ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8778-3578
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James Cook University Cairns Campus
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.12996
Abstract: To assess changes in perceptions of confidence and preparedness for practice of preregistration nursing students before and after the introduction of a capstone subject, and factors associated with perceptions of preparedness. Preregistration nursing student 'readiness' or 'preparedness' for practice has been highlighted in the literature in recent years, along with employer concerns that university graduate nurses are not work ready. Few studies have examined Australian preregistration nursing students' perceptions of preparedness for clinical practice following their final clinical placement or assessed whether preregistration student nurses' perceptions of preparedness change as the result of undertaking a capstone subject. A capstone subject was introduced at a regional northern Australian university in 2013. Perceptions of preparedness were assessed in two different cohorts of final year nursing students one of which undertook a capstone subject. Two separate cohorts of third year nursing students were surveyed regarding their perceptions of preparedness for practice at the conclusion of their final 240 hour clinical placement. The 2012 cohort did not experience a capstone subject, whereas the 2013 cohort were the first nursing students to experience the new capstone subject. Both cohorts were uncomfortable performing invasive procedures and reported low levels of confidence in the area of professional identity. An overall trend of decreasing confidence as patient assignment size increased was observed for both cohorts, and higher confidence was associated with previous health care experience. Perceptions of preparedness for practice did not increase significantly following the introduction of a capstone subject. Although Australian undergraduate nursing student report feeling prepared for practice there are areas of knowledge, skills and patient care in which confidence is low. The results of this study highlight the importance of experience in building confidence and competence. This study highlights that while final year nursing students report feeling prepared for practice there are areas where additional support can be provided. It is recommended that nurse educators and health care facilities tailor their programs to provide support focused on the areas highlighted by this study.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 23-08-2018
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2016-042151
Abstract: To curb high rates of alcohol-related violence and injury in Indigenous communities, alcohol management plans (AMPs) were implemented in 2002-2003 and tightened in 2008. This project compares injury presentations and alcohol involvement from two Indigenous Cape York communities, one that entered full prohibition and one that did not. Aclinical file audit was performed for the period 2006-2011, capturing changes in alcohol availability. Medical files were searched for injury presentation documenting type of injury, cause of injury (including alcohol), date of injury and outcomes of all presenting injuries for the time period 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2011, capturing the major changes of the 2008 AMP restrictions. Findings indicated injury presentation rates were higher in both communities before prohibition than afterwards andreduction was more pronounced in community 2 (prohibition). Ongoing research is imperative, as this area is characterised by a near-absence of evidence.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-05-2014
DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2013.875085
Abstract: The aim of this review was to identify the psychosocial impact of natural disasters on adult (over the age of 18 years) survivors. Databases searched included PsycInfo, CINAHL, Proquest, Ovid SP, Scopus, and Science Direct. The search was limited to articles written in English and published between 2002 and 2012. A total of 1,642 abstracts and articles were obtained during the first search 39 articles were retained. The results indicate that PTSD is the most-studied psychosocial impact after a disaster. Mental health nurses have a significant role to play in supporting survivors and can assist with the development of resilience in community members.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEPR.2013.06.003
Abstract: The use of simulation as a teaching strategy in undergraduate nursing education is gaining increasing credibility and popularity. This article describes a study undertaken to evaluate first-year undergraduate nursing students' level of satisfaction with a new model of teaching clinical skills using unfolding case studies in a high-fidelity simulated clinical setting. The design incorporated a case study design conducted over 4 × 6 h simulation sessions. Participants included 47 first year Bachelor of Nursing Science students, three academic staff and two standardised patients. Findings from the study provide qualitative and quantitative evidence to support a high fidelity simulated model of teaching clinical skills development for first year undergraduate nursing students. High positive scores in all sections of the student survey provide quantitative evidence of student's satisfaction with all elements of the teaching model and qualitative data from interviews supporting this claim. Additionally, analysis of interview data provides qualitative evidence to support the value of the learning experience for students and academics, and students desire to participate more frequently in simulation sessions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2014.03.004
