ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1267-1760
Current Organisation
The University of Adelaide Adelaide Nursing School
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Health and Health Services | Nursing | Curriculum and Pedagogy | Primary Health Care | Preventive Medicine | Mental Health | Health Promotion | Epidemiology | Clinical Nursing: Primary (Preventative) | Social And Community Psychology | Nursing Not Elsewhere Classified | Curriculum Theory And Development | Curriculum Studies Not Elsewhere Classified | Education Studies Not Elsewhere Classified
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Rural health | Nursing | Changing work patterns | Injury control | Mental health | Health related to ageing | Vocational education and training | Higher education | Social structure and health |
Related Links
Publications
Workplace violence in nursing in queensland,australia a self-reported study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2003
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-172X.2003.00431.X
Abstract: This paper reports on workplace violence, self-reported as part of a survey among members of the Queensland Nurses' Union (QNU) in October 2001. The aim of the overall study was to ascertain how nurses perceived their work and their working conditions and to use the results of the study to inform strategic planning of the QNU. The participants of this study were drawn from a stratified random s le of 2800 QNU members employed in the public, the private acute and the aged care sectors. The total number of completed surveys analysed was 1436: 441 aged care, 497 public and 498 private acute sector surveys. The results suggest that the rate of workplace violence differs significantly across sectors. In the three months immediately prior to the survey, 50% of aged care sector nurses experienced some form of workplace violence compared to 47% of public sector nurses and 29% of acute private sector nurses. The major source of workplace violence was from patients. The second most common source of violence varied. Nurses in the public sector signified visitors and relatives while nurses in the aged care and acute private sectors indicated other nurses. The study found that inexperienced nurses are more likely to report workplace violence than experienced nurses. Additionally, the more experienced the nurse, the less likely they are to perceive workplace policies and procedures for workplace violence as effective. Additional findings include an apparent lack of policies and procedures for workplace violence in rural and remote areas, and an association between the designation of a nurse and the reported level of workplace violence.
Exploring the meaning of hypoglycaemia to community‐dwelling Singaporean Chinese adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2012
Workplace violence in Queensland, Australia: The results of a comparative study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2006
Individual and environmental determinants of burnout among nurses.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-2019
Abstract: Burnout is a significant problem affecting the nursing workforce and is associated with significant personal suffering and high rates of nurse turnover. Efforts to further understand the variables that explain burnout are needed. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine both environmental and in idual factors that may explain burnout among nurses. We recruited 1848 Australian nurses to complete several online questionnaires measuring the practice environment (Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index), burnout (Professional Quality of Life Scale), trait negative affect ( Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y2) and resilience (Connor Davidson Resilience Scale). Correlational analysis as well as hierarchical regression was used to determine the relative importance of variables in explaining burnout scores. All of the practice environment scales were significantly related to burnout in the negative direction, and these relationships were above .3 for all except the relationship scale ( r = –.256) and the participation in hospital affairs scale ( r = –.285). Overall, the regression model accounted for 62% of the variance in nurse burnout scores. Trait negative affect, resilience and two aspects of practice environment (Manager sub-scale and Staffing sub-scale) all explained significant variance in burnout scores. The largest contribution came from the two in idual variables (resilience and trait negative affect) that together explained 55% of the variance in burnout scores. Findings suggest that health service administrators should provide nursing staff with education and support to build in idual resilience. Workplaces that attend to staffing and resource issues and have managers who provide high levels of support to their staff appear to be essential strategies to help prevent nurse burnout.
Targeting Perlecan in Human Keratinocytes Reveals Novel Roles for Perlecan in Epidermal Formation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2006
Against all odds: a retrospective case-controlled study of women who experienced extraordinary breastfeeding problems
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02300.X
Abstract: The study investigated factors empowering women to continue breastfeeding despite experiencing extraordinary difficulties. The study documented the experiences and characteristics of women who continued to breastfeed (continuing cohort) and those who weaned (non-continuing cohort) despite extraordinary difficulties. Retrospective case control. The study was undertaken in south-east Queensland, Australia in 2004. Forty women (20 in each cohort) were recruited over six months. Both quantitative (breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) data were collected. This paper describes the qualitative data. Women from both cohorts expressed idealistic expectations about breastfeeding and experienced psychological distress due to their breastfeeding problems. Those who continued breastfeeding used coping strategies and exhibited personal qualities that assisted them to overcome the difficulties experienced. Women who continued to breastfeed were more likely to report relying on a health professional they could trust for support. This latter cohort were also more likely to report having peers with which they shared their experiences. Non-continuing women expressed feelings of guilt and inadequacy following weaning and were more likely to feel isolated. This study has highlighted the methods women use to deal with breastfeeding problems. It has also revealed modificable factors that can improve breastfeeding duration. The findings indicate that clinicians should: *Provide information which accurately reflects the breastfeeding experience *Ensure systems are in place so that effective postnatal support for breastfeeding difficulties is available *Consider screening to ascertain levels of psychological distress, sadness and disillusionment among breastfeeding women *Design educational interventions with elements of cognitive skills, problem-solving and self-efficacy training to equip women with the skills to overcome any experienced difficulties.
'I love nursing, but..'- qualitative findings from Australian aged-care nurses about their intrinsic, extrinsic and social work values
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-11-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1748-3743.2009.00184.X
Abstract: Aim. The aim of this qualitative analysis - a component of a larger survey study, was to provide insights and understandings about intrinsic and extrinsic work values for nurses in aged-care. Background. Intrinsic and extrinsic work values impact on nurses' job satisfaction and ultimately nursing retention. This study contributes further to knowledge development in this area by building on a previous work values study in aged-care nursing. Methods. This paper presents the qualitative research findings from the final open-ended question from a survey of nurses employed in the aged-care sector in the State of Queensland, Australia in 2007. Data from a cohort of 105 aged care sector nurses was analysed relying on deductive content analysis. Findings. Two intrinsic work values emerged - low morale and images of nursing and two extrinsic work values emerged - remuneration and working conditions. The work value 'working conditions' comprised four aspects of aged-care work, specifically staff turnover, workplace violence, care team membership specifically the Assistants-in-Nursing and paperwork. A single social workplace value 'support by management' is discussed as identified as important to these nurses. Conclusion. Qualitative insights into aged-care nurses' intrinsic and extrinsic work values suggest that work satisfaction is low. Workforce policy makers and employers of nurses in aged-care need to comprehend the relationship between job satisfaction, retention and work values. Relevance to clinical practice. These findings have implications for recruitment, retention and workforce planning within the aged-care environment.
Factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and adult cancer patients in an inpatient setting: a systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1744-1609.2011.00212.X
Abstract: To establish the best available evidence regarding the factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and inpatient cancer adults. Electronic databases (CINAHL, Ovid, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Wiley InterScience) were searched using a three-step search strategy to identify the relevant quantitative and qualitative studies published in English. The grey literature was not included in the review. The identified studies were evaluated using the guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. A total of three studies were included in the quantitative component of the review, and the data were presented in a narrative summary. Five studies were included in the qualitative component of the review, and the findings were categorised in a meta-synthesis which generated four synthesised findings. The factors that were found to influence effective communication were identified in the characteristics of nurses, patients and the environment. The promoting factors in nurses included genuineness, competency and effective communication skills. The role of post-basic training in improving nurse-patient communication remained inconclusive. Conversely, nurses who were task-orientated, who feared death and who had low self-awareness of their own verbal behaviours inhibited communication. Nurses were also observed to communicate less effectively when delivering psychosocial aspects of care and in emotionally charged situations. On the other hand, patients who participated actively in their own care and exhibited information-seeking behaviour promoted communication with the nurses. However, patients' unwillingness to discuss their disease/feelings, their preference to seek emotional support from their family/friends and their use of implicit cues were some of the factors that were found to inhibit communication. A supportive ward environment increased facilitative behaviour in nurses, whereas conflict among the staff led to increased use of blocking behaviours. Cultural norms within the Chinese society were also found to inhibit nurse-patient communication. Within the constraints of the study and the few quality papers available, it appeared that personal characteristics of patients and nurses are the key factors that influence effective nurse-patient communication within the oncology setting. Very little evidence exists to explain the role of environment in effective nurse-patient communication, particularly within an Asian setting. Training can be implemented to inform nurses about the communication challenges, to equip them with effective communication skills and improve their receptivity to patient cues. Information-sharing can be used as a non-threatening approach to initiate rapport-building and open communication. Nurses should consider patients' psychological readiness to communicate and respect their preference as to whom they wish to share their thoughts/emotions with. Hospitals/institutions also need to ensure a supportive ward culture and appropriate workload that will enable nurses to provide holistic care to patients. Further research on the effect of the Asian culture on effective communication within the oncology setting is required to expand the knowledge in this area. Studies to ascertain the effect of the patient's age and place within the oncology treatment cycle are also warranted. The lack of evidence on the effectiveness of post-basic communication education also requires further investigation.
Identifying predictors of the reasons women give for choosing to breastfeed
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2007
Abstract: The aims of this article are to outline the reasons Australian women give for initiating breastfeeding, identify unique predictors for these reasons, and use principal components factor analysis to determine factors that influence a woman's decision to breastfeed. Data were collected as part of a large longitudinal study investigating the breastfeeding behaviors and supports of women in Southern Queensland, Australia. The most common reason women (N = 562) gave for deciding to breastfeed was breast milk is better for my baby (95.5%). Reasons related to the mother such as breastfeeding is more convenient (84.3%) were also popular. Four significant components—mother-related reasons, health effects for the infant, moral and family influences, and advice from others—were determined after principal components factor analysis. As well as health benefits for the infant, convenience and other reasons related to the mother appear to be important factors in an Australian woman's decision to breastfeed. J Hum Lact. 23(4):338-344.
Construct validity and reliability of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index for Queensland nurses
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2010
Buddhism and Medical Futility
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-10-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S11673-012-9392-9
Abstract: Religious faith and medicine combine harmoniously in Buddhist views, each in its own way helping Buddhists enjoy a more fruitful existence. Health care providers need to understand the spiritual needs of patients in order to provide better care, especially for the terminally ill. Using a recently reported case to guide the reader, this paper examines the issue of medical futility from a Buddhist perspective. Important concepts discussed include compassion, suffering, and the significance of the mind. Compassion from a health professional is essential, and if medical treatment can decrease suffering without altering the clarity of the mind, then a treatment should not be considered futile. Suffering from illness and death, moreover, is considered by Buddhists a normal part of life and is ever-changing. Sickness, old age, birth, and death are integral parts of human life. Suffering is experienced due to the lack of a harmonious state of body, speech, and mind. Buddhists do not believe that the mind is located in the brain, and, for Buddhists, there are ways suffering can be overcome through the control of one's mind.
Peer-led Aboriginal parent support
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-08-2017
DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2017.1358649
Abstract: Participatory action research (PAR) is a credible, culturally appropriate methodology that can be used to effect collaborative change within vulnerable populations. This PAR study was undertaken in a Western Australian metropolitan setting to develop and evaluate the suitability, feasibility and effectiveness of an Aboriginal peer-led home visiting programme. A secondary aim, addressed in this paper, was to explore and describe research methodology used for the study and provide recommendations for its implementation in other similar situations. PAR using action learning sets was employed to develop the parent support programme and data addressing the secondary, methodological aim were collected through focus groups using semi-structured and unstructured interview schedules. Findings were addressed throughout the action research process to enhance the research process. The themes that emerged from the data and addressed the methodological aim were the need for safe communication processes supportive engagement processes and supportive organisational processes. Aboriginal peer support workers (PSWs) and community support agencies identified three important elements central to their capacity to engage and work within the PAR methodology. This research has provided innovative data, highlighting processes and recommendations for child health nurses to engage with the PSWs, parents and community agencies to explore culturally acceptable elements for an empowering methodology for peer-led home visiting support. There is potential for this nursing research to credibly inform policy development for Aboriginal child and family health service delivery, in addition to other vulnerable population groups. Child health nurses/researchers can use these new understandings to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities and families to develop empowering and culturally acceptable strategies for developing Aboriginal parent support for the early years. Impact Statement Child health nurses and Aboriginal communities can collaborate through participatory action research to develop peer-led support for the early years. Indigenous Australian peoples are people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Respectfully, throughout this paper, they will be described as Aboriginal.
Examination of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC-10) using the polytomous Rasch model.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1037/PAS0001011
An action research approach to practice, service and legislative change
Publisher: RCN Publishing Ltd.
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.7748/NR2013.11.21.2.8.E330
Abstract: To describe the action research approach taken to engage a multidisciplinary group of health professionals and managers from five rural health services with government officers in redesigning their emergency care services and informing legislative change. The diminishing size of the medical workforce across rural Victoria in Australia captured the Victorian state government's attention when this threatened the sustainability of emergency care services in rural and remote hospitals in 2006. The government funded the collaborative practice model pilot between 2006 and 2008 to develop and test an alternative model of emergency care service in which nurses practised at a more advanced and autonomous level. Data were sourced from a combination of interviews, focus groups and patient records. Qualitative data were analysed using convergent interview and thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and cross tabulations. The three critical success factors owing to action research are presented. It provided a politically safe approach to service, policy and legislative change, ensured collaboration permeated the endeavour and helped to shift the focus from a technical to an emancipatory approach to action research. Action research was key to the success achieved by the participants in changing clinical practice, service delivery and the Victorian Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act (1981) to authorise registered nurses to supply medicines. This paper offers an approach that nurses in practice, management and government can take to drive changes at practice, service and legislative levels in advanced nursing practice.
Letter to the Editor
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2018
Work and personal well‐being of nurses in Q ueensland: Does rurality make a difference?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12206
Abstract: This study aims to ascertain if differences exist in the perception of the professional practice environment and personal well-being of nurses across different geographical areas in Queensland. This paper was performed on a prospective, self-report cross-sectional on-line survey. The study was conducted among the nurses employed in public and private health care settings: acute hospitals, community health and aged care in Queensland, Australia. Participants of this study were 1608 registered and enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing, current members of the Queensland Nurses Union in 2013 and who provided a workplace postcode. One thousand eight of these participants worked in major cities, while 382 in rural locations and 238 in remote areas. None. Scores of well-being as determined by the following scales: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and of the Professional Practice Environment using the Practice Environment Scale - Nursing Work Index Revised. Nurses employed in major cities perceived 'nursing foundations for quality care' more favourably than those from other settings. Remote area nurses had lower levels of secondary traumatic stress than nurses in major cities and rural areas. There was no difference between nurses across their geographical locations for stress, anxiety, depression, compassion satisfaction, burnout, resilience and the four other measures of the Practice Environment Scale. The study findings provide new data suggesting that, with the exception of secondary traumatic stress, the personal well-being of nurses does not differ across geographical settings. Similarly, with the exception of the subscale of 'nursing foundations for quality care' there was no difference in perceptions of the professional practice environment. As secondary traumatic stress is associated with burnout, this finding needs to be investigated further.
Heparan Sulfate: A Complex Polymer Charged with Biological Activity
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 25-06-2005
DOI: 10.1021/CR010213M
Effectiveness of educational interventions to raise men's awareness of bladder and bowel health
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1744-1609.2011.00208.X
Abstract: Urinary incontinence is a common health problem with significant medical, psychological and economic burdens. Health education is capable of improving perceptions about and attitudes towards incontinence in turn encouraging them to seek help. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions at raising men's awareness of bladder and bowel health. Types of participants. Adult and adolescent men (age 12 years and over) and it was anticipated that some interventions romotions may be directed at family members or carers of, and health professionals caring for, adult men and therefore these would also be considered for inclusion. Types of intervention. Any intervention, program or action that provided information, or attempted to raise awareness of men's bladder and bowel health. Type of outcome. Any measure defined by included studies such as: bladder and bowel management and treatment, increased knowledge of bladder and bowel health and number of attendees at promotion. Type of studies. Concurrent controls, such as: systematic reviews of concurrently controlled trials, meta-analysis, randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, interrupted time series and controlled before after designs and observational design (cohort, case-control). Search strategy. A search for published and unpublished studies in the English language was undertaken restricted by a publication date of 10 years prior, with the exception of a review of seminal papers before this time. Each study was appraised independently by two reviewers using the standard Joanna Briggs Institute instruments. Information was extracted from studies meeting quality criteria using the standard Joanna Briggs Institute tools. For two studies with similar population types, interventions and outcomes quantitative results were combined into a meta-analysis using Revman 5.0 software. However, the majority of studies were heterogenous and results are presented in a narrative form. With the exception of instruction for pelvic floor muscle exercises for men after prostatectomy, little quantitative research has been performed that establishes the effectiveness of interventions on men's awareness of bladder and bowel health. While numerous interventions have been trialled on mixed gender populations, and these trials suggest that the interventions would be effective, their effectiveness on the male component cannot be definitively established. There is little quantitative evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to improve men's awareness of bladder and bowel health therefore few recommendations can be made. Well-designed controlled trials using male s le populations only are needed.
