Description:
Background: Indigenous populations suffer poorer maternal and infant health across the Australian nation, also affecting populations of SE Australia. Representing less than 2 % of the population in southern Victoria, Indigenous mothers and babies demonstrate disproportionately high healthcare problems, compared with mainstream communities. These worse outcomes provide evidence that midwives and health systems who care for Indigenous mothers and babies are failing them. Aim: The project sought to examine what practices healthcare workers in a maternity service employ to support Indigenous women though maternity care. The aim was to examine where barriers and complexities challenge their practice. Revealing the successful and positive strategies used will be pertinent to how current maternity care provision, can facilitate greater access and quality within services. Method: an ethnographic form of qualitative enquiry was employed to gather data form 9 participants. Findings: This study reinforced the importance of culture, respect, and therapeutic relations for productive communication strategies in an Indigenous maternity service. Conclusion: Improvements in Indigenous maternal healthcare may be found in approaches which utilise cultural safety and support health carer’s working within organisations to address cultural needs of every client.
Description:
Background: Indigenous populations suffer poorer maternal and infant health across the Australian nation, also affecting populations of SE Australia. Representing less than 2 % of the population in southern Victoria, Indigenous mothers and babies demonstrate disproportionately high healthcare problems, compared with mainstream communities. These worse outcomes provide evidence that midwives and health systems who care for Indigenous mothers and babies are failing them. Aim: The project sought to examine what practices healthcare workers in a maternity service employ to support Indigenous women though maternity care. The aim was to examine where barriers and complexities challenge their practice. Revealing the successful and positive strategies used will be pertinent to how current maternity care provision, can facilitate greater access and quality within services. Method: an ethnographic form of qualitative enquiry was employed to gather data form 9 participants. Findings: This study reinforced the importance of culture, respect, and therapeutic relations for productive communication strategies in an Indigenous maternity service. Conclusion: Improvements in Indigenous maternal healthcare may be found in approaches which utilise cultural safety and support health carer’s working within organisations to address cultural needs of every client.
Description:
Objective. To explore and describe the values, beliefs and experiences of rural Swazi women regarding childbirth. Method. A retrospective ethnographic explorative inquiry was utilised, and snowballing sampling method used to recruit participants. Unstructured interviews of 15 rural Swazi women were conducted and recorded using audio-taped face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis of transcribed and translated interviews was undertaken in conjunction with analysis from field notes. Ethical approval was received from the human ethics committee of the university where the researcher was enrolled. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the village chief by way of a signed plain language statement, after providing all the necessary information relating to its nature and purpose. The nature of the study was also verbally outlined to the rural health personnel before an invitation to assist the researcher in accessing the sample was extended to them. Results. Findings were categorised into nine themes: choice of venue for birthing; remaining active during labour; freedom to assume position of choice; hand inserted if a problem; attendant at birth; leaving perineal tears to heal themselves; traditional medicines used during labour; delayed clamping of the cord and; opting for home births without any assistance. Implications. Rural Swazi women engage customary explanations and practices commonly at odds with the current biomedical model operating in the formal health sector. Consequently, these women often have unmet expectations during labour which yields dissatisfaction with their childbearing experience. This indicates that there is the need for a more culturally appropriate approach to both the education of midwives and also the provision of midwifery health services in Swaziland.
Description:
Background: The Victorian Maternal and Child Health (MCH) profession is in the process of undergoing a number of changes as a result of initiatives at national level. Aim: The aim of the research was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Victorian Key stakeholders (KSH) and MCH nurse’s regarding these changes. Method: A qualitative, semi structured interview method was employed for this study with 48 participants. Results: The results indicated that participants strongly believed that change was imposed on them without a great deal of communication and consultation with them. Discussion: Kotter’s framework was used to highlight what process was lacking and what could have been undertaken to assist achieving this change. A change of such a magnitude as the national registration and development of a national framework had never been undertaken previously. This framework explained why participants in the study were feeling so disenfranchised with these changes.