Abstract: To examine the psychosocial and environmental distress resulting from the 2010 eruption of the Merapi volcano and explore the experience of living in an environment damaged by a volcanic eruption. Natural disasters cause psychosocial responses in survivors. While volcanic eruptions are an ex le of a natural disaster, little is currently known about the psychosocial impact on survivors. Volcanic eruptions also cause degradation of the environment, which is linked to environmental distress. However, little is currently known of this phenomenon. An explanatory mixed method study. The research will be ided into three phases. The first phase will involve instrument modification, translation and testing. The second phase will involve a survey to a larger s le using the modified and tested questionnaire. The third phase will involve the collection of interviews from a sub set of the same participants as the second phase. Quantitative data will be analyzed to determine the extent of psychosocial and environmental distress experienced by the participants. Qualitative data will be analyzed to explain the variation among the participants. The results of the study will be used to develop strategies to support survivors in the future and to help ameliorate distress.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12194
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to translate and to test an Indonesian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (I-IES-R) as a measurement of psychological distress following a natural disaster. S le of 30 Mt. Merapi residents participated in pilot testing and 110 survivors completed the test-retest of the I-IES-R. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine construct validity, and Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The results of the translational phase of the study indicated that the Indonesian version of the IES-R captures the content of the original tool with appropriate adaptation for cultural differences. The Indonesian IES-R revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90 for test and 0.92 for retest for the total score. In addition, the Cronbach alpha for subscales intrusion, avoidance and hyper arousal in the initial scale testing were 0.85, 0.75, and 0.74, respectively, and for the retest 0.88, 0.79, and 0.82, respectively. The reliability coefficient of the test-retest results was 0.75 [95% confidence interval = (0.64, 0.83)], and exploratory factor analysis identified three underlying factors: intrusion, avoidance, and hyper arousal. The I-IES-R can be considered a useful screening tool that can be used by mental health nurses to assess the psychological impact of natural disasters on survivors in Indonesia.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-04-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S10393-014-0937-8
Abstract: The eruption of Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano in 2010 caused extensive environmental degradation. Settlements and hundreds of hectares of farmlands were buried under volcanic ash. Until now, there has been no research on the psychosocial impact of living in an environment damaged by a volcanic eruption. We studied and compared the psychosocial impact of environmental damage on volcano survivors from two subdistricts-Cangkringan and Pakem. Cangkringan survivors affected by the 2010 eruption continue to live in a damaged environment. The Pakem subdistrict was damaged by eruptions of Mt Merapi in the 1990s but there is no recent damage to their environment. The Indonesian-Environmental Distress Scale (I-EDS), a translated revision of the original Environmental Distress Scale (EDS), was used to collect data. Exploratory statistical methods and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relative contributions of demographic variables on the psychosocial impact of living in an environment damaged by volcanic eruption. A total of 348 survivors of the Mt Merapi eruption participated in the survey. The mean I-EDS score for Cangkringan district was 15.8 (SD 1.6 range 11.8-19.8) compared to 14.6 (SD 1.3 range 11.8-18.3) for Pakem district (P < 0.001). This result was confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis showing further that older respondents (P < 0.001), unemployed and retired respondents (P = 0.007), and respondents with no formal school education (P = 0.037) had lower I-EDS scores compared to the respective reference groups. Survivors of the Mt Merapi eruption who continue to live in the environment damaged by the 2010 volcanic eruption experience environmental distress. Relevant interventions should target those from low sosioeconomic groups to deal with the distress.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-01-2018