Experience of hypoglycaemia and strategies used for its management by community-dwelling adults with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1744-1609.2012.00276.X
Abstract: To synthesise the evidence on how community-dwelling adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus experience hypoglycaemia and the strategies they use to control it. Using a three-step search strategy, all published and unpublished qualitative studies in English from January 2000 to August 2010 were retrieved. Participants diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, experienced in self-managing their hypoglycaemia, and who lived independently in the community and attended primary care or outpatient clinics were included. An initial limited search was conducted in MEDLINE and CINAHL to identify keywords and index terms, which were then used in a second search across the CINAHL, PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science, JSTOR, EMBASE and MEDNAR databases. Additionally, the reference lists of all retrieved papers were hand-searched for additional studies. Retrieved studies were assessed for methodological validity using the standardised Joanna Briggs Institute-Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). Data, in terms of research findings, were extracted from included studies using the standardised JBI-QARI data extraction tool. Five studies (six papers) were included in the review. The 20 findings from the six papers were grouped into three categories, which were then synthesised into one overall finding - that is 'People with diabetes mellitus can self-manage their diabetes and thus prevent hypoglycaemic episodes more effectively when health professionals provide psychological, physiological and spiritual support, and an in idually targeted education programme'. Within the constraints of this review, it appears that the patient-identified priority is to maintain normality in blood glucose self-management. There is also evidence that some people lack the knowledge to identify and self-manage hypoglycaemia. To enable community-dwelling adults with diabetes mellitus to self-manage hypoglycaemia, healthcare professionals should provide in idualised information and emotional support and regularly discuss and assess the person's level of knowledge, awareness of hypoglycaemia and their ability to self-manage.
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of an outreach support program for family carers of older people discharged from hospital
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2015
Can we predict burnout among student nurses? An exploration of the ICWR-1 model of individual psychological resilience
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-07-2016
Characteristics of chemotherapy practice in rural and remote area health facilities in Queensland
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2003
Ethical challenges in the conduct of qualitative research
Publisher: RCN Publishing Ltd.
Date: 22-10-2010
A comparison of nurse shift workers’ and non-shift workers’ psychological functioning and resilience,轮班护士与非轮班护士心理功能和心理复原力的比较。
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-05-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.14023
Abstract: To investigate the impact of shift work on the psychological functioning and resilience of nurses by comparing nurses who work shifts and nurses who work regular hours. A comparative descriptive design using an online self-report questionnaire. Data were collected from employed Registered and Enrolled Nurses (N = 1,369) who were members of the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) in 2013. The survey included standardized measures of resilience, depression, anxiety, compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and intention to leave the profession. Generalized Linear Mixed Model analysis revealed shift workers had significantly lower levels of compassion satisfaction. However, there were no significant differences between the groups on resilience, depression, anxiety, stress, compassion fatigue or intention to leave nursing. The findings suggest that shift work is not associated with worse psychological functioning or lower resilience in nurses. However, this study requires replication using a longitudinal design to confirm these findings.
Best practice in the management of primary nocturnal enuresis in children: a systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201008050-00001
Abstract: Nocturnal enuresis is the involuntary loss of urine at night in a child of an age and physical health where they would be expected to be dry. The prevalence of this condition in Australia has been estimated at 18.9% in children 5 to 12 years of age, with up to 19% of boys and 16% of girls aged 5 years wetting the bed at least once per month. Up to the age of 13 years bedwetting is more common in boys and more common in girls after this age. Nocturnal enuresis has a spontaneous cure rate of approximately 14% however up to 3% of children remain enuretic as adults. Although this condition is pathologically benign, it can have serious social and psychological repercussions for the sufferer including affects on self esteem, school success, parental disapproval and even sexual activity in later life. Despite the volume of information available for the management of enuresis, the majority of research has been conducted outside Australia. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to produce management guidelines for nocturnal enuresis in children specific to Australian clinical practice. This review considered systematic reviews or concurrently controlled trials (randomised controlled trials (RCT), pseudo-randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials (CCT), interrupted time series (ITS) and controlled before and after trials (CBA)), for examining effectiveness of interventions to manage nocturnal enuresis in children up to the age of 16 years. A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify all available evidence. Cochrane and other health technology assessment websites were searched for existing systematic reviews. For recent randomised controlled trials and controlled trials (1990 to 2007) Pubmed, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched. Reference lists of all retrieved articles were searched for relevant trials. These reviews and guidelines were summarised and presented to an advisory panel of nurse continence advisors and clinicians to ensure relevance to Australian clinical practice. Methodological quality of all studies was assessed by two reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal forms for experimental studies located within the JBI-MAStARI software. This tool was used to identify all sources of bias. Where disagreement existed between the two reviewers a third reviewer adjudicated. Seven systematic reviews, eight new trials and two guidelines were used in the development of these guidelines.Briefly management recommendations include: CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and the negative psychosocial sequelae that can arise from this condition, management is both readily available and effective. The practice of managing nocturnal enuresis in children should start with addressing both daytime wetting and any evidence of constipation. Following this, less invasive behavioural therapies should be attempted. If these measures fail then the use of alarms with or without short-term administration of desmopressin could be attempted. Other interventions have yet to be proven to be definitively effective and should be considered with caution.It should be emphasized however, that the vast majority of children will become continent at some future time point, with or without the benefit of interventions. While it is clear that some behavioural methods, alarms and desmopressin can be effective interventions, the evidence for other treatments is not so definitive. The observation however that even alarms and/or desmopressin do not work for all children suggests that research to establish the effectiveness of other interventions (especially behavioural and complementary treatments) should be performed in the form of large, carefully designed RCTs.
The factors influencing the effective early career and rapid transition to a nursing specialty in differing contexts of practice: A modified Delphi consensus study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-028541
Abstract: This study aimed to test and further develop the ‘Early Career and Rapid Transition to a Nursing Specialty’ (TRANSPEC) model to a nursing specialty developed from a systematic review. Semi-structured interviews of specialist clinically based nurses and a consensus Delphi study with an expert panel were used to expand and achieve consensus, agreement, reliability and stability of the model. A modified Delphi, two rounds (64 and 52 Likert items) of reiterative online questionnaires and one round as a nominal group technique, was informed by qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Interviews with 14 specialists clinical practicing registered nurses and a panel of 25 national experts participated in the Delphi study. The interview participants experienced 14 rapid transitions and three were early career transition. The overarching themes from the preliminary model were confirmed and further expanded. These were the self (personal and professional) the transition processes (final and informal) a sense of belonging and the overarching context of practice over a time continuum. In the Delphi, the highest rating item was ‘Specialty work colleagues respect, include, support, and accept specialist nurse on completion of transition processes’. Pre-entry was highlighted as an important time point prior to transition. All items reaching consensus were included in the final model. Cronbach α increased from 0.725 to 0.875 for the final model. The TRANSPEC model is a valid and reliable evidence-based tool for use in the career pathway and development of nursing specialists. Using the Benner model ‘Novice to Expert’ after the novice incomer phase is achieved, further lifelong learning development will transform the novice specialist over time continuum.
Rural nurse drug administration – will common sense prevail?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1994
Systematic review of interventions to improve prescribing
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2009
DOI: 10.1345/APH.1L488
Abstract: To update 2 comprehensive reviews of systematic reviews on prescribing interventions and identify the latest evidence about the effectiveness of the interventions. Systematic searches for English-language reports of experimental and quasi-experimental research were conducted in PubMed(1951–May 2007). EMBASE (1974–March 2008), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–March 2008), and 11 other bibliographic databases of medical, social science, and business research. Following an initial title screening process and after selecting 6 specific intervention categories (identified from the previous reviews) in community settings, 2 reviewers independently assessed abstracts and then full studies for relevance and quality and extracted relevant data using formal assessment and data extraction tools. Results were then methodically incorporated into the findings of the 2 earlier reviews of systematic reviews. Twenty-nine of 26,314 articles reviewed were assessed to be of relevant, high-quality research. Audit and feedback, together with educational outreach visits, were the focus of the majority of recent, high-quality research into prescribing interventions. These interventions were also the most effective in improving prescribing practice. A smaller number of studies included a patient-mediated intervention this intervention was not consistently effective. There is insufficient recent research into manual reminders to confidently update earlier reviews and there remains insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of local consensus processes or multidisciplinary teams. Educational outreach as well as audit and feedback continue to dominate research into prescribing interventions. These 2 prescribing interventions also most consistently show positive results. Much less research is conducted into other types of interventions and there is still very little effort to systematically test why interventions do or do not work.
The AJRH: 20 years on
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-07-2012
Career breaks and intentions for retirement by Queensland's nurses-A sign of the times?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2009.10.004
Abstract: In order to support policy planning, nurses in Queensland were surveyed three times over a 7-year period. Results from the study offered the opportunity to explore changes in work practices with respect to career breaks and retirement intentions. A self-administered postal survey. Nurse members of the Queensland Nurses Union residing in the State of Queensland. 3000 members of the Queensland Nurses' Union. An overview of nurses' work practices in relation to breaks in work and planned retirement. Response rates for 2001, 2004 and 2007 were 51%, 44.9% and 39.7%, respectively. Over the 7-year study period the number of nurses taking career breaks declined from 65% in 2001 to 54% in 2007. Of those nurses who reported taking breaks the number of breaks remained constant however the average length of the breaks declined. Results reflected an ageing workforce. The expected time to remain in nursing increased dramatically for older nurses. Over 60% of 40-60-year-old nurses in 2007 expect to remain in nursing well into their mid-60s compared to 30% in the previous years. The dynamics of the nursing workforce have changed with nurses taking fewer and shorter breaks and expecting to work to a greater age. We speculate that these changes may be influenced by the economic climate.
Workplace abuse among correctional health professionals in New South Wales, Australia
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/AH11043
Abstract: Objective. Studies have found that health workers are at elevated risk of being abused while at work. Little is known, however, about workplace abuse among correctional health professionals. We implemented a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence, sources and consequences of workplace abuse among correctional health professionals in New South Wales, Australia. Methods. All employees of Justice Health (a statutory health corporation) were invited to complete a self-administered survey, which was delivered via the internet. Among nurses, medical doctors and allied health professionals, 299 usable surveys were returned a response rate of 42%. Results. In the preceding 3 months, 76% of participants had personally experienced some form of abuse in their workplace, all but one of whom recalled verbal abuse. Only 16% reported physical abuse. Seventy per cent reported feeling safe in their workplace. Patients were identified as the main perpetrators of abuse, followed by fellow health staff. Participants felt that incidents of workplace abuse increased their potential to make errors while providing care to patients and reduced their productivity while at work. Conclusions. Compared with health workers who practise in a community setting, the risk of physical abuse among correctional health professionals appears to be low. What is known about the topic? Health professionals are at a high risk of workplace abuse. Studies have demonstrated that the risk of abuse varies by health profession and the practice environment. There is a paucity of research exploring workplace abuse among correctional health professionals. What does this paper add? A cross-sectional survey found that a relatively small proportion of correctional health professionals in New South Wales had been subjected to physical abuse in their workplace in the preceding 3 months. Verbal abuse, however, was reported by a majority of participants. Although patients were the most commonly reported source of abuse, a worrying level of health worker on health worker abuse (also known as horizontal abuse) was found. What are the implications for practitioners? Preventive strategies should address the temporal, environmental and structural determinants of workplace abuse in correctional and forensic facilities. More research is needed to identify the factors associated with horizontal abuse among correctional health professionals. This would allow the establishment of tailored preventive programs.
The ProQOL-21: A revised version of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale based on Rasch analysis
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-02-2018
Attitudes of Australian Nurses to Information Technology in the Workplace
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2009
A Pilot Evaluation of a Mindful Self-care and Resiliency (MSCR) Intervention for Nurses
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-04-2016
Agricultural occupational health and safety: farming families presenting a challenge to wellness
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-1993
The Influence of Trait-Negative Affect and Compassion Satisfaction on Compassion Fatigue in Australian Nurses
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1037/TRA0000050
Abstract: For this study, we examined the nature of the unique relationships trait-negative affect and compassion satisfaction had with compassion fatigue and its components of secondary traumatic stress and burnout in 273 nurses from 1 metropolitan tertiary acute hospital in Western Australia. Participants completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Stamm, 2010), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 2004), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983). Bivariate correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine and investigate 4 hypotheses. The results demonstrate a clear differential pattern of relationships with secondary traumatic stress and burnout for both trait-negative affect and compassion satisfaction. Trait-negative affect was clearly the more important factor in terms of its contribution to overall compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress. In contrast, compassion satisfaction's unique protective relationship only related to burnout, and not secondary traumatic stress. The results are therefore consistent with the view that compassion satisfaction may be an important internal resource that protects against burnout, but is not directly influential in protecting against secondary traumatic stress for nurses working in an acute-care hospital environment. With the projected nursing workforce shortages in Australia, it is apparent that a further understanding is warranted of how such personal variables may work as protective and risk factors.
Present and past carers' health: Some considerations
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2010
Perceptions of nursing workloads and contributing factors, and their impact on implicit care rationing: A Queensland, Australia study
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 17-09-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.12693
Abstract: To explore nurses' perceptions of factors affecting workloads and their impact on patient care. Fiscal restraints and unpredictable patient illness trajectories challenge the provision of care. Cost containment affects the number of staff employed and the skill-mix for care provision. While organisations may acknowledge explicit rationing of care, implicit rationing takes place at the point of service as nurses are forced to make decisions about what care they can provide. A self-report cross sectional study was conducted using an on-line survey with 2,397 nurses in Queensland, Australia. Twenty to forty per cent reported being unable to provide care in the time available having insufficient staff and an inadequate skill-mix. The respondents reported workload and skill-mix issues leading to implicit care rationing. Over 60% believed that the processes to address workload issues were inadequate. Institutional influences on staffing levels and skill-mix are resulting in implicit care rationing. Adequate staffing should be based on patient acuity and the skill-mix required for safe care. Managers should be more assertive about adequate clinical workloads, involve staff in decision-making, and adopt a systematic planning approach. Failure to do so results in implicit care rationing impacting on patient safety.
Reliability and validity of the Toowoomba adult trauma triage tool: a Queensland, Australia study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2004
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAEN.2004.07.003
Abstract: In Australia a nationally adopted five tiered triage scale called the Australasian triage scale (ATS) is used for the purpose of differentiating patient acuity levels for all patients that present to an emergency department (ED). The scale was formulated with the aim of promoting a standardized approach to triage. Numerous studies now suggest that the ATS has not been successful in achieving this intention. The Toowoomba adult trauma triage tool (TATTT) seeks to address this deficiency by providing an evidence based, reproducible, reliable and valid method of triage categorisation, albeit in a select group of patients. Ten triage nurses from Toowoomba health service (THS) and five from Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland, Australia were enrolled in the study. Each participant rated five written simulations before receiving training in the TATTT. Each participant then rated nine written scenarios, five simulated scenarios on video and one computer simulated scenario with the TATTT. Parallel triaging of actual adult injury based presentations to THS ED was also undertaken. The overall percentage agreement for all simulations for which data were available was 87%. The overall kappa statistic was 0.82 with a 95% confidence interval from 0.76 to 0.88. The overall percentage agreement between the triage category assigned using existing triage practices and the triage category assigned by the TATTT was approximately 47% with an estimated kappa of kappa(') = 0.19 (95% confidence interval [-0.02,0.40]). Evidence from this study suggests that the TATTT provides systematically different results compared to current triage practices utilising the ATS. This provided evidence that triage practices did not reflect current evidence or available descriptors. Additionally TATTT has greater reliability than current triage practices.
Comprehensive systematic review of healthcare workers' perceptions of risk and use of coping strategies towards emerging respiratory infectious diseases
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1744-1609.2011.00242.X
Abstract: To determine healthcare workers' perceptions of risk from exposure to emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases and the perceived effectiveness of strategies used to facilitate healthy coping in acute hospital and community healthcare settings. Electronic databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Ovid, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Wiley InterScience) were searched using a three-step search strategy to identify the relevant quantitative and qualitative studies published in English from 1997 to 2009. The grey literature was not included in the review. The identified studies were evaluated using the Meta-Analysis of Statistics, Assessment and Review Instrument and the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Fourteen quantitative studies were included and the findings included in a narrative summary. The findings from the two qualitative studies were categorised into a meta-synthesis that generated two synthesised findings. Findings indicated that healthcare workers perceived personal and familial health risks and stigmatisation from their exposure to emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases, but the majority were accepting of these risks. Organisational implementation of infection control measures, avoidance of patients and complying with personal protective equipment were identified as risk-mitigating strategies. Demographic, in idual and organisational factors were found to influence their risk perceptions and their adoption of strategies to mitigate the risk. It appears that healthcare workers' risk perceptions can influence their behaviour towards patients with emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases as well as their use of risk-mitigating strategies. Institutions need to ensure that appropriate infection control safeguards are in place to protect workers and their families. Institutions can also offer incentives to encourage healthcare workers to comply with the policies and procedures introduced to mitigate risk. Institutions and government need to ensure that policies and procedures are communicated and adequate institutional measures (i.e. personal protective equipment education and training and personal support) are implemented to safeguard healthcare workers during and after pandemic outbreaks. Future research needs to examine how perception of risk related to acute emerging respiratory infectious diseases, epidemic or pandemic, and the factors that would influence healthcare workers': decisions to stay within the workforce and provide care or resign from the workforce and compliance with institutional and government policies and procedures, as well as compliance to use of personal protective equipment.