Description:
Background: The Victorian Maternal and Child Health (MCH) profession is in the process of undergoing a number of changes as a result of initiatives at national level. Aim: The aim of the research was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Victorian Key stakeholders (KSH) and MCH nurse’s regarding these changes. Method: A qualitative, semi structured interview method was employed for this study with 48 participants. Results: The results indicated that participants strongly believed that change was imposed on them without a great deal of communication and consultation with them. Discussion: Kotter’s framework was used to highlight what process was lacking and what could have been undertaken to assist achieving this change. A change of such a magnitude as the national registration and development of a national framework had never been undertaken previously. This framework explained why participants in the study were feeling so disenfranchised with these changes.
Description:
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review the changing ages of pubertal onset, and discuss how it may impact chiropractic diagnosis and management in this pediatric population. Methods: An open literature search was conducted, using scientific journal databases PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Proquest, and Medscape. An open Internet search was also utilized. Discussion: Puberty includes a range of events and the emergence of several secondary sexual characteristics. What has been considered the normal age ranges for puberty differ between gender (for females, 9-16 years of age and males, 13-15 years of age). Precocious puberty has been considered the onset of puberty prior to age 8 in girls, and 9 in boys. Recent studies, however, have shown the onset of puberty earlier than expected, particularly in the female population. Precocious puberty may occur secondarily to pathologies such as endocrine disorders or central nervous system insults. Furthermore, with the onset of puberty, there is commonly a rapid growth period, which could potentially lead to a surprisingly "early onset" for a number of orthopedic conditions. Chiropractors should be aware of emerging trends in the average age of onset of puberty and differentiate it from precocious puberty, which may require referral. Conclusion: It is important that chiropractic practitioners are aware of the changing trends, potential pathologies and underlying disorders that may contribute to an early pubertal onset. In addition, chiropractors need to be aware of the common orthopedic conditions presenting during periods of rapid growth and development. These may go undiagnosed if the practitioner is unaware of current adolescent age ranges.
Description:
Children are their parents’ pride and joy. Parents have hopes, dreams and expectations for their children to grow and develop in a holistic healthy manner physically, emotionally, and socially. It is an extremely vulnerable situation when the life and health of children are threatened; hence, when a child is diagnosed with a chronic condition, parents grieve for the loss of their child’s health, their expectations and dreams can be challenged, and their sense of protection, feeling of invulnerability are severely shaken. Objectives: This study focuses on Saudi parents and in particular the mothers who have children with chronic illnesses. It aimed to describe and explore the coping patterns of Saudi mothers who have chronically ill children. Method: A survey questionnaire was administered to 122 Saudi parents with chronically ill children in peadiatric wards at three public hospitals in the Jeddah region in Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, Quality of Life Scale (QOL), The General Self-efficacy scale (GSE) and Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) were distributed to the Saudi parents with identified chronically ill children. Results: The results of the descriptive statistical analyses provided significant correlations between QOL score and GSE, between QOL and SSQ, between QOL and stress and adversity, between GES and SSQ, between stress and adversity and duration of child’s illness, and between stress and adversity and family time spent in caring activities. In addition, a nearly significant result was found between GES and stress and adversity. Conclusion: The results of the study emphasise the importance of a thorough and holistic assessment of families, their social environments and the level of support they require to assist them to cope with the chronic illness of their children.
Description:
Children are their parents’ pride and joy. Parents have hopes, dreams and expectations for their children to grow and develop in a holistic healthy manner physically, emotionally, and socially. It is an extremely vulnerable situation when the life and health of children are threatened; hence, when a child is diagnosed with a chronic condition, parents grieve for the loss of their child’s health, their expectations and dreams can be challenged, and their sense of protection, feeling of invulnerability are severely shaken. Objectives: This study focuses on Saudi parents and in particular the mothers who have children with chronic illnesses. It aimed to describe and explore the coping patterns of Saudi mothers who have chronically ill children. Method: A survey questionnaire was administered to 122 Saudi parents with chronically ill children in peadiatric wards at three public hospitals in the Jeddah region in Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, Quality of Life Scale (QOL), The General Self-efficacy scale (GSE) and Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) were distributed to the Saudi parents with identified chronically ill children. Results: The results of the descriptive statistical analyses provided significant correlations between QOL score and GSE, between QOL and SSQ, between QOL and stress and adversity, between GES and SSQ, between stress and adversity and duration of child’s illness, and between stress and adversity and family time spent in caring activities. In addition, a nearly significant result was found between GES and stress and adversity. Conclusion: The results of the study emphasise the importance of a thorough and holistic assessment of families, their social environments and the level of support they require to assist them to cope with the chronic illness of their children.
