- Hungerford, Catherine, Hills, Sharon, Richards, Catelyn, Robinson, Tracy, Hills, Danny
- Authors: Hungerford, Catherine , Hills, Sharon , Richards, Catelyn , Robinson, Tracy , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Vol. 43, no. 11 (2022), p. 1014-1021
- Full Text: false
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- Description: The origins of mindfulness go back some 25 centuries to Eastern teachings, including Buddhism and Hinduism. Mindfulness-based interventions gained credence in Western mental health settings in the late 1970s through the work of medical researcher Kabat-Zinn, whose interest in Eastern meditation led him to develop a program for stress reduction. Since then, mindfulness-based interventions have been utilized for various populations, including older people with anxiety. Group mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated benefits for older people with anxiety living in residential aged care and the community. In primary care settings, innovative delivery models for group mindfulness-based interventions could be facilitated by nurses to support older people with anxiety to age in place with dignity. The benefits of mindfulness-based interventions suggest the value of integrating ancient Eastern techniques with modern Western strategies to achieve better health outcomes for older people with mental health concerns. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
General practice nurse-led screening for anxiety in later life in Australian primary care settings
- Hills, Sharon, Robinson, Tracy, Northam, Holly, Hungerford, Catherine
- Authors: Hills, Sharon , Robinson, Tracy , Northam, Holly , Hungerford, Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 38, no. 4 (Dec 2019), p. E121-E126
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- Description: Objective To test the feasibility of general practice nurse (GPN)-led screening for clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (CSSA) in older people and to estimate the prevalence of CSSA. Methods General practice nurse-led screening for CSSA was undertaken in eight general practices by integrating the five-item Geriatric Anxiety Inventory-Short Form (GAI-SF) into the annual 75 years and older health assessment (75+ HA). Prevalence rates were calculated, and field notes were analysed. Results Over 30 months, 736 patients were screened for CSSA, with a detected prevalence rate of 20.1%. The application of the GAI-SF into the 75+ HA was feasible and readily accepted by patients. Conclusions The five-item GAI-SF is an age-appropriate screening tool for CSSA in general practice settings. Further research is warranted, particularly in relation to the development and implementation of evidence-informed, general practice-based interventions for CSSA that can be effectively delivered to meet the needs of older people.
- Authors: Hills, Sharon , Robinson, Tracy , Northam, Holly , Hungerford, Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal on Ageing Vol. 38, no. 4 (Dec 2019), p. E121-E126
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective To test the feasibility of general practice nurse (GPN)-led screening for clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (CSSA) in older people and to estimate the prevalence of CSSA. Methods General practice nurse-led screening for CSSA was undertaken in eight general practices by integrating the five-item Geriatric Anxiety Inventory-Short Form (GAI-SF) into the annual 75 years and older health assessment (75+ HA). Prevalence rates were calculated, and field notes were analysed. Results Over 30 months, 736 patients were screened for CSSA, with a detected prevalence rate of 20.1%. The application of the GAI-SF into the 75+ HA was feasible and readily accepted by patients. Conclusions The five-item GAI-SF is an age-appropriate screening tool for CSSA in general practice settings. Further research is warranted, particularly in relation to the development and implementation of evidence-informed, general practice-based interventions for CSSA that can be effectively delivered to meet the needs of older people.
Mentors supporting nurses transitioning to primary healthcare roles : a practice improvement initiative
- Rossiter, Rachel, Robinson, Tracy, Cox, Rebekah, Collison, Lisa, Hills, Danny
- Authors: Rossiter, Rachel , Robinson, Tracy , Cox, Rebekah , Collison, Lisa , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Nursing Vol. 10, no. (2024), p.