Nurses' perceptions of the barriers in effective communication with inpatient cancer adults in Singapore
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-02-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2011.03977.X
Abstract: Aim. This study investigated the factors affecting effective communication between Singaporean registered nurses and inpatient oncology adults. Background. In oncology nursing, where conversations entail emotionally loaded topics and patients’ receptivity is greatly affected by their life‐threatening disease and its trajectory, effective communication is crucial. Design. This is a qualitative study situated within the interpretivism paradigm. Method. Ten registered nurses from the oncology wards of a major teaching hospital in Singapore were interviewed. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Conclusion. Factors that influenced effective nurse–patient communication were found in the characteristics of the patient, the nurse and the environment. While there are common factors influencing communication in all contexts of practice, this study has suggested that a multicultural community such as Singapore presents special challenges in the oncology inpatient setting. Language barriers are significant, particularly between overseas trained nurses and patients who cannot converse in English. Cultural taboos also increase nurses’ discomfort when discussing sensitive topics. Additionally, the government’s promotion of Singapore as a medical ‘hub’ increases the cultural and ethnic mix of inpatients. A particular concerning finding is Singapore society’s poor perception of and lack of respect for nurses, which is partly contributed by Singapore’s ‘user‐pays’ health system and lowly‐paid foreign nurses. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses should be mindful of how patients’ disease trajectory and psychological state affect communication. Nurses should also take patients’ cultural background into consideration when approaching sensitive topics. Language and cultural induction classes should also be made available, especially for overseas trained nurses working in Singapore. Nursing Associations in Singapore need to work on programmes that will increase the prestige of nursing. Further research involving a more representative s le is warranted to understand how Singapore’s ‘user‐pays’ health care system affects effective nurse–patient communication.
Memory and communication support in dementia: Research-based strategies for caregivers
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 20-09-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610210001845
Abstract: Background: Difficulties with memory and communication are prominent and distressing features of dementia which impact on the person with dementia and contribute to caregiver stress and burden. There is a need to provide caregivers with strategies to support and maximize memory and communication abilities in people with dementia. In this project, a team of clinicians, researchers and educators in neuropsychology, psychogeriatrics, nursing and speech pathology translated research-based knowledge from these fields into a program of practical strategies for everyday use by family and professional caregivers. Methods: From the available research evidence, the project team identified compensatory or facilitative strategies to assist with common areas of difficulty, and structured these under the mnemonics RECAPS (for memory) and MESSAGE (for communication). This information was adapted for presentation in a DVD-based education program in accordance with known characteristics of effective caregiver education. Results: The resultant DVD comprises (1) information on the nature and importance of memory and communication in everyday life (2) explanations of common patterns of difficulty and preserved ability in memory and communication across the stages of dementia (3) acted vignettes demonstrating the strategies, based on authentic s les of speech in dementia and (4) scenarios to prompt the viewer to consider the benefits of using the strategies. Conclusion: Using a knowledge-translation framework, information and strategies can be provided to family and professional caregivers to help them optimize residual memory and communication in people with dementia. Future development of the materials, incorporating consumer feedback, will focus on methods for enabling wider dissemination.
Response: Commentary
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2008
Factors influencing workplace violence risk among correctional health workers: insights from an Australian survey
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/PY15071
Abstract: Little is known about the environmental and organisational determinants of workplace violence in correctional health settings. This paper describes the views of health professionals working in these settings on the factors influencing workplace violence risk. All employees of a large correctional health service in New South Wales, Australia, were invited to complete an online survey. The survey included an open-ended question seeking the views of participants about the factors influencing workplace violence in correctional health settings. Responses to this question were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Participants identified several factors that they felt reduced the risk of violence in their workplace, including: appropriate workplace health and safety policies and procedures professionalism among health staff the presence of prison guards and the quality of security provided and physical barriers within clinics. Conversely, participants perceived workplace violence risk to be increased by: low health staff-to-patient and correctional officer-to-patient ratios high workloads insufficient or underperforming security staff and poor management of violence, especially horizontal violence. The views of these participants should inform efforts to prevent workplace violence among correctional health professionals.
A central function for perlecan in skeletal muscle and cardiovascular development
Publisher: Rockefeller University Press
Date: 21-04-2008
Abstract: Perlecan's developmental functions are difficult to dissect in placental animals because perlecan disruption is embryonic lethal. In contrast to mammals, cardiovascular function is not essential for early zebrafish development because the embryos obtain adequate oxygen by diffusion. In this study, we use targeted protein depletion coupled with protein-based rescue experiments to investigate the involvement of perlecan and its C-terminal domain V/endorepellin in zebrafish development. The perlecan morphants show a severe myopathy characterized by abnormal actin filament orientation and disorganized sarcomeres, suggesting an involvement of perlecan in myopathies. In the perlecan morphants, primary intersegmental vessel sprouts, which develop through angiogenesis, fail to extend and show reduced protrusive activity. Live videomicroscopy confirms the abnormal swimming pattern caused by the myopathy and anomalous head and trunk vessel circulation. The phenotype is partially rescued by microinjection of human perlecan or endorepellin. These findings indicate that perlecan is essential for the integrity of somitic muscle and developmental angiogenesis and that endorepellin mediates most of these biological activities.
Perlecan regulates developmental angiogenesis by modulating the VEGF-VEGFR2 axis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2009
GENDER ROLES AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AS PREDICTORS OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS IN AUSTRALIAN WOMEN
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2000
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1584.2000.00272.X
Abstract: This paper examines the emotional distress of women in urban, rural and remote areas of Queensland. A randomised telephone survey of 394 women found that geographical location was not significantly related to perceptions of life quality or distress. Contrary to expectation, urbanisation and isolation were not significant predictors of mental health and factors other than geographical location appear more influential in determining people's emotional wellbeing. One such factor, the gender role that women perceive themselves as fulfilling, was examined in this study and found to be significantly related to emotional distress. Women who saw their role as being submissive, dependent, gentle and timid reported significantly higher rates of distress and women perceiving themselves as bossy, rude and superior reported higher stress, irrespective of where they lived. Scores for the positive gender role of being sensitive, emotional and responsible grew significantly higher as the respondents became more rural/remote. Conversely, scores in the bossy, rude and superior domain were significantly higher in urban areas. This paper discusses the limitations of health research using global urban/rural classification schemes based on size of town or distance from major centres. There is mounting evidence that geographically based classification schemes are essentially minimalist and that more complex grouping variables such as gender role need to be identified.
Access to and support for continuing professional education amongst Queensland nurses: 2004 and 2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2009.06.015
Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a prospective exploratory study related to nurses' self-reports of continuing professional education access and support. The data were gathered by two postal surveys undertaken in 2004 and 2007 each which s led 3000 nurses of the 30,000 nurse members of the industrial body - Queensland Nurses' Union. The response rates were 44.9% and 39.7% for 2004 and 2007, respectively. Over 85% of the nurses reported they had access to continuing professional education activities. However, it is apparent that the majority of these activities are either partially or completely self-funded. Further, between 2004 and 2007 the amount of financial support provided by employers for continuing education and training activities has decreased significantly. While there were differences between 2004 and 2007, the major barrier to be able to attend continuing professional education were financial (could not afford the fee involved could not afford to take unpaid leave to attend). Another major barrier in both 2004 and 2007 was having the time to undertake the activity. Analysis for differences between nurses in different geographical locations indicated that distance remains a major barrier for nurses in rural and remote areas. These quantitative findings were supported by the qualitative findings on nurses' work where 'education and training' was, overall, the fifth highest ranked issue requiring further attention.
Separation of conjoined twins: experiences of perioperative nurses and their recommendations
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-02-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1466-7657.2004.00239.X
Abstract: Within an 8-month period, an unprecedented and historical first in Queensland, Australia, the perioperative nurses were members of teams involved in the surgical separation of two sets of conjoined twins. Little is known about the (dis)stress that some of these perioperative nurses experienced nor how best to support them during such experiences. The aim of this paper is to report on the qualitative study that explored the experiences of those perioperative nurses involved in the surgical separation of cojoined twins and from their stories propose recommendations to support perioperative nurses who are confronted with such workplace experiences. Using a narrative methodology, nine perioperative nurses shared their stories of being involved in the surgical separation of conjoined twins in Australia. Narrative and thematic analyses were conducted and recommendations to support perioperative nurses through workplace (dis)stress were identified. Participants validated the findings and recommendations. The analyses revealed the themes of professionalism, teamwork, 'them vs. us' and emotional loads. The sensationalism around the rarity of conjoined twins brought an intensive intrusiveness from the world media. As a result, secrecy within the hospital about the conjoined twin cases created isions between those perioperative nurses on the teams and those not. The processes and outcomes of the two surgical cases were in contrast to each other. For some perioperative nurses this caused distress. It is essential that professional support is offered in a way in which the perioperative nurse can take it up without fear of negative judgement.
Discharge Planning from the acute sector for people over the age of 65
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1016/S1322-7696(08)60420-5
Abstract: This paper reports the findings relating to discharge planning from a larger study (Hegney et al 2001) that aimed to investigate options to improve care co-ordination between the aged, community, acute and primary care sectors for the elderly residents of a large provincial town. The data, which were collected from a wide variety of aged care stakeholders in the region, are consistent with previous Australian studies. First, it appears that inappropriate discharge from acute hospitals occurs in Toowoomba because there is a perceived lack of information regarding the available community care options and a lack of suitable models to support people's care needs within their own homes. Second, inappropriate discharge practices from acute hospitals occur due to a lack of knowledge and communication on the part of health professionals employed in these settings with regard to the on-going health care needs of elderly people. Third, there is little discharge planning occurring that includes the general practitioner in post-discharge care. Finally, inappropriate discharge can also be attributed to the lack of sub-acute/step-down/rehabilitation options and long waiting lists for community home care services in the region.
Radiation therapists' perspectives on participating in research
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-07-2017
DOI: 10.1002/JMRS.237
Triage nurse perceptions of the use, reliability and acceptability of the Toowoomba Adult Triage Trauma Tool (TATTT)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAEN.2004.10.009
Abstract: The 'Toowoomba Adult Triage Trauma Tool' (TATTT) is a computerised clinical decision support tool developed to provide an evidence-based, valid and consistent method of triage assessment and categorisation. The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate training and testing strategy for implementing the TATTT and to evaluate its acceptability for assisting in the triage prioritization process. Triage nurses (15) from two hospitals underwent training in the TATTT and were tested on its application. Semi-structured interviews gathered their perceptions of the training, the methods for testing and the acceptability of the TATTT for assisting in triage. The TATTT was viewed positively by all but one of the nurses. Participants believed that it provided clear direction in the triage assessment process, increased their confidence in reaching a decision and would be comfortable in adopting the TATTT in clinical practice. The study has shown that the TATTT is acceptable to users and is viewed as a viable alternative to current triage practice.
What is the impact of shift work on the psychological functioning and resilience of nurses? An integrative review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13283
Abstract: To synthesize existing research to determine if nurses who work shifts have poorer psychological functioning and resilience than nurses who do not work shifts. Research exploring the impact of shift work on the psychological functioning and resilience of nurses is limited compared with research investigating the impact of shifts on physical outcomes. Integrative literature review. Relevant databases were searched from January 1995-August 2016 using the combination of keywords: nurse, shift work rotating roster night shift resilient hardiness coping well-being burnout mental health occupational stress compassion fatigue compassion satisfaction stress anxiety depression. Two authors independently performed the integrative review processes proposed by Whittemore and Knafl and a quality assessment using the mixed-methods appraisal tool by Pluye et al. A total of 37 articles were included in the review (32 quantitative, 4 qualitative and 1 mixed-methods). Approximately half of the studies directly compared nurse shift workers with non-shift workers. Findings were grouped according to the following main outcomes: (1) general psychological well-being/quality of life (2) Job satisfaction/burnout (3) Depression, anxiety and stress and (4) Resilience/coping. We did not find definitive evidence that shift work is associated with poorer psychological functioning in nurses. Overall, the findings suggest that the impact of shift work on nurse psychological functioning is dependent on several contextual and in idual factors. More studies are required which directly compare the psychological outcomes and resilience of nurse shift workers with non-shift workers.
Factors relating to perioperative experience of older persons undergoing joint replacement surgery: An integrative literature review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.906663
Abstract: The purpose of this literature review was to examine factors relating to the perioperative experience of older persons undergoing total hip and knee replacement surgery resulting from osteoarthritis. A literature search was undertaken using databases CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to provide relevant research articles. Articles were included if they examined the factors relating to the HRQOL, QOL and perioperative experience of older persons undergoing joint replacement surgery resulting from osteoarthritis. The use of Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist facilitated a systematic appraisal of studies with regard to the scientific rigor of the studies. Twenty-two publications were categorized into one main theme: "factors relating to perioperative experience" subcategorized into eight subthemes: "waiting time", "pain and disability", "mental health", "race/ethnicity, age and gender", "body image", "coping and social support", "patient education" and "care continuity". There is a need to conduct further research to examine the perioperative experience of older persons undergoing joint replacement surgery, in particular, the lived perioperative experience of a erse race, ethnicity and culture in an Asian population. Implications for Rehabilitation Healthcare services should remain focused on reducing waiting time as prolonged waiting time for joint replacement surgery was detrimental to patients' HRQOL. Healthcare professionals need to identify strategies to improve the perioperative pain experience through patient education on pain management and positive social support to support the process of recovery. Patients' expectations of pain and their process of recovery were closely linked to patient education. One model of patient education that was seen to be successful and linked to good post-operative outcomes was care continuity model. Being actively involved in the care continuity results in better post-operative outcomes for the patient and their family.
Compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression and stress in registered nurses in Australia: Phase 2 results
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 11-11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.12168
Abstract: This is the first two-phase Australian study to explore the factors impacting upon compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression and stress and to describe the strategies nurses use to build compassion satisfaction into their working lives. Compassion fatigue has been found to impact on job satisfaction, the quality of patient care and retention within nursing. This study provides new knowledge on the influences of anxiety, stress and depression and how they relate to compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. In Phase 2 of the study, 10 nurses from Phase 1 of the study participated in in idual interviews and a focus group. A semi-structured interview schedule guided the conversations with the participants. Data analysis resulted in seven main themes: social networks and support infrastructure and support environment and lifestyle learning leadership stress and suggestions to build psychological wellness in nurses. Findings suggest that a nurse’s capacity to cope is enhanced through strong social and collegial support, infrastructure that supports the provision of quality nursing care and positive affirmation. These concepts are strongly linked to personal resilience. for nursing management These findings support the need for management to develop appropriate interventions to build resilience in nurses.
Topographical variation in the distributions of versican, aggrecan and perlecan in the foetal human spine reflects their diverse functional roles in spinal development
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-08-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S00418-009-0623-Z
Abstract: We evaluated the immunohistochemical distribution of three major proteoglycans of cartilage, i.e., aggrecan, versican and perlecan vis-a-vis collagens I and II in the developing human spine of first-trimester foetuses. Aggrecan and perlecan were prominently immunolocalised in the cartilaginous vertebral body rudiments and to a lesser extent within the foetal intervertebral disc. In contrast, versican was only expressed in the developing intervertebral disc interspace. Using domain-specific monoclonal antibodies against the various modules of versican, we discovered the V0 isoform as the predominant form present. Versican immunolocalisations conducted with antibodies directed to epitopes in its N and C termini and GAG-alpha and GAG-beta core protein domains provided evidence that versican in the nucleus pulposus was either synthesised devoid of a G3 domain or this domain was proteolytically removed in situ. The V0 versican isoform was localised with prominent fibrillar components in the annular lamellae of the outer annulus fibrosus. Perlecan was a notable pericellular proteoglycan in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus but poorly immunolocalised in the marginal tissues of the developing intervertebral disc, apparently delineating the intervertebral disc-vertebral body interface region destined to become the cartilaginous endplate in the mature intervertebral disc. The distribution of collagens I and II in the foetal spine was mutually exclusive with type I present in the outer annulus fibrosus, marginal tissues around the vertebral body rudiment and throughout the developing intervertebral disc, and type II prominent in the vertebral rudiment, absent in the outer annulus fibrosus and diffusely distributed in the inner annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. Collectively, our findings suggest the existence of an intricate and finely balanced interplay between various proteoglycans and collagens and the spinal cell populations which synthesise and assemble these components during spinal development.