Description:
Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children are a major public health concern internationally. Recognition of overweight and obesity status is an important step to prevent unhealthy weight. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and to explore the perceptions of children and their parents towards overweight and obesity in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study approach was utilized surveying 635 children aged 11 to 14 years (males and females) in 12 randomly selected public schools in Kuwait. Trained nurses performed measurements of children’s height and weight to determine their Body Mass Index.Valid questionnaire were used to assess children and their parent perception of child’s weight. Results: One quarter of the surveyed children 25.5% (N = 162) were overweight. Over one third of the participants 36.5% (N = 232) were classified as obese. The nurses’ measurements did not coincide with the children’s perceptions but were better aligned with parents’ perceptions of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The results indicated that there is high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti children. Furthermore, both the children and their parents underestimate the child weight status. Health education programs are highly recommended.
Description:
Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children are a major public health concern internationally. Recognition of overweight and obesity status is an important step to prevent unhealthy weight. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and to explore the perceptions of children and their parents towards overweight and obesity in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study approach was utilized surveying 635 children aged 11 to 14 years (males and females) in 12 randomly selected public schools in Kuwait. Trained nurses performed measurements of children’s height and weight to determine their Body Mass Index.Valid questionnaire were used to assess children and their parent perception of child’s weight. Results: One quarter of the surveyed children 25.5% (N = 162) were overweight. Over one third of the participants 36.5% (N = 232) were classified as obese. The nurses’ measurements did not coincide with the children’s perceptions but were better aligned with parents’ perceptions of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The results indicated that there is high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti children. Furthermore, both the children and their parents underestimate the child weight status. Health education programs are highly recommended.
Description:
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is a major public health concern in Kuwait. Understanding the contributing factors is key to the development of an effective intervention strategy. This study was designed to identify what factors contribute to overweight and obesity in school-aged children. Method: A cross-sectional study, using questionnaires, was conducted with public intermediate school children (girls and boys) and their parents to elicit information related to the children’s daily lifestyle. A total of 635 children aged 11-14 years and their parents (N=635) were surveyed and children’s height and weight were measured by school nurses to identify their Body Mass Index. Results: When classified by BMI, about one quarter of the children (25.5%) were overweight and over one third (36.5%) were classified as obese. Multiple regression model found that the BMI of the male children increased significantly with respect to age if they had overweight siblings, spent time on sedentary activities, and regularly ate food from fast food restaurants. The BMI of the female children also increased significantly with respect to age, having overweight siblings, eating at fast food restaurants and for every time not actively travelling to school. Conclusion: The rate of childhood overweight and obesity in Kuwait is currently still high, and Kuwaiti children have been found to be leading unhealthy lifestyles. Involving parents as a part of the solution is an important step in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Description:
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is a major public health concern in Kuwait. Understanding the contributing factors is key to the development of an effective intervention strategy. This study was designed to identify what factors contribute to overweight and obesity in school-aged children. Method: A cross-sectional study, using questionnaires, was conducted with public intermediate school children (girls and boys) and their parents to elicit information related to the children’s daily lifestyle. A total of 635 children aged 11-14 years and their parents (N=635) were surveyed and children’s height and weight were measured by school nurses to identify their Body Mass Index. Results: When classified by BMI, about one quarter of the children (25.5%) were overweight and over one third (36.5%) were classified as obese. Multiple regression model found that the BMI of the male children increased significantly with respect to age if they had overweight siblings, spent time on sedentary activities, and regularly ate food from fast food restaurants. The BMI of the female children also increased significantly with respect to age, having overweight siblings, eating at fast food restaurants and for every time not actively travelling to school. Conclusion: The rate of childhood overweight and obesity in Kuwait is currently still high, and Kuwaiti children have been found to be leading unhealthy lifestyles. Involving parents as a part of the solution is an important step in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Description:
As part of an Australian Government funded Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) project, a Midwifery Program Coordinator and an Academic Language and Learning (ALL) adviser worked together to integrate academic integrity into the discipline content in a first year subject in the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery. The Program Manager and ALL adviser shared responsibility for developing and assessing academic integrity activities. The activities formed a scaffolded approach, beginning with a workshop to explicitly engage students with the concepts, followed by an assignment where students could test out their knowledge of paraphrasing, in-text referencing and synthesising from refereed journals in their discipline. Both summative and substantial formative feedback was provided, designed to assist students in identifying what they did well and any issues that needed to be addressed before they engaged with their literature review assignment. The rubric for the literature review was changed to give greater emphasis to academic integrity. Results showed that students developed a deep understanding of how to achieve academic integrity, and focus group feedback on the activities was positive. We argue that this multi-faceted, scaffolded, integrated approach is the most effective way to engage students in academic literacy skills such as academic integrity.