Abstract: In 2002/2003, the Queensland Government released a decision that Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs) were to be introduced to most Indigenous communities in Cape York, Australia, in an effort to address violence generally and specifically violence against women and children. By 2008, increased restrictions brought total prohibition in some communities and tightened restrictions in others. This project provides a pre- ostprohibition comparison and analysis of injuries, injuries that involved alcohol and verified police reported assaults. Supporting this are rich community survey data which together aim to elicit the effect restricting alcohol had on violent activity in the communities, particularly for women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2010.08.004
Abstract: This paper presents a critical appraisal of the potential of family resilience as a new model of care for chronic pain. For nurses, this model offers new strategies for working with families where a member experiences chronic pain. Chronic pain is characterised by one or more of the following: pain that lasts more than six months, from a non-life-threatening cause and/or which is not responsive to available treatment. Chronic pain has the potential to be longstanding and difficult to treat and may result in negative outcomes for in iduals and their families. However, a family resilience model of care moves the nurse from a traditional deficit base or problem-focused model of care to one which addresses the in idual's and family's strengths. Strengths based models of care such as family resilience offer a fresh approach within Australia's developing agenda of primary health care. A family resilience or strengths based model of chronic pain has the potential to facilitate transformation and growth within families that will enable them to be more resourceful when facing immediate and long-term challenges. Further research into the effectiveness of this approach to nursing care is required to develop specific implementation strategies for working with families experiencing chronic health conditions such as chronic pain.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1017/DMP.2014.45
Abstract: The Mt Merapi volcanic eruption in October 2010 claimed more than 386 lives, injured thousands of survivors, and devastated the surrounding environment. No instrument was available in Indonesia to assess the psychosocial impact on survivors of environmental degradation caused by such natural disasters. We developed, translated, and tested an Indonesian version of the Environmental Distress Scale (EDS) for use as a tool to reliably measure environmental distress related to environmental damage in Indonesia. The EDS, a prospective translation and psychometric study, was modified for use in a volcano disaster setting in Indonesia translated into Indonesian and pilot tested to determine meaning and cultural appropriateness. A test-retest study with 80 survivors of the 2010 Mt Merapi volcanic eruption measured the reliability of the tool. The Indonesian version of the EDS (I-EDS) captured the content of the original EDS with appropriate adaptations for cultural differences of Indonesian natural disaster survivors. The I-EDS can be considered a reliable tool for assessing the psychosocial impact of environmental degradation from natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, which might be useful for Indonesian researchers. ( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2014 :1–10)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-05-2013
DOI: 10.1111/IJN.12095
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the motivations of student nurses enrolled in nursing courses across a variety of Pacific Island countries. The image of nursing, the desire to help others, family and friends in the profession, personal experience, security, travel opportunities and flexibility have all been identified as motivators for people to enter nursing. To date, what motivates students in Pacific Island countries to enrol in a nursing course has not been investigated. An exploratory qualitative approach using focus group interviews with 152 nursing students was undertaken. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, revealing four themes: (i) helping others (ii) 'making a difference for my people' (iii) following in the footsteps of others and (iv) financial and professional gain. In a time of health and nursing workforce shortages, developing a deeper understanding of what drives people can be used to improve recruitment strategies in the future.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2012.03.005
Abstract: This paper explores the concept of 'insider' and 'outsider' and the challenges involved in conducting research when the researches finds themself living the phenomenon under study. Recent literature has been drawn on to explain the context of the 'insider' and 'outsider' in regard to the stance of the researcher. This is followed by an overview of the personal experiences of the author. The advantages and disadvantages of being an insider within the context of the phenomenon of study are discussed along with the challenges and implications for a researcher 'living their PhD research'.