The role of vascular-derived perlecan in modulating cell adhesion, proliferation and growth factor signaling
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2014
An assessment of radiation oncology medical physicists' perspectives on undertaking research.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-11-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S13246-016-0505-3
Abstract: As part of a study of the radiation oncology workforce, radiation oncology medical physicists (ROMPs) who had worked in Australia were surveyed regarding their attitudes to participating in research. Responses from 88 ROMPs were available for analysis, representing a broad mix of employment situations and research experience. Greater than 70% of ROMPs described their involvement in research as "liking it" or "loving it", with associated identified benefits including skills development, job satisfaction and career progression. Over half of respondents agreed that involvement in research inspired them to stay in their profession. However, lack of time, support and motivation were all identified as barriers to participation in research. Areas of research interest were identified. This study highlights the importance of a research culture for job satisfaction and staff retention.
Victorian rural emergency care—a case for advancing nursing practice
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2012
Medical students and rural general practitioners: Congruent views on the reality of recruitment into rural medicine
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-01-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2007.00844.X
Abstract: In-depth exploration of the perceptions, experiences and expectations of current long-term rural GPs and medical students intent on a rural career, regarding the current and future state of rural medicine. Qualitative study using semistructured interviews. Rural and remote towns in Central and Southern Queensland and the School of Medicine, University of Queensland. Thirteen rural GPs with 10-40 years experience. Medical students (five second- and seven third-year), all of whom are members of a rural students' club and have an intention to pursue rural practice. Interviews were conducted between August and December 2004. Emergent themes relating to participant perceptions of the current and future state of rural medicine. Despite large differences in generation and experience, medical students and rural GPs hold similar perceptions and expectations regarding the current and future state of rural practice. In particular, they cite a lack of professional support at the systems level. This includes specific support for: continuing medical education to obtain and retain the skills necessary for rural practice dealing with the higher risks associated with procedural work and consequences of medico-legal issues and workforce shortage issues such as long hours and availability of locums. Issues relating to recruitment and retention of the rural health workforce are identified by both cohorts as relating to professional support. Medical schools and institutional support systems need to join forces and work together to make rural practice a viable career in medicine.
The interface of acute and aged care: the role of the nurse in a provincial area
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2003
Aged care nursing in Queensland - the nurses' view
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-04-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2006.01696.X
Abstract: Through comparison of two studies undertaken three years apart the opinions of nurses working in aged care facilities in Queensland were determined. Results will support policy planning for the Queensland Nurses Union. An ageing population in Australia is placing increased demands on residential aged care facilities. In Queensland, the national situation is exacerbated by an influx of retirees from other states and territories. The ongoing problem of shortages of nurses in the workforce may be addressed by gaining further insight into the nurses' own views of their conditions and experiences. One thousand nurses working in public and privately owned residential aged care facilities were surveyed by postal questionnaire in 2004. Results were compared with data collected in an identical study in 2001. Respondents offered their opinions on working hours and conditions, professional development and experiences in nursing. The predominately female aged care nursing workforce is ageing. Reported workplace violence has increased substantially since 2001. Some improvements are reported in staff numbers, skill mix and workplace policies. Nurses expressed very serious concerns about pay, workload, stress, physical and emotional demands and staff morale. Working conditions for nurses in the residential aged care sector in Queensland must be addressed to retain the current nurses and to encourage new nurses to replace those that retire. The findings of this study provide information not only for the Queensland Nurses Union but also policy makers and nurse managers both nationally and internationally on areas that need to be addressed to maintain the required workforce within the aged care sector.
Compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression and stress in registered nurses in Australia: study 1 results
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.12160
Abstract: To explore compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction with the potential contributing factors of anxiety, depression and stress. To date, no studies have connected the quality of work-life with other contributing and co-existing factors such as depression, anxiety and stress. A self-report exploratory cross sectional survey of 132 nurses working in a tertiary hospital. The reflective assessment risk profile model provides an excellent framework for examining the relationships between the professional quality of work factors and contributing factors within the established risk profiles. The results show a definite pattern of risk progression for the six factors examined for each risk profile. Additionally, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were significantly related to higher anxiety and depression levels. Higher anxiety levels were correlated with nurses who were younger, worked full-time and without a postgraduate qualification. Twenty percent had elevated levels of compassion fatigue: 7.6% having a very distressed profile. At-risk nurses' stress and depression scores were significantly higher than nurses with higher compassion satisfaction scores. The employed nurse workforce would benefit from a psychosocial capacity building intervention that reduces a nurse's risk profile, thus enhancing retention.
Regional differences among employed nurses: A Queensland study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-07-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2009.01072.X
Abstract: To ascertain differences in the working lives of geographically dispersed nurses. Cross-sectional. Registered, enrolled and assistants-in-nursing members of the Queensland Nurses' Union employed in nursing in Queensland, Australia. A total of 3000 members of the Union, equally stratified by sector (public, private, aged care). Among them, 1192 responded and 1039 supplied postcodes matching the Australian Standard Geographical Classification. Statistically significant differences in working lives of nurses employed in different geographical locations. Nurses in outer regional/remote/very remote localities are more likely to be employed as permanent full-time staff and self-report higher levels of work stress. These levels could be explained by: lack of replacement staff for leave, longer working and on call hours and lack of support for new staff. Distance remains a major barrier to accessing continuing professional education. However, outer regional/remote/very remote nurses were more likely to be provided employer support for professional education. Inner regional nurses were more likely to work part time, would work more hours if offered and were more likely to have taken a break from nursing as a result of family commitments. The data confirm that current policies are not addressing the differences in the working lives of geographically dispersed nurses. Policies addressing orientation, mentoring and workloads should be implemented to address these issues.
Developing a community-based nursing and midwifery career pathway – A narrative systematic review
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-03-2019
Close, but still too far. The experience of Australian people with cancer commuting from a regional to a capital city for radiotherapy treatment
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 03-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2354.2005.00525.X
Abstract: This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken in November 2001 on the experiences of 17 rural people from the regional city of Toowoomba who had been diagnosed with cancer and were required to travel to the capital city of Queensland (Brisbane) for radiotherapy. The interviews were tape recorded the recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed for emergent themes and subthemes, following verification by the participants that the transcription was a true record of their experience. The major themes that arose from the study were (1) the burden of travel (2) the difficulties of living in accommodation that is not one's own home (3) the financial burden caused by the need to relocate or travel to and from Brisbane (4) the lack of closeness to family and friends (5) and feelings of being a burden on others. The findings suggest that at a time of stress, an increasing burden is placed on cancer clients and their families if they are required to travel for radiotherapy. Health professionals who read the results of this study should be aware of the isolation of rural people who have to live in an unfamiliar environment at a time of great stress. Support mechanisms should be put into place in these referral centres to deal with these stressors.
Triage, treat and transfer: reconceptualising a rural practice model*
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-05-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2009.03073.X
Abstract: Aim. This article argues that the current model of emergency practice in rural Victorian hospitals, which relies heavily on visiting medical officers, needs to be reconceptualised if emergency services are to be supplied to rural communities. Background. Medical workforce shortages are manifesting in Victoria as a reduction in emergency care services from rural hospitals. The suggested alternative model of emergency care involves advancing nursing practice to enable a redistribution of clinical capacity across the health care team. Clinicians will need to work collaboratively and continuously negotiate their roles to meet the patient’s and the clinical team’s needs. Design. Systematic review. Methods. This article is based on a review of the Victorian and Australian literature on the subject of Victorian health services and policy, emergency care, collaboration, communication and rural nurse scope of practice and roles. Emergency care activity was drawn from data held in the Victorian Emergency Management Dataset and personal communications between one of the authors and hospital executives in a small selection of rural hospitals in Victoria. Results. The evidence reviewed suggests that the current emergency practice profile of rural hospitals in Victoria does not reflect the reconceptualised model of rural emergency practice. Instead, only a small proportion of non‐urgent presentations is managed by nurses without medical support, and the data suggest that metropolitan nurses are more likely to manage without medical support than rural nurses. Conclusion. Reconceptualising rural emergency care in Victoria will require significantly greater investment in rural nurses’ knowledge and skills to enable them to operate confidently at a more advanced level. Clinical teams that deliver emergency service in rural hospitals will be expected increasingly to work collaboratively and interprofessionally. Relevance to clinical practice. This article offers some directions for advancing nursing practice and strategies for improving interprofessional collaboration in the delivery of rural emergency care.
WHY NURSES ARE ATTRACTED TO RURAL AND REMOTE PRACTICE
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2008
Tenure, mobility and retention of nurses in Queensland, Australia: 2001 and 2004
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2834.2007.00652.X
Abstract: Data were collected on tenure, mobility and retention of the nursing workforce in Queensland to aid strategic planning by the Queensland Nurses Union (QNU). Shortages of nurses negatively affect the health outcomes of patients. Population rise is increasing the demand for nurses in Queensland. The supply of nurses is affected by recruitment of new and returning nurses, retention of the existing workforce and mobility within institutions. A self-reporting, postal survey was undertaken by the QNU members from the major employment sectors of aged care, public acute and community health and private acute and community health. Only 60% of nurses had been with their current employer more than 5 years. In contrast 90% had been in nursing for 5 years or more and most (80%) expected to remain in nursing for at least another 5 years. Breaks from nursing were common and part-time positions in the private and aged care sectors offered flexibility. The study demonstrated a mobile nursing workforce in Queensland although data on tenure and future time in nursing suggested that retention in the industry was high. Concern is expressed for replacement of an ageing nursing population.
WHITHER RURAL HEALTH? REVIEWING A DECADE OF PROGRESS IN RURAL HEALTH
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2008
Experiences of university employees of the impact of a mindful self-care and resiliency program on their well-being
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-05-2020
Nursing workloads: The results of a study of Queensland Nurses
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 09-2003
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-2834.2003.00376.X
Abstract: This paper reports the findings of a survey undertaken in Queensland, Australia in October 2001. The participants were registered and enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing who were members of the industrial body - the Queensland Nursing Union (QNU), and who were in paid employment in nursing in Queensland. Participants were selected by random s ling from each of the three major employment groups - the aged care, public and private acute sectors. Of the 2800 invited participants, 1477 responded resulting in an overall response rate of 53%. The findings indicate that over 50% of nurses in the aged-care sector, 32% of nurses in the public and 30% of nurses in the private acute sector experience difficulties in meeting patient needs because of insufficient staffing levels. The nurses in this study also believed that there was poor skills-mix, mostly caused by lack of funding, too few experienced staff or too many inexperienced staff. Many nurses in this study expressed their anger and frustration about their inability to complete their work to their professional satisfaction in the paid time available. Further, many nurses also expressed the view that because of this inability they were planning to leave the nursing profession. These findings are consistent with other research into the nursing workforce both within Australia and internationally.
Nurses rate readiness for discharge higher than patients do, and nurses scores predict readmission or ED utilisation after discharge better than patient self-assessment
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-08-2014
DOI: 10.1136/EBN1098
The components of resilience-perceptions of an Australian rural community
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-10-2010
DOI: 10.1002/JCOP.20409
Retaining Rural and Remote Area Nurses
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2002
DOI: 10.1097/00005110-200203000-00005
Abstract: Because higher-than-average turnover rates for nurses who work in remote and rural areas are the norm, the authors conducted a study to identify professional and personal factors that influenced rural nurses' decisions to resign. Using a mail survey, the authors gathered qualitative and quantitative data from nurses who had resigned from rural and remote areas in Queensland, Australia. Their findings, categorized into professional and rural influences, highlight the importance of work force planning strategies that capitalize on the positive aspects of rural and remote area practice, to retain nurses in nonmetropolitan areas.
A qualitative systematic review on the experiences of self-management in community-dwelling older women living with chronic illnesses
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201109620-00001
Abstract: With the risk of chronic conditions increasing with age, older women are likely to have co-morbid chronic conditions. In addition, they may have to contend with socioeconomic issues unique to their gender which can challenge their self-management. The aim of the systematic review was to determine the best available evidence related to the experiences of self-management among community-dwelling older women with chronic conditions, specifically non-communicable illnesses which include cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus and arthritis. Types of participants included all older women with the following characteristics: aged sixty-five years and above living in their own community dwellings community setting rural, suburban or urban living alone or with others having co-morbidities and having chronic illnesses for a minimum of one year. Phenomenon of interest was experiences of self-management among community-dwelling older women with chronic conditions. Interpretive studies were considered in the review, which included but were not limited to designs like phenomenology, grounded theory, action research, feminist research and ethnography. The search strategy aimed to uncover both published and unpublished studies, in English language only, and was unrestricted by time. The databases searched included CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Sociological Abstracts, Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science), Proquest and Google Scholar. Preliminary keywords were drawn from the topic of the systematic review. Each paper was assessed independently by two reviewers for methodological quality. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument QARI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Interpretive & Critical Research was used to appraise the methodological quality of all papers. Qualitative data were extracted from papers included in the review using standardized data extraction tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Qualitative research findings were synthesized using the Joanna Briggs Institute-Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. 88 findings from six studies were aggregated into 22 categories, and then into five synthesized findings. The five synthesized findings are: (i) losing control over a failing body, (ii) maintaining control, (iii) developing self-expertise, (iv) re-defining health, and (v) relying on social support. For these women, self-management involves reclaiming and maintaining their sense of control over their bodies, which is constantly threatened by their chronic illnesses. In addition, they redefine their meaning of health in the context of illness to maintain their emotional well-being in spite of their illness.Healthcare providers can assist their older female patients in maintaining their sense of control through effective symptom management and practical strategies to manage daily life. Because social support is crucial to self-management by older women, healthcare providers should include, where relevant, family members and other loved ones in patient education. Healthcare providers should also endeavour to build and maintain a positive relationship with their patients through effective communication as the provider-patient relationship is a strong influence on an older woman's experience in self-management.Further research is warranted in older women of other cultural backgrounds as the majority of reviewed studies focused on Caucasians in the United States.
Diverse Cell Signaling Events Modulated by Perlecan
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 10-2008
DOI: 10.1021/BI8013938
The status of rural nursing in Australia: 12 years on
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2009.09.001
Abstract: In 1996 Hegney published a seminal review of the literature concerning the status of Australian rural nurses. This article updates and expands that original paper by reporting on an integrative review exploring the same topic area between the years 1996 and 2008. Findings show that definitions of rural nursing are now integrated with those of remote nursing on a continuum of distance and contextual difference. The role and function of rural nurses is examined, along with a discussion of the importance of a primary health care approach in meeting community needs. The influence of social determinants of health is explored in this context. The culture of rural health workplaces in relation to the role and function of rural nurses is also a feature of this review. Research into the rural nursing workforce and, in particular, the recruitment and retention of staff are examined, with the high attrition rate of new or novice rural nurses pinpointed as a common theme in these studies. Important legislative changes that have affected rural nursing practice are also identified. This article concludes with a discussion of the latest research into Australian rural nursing, focusing on education in rural universities and the potential to develop new or novice nurses through the development of supportive relationships.
Facilitating an early career transition pathway to community nursing: A Delphi Policy Study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-09-2019
DOI: 10.1002/NOP2.355
Why nurses are Resigning from rural and remote Queensland health facilities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1016/S1322-7696(08)60414-X
Abstract: This paper presents a selection of the results reported in the study "Factors Influencing the Recruitment and Retention of Rural and Remote Area Nurses in Queensland" (Hegney et al 2001). The main aim of this study was to determine why nurses in those rura and remote areas of Queensland that reported higher than State average turnover rates between February 1999 and May 2000, chose to leave their employment. The study therefore investigated the factors that influenced nurses' decisions to leave rural and remote area practice, the factors that influenced them to remain in practice and those factors nurses considered irrelevant to leaving or staying in rural/remote area nursing. This paper reports those factors the participants believed influenced them to leave rural and remote area nursing in Queensland. While the findings cannot be generalised to the Australian nursing workforce or to nurses not employed by Queensland Health, the study does confirm the findings of prev ous Australian research and formulates recommendations to assist future nursing workforce planning and policy.
Why is the use of clopidogrel increasing rapidly in Australia? An exploration of geographical location, age, sex and cardiac stenting rates as possible influences on clopidogrel use
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1002/PDS.1638
Abstract: To explore clopidogrel use within Australia, investigating geography, age, sex and cardiac stenting rates. Data for clopidogrel supply (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS)) and cardiac stenting procedures (State Health Departments) were obtained for four different geographic regions (very remote/remote and major city in two Australian states). General linear modelling and correlation analyses were used to test for associations and chi2 analyses for proportions. Clopidogrel supply increased rapidly in Australia since introduction, from 1.2 to 9.0 Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/1000 population/day. Among concessional and veteran populations use was much higher. Analysis of geographical area data confirmed an association between clopidogrel supply rates and cardiac stenting rates (r = 0.8-0.9 Spearman's rho, p < 0.01). Sex, age and geographical location were associated with both rates when considered together and when considered independently. Further modelling indicated that between 30 and 73% of clopidogrel supply could be accounted for by people receiving cardiac stents. The supply of clopidogrel increases with age, male sex and living in a major city. These same demographic variables were important for cardiac stenting, an indication which is currently not approved for subsidy by the Australian government, but which modelling indicated could account for between one-third and three quarters of clopidogrel use. A review may be required to ensure subsidised indications reflect current evidence and cost-effective use.