Description:
As part of an Australian Government funded Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) project, a Midwifery Program Coordinator and an Academic Language and Learning (ALL) adviser worked together to integrate academic integrity into the discipline content in a first year subject in the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery. The Program Manager and ALL adviser shared responsibility for developing and assessing academic integrity activities. The activities formed a scaffolded approach, beginning with a workshop to explicitly engage students with the concepts, followed by an assignment where students could test out their knowledge of paraphrasing, in-text referencing and synthesising from refereed journals in their discipline. Both summative and substantial formative feedback was provided, designed to assist students in identifying what they did well and any issues that needed to be addressed before they engaged with their literature review assignment. The rubric for the literature review was changed to give greater emphasis to academic integrity. Results showed that students developed a deep understanding of how to achieve academic integrity, and focus group feedback on the activities was positive. We argue that this multi-faceted, scaffolded, integrated approach is the most effective way to engage students in academic literacy skills such as academic integrity.
Description:
Background: Although there has been significant improvement in both understanding and treating type 2 diabetes, there is no indication of a decrease in its prevalence. This trend has led to an hypothesis that are still risk factors that have not been fully understood and dealt with and patient need effective treatment programs to help them deal with such. For along time, medical experts have emphasized the need for diabetic patients to exercise lifestyle changes such as dieting and engaging in physical exercise in order to maintain their conditions. Objectives: Self-care is increasingly becoming an important for diabetic patient seeking to manage their conditions. Consequently, this study is geared towards evaluating the efficiency level of self-care programs among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in Saudi Arabia. It will also describe the self-care programs’ effects on the outcome of disease and patients’ quality of life, and the importance of associated educational programs. Methods: This is a systematic review of published studies exploring the quality of self-care management, as well as its effect on promoting quality of life among T2D patients in Saudi Arabia. This review revealed 11 published papers which included Prospective cohort study, uncontrolled quasi-experimental intervention study with pre–post assessment, non experimental retrospective cross sectional survey, naturalistic observation, case control study, and qualitative interview. Results: The results from this review indicated that a significant percentage of T2D patients do not observe, or are selective with the type of self-care management they use. This habit leads to reduced quality of life, prolonged stay at the hospital, and extended recuperation period. The reviews indicated that educational programs have promoted self-care management among T2D patients. An educational program promotes self-care management among T2D patients and provides additional training for healthcare to facilitate and encourage self-care activity among the patients to minimize the growing number of T2D patients.
Description:
Background: Although there has been significant improvement in both understanding and treating type 2 diabetes, there is no indication of a decrease in its prevalence. This trend has led to an hypothesis that are still risk factors that have not been fully understood and dealt with and patient need effective treatment programs to help them deal with such. For along time, medical experts have emphasized the need for diabetic patients to exercise lifestyle changes such as dieting and engaging in physical exercise in order to maintain their conditions. Objectives: Self-care is increasingly becoming an important for diabetic patient seeking to manage their conditions. Consequently, this study is geared towards evaluating the efficiency level of self-care programs among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in Saudi Arabia. It will also describe the self-care programs’ effects on the outcome of disease and patients’ quality of life, and the importance of associated educational programs. Methods: This is a systematic review of published studies exploring the quality of self-care management, as well as its effect on promoting quality of life among T2D patients in Saudi Arabia. This review revealed 11 published papers which included Prospective cohort study, uncontrolled quasi-experimental intervention study with pre–post assessment, non experimental retrospective cross sectional survey, naturalistic observation, case control study, and qualitative interview. Results: The results from this review indicated that a significant percentage of T2D patients do not observe, or are selective with the type of self-care management they use. This habit leads to reduced quality of life, prolonged stay at the hospital, and extended recuperation period. The reviews indicated that educational programs have promoted self-care management among T2D patients. An educational program promotes self-care management among T2D patients and provides additional training for healthcare to facilitate and encourage self-care activity among the patients to minimize the growing number of T2D patients.