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- Description: Introduction: Effective primary healthcare services have been identified by the World Health Organization as the most equitable approach to enhancing universal healthcare. Robust models of mentoring for registered nurses (RNs) transitioning to primary healthcare roles have yet to be described in the Australian context. A robust mentoring model can support RNs to fulfill their potential, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In 2015, the peak body for nurses in primary health care (PHC) began developing a transition to practice program, including embedded mentoring to support newly graduated and more experienced registered and enrolled nurses. This quality improvement study reports the experiences and perspectives of nurses participating as mentors in two separate offerings of the program delivered between 2019 and 2021. Method: A two-phase concurrent mixed methods evaluation utilized data from pre- and post online surveys and post program meetings. Quantitative items underwent descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis of free-text responses and comments was conducted independently by two researchers. Mentors voluntarily provided self-report data and were informed that data is routinely collected to support continuous quality improvement processes for all programs. An Information Sheet informed mentors of data usage, confidentiality, and options to withdraw without penalty from the program at any time. Results: Seventy-nine mentors were recruited to support two groups of nurses (N = 111). Mentor self-rated overall satisfaction with program participation was 86.67% (very or extremely satisfied). Mentors described being “witness to mentee growth,” “having facilitated access to learning” and receiving “unexpected benefits” including personal and professional growth and enhanced enthusiasm for their role in PHC. Conclusion: The embedded mentoring reported in this article combined a focus on skills acquisition and professional identity with the provision of a range of resources and support activities. Sustainable mentoring programs will be an important mechanism for supporting the expanding roles required of nurses working in primary health. © The Author(s) 2024.
- Authors: Rossiter, Rachel , Robinson, Tracy , Cox, Rebekah , Collison, Lisa , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Nursing Vol. 10, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Effective primary healthcare services have been identified by the World Health Organization as the most equitable approach to enhancing universal healthcare. Robust models of mentoring for registered nurses (RNs) transitioning to primary healthcare roles have yet to be described in the Australian context. A robust mentoring model can support RNs to fulfill their potential, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In 2015, the peak body for nurses in primary health care (PHC) began developing a transition to practice program, including embedded mentoring to support newly graduated and more experienced registered and enrolled nurses. This quality improvement study reports the experiences and perspectives of nurses participating as mentors in two separate offerings of the program delivered between 2019 and 2021. Method: A two-phase concurrent mixed methods evaluation utilized data from pre- and post online surveys and post program meetings. Quantitative items underwent descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis of free-text responses and comments was conducted independently by two researchers. Mentors voluntarily provided self-report data and were informed that data is routinely collected to support continuous quality improvement processes for all programs. An Information Sheet informed mentors of data usage, confidentiality, and options to withdraw without penalty from the program at any time. Results: Seventy-nine mentors were recruited to support two groups of nurses (N = 111). Mentor self-rated overall satisfaction with program participation was 86.67% (very or extremely satisfied). Mentors described being “witness to mentee growth,” “having facilitated access to learning” and receiving “unexpected benefits” including personal and professional growth and enhanced enthusiasm for their role in PHC. Conclusion: The embedded mentoring reported in this article combined a focus on skills acquisition and professional identity with the provision of a range of resources and support activities. Sustainable mentoring programs will be an important mechanism for supporting the expanding roles required of nurses working in primary health. © The Author(s) 2024.
Nurses transitioning to primary health care in Australia : a practice improvement initiative
- Cox, Rebekah, Robinson, Tracy, Rossiter, Rachel, Collison, Lisa, Hills, Danny
- Authors: Cox, Rebekah , Robinson, Tracy , Rossiter, Rachel , Collison, Lisa , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Nursing Vol. 9, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Current nursing programs provide little pre-registration information and clinical exposure to primary health care nursing practice. Newly graduated nurses and those transitioning to primary health care report disorientation and confusion. Limited knowledge about the ideal elements of a program to support transitioning nurses is an imperative to understand how best to support nurses during this period. The peak body for nurses in primary health care was funded to develop and implement a 1-year transition to practice improvement initiative for nurses in Australia about to be employed in or who are new to primary health care. This quality improvement evaluation study aimed to determine the impact of the transition program on participants’ nursing knowledge, skills, and confidence, and their overall satisfaction with the program. Methods: A mixed methods evaluation of the project utilized data from online pre- and post-participation surveys, mentor meetings, and field notes. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were employed for quantitative items. Free text and field notes were subject to broad thematic analysis. Findings from qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated. Results: Ninety-three nurse participants and 62 mentors were recruited. There were statistically significant differences between mean summed post-completion and pre-completion self-assessment rating scores for knowledge, skills, and confidence. Program elements were well received. The orientation workshop, mentoring, and education activities were identified as most influential in supporting transition. The self-assessment framework was identified as least influential. Conclusion: A 12-month transition program was effective in building the knowledge, skills, and confidence of participants to deliver comprehensive and effective nursing services. © The Author(s) 2023.