The Effect of Shift Rotation on Employee Cortisol Profile, Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Attention Level
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2011
Workplace violence in a large correctional health service in New South Wales, Australia: a retrospective review of incident management records
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2012
Mindful Self-Care and Resiliency (MSCR): protocol for a pilot trial of a brief mindfulness intervention to promote occupational resilience in rural general practitioners
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2018
Myocardial infarction, patient decision delay and help-seeking behaviour
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.13607
Abstract: To explore patient decision delay, the symptom experience and factors that motivated the patient experiencing myocardial infarction to go to the emergency department. Reperfusion for myocardial infarction is more effective if performed as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Multiple studies show that prehospital delay is long and can average several hours. A qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews. All consecutive myocardial infarction patients who between July 2013-January 2014 at a single-centre metropolitan tertiary hospital in Western Australia were included. Patient responses to an open-ended question were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Braun & Clarke (Qual Res Psychol, 3, 2006, 77-101) thematic analysis method. Of the 367 eligible, 255 provided consent. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analyses: (1) onset and response to symptoms, and this included three subthemes: context of the event, ersity of symptom interpretation and response to symptoms (2) help-seeking behaviour, and this included the patient seeking help from various lay and professional sources and (3) help-seeking outcomes, which include calling the emergency ambulance, going to emergency department, seeing a general practitioner, seeing a general practitioner who advised them to go home. The context of the event, their symptomatology and the layperson who was the first point of contact influenced the decision for the patient to go to the emergency department. Many patients used private transport or contacted their general practitioner. New knowledge from this study emphasises the importance of the layperson understanding the appropriate response is to seek prompt care through immediate emergency transport by ambulance to emergency department. This study highlights the need to educate both the patient and the wider public, not only to seek prompt care but to also to call the emergency ambulance to arrange transport to the emergency department.
Adequacy of support for new graduates during their transition into the workplace: A Queensland, Australia study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2003
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-172X.2003.00433.X
Abstract: In 2001, a study into issues of concern to assistant-in-nursing, registered and enrolled nurse members of the Queensland Nurses Union was undertaken. Approximately equal numbers of nurses from each of the aged care, acute private and acute public sectors were surveyed. Overall, 1477 nurses responded, representing a response rate of 53%. This article focuses on one aspect of the study-the perceived adequacy of support offered to new nursing graduates as they exit university and begin their transition into the workplace. In particular, responses from nurses are compared with professional level or current role designation, age, time spent in the workplace and health sector. Considerable ergence of opinion among the respondents, particularly across designation, age and years of experience, was found within the three sectors. For ex le, in the public and private employment sectors, older and more experienced nurses were more likely to perceive the support for new nurses as adequate compared to younger and less experienced nurses. Additionally, in the acute private sector, the more senior the nurse the more likely the perception that there was adequate preparation for new graduates entering the workforce.
Exploring the Influence of Psychological Factors on Breastfeeding Duration, Phase 1: Perceptions of Mothers and Clinicians
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-2009
Abstract: Breastfeeding duration rates in Australia are low, prompting a search for modifiable factors capable of increasing the duration of breastfeeding. In this study, participants were asked which psychological factors they believed influence breastfeeding duration. Participants included 3 groups of mothers who had breastfed for varied lengths of time (n = 17), and 1 group of breastfeeding clinicians (n = 4). The nominal group technique was employed, involving a structured group meeting progressing through several steps. Analyses included collation of in idual and group responses, group comparisons, and a thematic analysis of group discussions. Forty-five psychological factors thought to influence the duration of breastfeeding were identified. Factors considered most important included the mother's priorities and mothering self-efficacy, faith in breast milk, adaptability, stress, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. In addition to informing the design of phase 2 of this study, these results add to our knowledge of this emerging research area. J Hum Lact. 25(1):55-63.
The Effect of Media Campaigns, Patient Characteristics, and Presenting Symptoms on Prehospital Delay in Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.HLC.2018.05.203
Abstract: Delays in reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and most of this delay is due to delay in patients initiating contact with emergency services. This study assesses the impact of the Australian National Heart Foundation media c aign and identifies patient characteristics and presenting symptoms that may contribute to delay. This prospective cohort study identified patients with a diagnosis of MI admitted to a single tertiary metropolitan hospital in Perth, Western Australia from July 2013 to January 2014. Patients were interviewed and responses were categorised to determine their reasons for delaying treatment and the impact of mass media c aigns. Delay times were analysed using multivariable linear regression models for the Whole Cohort (all patients admitted to the tertiary hospital, including patients from rural and peripheral hospitals) and the Direct Admission Cohort (patients admitted directly to the tertiary hospital). Of 376 patients, 255 patients provided consent, and symptom onset-time was available for 175 patients. While almost two thirds of the cohort was aware of media c aigns, awareness was not associated with decreased prehospital delay. Median delay was 3.9hours for the Whole Cohort and 3.5hours for the Direct Admission Cohort. Delay was associated with being widowed, symptom onset on a weekday compared with weekend, past medical history of MI and coronary artery bypass graft, private compared with ambulance transport to hospital, and lack of symptoms of sweating and weakness. In addition, for the Direct Admission Cohort, age and income were also associated with delay. This study did not find an association between awareness of media c aigns and delay. This study identified important characteristics and presenting symptoms that are associated with delay, and possibly relevant to future media c aigns.
A re‐examination of the individual differences approach that explains occupational resilience and psychological adjustment among nurses
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 09-08-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.12820
Abstract: This study re-examines the validity of a model of occupational resilience for use by nursing managers, which focused on an in idual differences approach that explained buffering factors against negative outcomes such as burnout for nurses. The International Collaboration of Workforce Resilience model (Rees et al., 2015, Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 73) provided initial evidence of its value as a parsimonious model of resilience, and resilience antecedents and outcomes (e.g., burnout). Whether this model's adequacy was largely s le dependent, or a valid explanation of occupational resilience, has been subsequently un-examined in the literature to date. To address this question, we re-examined the model with a larger and an entirely new s le of student nurses. A s le of nursing students (n = 708, Age The model upheld many of its relationship predictions following further testing. The model was able to explain the in idual differences, antecedents, and burnout-related outcomes, of resilience within a nursing context. The results highlight the importance of skills training to develop mindfulness and self-efficacy among nurses as a means of fostering resilience and positive psychological adjustment.
How is medication prescribing ceased?: A systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
Exploring environmental factors in nursing workplaces that promote psychological resilience: Constructing a unified theoretical model
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 13-05-2016
The relationship between personal breastfeeding experience and the breastfeeding attitudes, knowledge, confidence and effectiveness of Australian GP registrars
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2008
Experiences of regional and rural people with cancer being treated with radiotherapy in a metropolitan centre
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2003
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-172X.2003.00421.X
Abstract: This paper explores the issues related to rural people with cancer whose choice of radiotherapy treatment necessitated travel and accommodation in a metropolitan centre. Semi-structured interviews with 46 participants, from the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, were conducted and the data thematically analysed. The specific themes identified were: being away from loved ones, maintaining responsibilities whilst undergoing treatment, emotional stress, burden on significant others, choice about radiotherapy as a treatment, travel and accommodation, and financial burden. This study supports the need for a radiotherapy centre in the location of Toowoomba as a way of providing some equity and access to such treatment for the rural people of Queensland.
Mast cells produce novel shorter forms of perlecan that contain functional endorepellin a role in angiogenesis and wound healing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
A comprehensive systematic review of healthcare workersʼ perceptions of risk from exposure to emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases and the perceived effectiveness of strategies used to facil
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201008230-00001
Abstract: Emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Avian Influenza A/H5N1 virus are contagious with high morbidity and mortality rates. Hence, health care workers, who are in close contact with affected patients, face many risks. There need to be a greater understanding of: in idual HCWs' risk perceptions adopted risk-mitigating strategies and factors influencing both. This review aimed to establish the best evidence regarding health care worker's risk perceptions and workplace strategies towards emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases in acute hospital and community healthcare settings and to make recommendations for practice and future research. Participants Studies that included male and female health care workers practising in acute and community health care settings were considered.Types of intervention (s)/Phenomena of interest This review considered studies that investigated: health care workers' risk perceptions perceived meaning/effectiveness of the in idual and workplace strategies implemented and the factors influencing both.Types of outcomes This review focused on factors affecting: health care worker' risk perceptions use of risk-mitigating strategies and their perceived meaning and effectiveness.Types of studies Both qualitative and quantitative study designs published in the English language were including in the study. Using a three-step search strategy, the following databases from 1997-2009 were accessed: CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review using standardised critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Disagreements were resolved through discussion, or with a third reviewer. Information was extracted by two independent reviewers from each paper using the standardised data extraction tools from JBI. The findings are presented in narrative form, as textual pooling and statistical pooling was not possible for the qualitative and quantitative papers respectively. Ten quantitative studies and one qualitative study were included in the review. Findings indicated that although health care workers perceived personal and familial health risks and stigmatization from their exposure to emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases, the majority were accepting of these risks. Organizational implementation of infection control measures avoidance of patients and complying with personal protective equipment were identified as risk-mitigating strategies. Demographic, in idual and organizational factors were found to influence their risk perceptions and their adoption of these strategies. There is a nebulous relationship between health care workers' risk perceptions and how these perceptions affect their use of risk-mitigating strategies. Hence, future research needs to examine the nuances of this relationship, as well as the influencing factors involved. In this review, several key factors influencing health care workers' risk perceptions and risk-mitigating strategies were identified and these may form the implications for new practice. Institutions need to: empower health care workers through education and training protect them with organizational safeguards and offer incentives to encourage willingness to work, especially for those with high risk perceptions. Future research need to examine the: differences between HCWs' intentions to care during SARS and influenza outbreaks relationship between intentions to care and actual care provided difference between their intentions to care/resign and acceptance of risks factors influencing their intentions to care and factors influencing compliance to infection control measures.
Barriers to use of information and computer technology by Australia’s nurses: a national survey
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02336.X
Abstract: To support policy planning for health, the barriers to the use of health information and computer technology (ICT) by nurses in Australia were determined. Australia, in line with many countries, aims to achieve a better quality of care and health outcomes through effective and innovative use of health information. Nurses form the largest component of the health workforce. Successful adoption of ICT by nurses will be a requirement for success. No national study has been undertaken to determine the barriers to adoption. A self-administered postal survey was conducted. A questionnaire was distributed to 10,000 members of the Australian Nursing Federation. Twenty possible barriers to the use of health ICT uptake were offered and responses were given on a five point Likert scale. Work demands, access to computers and lack of support were the principal barriers faced by nurses to their adoption of the technology in the workplace. Factors that were considered to present few barriers included age and lack of interest. While age was not considered by the respondents to be a barrier, their age was positively correlated with several barriers, including knowledge and confidence in the use of computers. Results indicate that to use the information and computer technologies being brought into health care fully, barriers that prevent the principal users from embracing those technologies must be addressed. Factors such as the age of the nurse and their level of job must be considered when developing strategies to overcome barriers. The findings of the present study provide essential information not only for national government and state health departments but also for local administrators and managers to enable clinical nurses to meet present and future job requirements.
Knowing how to stop: Ceasing prescribing when the medicine is no longer required
Publisher: Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy
Date: 2012
Organizational factors: Impact on administration violations in rural nursing
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2006.03880.X
Abstract: This paper reports a study investigating organizational factors contributing to procedural violations by nurses during medication administration. Health care is not as safe as it could be, with research indicating that errors involving medications are a leading cause of unintended harm to patients. In the safety literature, strong claims are made about the connection between violation of procedures and adverse occurrences but, in the healthcare field in particular, there is limited empirical evidence that can serve as a basis for understanding why workers deviate from established procedures. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by questionnaire in 2002 to 627 nurses working in rural and remote areas in Queensland, Australia. The response rate was 31%. The data were used to build a model that shows how organizational variables can produce conditions that improve work practices that fall short of best practice standards. The statistical model accounted for a reliable 19% of the variance in self-reported violations. A higher level of knowledge was found to be associated with lower levels of violations. Conversely, higher workloads and higher expectations by doctors were associated with a higher incidence of violations. Qualitative comments tended to support the conclusions drawn from the model and helped to explain the observed associations. Attempts to deal with deviations from work procedures through interventions such as retraining or disciplinary action are likely to be ineffective unless they take a more holistic management approach aimed at the in idual, the team, the task, the workplace, and the institution as a whole and are directed at the weaker points in the system. These interventions may take the form of training programmes, systems redesign, or the injection of resources. The costs of providing adequate resources to a healthcare system are likely to be offset by savings gained through worker productivity, and better patient outcomes.
Workforce issues in nursing in Queensland: 2001 and 2004
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-11-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2006.01558.X
Abstract: The aim of the study was to identify the factors having an impact upon nursing work and to use the results to inform strategic planning of the Queensland Nurses Union. In 2001 and 2004, a study was undertaken to gather data on the level of satisfaction of nurses with their working life. This paper reports the 2004 results on workload, skill mix, remuneration and morale. Where applicable, the results are compared with 2001 data. A questionnaire was mailed to 3000 Assistants-in-Nursing, Enrolled and Registered Nurses in October 2004. All participants were members of the Queensland Nurses Union. The results are reported in three sectors - public, private and aged care. A total of 1349 nurses responded to the survey, a response rate of 45%. Nurses in the 2004 study believed: their workload was heavy their skills and experience poorly rewarded work stress was high morale was perceived to be poor and, similar to 2001, deteriorating the skill mix was often inadequate and the majority of nurses were unable to complete their work in the time available. Nursing morale was found to be associated with autonomy, workplace equipment, workplace safety, teamwork, work stress, the physical demand of nursing work, workload, rewards for skills and experience, career prospects, status of nursing and remuneration. Overall the findings of the study are consistent with those determined by the 2001 survey. The findings of this study indicate the importance of factors such as workplace autonomy, teamwork, the levels of workplace stress, workload and remuneration on nursing morale. The data also indicate that workplace safety and workplace morale are linked. These findings provide information for policy makers and nurse managers on areas that need to be addressed to retain nurses within aged care, acute hospital and community nursing.
The impact of knowledge and beliefs on adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with heart failure: A systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201210070-00001
Abstract: Heart failure is a global health problem which affects a large percentage of the older population. Cardiac rehabilitation programs have been implemented to aid patients in successfully managing their heart condition. However, non-adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs is common in this group of patients. This results in higher morbidity and mortality rates, rehospitalisation and ultimately higher healthcare costs. There is a need to have a better understanding of the impact that knowledge and beliefs have on patients' adherence levels, so that healthcare providers can implement appropriate strategies to promote their adherence. This review aimed to establish the best evidence regarding the impact of knowledge and beliefs on adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with heart failure and to make recommendations for healthcare practice and future research. Patients above the age of 18, who had been diagnosed with heart failure and had been admitted to a cardiac rehabilitation program in inpatient or outpatient settings.This review considered studies that evaluated the impact of heart failure patients' knowledge and beliefs of their disease, medication, diet, exercise and other lifestyle change recommendations, on their adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs.Heart failure patients' knowledge, beliefs and adherence toward their medication regime, low-sodium diet, exercise, and other lifestyle change recommendations.Quantitative study designs published in the English language, up to December 2010 were considered for inclusion. Using a three-step search strategy, the following databases were assessed: CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, OvidSP, MDConsult, ScienceDirect, Sociological Abstracts, Mosby's Nursing Consult, Mednar and TRIP. Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review using standardised critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Information was extracted by two independent reviewers, from each paper using the standardised data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The findings are presented in narrative form, as statistical pooling was not possible, due to the different instruments used in measuring the outcomes. Twelve quantitative studies were included in this review (one RCT, one pre-test ost-test single group study, and ten descriptive studies). The present findings suggest that the relationship between knowledge and adherence is unclear. However, patient beliefs on medication, symptom monitoring, illness and control were found to have stronger associations of adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs.Implications for practice Healthcare institutions need to provide adequate support for patients with heart failure in idualise adherence-enhancing interventions to cater for varying patient needs and work on empowering patients.Implications for research Future quantitative research should be undertaken to investigate the relationship between knowledge and beliefs, determine their combined effect on adherence and examine the effectiveness of strategies used to improve patient knowledge and beliefs. Quantitative and qualitative studies could also be conducted to ascertain the factors correlated with patient knowledge, beliefs, and adherence.