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/A000589
Abstract: Abstract. Background: Indigenous Australians experience a suicide rate over twice that of the general population. With nonfatal deliberate self-harm (DSH) being the single most important risk factor for suicide, characterizing the incidence and repetition of DSH in this population is essential. Aims: To investigate the incidence and repetition of DSH in three remote Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland, Australia. Method: DSH presentation data at a primary health-care center in each community were analyzed over a 6-year period from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011. Results: A DSH presentation rate of 1,638 per 100,000 population was found within the communities. Rates were higher in age groups 15–24 and 25–34, varied between communities, and were not significantly different between genders 60% of DSH repetitions occurred within 6 months of an earlier episode. Of the 227 DSH presentations, 32% involved hanging. Limitations: This study was based on a subset of a larger dataset not specifically designed for DSH data collection and assesses the subset of the communities that presented to the primary health-care centers. Conclusion: A dedicated DSH monitoring study is required to provide a better understanding of DSH in these communities and to inform early intervention strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEPR.2014.03.006
Abstract: Nurses are often first line responders in a large scale emergency or disaster. This paper reports an evaluative study of a tailored research capacity building course for nurse delegates from the Asia Pacific Emergency and Disaster Nursing Network (APEDNN). Twenty-three participant delegates from 19 countries attended a three-week course that included learning and teaching about the critique and conduct of research. An outcome of the course was the collaborative design of a study now being implemented in a number of countries with the aim of investigating nurses' preparedness for disaster response. Formal mentoring relationships have also been established between more and less experienced peers and facilitators to provide support in implementing this collaborative study. Overall, participant delegates rated the planning, implementation and content of the course highly. Recommendations from this study include funding a mix of face-to-face and distance mentoring and writing for publication workshops to ensure the sustainability of outcomes from a research capacity building course such as the one described.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-05-2014
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/PY18175
Abstract: Indigenous children experience a disproportionally high number of injuries, particularly in remote communities. This study aimed to investigate: (1) the causes of injury to children within three remote Indigenous communities of Cape York, Australia (2) differences between communities and (3) if strengthening of alcohol restrictions reduced the incidence of injury. An injury profile for children aged 0–14 years was constructed for the period 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2011 using clinical file audit data from Primary Health Care Clinics located in each community. Children aged & years were responsible for 1461 injury presentations among 563 in iduals. Males were responsible for 58.7% of presentations and 38% (n = 214) of children presented on three or more occasions. The leading causes of injury were falls (including sports) cutting and piercing animals, insects and plants transport and assault. There were variations in the order of major injury causes across the three communities. As primary causes of injury, falls and transport-related injuries aligned with other child populations. Cutting and piercing animals, insects and plants and assault-related injuries were more prevalent compared with other child populations. There was a significant difference in injury rates between communities and no significant difference before and after the strengthening of alcohol restrictions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
Abstract: Describe program theories of substance misuse interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) Australians funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) since the 'Roadmap' for Indigenous health. Projects funded 2003-2013 were categorised by intervention strategies. Realist concepts informed the program theory: intended resources and responses influence of context on outcomes explicit and implicit program assumptions. Seven interventions were included. Three randomised controlled trials targeted tobacco using psychosocial interventions in primary health centres using the program theory: "Local Indigenous health workers extend and sustain the effects of conventional clinical brief intervention by engendering social and cultural resources". Four pragmatic trials of multiple-component, community-based interventions using controlled, semi-controlled or before-and-after designs used the program theory: "Discrete intervention components targeting locally defined substance misuse issues will activate latent capacities to create an environment that favours cessation." Publications did not report clear effect, implementation fidelity or explicit mechanisms affecting participant thinking. Rigorous intervention designs built on 'Roadmap' principles neither reduced substance use in the populations studied nor identified transferable mechanisms for behaviour change. Implications for public health: Substance misuse impacts among Indigenous Australians remain severe. Theoretical mechanisms of behaviour change may improve intervention design.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-03-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X13000204
