Understanding the importance of collecting qualitative data creatively

IN ITS broadest sense, qualitative research encompasses any study that does not use statistical methods or quantify results (Strauss and Corbin 1990). Qualitative researchers undertake their work in the natural setting, attempting to understand or interpret phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them

A program of primary care nursing research in Australia

The nursing workforce in Australian primary care has grown exponentially in the last 15 years. This presentation will discuss the research program that has evolved in conjunction with this workforce growth to support nursing education, health policy, and clinical practice

Transitioning from acute to primary health care nursing: an integrative review of the literature

Aims and objectives This paper seeks to explore the transition experiences of acute care nurses entering employment in primary health care settings. Background Internationally the provision of care in primary health care settings is increasing. Nurses are moving from acute care settings to meet the growing demand for a primary health care workforce. While there is significant research relating to new graduate transition experiences, little is known about the transition experience from acute care into primary health care employment. Design An integrative review, guided by Whittemore and Knafl\u27s (2005) approach, was undertaken. Following a systematic literature search eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Methods Papers which met the study criteria were identified and assessed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Papers were then subjected to methodological quality appraisal. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify key themes within the data. Results Eight papers met the selection criteria. All described nurses transitioning to either community or home nursing settings. Three themes were identified: (1) a conceptual understanding of transition, (2) role losses and gains and (3) barriers and enablers. Conclusion There is a lack of research specifically exploring the transitioning of acute care nurses to primary health care settings. To better understand this process, and to support the growth of the primary health care workforce there is an urgent need for further well-designed research. Relevance to clinical practice There is an increasing demand for the employment of nurses in primary health care settings. To recruit experienced nurses it is logical that many nurses will transition into primary health care from employment in the acute sector. To optimise retention and enhance the transition experience of these nurses it is important to understand the transition experience

The development of professional practice standards for Australian general practice nurses

Aims The aim of this study was to explore the current role of general practice nurses and the scope of nursing practice to inform the development of national professional practice standards for Australian general practice nurses. Background Increasing numbers of nurses have been employed in Australian general practice to meet the growing demand for primary care services. This has brought significant changes to the nursing role. Competency standards for nurses working in general practice were first developed in Australia in 2005, but limited attention has been placed on articulating the contemporary scope of practice for nurses in this setting. Design Concurrent mixed methods design. Methods Data collection was conducted during 2013-2014 and involved two online surveys of Registered and Enrolled Nurses currently working in general practice, a series of 14 focus groups across Australia and a series of consultations with key experts. Findings Data collection enabled the development of 22 Practice Standards separated into four domains: (i) Professional Practice; (ii) Nursing Care; (iii) General Practice Environment and (iv) Collaborative Practice. To differentiate the variations in enacting these Standards, performance indicators for the Enrolled Nurse, Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse Advanced Practice are provided under each Standard. Conclusion The development of national professional practice standards for nurses working in Australian general practice will support ongoing workforce development. These Standards are also an important means of articulating the role and scope of the nurses\u27 practice for both consumers and other health professionals, as well as being a guide for curriculum development and measurement of performance

“Jumping on the Blood Pressure Bandwagon”: Nurse, GP, and Patient Perspectives of a General Practice Nurse-Led Hypertension Management Intervention

To explore the perceptions and experiences of general practice nurses, general practitioners, and patients who participated in a nurse-led intervention to improve blood pressure control. Given the impact of hypertension on rates of premature death and disability, it is important that interventions be evaluated to reduce blood pressure. A key component of such evaluation is understanding the experiences of participants and clinicians. Understanding these experiences can provide insight into acceptability and feasibility that informs future research and implementation. Qualitative descriptive study within a mixed methods project. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention with six patients, five nurses, and three general practitioners. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist guided reporting. Three themes around the need for change, navigating change, and sustaining change were revealed. In highlighting the need for change, participants recognized that it was time to actively work toward improved blood pressure control. In navigating change, general practice nurses were perceived as ideally placed to communicate risks around uncontrolled blood pressure and support lifestyle change. The final theme, sustaining change revealed the feasibility of the intervention in practice, however, clinician participants identified that appropriate funding is required to ensure sustainability. Nurse-led intervention to improve blood pressure control in general practice is feasible in practice and acceptable to patients. This highlights an opportunity for nurses to play a more proactive role in hypertension management within general practice. To ensure sustainability, however, issues such as funding, teamwork, and collaboration need to be addressed. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000169246.</p

An exploration of the experiences of Australian Grey Nomads travelling with chronic conditions

Internationally, the population is ageing and people are living well, longer. In Australia, extended travelling has gained popularity among older Grey Nomads due to time and opportunity post retirement. However, there is limited research available focusing on older Australians\u27 health while travelling. This paper reports the qualitative phase of a larger mixed-method project that explores the experience of Australian Grey Nomads travelling with chronic conditions. Eight Grey Nomads participated in telephone interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Two themes emerged, namely: continuity of care while travelling and experts on the road. Participants described encountering a fragmented health system, with challenges regarding finding health services; a lack of shared medical records; and difficulties accessing regular medications. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated health preparedness, an ability to accommodate health on the road, and were all travelling for their health. This study highlights key systems issues that challenge health care while travelling, and identifies opportunities for both usual practices and rural health services to enhance the care provided to this group

An overview of the clubhouse model of psychiatric rehabilitation

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the clubhouse model and its capacity to assist people with severe mental illness. Method: The paper uses a sample vignette (with all identifying information removed) and survey of literature describing clubhouses over the last 15 years. Results: Strengths of the clubhouse model include its ability to provide a safe environment, supportive relationships and supported employment activities. Criticisms include its failure to provide onsite psychiatry clinics and a risk of promoting service dependence. Conclusions: Modern clubhouses continue to provide useful models of psychiatric rehabilitation which are popular worldwide. Studying and describing the model is challenging due to its complexity. Mixed methodological approaches and recovery-orientated measurement tools may assist future research and development

Special Libraries, December 1940

Volume 31, Issue 10https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1940/1009/thumbnail.jp