Sustainability of the Australian radiation oncology workforce: A survey of radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 17-01-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12804
Abstract: This study aimed to determine and compare Radiation Therapists' (RTs') and Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists' (ROMPs') perspectives about their profession and workplace, satisfaction with career progression opportunities, and leaving the current workplace. RTs and ROMPs who were currently or had previously worked in Australia were invited to complete an online survey. Univariate and multivariate methods were used for analysis. Participants were 342 RTs and 112 ROMPs with estimated response rates of 14% and 26% respectively. Both professions rated workload poorly and identified the need for improvement in: communication between professions' members, support for junior staff/new graduates, staff morale, on-site training and multidisciplinary communication. RTs, more than ROMPs, perceived their profession was recognised and respected, but RTs were less likely to be satisfied with career progression/advancement, job promotion prospects and opportunities to specialise. At least 20% of RTs and ROMPs were thinking about leaving their workplace and 13% of RTs and 8% of ROMPs were thinking about leaving their profession. Different factors contributed to workforce satisfaction and retention within each profession. Staff satisfaction and career progression are critical to retain RTs and ROMPs. Further research is required to explore strategies to address workplace dissatisfaction, recruitment and retention.
Caring in residential aged‐care. Qualitative findings from an e‐cohort sub‐study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-08-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02735.X
Abstract: The aim of this e-cohort sub-study was to explore and describe nurses' understandings of 'caring' in residential aged-care. The quality of the work environment is an important issue for recruitment, retention and workforce planning. Knowledge about the people in and the place that is the residential aged-care facility may assist with the problems surrounding the recruitment and retention of nurses in the workforce. Qualitative electronic cohort sub-study. This paper presents the qualitative research findings from an electronic cohort sub-study of 58 registered and enrolled nurses working in the residential aged-care sector in 2007. Data were collected through an open ended question and a qualitative content analysis was used to generate the core categories. The concept of caring was grounded in and constrained by, the everyday reality of the nurses in the study. Organisational imperatives for the completion of documentation necessary for accreditation and funding combined with under-staffing restricted the time available for caring practices. Some nurses represented residential care faculties as devoid of care, others as a place where the resident was central to their work and care. The staff perceived of themselves as an ageing workforce in need of rejuvenation and resourcing. The concept of caring is manifest in nurses' language as they describe their workplace, the residents, themselves and the structures that impact on what they do. Good caring manifests itself when the residents are central to the business of the aged care facility. However, nurses in this study describe a range of restrictive factors impeding caring practices and diminishing workforce morale and motivation to create environments that can truly be called a 'home-away-from-home' and one that all people would find acceptable. These findings have implications for aged-care sector recruitment, retention and workforce planning within residential aged-care facilities.
Understanding individual resilience in the workplace: The international collaboration of workforce resilience model
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 04-02-2015
Nurses' perceptions of risk from emerging respiratory infectious diseases: A Singapore study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2012
The Experience of Hypoglycaemia and Strategies Used For Its Management by Community-Dwelling Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201109500-00001
Abstract: Hypoglycaemia, a common complication of diabetes drug therapy, has been reported to influence therapy adherence and the quality of life of people with diabetes mellitus. No systematic reviews on the experience of hypoglycaemia have been undertaken. The extant literature has taken a medical model perspective focusing on the causes, prevalence, and impact of hypoglycaemia. To understand the meaningfulness of hypoglycaemia and how this condition impacts on a person with diabetes mellitus, a systematic review was undertaken exploring the experiences of hypoglycaemia in community-dwelling people with diabetes mellitus. This review aimed to synthesise evidence on the experience of hypoglycaemia, and the strategies used to control it in community-dwelling adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type of Participants - Community-dwelling adults (18 years of age and over) who had experienced hypoglycaemia from type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or who had used self-management strategies for hypoglycaemia were included.Phenomena of Interest - The experiences of hypoglycaemia in community-dwelling adults with diabetes mellitus and the strategies they used to self-manage hypoglycaemia were included.Type of Studies - Qualitative studies including, but not limited to, designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research and feminist research were included. Published and unpublished studies in English from January 2000 to August 2010 were gathered using a three-step search strategy. An initial limited search was conducted in MEDLINE and CINAHL to identify keywords and index terms, which were then used in a second search across the CINAHL, PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science, JSTOR, EMBASE and MEDNAR databases. Additionally, the reference list of all studies was hand-searched for additional studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the retrieved studies for methodological validity, using standardised Joanna Briggs Institute-Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) critical appraisal instruments. Disagreements that arose between the two reviewers were resolved with the help of a third reviewer. Data, in terms of research findings, were extracted from included studies using the standardised JBI-QARI data extraction tool. These findings were then pooled and assembled into level 1 findings, then level 2 findings (categories), and lastly meta-synthesised to form one level 3 synthesised finding. Meta-aggregation was carried out using JBI-QARI. Six studies were included in the review. Participants who lived independently in the community and attended primary care or outpatient clinics were included. In total, twenty findings were grouped into three categories, which were synthesised into one overall finding - i.e., "People with diabetes mellitus can self-manage their diabetes and thus prevent hypoglycaemic episodes more effectively when health professionals provide psychological, physiological and spiritual support, and an in idually targeted education programme". The review findings revealed patient-identified priorities to maintain normality in blood glucose self-management. There is also evidence that some people lack the knowledge to identify and self-manage hypoglycaemia.To enable community-dwelling adults with diabetes mellitus to self-manage hypoglycaemia, healthcare professionals should provide in idualised information and emotional support, and regularly discuss and assess the person's level of knowledge, awareness of hypoglycaemia, and their ability to self-manage.There is a lack of data that capture the person's experience and awareness of hypoglycaemia and how they self-manage the condition, particularly in varying cultural contexts. A mixed-method study could be designed to explore the experiences of hypoglycaemia, and to develop and validate a reliable tool that assesses the level of knowledge and awareness of hypoglycaemia, and the ability to self-manage. This study should include people with diabetes mellitus from different cultures and/or geographical locations.
Quality of life in women during and after treatment for breast cancer: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201109580-00001
Abstract: Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. With increasing numbers of women surviving breast cancer, there is a need to move beyond the traditional ways of evaluating clinical outcomes and include patient-based outcomes such as the quality of life.Objectives To integrate and summarise the best evidence related to the quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer during and up to ten years after treatment for breast cancer. Types of participants: Adult women (over the age of 18 years) diagnosed with breast cancer who are or have received treatment for breast cancer in the last ten years (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or hormonal therapy). The quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer during and up to ten years after treatment. Women with breast cancer from both developed and developing countries.Types of studies: Studies that focused on qualitative data including, but not limited to, designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory and ethnography, action research and feminist research.Search strategy The search sought to find both published and unpublished studies between 1990 and 2010, limited to the English language. Eleven electronic databases were searched including CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and PsycArticles.Methodological quality Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using a standardised critical appraisal instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institute.Data extraction Qualitative data were extracted from the included studies using a standardised data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute. A total of 42 findings from seven qualitative studies were extracted and rated as unequivocal or credible. Eleven categories were produced. Three synthesised findings were generated based on the meta-aggregation of the categories: (1) "effective care for patients will be achieved if clinicians are aware of the impact of breast cancer and its treatment on the physical and psychosocial domains of women's quality of life" (2) "for effective patient-centred care, clinicians must be cognisant of the ways breast cancer and its treatment modalities affect social relationships" (3) "clinicians should be aware that women use religion and spirituality to cope with breast cancer treatment and improve their quality of life". This review concludes that the breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have a significant effect on several domains of women's quality of life. Healthcare providers caring for patients need to be well informed about each in idual woman's physical and psychosocial concerns and be cognisant that any attempt to offer support must be targeted to meet the specific challenges faced by each in idual woman. Support and guidance could be provided by healthcare providers through the use of counselling services, psycho-education and organisation of support groups. Elements of counselling and psycho-education should include, when appropriate, joint sessions with the woman's spouse artner. As spirituality emerged as a coping mechanism, it is important that women be able to nurture their spiritual relationship in an environment which is supportive. The lack of studies within the Asian context indicates that further research is warranted to examine the impact of breast cancer and its treatment on the quality of life of women from erse multi-ethnic populations. Further research into self-help strategies to improve the psychosocial well-being of women with breast cancer is warranted.It is noted that when faced with adversity, women seek comfort in religion and spirituality and a study into the relationship between spirituality and quality of life, as well as the effect of culture and religion on the quality of life, is warranted.
Extrinsic and intrinsic work values: Their impact on job satisfaction in nursing
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2934.2006.00618.X
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic work values that were perceived by the members of the Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) in Queensland, Australia, to influence job satisfaction. The current shortage of nurses in Australia has been the focus of many recent studies and national inquiries. This shortage is experienced internationally in both developed and developing nations. Few studies, however, have examined the results of surveys from the model of intrinsic and extrinsic work values and their impact on job satisfaction. Following a pilot study, a questionnaire was posted to 2800 assistants-in-nursing, enrolled and Registered Nurses in October 2001, who were members of the QNU. The s ling of nurses was undertaken from three sectors - public, private and aged care and therefore the results are reported separately for these three sectors. A total of 1477 nurses responded to the survey, equating to a total overall response rate of 53%. It should be noted that the study was limited to members of the QNU, and therefore does not represent nurses who are not members of the Union. The results show that intrinsic and extrinsic work values do impact upon job satisfaction and therefore intention to leave employment. The results also indicate that work stress was high and morale was low and decreasing. The findings of this study give some indication of what should be included in a nursing workforce planning strategy, the need for which in Australia is 'fundamental and urgent' (Senate Community Affairs References Committee 2002, p. xiii). The findings of this study also suggest that a 'one size fits all' solution across sectors will not work.
Effectiveness of educational interventions to raise menʼs awareness of bladder and bowel health
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201008300-00001
Abstract: Urinary incontinence (UI) has been defined as a condition in which the involuntary loss of urine is a social or hygienic problem and is objectively demonstrable. Urinary incontinence is a common health problem that carries with it significant medical, psychosocial and economic burdens. Fecal incontinence has been defined as the involuntary or inappropriate passing of liquid or solid stool and can also include the incontinence of flatus. Studies suggest that twice as many men suffer from fecal incontinence compared to urinary incontinence whilst more than three times as many women suffer from urinary incontinence compared to fecal incontinence. The general consensus in the literature is that barriers exist for seeking help for those with incontinence. REVIEW QUESTION: 'How effective are educational interventions at raising men's awareness of bladder and bowel health?' Adult and adolescent males (age 12 years and over). Any intervention, program or action that provided information, or attempted to raise awareness of men's bladder and bowel health. The primary outcomes of interest included any measure defined by included studies such as: TYPES OF STUDIES: As this review attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention or interventions, reviewers considered studies using concurrent controls. The search strategy was designed to identify both published and unpublished material and was restricted to English language publications with a publication date of 10 years prior to the search with the exception of a review of seminal papers before this time. The quality of included studies was assessed by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklists for experimental and observational studies. For each included paper the type of information that was extracted and tabulated in a database followed the JBI Data Extraction Form for Experimental and Observational Studies. Where possible relative risk (RR), odds ratios (OR), Mean differences and associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from in idual studies. For homogeneous studies quantitative results were combined into a meta-analysis for evaluation of the overall effect of an intervention. Where heterogeneity existed between studies the results were presented in a narrative summary. The review identified 12 RCT and 2 controlled trials. Ten studies evaluated the effectiveness of interventions on the incidence of urinary incontinence symptoms in men after prostatectomy Only two trials examined interventions to manage post-micturition dribble, one evaluated the effectiveness of lifestyle and behavioural modifications to manage lower urinary tract symptoms and one evaluated the use of a consensus guideline for the management of continence by primary health care teams in an urban general practice.No controlled trials evaluated interventions to improve men's knowledge or management of bowel health, or to improve men's attendance at promotional events.Few of the RCT described the method of randomisation and no trials reported using blinding either to assessment or to treatment.Two studies did not provide the measures of dispersion (no standard deviation), one study provided graphical data only and one presented no data whatsoever.Pelvic floor muscle exercises with or without additional interventions are effective at reducing the incidence of urinary incontinence in men >65 years who have had a prostatectomy.Education on lifestyle and behavioural modifications may be more effective in reducing lower urinary tract symptoms than doing nothing.Pelvic floor muscle exercisesmay be effective in treating post-micturition dribble in men with or without erectile dysfunction.Providing verbal feedback to participants to support pelvic floor muscle exercises technique appears to be as effective as biofeedback for improvement of urinary incontinence symptoms in this group.No evidence for the effectiveness of education interventions on faecal incontinence orNo evidence for the effectiveness of education interventions to improve men's attendance at promotional events. The results of this review have highlighted that with the exception of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PME) after prostatectomy, few controlled trials have examined the effectiveness of any interventions at raising awareness of bladder and bowel health in males aged 12 years and over.The majority of trials that evaluated interventions to manage bladder and bowel health presented data for both male and female in a combined form making it impossible to estimate the effect of the intervention(s) on male participants only. In some cases, where the male data were presented separately, the population was too small to provide adequate power, and therefore most comparisons between treatment groups were found to have statistically insignificant differences in effectiveness. There is little quantitative evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to improve men's awareness of bladder and bowel health. Therefore few recommendations can be made. Pelvic floor muscle exercises with or without additional interventions such as biofeedback could be used to reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence in men who have had a prostatectomy.Education on lifestyle and behavioural modifications may be more effective in reducing lower urinary tract symptoms than doing nothing.Pelvic floor muscle exercises may be effective in treating post-micturition dribble in men with or without erectile dysfunction.With the exception of instruction of pelvic floor muscle exercises for men after prostatectomy, little quantitative research has been performed that establishes the effectiveness of interventions on men's awareness of bladder and bowel health. While numerous interventions have been trialed on mixed gender populations, and these trials suggest that the interventions would be effective, their effectiveness on the male component cannot be definitively established. Therefore, well designed controlled trials using male s le populations only are needed to confirm these suppositions.
Patient education and consumer medicine information: A study of provision by Queensland rural and remote area Registered Nurses
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-06-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2005.01203.X
Abstract: The aim of the larger study was to ascertain the medication practices of registered and enrolled nurses in rural and remote areas of Queensland after the introduction of the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation. This paper reports on the findings of the role of registered nurses and their confidence in the ability to provide information on medications in a way that the client understands the frequency of the provision of information to clients prior to discharge and the frequency of Indigenous Health Workers or interpreters for people without English as a first language. Queensland employs approximately 17% of the Australian registered nurse workforce. In 1996 Queensland changed the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation to allow specific registered nurses, who had undertaken approved postgraduate education and training programmes, to become endorsed for an expanded medication practice role. In particular, it allowed endorsed nurses to administer and supply (but not prescribe) drugs listed in a drug formulary to certain clients using protocols. It was not clear, however, whether the changes to the Regulation reflected the scope of practice, thereby providing adequate legal protection for the nurse. During 2001-02 an exploration of the medication practices of rural and remote area nurses was conducted by the use of a cross-sectional postal survey. Phase 1 of the study used a facility audit to ascertain facility medication practices and phase 2 of the study used a postal survey to ascertain nurses' medication practices. All nurses employed in rural and remote health facilities in Queensland were eligible to participate in the study. The nurse registering authority's (the Queensland Nursing Council) register was used to generate a non-proportional stratified random s le. Of the 1999 questionnaires sent, there were 668 respondents. Of these, 520 were registered nurses. The data indicated that there was a difference between endorsed and unendorsed registered nurses' medication practice. In particular, it was apparent that endorsed registered nurses were more likely to believe they could explain the side-effects of medication to clients in a way the patient understood provided medication education to clients on discharge and used Indigenous Health Workers or interpreters to explain medications to those clients for whom English was not a first language. However, it was apparent that <50% of all Registered Nurses were providing client medication education or using Indigenous Health Workers or interpreters. It is apparent that the changes to the Regulation have ensured that Registered Nurses who have undergone postgraduate education to enhance their medication practice are more likely to provide client education and consumer medication information. However, the results suggest that the majority of registered nurses in Queensland, whilst believing they have sufficient knowledge of pharmacology to provide client education, often do not provide appropriate medication advice to clients, particularly on discharge from the acute setting. It is well recognized that the provision of medication education to clients has several benefits to both the client and the health care system. The lack of client medication education indicated in this study compromises patient's safety as well as their compliance with their medication regime.