Description:
Objective: To describe the barriers to women's access to maternity services in three districts of Timor-Leste. Research design/setting: Focused ethnography with data collection methods commensurate with a qualitative research design. Setting and participants: Data was collected in three districts in Timor-Leste. Participants included seventeen stakeholders, health professionals and managers providing skilled birth attendance (SBA) in Timor-Leste and thirty women who have given birth and are competent to give consent. Findings: Access to SBA services is seriously impeded by poor roads and lack of transportation, the poor condition and amenity of services, restricted hours of opening, the lack of availability of skilled SBA professionals and medical resources. Participants also commented upon the lack of privacy and multiple caregivers. Timorese patriarchal family structures, intergenerational decision-making and cultural attitudes towards reproductive health information and services potentially reduce women's access to reproductive health services. Conclusion: This data provides a comprehensive record of the multiple structural barriers to women's access to SBA services. The modified AAAQA framework provides categories and an organisational structure to these barriers to SBA services. Implications for practice: Maternity care in Timor-Leste is extremely poorly resourced. Midwives and other SBA will need to provide innovative low cost solutions if they are to consistently provide respectful culturally safe midwifery care. This includes the provision of privacy and a one to one midwifery relationship 'with woman'. In addition, many women are unable to access SBA, where possible the MoH can consider strategies to improve the provision of SBA services to women birthing in community. Crown Copyright (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Description:
Objective: To describe the barriers to women's access to maternity services in three districts of Timor-Leste. Research design/setting: Focused ethnography with data collection methods commensurate with a qualitative research design. Setting and participants: Data was collected in three districts in Timor-Leste. Participants included seventeen stakeholders, health professionals and managers providing skilled birth attendance (SBA) in Timor-Leste and thirty women who have given birth and are competent to give consent. Findings: Access to SBA services is seriously impeded by poor roads and lack of transportation, the poor condition and amenity of services, restricted hours of opening, the lack of availability of skilled SBA professionals and medical resources. Participants also commented upon the lack of privacy and multiple caregivers. Timorese patriarchal family structures, intergenerational decision-making and cultural attitudes towards reproductive health information and services potentially reduce women's access to reproductive health services. Conclusion: This data provides a comprehensive record of the multiple structural barriers to women's access to SBA services. The modified AAAQA framework provides categories and an organisational structure to these barriers to SBA services. Implications for practice: Maternity care in Timor-Leste is extremely poorly resourced. Midwives and other SBA will need to provide innovative low cost solutions if they are to consistently provide respectful culturally safe midwifery care. This includes the provision of privacy and a one to one midwifery relationship 'with woman'. In addition, many women are unable to access SBA, where possible the MoH can consider strategies to improve the provision of SBA services to women birthing in community. Crown Copyright (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Description:
In Victoria, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service is currently located within the State Government’s Department of Education and EarlyChildhood Development (DEECD) portfolio. This department is accountable for the planning and provision of early childhood services in partnership with local government. The MCH service has experienced many changes in State Government departmental portfolios over the years.It was therefore considered relevant to explore the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs held by the MCH workforce in regards to the portfolio that they considered should manage the MCH service.A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used to explore the Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the Victorian MCH nurses regarding the positioning portfolio for the service. The involved interviewing 12 key stakeholders and 36 MCH nurses until data saturation was reached. Presented are the findings that indicated that the majority of the participants believed that the service did not belong well currently in either Victorian Government Education or Health portfolio. The strength of this opinion, however, highlights the need for some collaborative discussion with all concerned parties in order to appropriately position the MCH service in order to achieve optimum outcomes for children in Victoria.
Description:
In Victoria, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service is currently located within the State Government’s Department of Education and EarlyChildhood Development (DEECD) portfolio. This department is accountable for the planning and provision of early childhood services in partnership with local government. The MCH service has experienced many changes in State Government departmental portfolios over the years.It was therefore considered relevant to explore the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs held by the MCH workforce in regards to the portfolio that they considered should manage the MCH service.A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used to explore the Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the Victorian MCH nurses regarding the positioning portfolio for the service. The involved interviewing 12 key stakeholders and 36 MCH nurses until data saturation was reached. Presented are the findings that indicated that the majority of the participants believed that the service did not belong well currently in either Victorian Government Education or Health portfolio. The strength of this opinion, however, highlights the need for some collaborative discussion with all concerned parties in order to appropriately position the MCH service in order to achieve optimum outcomes for children in Victoria.