Abstract: Tropical cyclone (TC) Yasi, thought to be the largest and most severe cyclone to cross the Queensland coast since 1918, made landfall on the southern tropical coast near Mission Beach and continued to track westward across Northern Queensland on February 3, 2011. The warning and response model (WRM) suggests that situational factors, personal characteristics, and social contextual variables influence the degree of threat perceived and protective actions taken. The aim of this study was to examine preparation for this impending natural disaster by residents of the affected regions, and to identify the residents’ resource losses and symptoms of psychological distress following TC Yasi. A cross-sectional survey was conducted 6-12 months after the cyclone using an adapted tool designed to measure preparedness, loss and psychosocial distress. Four hundred and thirty-three responses were received. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Categorical characteristics were described using s le size and percentages. Almost all respondents perceived the cyclone warning as serious or very serious, and more than a third started preparing for the cyclone at least three days before it reached landfall. Overall, 115 (26.7%) respondents reported moderate and 59 (13.7%) reported major property damage 72 (17.1%) reported a moderate and 49 (11.6%) reported a major change in their feeling of whether they have control over their life 55 (13.1%) reported a major change in their motivation of getting things done and 33 (7.9%) reported a major change in their perception of feeling valuable to others. Overall, 142 (34.1%) documented at least one of five symptoms of acute distress. The findings document the experiences of Australians who have lived through tropical cyclone Yasi. The results support the WRM theory which proposes that people with previous experience take threatened disasters seriously. Usher K , Buettner P , West C , Millis J , Woods C , Mason M , Boon H , Chamberlain-Salaun J . Preparedness for and impact of tropical cyclone Yasi in North Queensland, Australia . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2013 28 ( 3 ): 1 - 7 .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2011.07.002
Abstract: Nursing education is undergoing radical change worldwide. There is criticism surrounding the content of education and the delivery. As a result, traditional methods of teaching and learning have been replaced by strategies that place greater emphasis on active learner interaction, critical thinking, and decision-making. Assisting pre-registration nurses to become competent and confident in clinical practice requires immersion in practice with sufficient support and coaching based on real life scenarios. Simulation via an unfolding case study approach is one way to provide interactive learning experiences where students acquire new skills that advance their clinical judgment with the aim of becoming safe, competent practitioners. Lessons learned from implementing an unfolding case study are discussed in this paper.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2015
DOI: 10.1111/NHS.12152
Abstract: The Mount Merapi volcanic eruption in October 2010 was one of Indonesia's largest and most recent natural disasters. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to measure the psychosocial impact of the eruption on survivors in two locations in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia. The Impact of Event Scale Revised was used to assess participants' symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder responses and demographic characteristics were compared in both locations by conducting bivariate analysis using Mann-Whitney and t tests. The relative contributions of demographic variables and psychosocial impact were examined using multiple linear regression analyses. Two years after the eruption, survivors from the area closest to the eruption had significantly higher Impact of Event Scale Revised scores than those in the comparison area. In particular, females, adults between the ages of 18 and 59, and people who owned their own home experienced the highest levels of psychosocial impact. Nurses and other health professionals need to be aware of the impact of natural disasters on survivors and develop interventions to help people adjust to the psychosocial impact of these events.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2012.04271.X
Abstract: To measure and explore between 2007-2010 measure and explore the nature of family resilience in the context of families with a member with chronic pain. Chronic pain impacts on the entire family. The literature suggests that it is possible to strengthen resilience in in iduals with chronic conditions, but little is known about the impact of chronic pain on family resilience. A explanatory sequential mixed method study was undertaken. In the initial quantitative phase, assessment measures were administered using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Family Impact of Pain Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Data were collected and analysed from 31 family cases (n = 67 participants). In the second, qualitative phase, follow-up semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 families to help explain the quantitative results. The impact of pain on the family was high overall, but the perceived impact was greater for the person with pain. Resilience scores were above average for both the person with pain and other family members. However, the person with pain scored lower on the resilience scale than other members of the family. The families scored high for social support overall, while the person with pain perceived they had greater support than their family members. Identifying the strengths or resilient properties inherent in families and using those strengths in the planning and implementation of care, especially of chronic conditions such as chronic pain, is pivotal to quality health outcomes. It is important that nurses and healthcare professionals include family members when planning and delivering care for persons with chronic pain. Identification of strengths within families can help tailor nursing interventions to meet family needs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2012.04215.X