The influence of psychological factors on breastfeeding duration
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-07-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2008.04722.X
Abstract: This paper reports on a study examining the relationship between women's psychological characteristics and breastfeeding duration, after controlling for socio-demographic factors. The literature suggests that psychological factors may influence breastfeeding behaviour, but studies are few. Existing evidence and the results of phase 1 of our study were used to construct a list of psychological factors, which were tested for their association with breastfeeding duration in the current design. Participants were postnatal inpatients in one of two regional hospitals between October and December 2005 and they completed the initial questionnaire within 14 days of giving birth (n = 375). Infant feeding method at 6 months and the timing of introduction of other food(s), where relevant, were ascertained by telephone interview. Forty-four per cent of the s le showed signs of postnatal distress in the 14 days following the birth. Breastfeeding duration was statistically significantly associated with psychological factors including dispositional optimism, breastfeeding self-efficacy, faith in breastmilk, breastfeeding expectations, anxiety, planned duration of breastfeeding and the time of the infant feeding decision. As a set, these psychological factors were more predictive of breastfeeding duration than was the set of socio-demographic characteristics. The duration of any breastfeeding was uniquely predicted by faith in breastmilk, planned breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding self-efficacy. This increased knowledge of the factors influencing breastfeeding will assist in identifying women at risk of early weaning and in constructing programmes capable of increasing the length of time for which women breastfeed.
The emerging role of the urban-based aboriginal peer support worker
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLEGN.2016.08.007
Abstract: To explore the self-perceived role of the Aboriginal peer support worker working with familieswith young children. This study was a component of a larger participatory action research study under-taken in a Western Australian metropolitan setting to develop and evaluate the suitability, feasibility andeffectiveness of an Aboriginal peer-led home visiting program. Focus group interviews were carried out with peer support workers using unstructured andsemi-structured interviews within Action Learning Sets. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The overarching theme on the self-perceived role of the Aboriginal peer support worker wasGiving Parent Support, with subsidiary themes relating to development and ongoing sustainability of thesupport. The peer support workers viewed their role as providing parent support through enablingstrategies which developed client acceptance and trust, delivered culturally relevant support, advocatedfor families, developed therapeutic engagement and communication strategies, and created safe homevisiting practices. They recognised the importance of linking families with community support such ascommunity child health nurses which was important for improving long term physical and psychosocialhealth outcomes for children. Aboriginal Peer Support Workers identified their emerging integral role in the developmentof this unique culturally acceptable home visitingsupport for Aboriginal parents. Innovative approachestowards client engagement demonstrated their value in developing creative ways of working in part-nership with families, community support services and child health nurses across a range of challengingpsychosocial environments.
From incomer to insider: The development of the TRANSPEC model - A systematic review of the factors influencing the effective rapid and early career TRANsition to a nursing SPECiality in differing contexts of practice
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 05-2019
Action research: changing nursing practice
Publisher: RCN Publishing Ltd.
Date: 03-06-2015
DOI: 10.7748/NS.29.40.36.E8710
Abstract: This article describes action research as a methodology and gives two ex les of its application to nursing and health services research. Action research is cyclical in nature and involves the development, evaluation and redefining of an action plan using four basic steps: planning, action, observation and reflection. These cycles of action continue until the research group is satisfied that its objectives have been met. Data generation and analysis are iterative processes that occur continuously throughout the project, which is usually time-limited. Factors that should be taken into account to ensure success include: engaging the community, consideration of 'insider' versus 'outsider' perspectives, competing agendas, expectations not being met and the integrity of the research methodology.
Why nurses are attracted to rural and remote practice
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2002
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1584.2002.00447.X
Abstract: This is the second paper of a larger study that examined the factors influencing the decisions of rural and remote area nurses, formerly employed by Queensland Health, to leave or to remain in this area of nursing. The study was a cross-sectional survey that gathered data from nurses who had resigned from permanent positions in Queensland Health during the period February 1999 to May 2000. This paper reports only those factors that influenced their decision to remain in rural and remote area practice, which can be categorised into personal, professional and rural influences. The results of this study are congruent with previous national and international research findings into these issues for nurses in rural and remote areas. The paper makes recommendations to attract nurses to the rural and remote work force.
Cohort Profile: The Nurses and Midwives e-Cohort Study--A Novel Electronic Longitudinal Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-01-2008
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYM294
The top eight issues Queensland Australia's aged-care nurses and assistants-in-nursing worried about outside their workplace: A qualitative snapshot
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-09-2011
Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: A qualitative study
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 05-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12511
Abstract: Workforce recruitment and retention are issues in radiation oncology. The working environment is likely to have an impact on retention however, there is a lack of research in this area. The objectives of this study were to: investigate radiation therapists' (RTs) and radiation oncology medical physicists' (ROMPs) perceptions of work and the working environment and determine the factors that influence the ability of RTs and ROMPs to undertake their work and how these factors affect recruitment and retention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used. Twenty-eight RTs and 21 ROMPs participated. The overarching themes were delivering care, support in work, working conditions and lifestyle. The overarching themes were mostly consistent across both groups however, the exemplars reflected the different roles and perspectives of RTs and ROMPs. Participants described the importance they placed on treating patients and improving their lives. Working conditions were sometimes difficult with participants reporting pressure at work, large workloads and longer hours and overtime. Insufficient staff numbers impacted on the effectiveness of staff, the working environment and intentions to stay. Staff satisfaction is likely to be improved if changes are made to the working environment. We make recommendations that may assist departments to support RTs and ROMPs.
Effectiveness and experiences of families participating in peer led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs and the meaning they attribute to these support programs: A systematic review protocol
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2014
Nurse discharge planning in the emergency department: a Toowoomba, Australia, study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2006.01405.X
Abstract: This study aimed to ascertain whether a model of risk screening carried out by an experienced community nurse was effective in decreasing re-presentations and readmissions and the length of stay of older people presenting to an Australian emergency department. The objectives of the study were to (i) identify all older people who presented to the emergency department of an Australian regional hospital (ii) identify the proportion of re-presentations and readmissions within this cohort of patients and (iii) risk-screen all older patients and provide referrals when necessary to community services. The study involved the application of a risk screening tool to 2,139 men and women over 70 years of age from October 2002 to June 2003. Of these, 1,102 (51.5%) were admitted and 246 (11.5%) were re-presentations with the same illness. Patients presenting from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00 hours were risk-screened face to face in the emergency department. Outside of these hours, but within 72 hours of presentation, risk screening was carried out by telephone if the patient was discharged or within the ward if the patient had been admitted. There was a 16% decrease in the re-presentation rate of people over 70 years of age to the emergency department. Additionally during this time there was a 5.5% decrease in the readmission rate (this decrease did not reach significance). There was a decrease in the average length of stay in hospital from 6.17 days per patient in October 2002 to 5.37 days per patient in June 2003. An unexpected finding was the decrease in re-presentations in people who represented to the emergency department three or more times per month (known as 'frequent flyers'). Risk screening of older people in the emergency department by a specialist community nurse resulted in a decrease of re-presentations to the emergency department. There was some evidence of a decreased length of stay. It is suggested that the decrease in re-presentations was the result of increased referral and use of community services. It appears that the use of a specialist community nurse to undertake risk screening rather than the triage nurse may impact on service utilization. It is apparent that older people presenting to the emergency department have complex care needs. Undertaking risk screening using an experienced community nurse to ascertain the correct level of community assistance required and ensuring speedy referral to appropriate community services has positive outcomes for both the hospital and the patient.
Patients' experiences on donation of their residual biological samples and the impact of these experiences on the type of consent given for the future research use of the tissue: a systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1744-1609.2011.00251.X
Abstract: This review aimed to critically appraise, synthesise and present the best available evidence related to the experiences of patients who have donated their residual biological s les and the impact of this experience on the type of consent given for future research use of these tissues. The three-step search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies published in English between 1990 and 2010 in electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Mednar, PROQUEST). Using the standardised data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute, the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument, 131 findings were extracted from the 18 papers included in this review. These findings generated 19 categories and four synthesised findings. The synthesised findings generated were related to the different stages of the handling of leftover tissue. The first synthesised finding: patient consent to the use of leftover tissue is a complex interaction between many factors and not solely driven by perceptions of benefits to self or others, relates to the collection of the leftover tissue - the initial consent process. The second synthesised finding: healthcare institutions and regulatory authorities must provide clear and transparent safeguards and controls, and communicate these to the patient prior to the consenting process, outlines the issues affecting consent during the processing and storage of the tissues in biobanks or research institutions. The third synthesised finding: views on ownership and rights to the further use of the leftover tissue varies between in idual patients and influences their willingness to consent to further use, demonstrates the concerns relating to the safeguards on the collection and storage of leftover tissue. The fourth synthesised finding: patients have opposing views on the use of their leftover tissue for commercial purposes, reflecting the differing community beliefs around using leftover tissue for research which may provide a commercial benefit to some, but not all, the community. For leftover tissues to be used, patients must clearly understand: the type of consent they are providing (opt in or opt out) the parameters for the future research use of their leftover tissues the safeguards put into place to protect the in idual and the donated tissue from unethical use and the commercial implications of their consent. This review provides information on patient's experiences on the collection, storage, distribution and future use of leftover tissue. These preferences need to be understood when designing a prospective model of consent regimen which respects patient's confidentiality and wishes. The information in this review is especially important for policy-makers designing a prospective model of consent regimen for the use of existing and previously collected biological s les with no consent taken. Further research is needed to ascertain what factors specifically influence patient's willingness to consent for the use of leftover tissue. Factors for further exploration include the effects of culture, religion and age. Additionally, further research is required to inform the development of specific consent regimes for the use of leftover tissue for commercial, stem cell and genetic research.
The status of training and education in information and computer technology of Australian nurses: a national survey
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-09-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02285.X
Abstract: A study was undertaken of the current knowledge and future training requirements of nurses in information and computer technology to inform policy to meet national goals for health. The role of the modern clinical nurse is intertwined with information and computer technology and adoption of such technology forms an important component of national strategies in health. The majority of nurses are expected to use information and computer technology during their work however, the full extent of their knowledge and experience is unclear. Self-administered postal survey. A 78-item questionnaire was distributed to 10,000 Australian Nursing Federation members to identify the nurses' use of information and computer technology. Eighteen items related to nurses' training and education in information and computer technology. Response rate was 44%. Computers were used by 86.3% of respondents as part of their work-related activities. Between 4-17% of nurses had received training in each of 11 generic computer skills and software applications during their preregistration re-enrolment and between 12-30% as continuing professional education. Nurses who had received training believed that it was adequate to meet the needs of their job and was given at an appropriate time. Almost half of the respondents indicated that they required more training to better meet the information and computer technology requirements of their jobs and a quarter believed that their level of computer literacy was restricting their career development. Nurses considered that the vast majority of employers did not encourage information and computer technology training and, for those for whom training was available, workload was the major barrier to uptake. Nurses favoured introduction of a national competency standard in information and computer technology. For the considerable benefits of information and computer technology to be incorporated fully into the health system, employers must pay more attention to the training and education of nurses who are the largest users of that technology. Knowledge of the training and education needs of clinical nurses with respect to information and computer technology will provide a platform for the development of appropriate policies by government and by employers.
Strategies for success: a toolbox of coping strategies used by breastfeeding women
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02667.X
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of two qualitative studies which identified strategies used by breastfeeding women to assist them to continue breastfeeding. While breastfeeding initiation rates are high in Australia, the majority of women wean before the recommended time. The identification of interventions which may increase breastfeeding duration is therefore a research priority. The Against All Odds study used a case-controlled design to investigate the characteristics of women who continued to breastfeed in the face of extraordinary difficulties. Phase One of the I Think I Can study employed the Nominal Group Technique to investigate the views of subject matter experts regarding which psychological factors may influence the duration of breastfeeding. Against All Odds study participants (n = 40) undertook a one- to two-hour interview and the transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis. Stratified purposeful s ling was employed in the I Think I Can study (n = 21), with participants assigned group membership according to their most recent breastfeeding experience. A fourth group was composed of experienced breastfeeding clinicians. The nominal group technique was used to generate group data and segments of the discussion were audiotaped and transcribed for thematic analysis. Participants in both the studies raised strategies used to assist them in their efforts to cope with the challenges of breastfeeding and early motherhood. These strategies included increasing breastfeeding knowledge, staying relaxed and 'looking after yourself', the use of positive self-talk, challenging unhelpful beliefs, problem solving, goal setting and the practice of mindfulness. Employment of these simple behavioural and cognitive strategies may assist women to cope with the pressures inherent in the experience of early mothering, thereby increasing the duration of breastfeeding. These results may represent a 'tool box' of coping strategies which can be provided to women for use in the postnatal period.
Workplace violence: Differences in perceptions of nursing work between those exposed and those not exposed: A cross-sector analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-03-2010
Effectiveness and experiences of families and support workers participating in peer-led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003166
Abstract: Designing child and family health services to meet the erse needs of contemporary families is intended to minimize impacts of early disadvantage and subsequent lifelong health and social issues. Innovative programs to engage families with child and family support services have led to interest in the potential value of peer-led home visiting from parents in local communities. There is a range of benefits and challenges identified in a limited number of studies associated with home visiting peer support. The objective of the review is to identify: The effectiveness of peer-led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs to indigenous and non-indigenous families and the characteristics of successful programs. The experiences of families and support workers participating in parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs including the relationships between the program participants. Families arents with one or more children aged zero to four years, peer support workers and their supervisors. Peer-led home visiting parenting support programs that use volunteer or paraprofessional home visitors from the local community compared to standard community maternal-child care. The phenomenon of interest will be the relationships between participants in the program. Quantitative studies: randomized control trials (RCTs). Qualitative studies: grounded theory and qualitative descriptive studies. Parental attitudes and beliefs, coping skills and confidence in parenting, parental stress, compliance with child health checks/links with primary healthcare services, satisfaction with peer support and services and the nature of the relationship between parents and home visitors. The search strategy will include both published and unpublished studies. Seven journal databases and five other sources will be searched. Only studies published in the English language from 2000 to 2015 will be considered. Studies were assessed by two independent reviewers using standardized critical appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) as appropriate. Both quantitative and qualitative data were independently extracted by two reviewers using standardized data extraction tools from the JBI-MAStARI and the JBI-QARI, respectively, including qualitative and quantitative details about setting of interventions, phenomena of interest, participants, study methods and outcomes or findings. For quantitative findings, statistical pooling was not possible due to differences in interventions and outcome measures. Findings were presented in narrative form. Qualitative findings were aggregated into categories based on similarity of meaning from which synthesized findings were generated. Quantitative results from two RCTs demonstrated positive impacts of peer-led home visiting parent support programs including more positive parenting attitudes and beliefs, and more child preventative health care visits. Fifteen qualitative findings from two studies were aggregated into five categories from which two synthesized findings emerged. Parents and home visitors identified similar components as contributing to their program's success, these being quality of relationships between parents and home visitors with elements being mutual respect, trust and being valued within the partnership. In addition, home visitors identified importance of enabling strategies to develop relationships. They also needed supportive working environments with clinical staff and management. The current review indicates a positive impact of peer-led home visiting parent support programs, incorporating a framework of partnership between parents and home visitors, on mother-infant dyads. Positive changes in parenting attitudes and beliefs, and increased number of child preventative healthcare visits are supported by the quality of the relationship between parent and home visitor, and home visitors’ working environments. The essential characteristics of an effective parent support program are strategies for relationship building between parents and home visitors ongoing staff and home visitor education to enhance communication, collaboration and working in partnership supervision by team leaders and continuous quality improvement. The focus of further research should be on confirmatory studies using an action research methodology and the cost-effectiveness of these models.
Nurse Experience of Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Self-Care and Resiliency Intervention
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-09-2017
Breastfeeding and Australian GP Registrars—Their Knowledge and Attitudes
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2008
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify the breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge of a s le of Australian general practice (GP) registrars and investigate how confident and effective they thought their interactions with breastfeeding women were. Between February and May 2007, a 90-item questionnaire containing demographic, attitude, and knowledge items was distributed to final-year Australian GP registrars. The mean attitude score (5 = maximum score) was 3.99. The mean knowledge score (5 = maximum score) was 3.40, indicating some degree of breastfeeding knowledge. However, 40% of the knowledge items were answered incorrectly by the majority of participants. Approximately 40% of the cohort were confident and thought they were effective assisting breastfeeding women. Having more than 26 weeks personal experience with breastfeeding (self or partner) increased breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and effectiveness. Further targeted training is needed to improve Australian GP registrars' breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and effectiveness. J Hum Lact. 24(4):422-430.