Description:
Cancer pain is a multi-dimensional syndrome with a combination of acute and chronic pain that causes physical, psycho-social, behavioural, emotional and spiritual problems resulting in adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Nurses need to be well prepared with knowledge on pain assessment and management techniques in oncology units, due to their vital role in the decision-making process regarding pain management. However, limited research has been conducted regarding nurses’ barriers regarding pain management in oncology units, especially in Saudi Arabia. The overall aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ perceived barriers that hinder the delivery of effective pain management to cancer patients. Five focus group discussions were conducted using a purposive sampling of six to eight nurses in each group, with a total of 35 oncology nurses. The results of focus group analysis revealed two main thematic categories with associated sub themes, being nurses’ workloads, and the absence of health team collaboration. This study provides an increased awareness of the barriers that may hinder the efficacy of pain management provided to cancer patients in Saudi Arabia context. Significant implications will benefit nursing practice, administration and education, in addition to identifying potential future research.
Description:
Cancer pain is a multi-dimensional syndrome with a combination of acute and chronic pain that causes physical, psycho-social, behavioural, emotional and spiritual problems resulting in adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Nurses need to be well prepared with knowledge on pain assessment and management techniques in oncology units, due to their vital role in the decision-making process regarding pain management. However, limited research has been conducted regarding nurses’ barriers regarding pain management in oncology units, especially in Saudi Arabia. The overall aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ perceived barriers that hinder the delivery of effective pain management to cancer patients. Five focus group discussions were conducted using a purposive sampling of six to eight nurses in each group, with a total of 35 oncology nurses. The results of focus group analysis revealed two main thematic categories with associated sub themes, being nurses’ workloads, and the absence of health team collaboration. This study provides an increased awareness of the barriers that may hinder the efficacy of pain management provided to cancer patients in Saudi Arabia context. Significant implications will benefit nursing practice, administration and education, in addition to identifying potential future research.
Description:
Nurses with effective communication skills play a critical role in minimising the stress associated with hospitalisation for both patients and their families. Effective communication has become increasingly reported as a key component in effective health care outcomes, which is even more crucial in countries such as Saudi Arabia with a large foreign healthcare workforce. The presence of a large expatriate workforce with a different language from the host society and the ensuing complexity of sociocultural linguistic and heath beliefs systems has been poorly researched. This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators of nurse-patient communication in Saudi Arabia using the Nurses’ Self-Administered Communication Survey. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 291 nurses working in medical and surgical departments at five hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the Philippine and Saudi Arabian nurses perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal/social characteristics, job specifications and environmental factors then nurses of other nationalities. In addition, nurses with shorter experience in Saudi Arabia perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to the clinical situation of patient and environmental factors than the nurses with longer experience. Lastly, nurses who had not attended specialist courses on communication skills acquisition perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal characteristics and job specifications than nurses who had attended such courses. This study highlights the need to better prepare expatriate nurses before they enter the workforce in Saudi Arabia on cultural competence and language skills.
Description:
Nurses with effective communication skills play a critical role in minimising the stress associated with hospitalisation for both patients and their families. Effective communication has become increasingly reported as a key component in effective health care outcomes, which is even more crucial in countries such as Saudi Arabia with a large foreign healthcare workforce. The presence of a large expatriate workforce with a different language from the host society and the ensuing complexity of sociocultural linguistic and heath beliefs systems has been poorly researched. This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators of nurse-patient communication in Saudi Arabia using the Nurses’ Self-Administered Communication Survey. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 291 nurses working in medical and surgical departments at five hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the Philippine and Saudi Arabian nurses perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal/social characteristics, job specifications and environmental factors then nurses of other nationalities. In addition, nurses with shorter experience in Saudi Arabia perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to the clinical situation of patient and environmental factors than the nurses with longer experience. Lastly, nurses who had not attended specialist courses on communication skills acquisition perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal characteristics and job specifications than nurses who had attended such courses. This study highlights the need to better prepare expatriate nurses before they enter the workforce in Saudi Arabia on cultural competence and language skills.