature on the perceptions and practices of nurses in Saudi Arabia related to neonatal palliative care (NPC). This study aimed to assess NPC perceptions and practices among female nurses in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between May and October 2025. The inclusion criteria for this study were nurses working in neonatal intensive care units in Saudi Arabia, regardless of the level of care provided. Factors associated with higher perception scores were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 170 nurses were included in this study. The majority worked in the governmental sector (148, 87.6%). Most participants reported that their institutions had formal NPC guidelines (142, 83.5%). Perception scores showed a significant difference by nurses’ education level (P = .01). Nurses with a bachelor’s degree or lower reported a mean score of 85.16 ± 16.64, whereas those with a master’s degree or PhD had a mean score of 71.44 ± 31.30 (P-value = .02). Participants aged between 30 and 40 years showed lower odds of attitude (adjusted odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.11–1.00, P = .05), which was borderline significant. This study assessed NPC among nurses in neonatal intensive care units in different settings in Saudi Arabia. The results suggested the importance of education in both NPC awareness and practice. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Improving nurses’ knowledge and skills may lead to better palliative care for neonates and their families.
Hassan Al-shehri, Ashwaq Alotaibi, Bayan K Alanazi et al.· Medicine· 0 citations
Background
Scapular-targeted rehabilitation is increasingly incorporated into the management of rotator cuff-related shoulder disorders; however, its clinical value across both conservative and postoperative stages of care remains uncertain.
Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of scapular-targeted rehabilitation on pain, disability, and shoulder function across the rotator cuff care continuum.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception through May 2026. Eligible studies included adults with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, subacromial pain syndrome, subacromial impingement syndrome, scapular dyskinesis-associated shoulder disorders, or patients undergoing rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair. Randomized controlled trials were included in quantitative synthesis. Random-effects models were used to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising seven randomized controlled trials, one propensity score-matched study, and one single-group pre-post study. Meta-analysis demonstrated that scapular-targeted rehabilitation significantly reduced pain compared with control interventions (SMD -0.88, 95% CI -1.71 to -0.06; I²=84.8%) and significantly improved shoulder function measured by the Constant-Murley Score (MD 6.94, 95% CI 0.37 to 13.52; I²=85.7%). Disability outcomes favored scapular-targeted rehabilitation but did not reach statistical significance (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -1.05 to 0.11; I²=72.8%). Postoperative studies generally reported favorable effects on pain, function, and range of motion, although evidence was insufficient for quantitative synthesis.
Conclusions
Scapular-targeted rehabilitation appears to be a useful adjunct within comprehensive rotator cuff rehabilitation, with evidence supporting improvements in pain and shoulder function. Evidence for disability reduction and postoperative effectiveness remains inconclusive, warranting further high-quality trials across the rotator cuff care continuum.
Abdulelah F Alshehri, Waleed O Samarkandi, Khulud A Alshahrani et al.· Orthopedic Reviews· 0 citations