A systematic review on the factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and oncology adult patients in an inpatient setting
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201008220-00001
Abstract: Effective nurse-patient communication is essential in the development of therapeutic relationships and meeting the cognitive and affective needs of oncology patients. However, the emotional load in cancer nursing has made communication additionally challenging. This review aimed to establish the best available evidence regarding the factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and adult oncology patients in inpatient setting. Types of participants This review considered studies that included registered nurses and inpatient oncology adults who were more than 21 years of age. This review considered studies carried out in inpatient settings, regardless of ward specialty, whilst active or palliative cancer treatments were administered.Phenomena of interest This review considered the factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and inpatient oncology adults.Types of studies This review considered both quantitative (randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, before and after studies, cohort observational, descriptive survey and mixed method studies) and qualitative (including, but not limited to, phenomenology, grounded theory and ethnography) research studies on the factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and inpatient oncology adults.Search strategy The search strategy aimed to find studies published in English language and not limited by year of publication. A three-step search strategy was utilized in each component of this review. The grey literature was not included in this review. Quantitative data were extracted using standardized data extraction tools adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute-Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Qualitative data were extracted using the standardized data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute-Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). Quantitative data were presented in a narrative summary. Qualitative findings were categorised using JBI-QARI tool to generate synthesised findings. One quantitative, two mixed method and four qualitative studies were included in this review. Combined findings of the narrative summary and meta-synthesis identified promoting and inhibiting factors in the characteristics of nurses, patients, and the environment. Promoting factors in nurses included genuineness, competency and supportive facilitation skills. However, the role of post-basic training in improving communication remained inconsistent. In patients, active participation in their own care and information-seeking behaviour promoted nurse-patient communication. Conversely, inhibiting factors in nurses included task orientation, fear of own death and low self-awareness of own verbal behaviours. Nurses also communicated less effectively during psychological assessments and emotionally-charged situations. For patients, their unwillingness to discuss the disease/feelings, their preference to seek emotional support from family and friends and the use of implicit cues inhibited effective communication. Environmentally, a supportive ward environment increased the use of facilitative behaviour in nurses, whereas the existence of conflict among staff increased the use of blocking behaviours. Cultural norms in the Chinese society also inhibited nurse-patient communication. Within the constraints of the study and the few quality papers available, it appears that personal characteristics of patients and nurses are the key influencing factors of effective nurse-patient communication in the oncology setting. Very little evidence exists on the role of environment in effective nurse-patient communication, particularly within an Asian setting. Using evidence from the quantitative component of the review, nurses need to focus on the mental health status of patients admitted with a recurrence of cancer. Education programs can be implemented to inform nurses about the challenges in communication and develop strategies to counter these obstacles. Using evidence from the qualitative component of the review, nurses should build rapport and encourage active patient participation in their care in order to enhance patient disclosure. Nurses should also be mindful of patients' psychological readiness to communicate and respect their preference as to whom they wish to share their thoughts/emotions with. Institutions need to design ward structures (ward culture and nurses' workload) that support and/or encourage nurses to be person-oriented and take responsibility for providing holistic care to patients. Both the quantitative and qualitative components of the review indicated the need to improve nurses' communication skills and their receptivity to patient cues. An explorative descriptive study on the effect of the Asian culture on the effective communication in the oncology setting is required to add to the small amount of knowledge in this area. Descriptive or mixed method studies to ascertain the effect of the patient's age and place within the oncology treatment cycle are also warranted. The lack of evidence on the effectiveness of post-basic communication courses would be best gathered by a descriptive study, followed by a before-and-after randomised controlled trial to test different education programs.
WHITHER RURAL HEALTH? REVIEWING A DECADE OF PROGRESS IN RURAL HEALTH
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2002
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1584.2002.00435.X
Abstract: The problems associated with rural and remote health have been widely recognised by health workers, rural communities and health professions for some time. Yet it has only been in the past decade that any concerted effort has been made to address rural health issues. Today the state of health in rural Australia remains less than optimal. The tenth anniversary of the Australian Journal of Rural Health provides the opportunity to reflect on what progress has been achieved over the past decade, to recognise those factors that have contributed most to the implementation of policies designed to address the health needs of rural and remote Australians, and to discuss outstanding impediments and barriers to resolving rural health issues.
The evaluation of nurse navigators in chronic and complex care
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-06-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.14041
Abstract: With increasing age and chronicity in populations, the need to reduce the costs of care while enhancing quality and hospital avoidance, is important. Nurse-led co-ordination is one such model of care that supports this approach. The aim of this research was to assess the impact that newly appointed Navigators have on service provision social and economic impact nurses' professional quality of life and compassion fatigue and analysis of the change that has occurred to models of care and service delivery. A concurrent mixed-method approach was selected to address the research aims. The research project was funded in July 2018 and will conclude in December 2020. Several cohorts will be studied including patients assigned to a navigator, patients not assigned to a navigator, family members of patients assigned a navigator and a s le sized estimated at 140 navigators. This study provides a comprehensive international longitudinal and mixed method framework for evaluating the impact of nurse navigators on quality of care outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. IMPACT-WHAT PROBLEM WILL THE STUDY ADDRESS?: Even with specialty focused co-ordinated care, patients get lost in the system, increasing the incidence of non-compliance and exacerbation of condition. Navigators work with patients across service boundaries allowing for care that is patient responsive, and permitting variables in clinical, social and practical elements of care to be addressed in a timely manner. This novel nurse-led approach, supports hospital avoidance and patient self-management, while encouraging expansion and opportunity for the nursing and midwifery workforce.
Aboriginal parent support
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.13979
Abstract: This study was positioned within a larger action research study relating to a peer-led Aboriginal home visiting parent support program in an urban Western Australian setting. The aims for this study component were to identify program elements, exploring participants' perceptions of the program's suitability, feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness to inform program model recommendations and add to the body of knowledge on effective Aboriginal peer-led program models. The ability of Aboriginal parents to develop positive family environments is crucial, with parent support needing to be reflexive to local needs and sociocultural influences. Culturally appropriate service provision needs meaningful and acceptable strategies. This study was situated within a critical paradigm supporting Participatory Action Research methodology, using Action Learning Sets as the participant engagement and data collection setting. Within ten Action Learning Sets, focus group interviews were carried out with Aboriginal peer support workers, a non-Aboriginal parent support worker, an Aboriginal program coordinator, an Aboriginal education support officer and non-Aboriginal program managers (n = 8), and in idual interviews with parents (n = 2) and community agencies (n = 4). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were derived from peer support worker and community agency cohorts: peer support worker home visiting skills responding to impacts of social determinants of health client support and engagement interagency collaboration and issues addressing program sustainability. Parent responses augmented these themes. Participants identified five key elements relating to peer-led home visiting support for Aboriginal parents. These are uniquely placed to inform ongoing program development as there is little additional evidence in wider national and international contexts. Engagement with communities and peer support workers to develop culturally relevant partnerships with Aboriginal families is integral to contemporary child health practice. Ongoing nurse support is needed for peer support worker role development. Indigenous Australian peoples are people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Respectfully, throughout this paper, they will be described as Aboriginal.
Who Needs Bereavement Support? A Population Based Survey of Bereavement Risk and Support Need
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-03-2015
Nursing and the nursing workplace in Q ueensland, 2001–2010: What the nurses think
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-09-2013
DOI: 10.1111/IJN.12182
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to inform policy for reform in nursing. A survey mailed to members of the Queensland Nurses' Union four times between 2001 and 2010 elicited views on their employment and working conditions, professional development and career opportunities. Results across years and sectors of nursing consistently showed dissatisfaction in many aspects of employment, particularly by nurses working in aged care. However, views on staffing numbers, skill mix, workload, work stress, pay and staff morale all showed significant improvements over the decade. For ex le in 2001, 48.8% of nurses believed that their pay was poor, whereas in 2010, this had reduced to 35.2%. Furthermore, there was a significant rise throughout the decade in the opinion of the value of nursing as a good career. In light of the need to address nurse workforce shortages, the trends are encouraging however, more improvements are required in order to support recruitment and retention.
Rural men and mental health: Their experiences and how they managed: Feature Article
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1447-0349.2007.00484.X
Abstract: There is a growing awareness that a primary source of information about mental health lies with the consumers. This paper reports on a study that interviewed rural men with the aim of exploring their mental health experiences within a rural environment. The results of the interviews are a number of stories of resilience and survival that highlight not only the importance of exploring the in iduals' perspective of their issues, but also of acknowledging and drawing on their inner strengths. Rural men face a number of challenges that not only increase the risk of mental illness but also decrease the likelihood of them seeking and/or finding professional support. These men's stories, while different from each other, have a common thread of coping. Despite some support from family and friends, participants also acknowledged that seeking out professional support could have made the recovery phase easier. Mental health nurses need to be aware, not only of the barrier to professional support but also of the significant resilience that in iduals have and how it can be used.
The contribution of individual psychological resilience in determining the professional quality of life of Australian nurses
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 21-10-2015
Patientsʼ experiences towards the donation of their residual biological samples and the impact of these experiences on the type of consent given for secondary use: A systematic review
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.11124/01938924-201109420-00001
Abstract: Background Residual or leftover clinical tissues are valuable resources for biomedical research. There is on-going discussion about the methodological, legal, and ethical issues on the collection, storage and use of these tissues for future research. This systematic review will consider qualitative studies previously conducted, which report on patients' preferences, experiences and willingness to donate their tissues.Objectives The aim of this review was to critically appraise, synthesize and present the best available evidence related to the experiences of patients toward consent when donating their leftover tissue for research.Search strategy The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies. A three-step search strategy was utilized. An initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken, followed by analysis of text words contained in the title and abstract, and of the index terms used to describe the article. A second search using all identified keywords and index terms was then undertaken across all included databases. Thirdly, the reference lists of all identified reports and articles were searched for additional studies.Data collection & analysis The standardised data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) was used to extract data from each paper. The qualitative research findings were presented as thematic pooling using the JBI-QARI approach in a narrative form. During the analysis, 131 study findings from 18 publications were aggregated into 19 categories to form four synthesized findings.Main results The synthesized findings generated were: (1) Healthcare professionals should be aware that patients' consent to the use of their left-over tissues are influenced by many and varied factors. Primarily these factors included: benefits to self and other and trust in research and researchers (2) Healthcare institutions and regulatory authorities must provide strict safeguards and controls in order to maintain privacy and confidentiality of the patients (3) Healthcare professionals should be aware that the views on ownership and rights to the tissues will vary between in idual patients (4) Healthcare professionals, institutions and regulatory authorities should be aware that patients have different views on the commercial use of their tissues.Discussion Patients would prefer that institutions requesting donation of leftover tissues establish a good governance system for the collection and storage of tissues, as well as a system for protecting the rights and confidentiality of patients. Most patients prefer to have an ethical and effective system, which decides the future use of their tissues, especially when a full informed consent is not obtained from the patients at time of donation and subsequent use.Implications for Practice The results from this review can assist researchers and policy makers to understand the experiences of patients and their attitudes and preferences on the collection, storage, distribution and use of their leftover tissue for research. This is especially so when designing a prospective model of consent regimen, to respect patients' needs and make recommendations for the use of existing and previously collected biological s les with no consent taken.Implications for Research Further qualitative research can be undertaken to ascertain patients' expectations when they donate their tissues the type of consent model to be used the perceived risks of genetic and stem cells research and the effects of culture, religion and age on patients' willingness to donate their leftover tissues for future research.
Review of small rural health services in Victoria: how does the nursing‐medical division of labour affect access to emergency care?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2007.02087.X
Abstract: This paper is based on a review of the Australian and International literature relating to the nursing-medical ision of labour. It also explores how the ision of labour affects patient access to emergency care in small rural health services in Victoria, Australia. The paper describes the future Australian health workforce and the implications for rural Victoria. The concept of ision of labour and how it relates to nursing and medicine is critically reviewed. Two forms of ision of labour emerge - traditional and negotiated ision of labour. Key themes are drawn from the literature that describes the impact of a traditional form of ision of labour in a rural context. This paper is based on a review of the Australian and international literature, including grey literature, on the subject of rural emergency services, professional boundaries and roles, ision of labour, professional relationships and power and the Australian health workforce. In Australia, the contracting workforce means that traditional isions of labour between health professionals cannot be sustained without reducing access to emergency care in rural Victoria. A traditional ision of labour results in rural health services that are vulnerable to slight shifts in the medical workforce, unsafe services and recruitment and retention problems. A negotiated form of ision of labour provides a practical alternative. A ision of labour that is negotiated between doctors and nurses and supported by a legal and clinical governance framework, is needed to support rural emergency services. The published evidence suggests that this situation currently does not exist in Victoria. Strategies are offered for creating and supporting a negotiated ision of labour. This paper offers some strategies for establishing a negotiated ision of labour between doctors and nurses in rural emergency care.
Adults with intellectual disability in regional Australia: Incidence of disability and provision of accommodation support to their ageing carers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2009.01062.X
Abstract: This project aimed to identify a population of adults with intellectual disability and their carers in a defined regional area of Australia to determine their prevalence in this setting, their current accommodation situation and their future accommodation needs. Mixed method cross-sectional design employed a survey to collect data from both quantitative (Likert type) and qualitative (free response) questions. Regional town and its contiguous shires in Queensland. Adults (over 18 years) with an intellectual disability and their primary carers. Identification of adults with intellectual disability and a description of their accommodation situation and perceived needs. Adults with intellectual disability (n = 156) were male (60%), mean age of 37.2 years (range 18-79). Carers (n = 146) were female (78%), mean age of 61.5 years (range 40-91). The majority of adults with intellectual disability (56%) are cared for at home (mean age = 35 years). Mean age of those who live away from home was 39.8 years. The levels of support required by those living at home and those living away from home were not different, nor were the age ranges of their carers. Findings show that the majority of primary carers are over the age of 50 years and continue to provide medium-high levels of support within the family home. The advancing age of both carers and the people they support, combined with the location of that support, is a major issue in the provision of adequate services for this population.
What nurses need to know about Buddhist perspectives of end-of-life care and dying
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2011
The Effects of Occupational Violence on the Well-being and Resilience of Nurses
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2018
Disciplinary power and its influence on the administration and supply of medications by nurses in rural areas of australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1998
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-172X.1998.00087.X
Abstract: This paper reports on aspects of a larger study into rural nursing practice in Australia, 1991-94 (D. Hegney, unpublished data, 1996). Using a Foucauldian framework for analysis of the rural nursing discourses, it presents an interpretation of the statements regarding the administration and supply of medications in rural nursing practice. In particular, it focuses on the supply and administration of medications by rural nurses working in small rural health services. It explains that there are particular issues regarding telephone medication orders and the consequent verification of these orders. It suggests that rural medical practitioners use the power of legislation with regard to the administration and supply of medications to subjugate rural nursing practice. It argues that the nursing profession itself has used, through its silence on the inadequacy of the current Poison Acts and their Regulations, disciplinary power to ensure that rural nursing practice is normalised to metropolitan nursing practice. Further, the lack of educational preparation for this rural nursing role, can be seen as a pedagogical control of rural nursing practice. This paper recommends that the Statute Law regarding the administration and supply of medications be changed to reflect the reality of rural nursing practice, and that rural nurses are prepared adequately for this aspect of rural nursing practice.
Queensland nursing staffs' perceptions of the preparation for practice of registered and enrolled nurses
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2012.11.023
Abstract: In Australia, unlike other countries, programmes which lead to registration as a registered or enrolled nurse (called "entry to practice" programmes) are carried out solely in the tertiary sector. In Australian nursing and the wider community, there continues to be a debate over the place of preparation and the "work readiness" of graduates. Despite several opinion papers on the preparation of registered nurses, there is a dearth of published research on the perceptions of the clinical nursing workforce on the suitability of the current preparation for practice models. Data were collected from approximately 3000 nurses in Queensland, Australia in 2007 and 2010. The aim of these studies was to ascertain issues around nursing work. This paper reports on qualitative data that were collected as part of that larger survey. Specifically this paper provides the thematic analysis of one open-ended question: "what are the five key issues and strategies that you see could improve nursing and nursing work?" as it was apparent when we undertook thematic analysis of this question that there was a major theme around the preparation of nurses for the nursing workforce. We therefore carried out a more detailed thematic analysis around this major theme. The major sub-themes that we identified from comments on the preparation of the nursing workforce were: perceptions of lack of clinical exposure and the need to increase the amount of clinical hours the design of the curriculum, the place of preparation (solely within industry or a great focus on industry), financial consideration (students to be paid for their work) and in 2007 only, the need for students to have better time management. The findings suggest that a majority of respondents believed there should be changes to the entry to practice preparation for nurses. The major focus of these comments was the perception of insufficient clinical experience and inappropriate curriculum content. Thus, graduates are not "work ready". The attitude of clinical nurses, who work closely with student nurses, influences the workplace experience of student nurses. It is apparent from the statements of respondents in this study, that there is a need for stronger industry/academic partnerships, particularly around the design and implementation of the entry-to-practice curriculum.
Related Organisations
University Of New England, Armidale College Of Nursing Education
Location: Australia
University Of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba District Health Services
Location: Australia
University Of Southern Queensland, University Of Queensland
Location: Australia
The University Of Adelaide Adelaide Nursing School
Location: Australia
Prince Of Wales Hospital And Community Health Services
Location: Australia
Related Funding Activities
Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0560423
Start Date: 2005
End Date: 03-2008
Amount: $42,097.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0770716
Start Date: 2007
End Date: 10-2012
Amount: $525,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0455516
Start Date: 04-2004
End Date: 06-2007
Amount: $86,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0562102
Start Date: 01-2006
End Date: 12-2010
Amount: $650,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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