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of chronic pain on the partner and family of a person with chronic pain. Chronic pain impacts not only on the in idual but also their partner and/or other family members. Families of people with chronic pain have reported feeling powerless, alienated, emotionally distressed, and isolated. These impacts have affected their relationship with the person with chronic pain. An interpretive qualitative design using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis was undertaken. Purposive s ling and in-depth interviewing were undertaken to develop a rich description of the experience. Findings indicate the impact of chronic pain on the family is extensive, resulting in physical, social, and emotional changes. Four themes were revealed: (1) Family loss, (2) Life changes, (3) Emotional impact of pain, and (4) Future plans. This study reinforces and expands current knowledge regarding the impact of chronic pain on partners and families. Understanding this phenomenon opens opportunities for nurses and other health workers to develop and implement strategies to better support partners/families in the future. Nurses can help reduce the negative impact of pain by including families in assessment, education, referral and treatment processes, and by offering support and education to partners/families.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-03-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2011.04005.X
Abstract: Aim. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of resilience, or adaptation in the face of adversity, to people living with chronic pain. Background. Little research on the usefulness of resilience, strength‐based approach to health care has been undertaken to date in the area of pain yet this approach has recently been proposed as a new model for chronic pain management. However, the meaning of resilience to people with chronic pain remains unknown. Design. An interpretive qualitative design using in‐depth interviews and phenomenological type analysis was undertaken. Methods. Purposive s ling and in‐depth interviewing were undertaken to develop a rich description of the experience. Results. The findings from this study revealed that while living with chronic pain is generally a negative experience, the participants also told positive stories around the following themes: (i) Recognising in idual strength (ii) Looking for the positives in life (iii) Accepting the pain and (iv) Learning to accept help. Conclusion. Chronic pain influences all aspects of life. Resilient in iduals with chronic pain recognise the value of remaining positive, accepting help and learning to live with the pain. Relevance to clinical practice. It is important for health professionals to recognise the role of supporting positive attributes in people living with chronic pain as a way of enhancing resilience.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-08-2015
DOI: 10.1111/NHS.12211
Abstract: Healthcare workers who have received disaster preparedness education are more likely to report a greater understanding of disaster preparedness. However, research indicates that current nursing curricula do not adequately prepare nurses to respond to disasters. This is the first study to assess Asia-Pacific nurses' perceptions about their level of disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 757 hospital and community nurses in seven Asia-Pacific countries. Data were collected using the modified Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool. Participants were found to have overall low-to-moderate levels of disaster knowledge, skills and preparedness, wherein important gaps were identified. A majority of the variance in disaster preparedness scores was located at the level of the in idual respondent, not linked to countries or institutions. Multilevel random effects modelling identified disaster experience and education as significant factors of positive perceptions of disaster knowledge, skills, and management. The first step toward disaster preparedness is to ensure frontline health workers are able to respond effectively to disaster events. The outcomes of this study have important policy and education implications.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12212
Abstract: Mount Merapi in Indonesia is the most active volcano in the world with its 4-6-year eruption cycle. The mountain and surrounding areas are populated by hundreds of thousands of people who live near the volcano despite the danger posed to their wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of people who survived the most recent eruption of Mount Merapi, which took place in 2010. Investigators conducted interviews with 20 participants to generate textual data that were coded and themed. Three themes linked to the phenomenological existential experience (temporality and relationality) of living through a volcanic eruption emerged from the data. These themes were: connectivity, disconnection and reconnection. Results indicate that the close relationship in iduals have with Mount Merapi and others in their neighbourhood outweighs the risk of living in the shadow of an active volcano. This is the first study to analyze the phenomenological existential elements of living through a volcanic eruption.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.3402/QHW.V9.19821
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 25-09-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X12001392
Abstract: The need to manage psychological symptoms after disasters can result in an increase in the prescription of psychotropic drugs, including antidepressants and anxiolytics. Therefore, an increase in the prescription of antidepressants and anxiolytics could be an indicator of general psychological distress in the community. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a change in the rate of prescription of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs following Cyclone Yasi. A quantitative evaluation of new prescriptions of antidepressants and anxiolytics was conducted. The total number of new prescriptions for these drugs was calculated for the period six months after the cyclone and compared with the same six month period in the preceding year. Two control drugs were also included to rule out changes in the general rate of drug prescription in the affected communities. After Cyclone Yasi, there was an increase in the prescription of antidepressant drugs across all age and gender groups in the affected communities except for males 14-54 years of age. The prescription of anxiolytic drugs decreased immediately after the cyclone, but increased by the end of the six-month post-cyclone period. Control drug prescription did not change. There was a quantifiable increase in the prescription of antidepressant drugs following Cyclone Yasi that may indicate an increase in psychosocial distress in the community. Usher K , Brown LH , Buettner P , Glass B , Boon H , West C , Grasso J , Chamberlain-Salaun J , Woods C . Rate of prescription of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs after Cyclone Yasi in North Queensland . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2012 27 ( 6 ):1-5 .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2014.05.003
Abstract: Tertiary nurse education programmes aim to produce novice nurses able to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia competency standards for registration. On the other hand, employers expect graduate nurses to not only be competent and able to function safely and independently but also to be ready to "hit the ground running" in relation to providing clinical care. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of third-year nursing students enrolled in their final semester with regard to their preparedness for practice. Following their last clinical placement, all third-year nursing students at a regional northern Australian university were emailed a link to an online version of the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Survey tool and invited to participate in the study. A total of 113 questionnaires were completed from the s le of 235, giving a response rate of 48%. The majority of students reported feeling prepared for practice and felt that simulation experiences were helpful in attaining this state. Confidence in caring for multiple patients was inversely associated with age indicating higher levels of confidence in younger nursing students. Expanded placements, increased use of simulation for clinical skills practice, smaller clinical skills class sizes and modern equipment were identified as areas for improvement to facilitate and enhance students' levels of confidence and readiness for practice. Students in this study highly valued clinical placements as a method of increasing their levels of perceived preparedness to practice independently after graduation. Caring for multiple patients involves a high level of complexity and a learning curve is indicated in which confidence and competence is likely to grow with experience.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2016.06.015
Abstract: Favourable impacts are reported from complex alcohol control strategies, known as 'Alcohol Management Plans' (AMPs) implemented 14 years ago in 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) communities in Queensland (Australia). However, it is not clear that all communities benefited and that positive impacts were sustained. Service providers, key stakeholders and community leaders provided insights about issues and impacts. Participants (N=382) were recruited from knowledgeable and experienced persons using agency lists and by recommendation across sectors which have a mandate for managing alcohol-related issues and consequences of AMP policies in communities. In semi-structured interviews, participants (51% Indigenous, 55% male and comprised of at least one-third local community residents) were asked whether they believed alcohol controls had been effective and to describe any favourable and unfavourable outcomes experienced or perceived. Inductive techniques were used for thematic analysis of the content of transcribed recorded interviews. Comments reflecting themes were assessed across service sectors, by gender, Indigenous status and remoteness. Participants attributed reduced violence and improved community amenity to AMPs, particularly for 'very remote' communities. Participants' information suggests that these important achievements happened abruptly but may have become undermined over time by: the availability of illicit alcohol and an urgency to consume it migration to larger centres to seek alcohol criminalization substitution of illicit drugs for alcohol changed drinking behaviours and discrimination. Most issues were more frequently linked with 'very remote' communities. Alcohol restrictions in Queensland's Indigenous communities may have brought favourable changes, a significant achievement after a long period of poorly regulated alcohol availability from the 1980s up to 2002. Subsequently, over the past decade, an urgency to access and consume illicit alcohol appears to have emerged. It is not clear that relaxing restrictions would reverse the harmful impacts of AMPs without significant demand reduction, treatment and ersion efforts.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-01-2017
No related grants have been discovered for Caryn West.