- Authors: Cox, Rebekah , Robinson, Tracy , Rossiter, Rachel , Collison, Lisa , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Nursing Vol. 9, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Current nursing programs provide little pre-registration information and clinical exposure to primary health care nursing practice. Newly graduated nurses and those transitioning to primary health care report disorientation and confusion. Limited knowledge about the ideal elements of a program to support transitioning nurses is an imperative to understand how best to support nurses during this period. The peak body for nurses in primary health care was funded to develop and implement a 1-year transition to practice improvement initiative for nurses in Australia about to be employed in or who are new to primary health care. This quality improvement evaluation study aimed to determine the impact of the transition program on participants’ nursing knowledge, skills, and confidence, and their overall satisfaction with the program. Methods: A mixed methods evaluation of the project utilized data from online pre- and post-participation surveys, mentor meetings, and field notes. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were employed for quantitative items. Free text and field notes were subject to broad thematic analysis. Findings from qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated. Results: Ninety-three nurse participants and 62 mentors were recruited. There were statistically significant differences between mean summed post-completion and pre-completion self-assessment rating scores for knowledge, skills, and confidence. Program elements were well received. The orientation workshop, mentoring, and education activities were identified as most influential in supporting transition. The self-assessment framework was identified as least influential. Conclusion: A 12-month transition program was effective in building the knowledge, skills, and confidence of participants to deliver comprehensive and effective nursing services. © The Author(s) 2023.
Nursing perspectives on reducing sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital settings : a mixed methods study
- Hills, Danny, Ekegren, Christina, Plummer, Virginia, Freene, Nicole, Kunstler, Breanne, Robinson, Tracy, Healy, Ellen, Vo, Jennifer, Gasevic, Danijela, Crabtree, Amelia
- Authors: Hills, Danny , Ekegren, Christina , Plummer, Virginia , Freene, Nicole , Kunstler, Breanne , Robinson, Tracy , Healy, Ellen , Vo, Jennifer , Gasevic, Danijela , Crabtree, Amelia
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 31, no. 9-10 (2022), p. 1348-1361
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- Description: Aim and objectives: To determine the factors influencing nurses’ decisions and capacity to reduce sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients in sub-acute hospital settings. Background: Sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is a complex issue that can be resistant to resolution. There is little research investigating factors influencing nurses’ promotion of reduced levels of sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital settings. Design: An explanatory sequential design was employed, comprising quantitative and qualitative phases. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 138 nurses from five Australian states. Logistic regression modelling identified demographic and behavioural characteristics of nurses who often encouraged patients to reduce their sedentary behaviour. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 ward nurses and nurse managers, with the content subjected to thematic analysis. STROBE and GRAMMS checklists were employed. Results: Nurses recognised their role in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour but faced a range of personal and organisational barriers in achieving this outcome for patients. Few nurses were aware of national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Five themes emerged from interviews (nursing role, care challenges, expectations of advocates, teamwork and improving the experience). Overall, many nurses experienced a lack of agency in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour and cognitive dissonance in feeling unable to undertake this role. Conclusions: The results of this study are significant in confirming that reducing sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is influenced by a range of complex and multi-level factors. There is a fundamental need for organisational and clinical leadership in building a culture and climate in which staff feel empowered to promote reduced sedentary behaviour in their patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The results of this study highlight the importance of taking action to reduce sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital settings. A co-design approach to developing interventions in local health services is warranted. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Hills, Danny , Ekegren, Christina , Plummer, Virginia , Freene, Nicole , Kunstler, Breanne , Robinson, Tracy , Healy, Ellen , Vo, Jennifer , Gasevic, Danijela , Crabtree, Amelia
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 31, no. 9-10 (2022), p. 1348-1361
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim and objectives: To determine the factors influencing nurses’ decisions and capacity to reduce sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients in sub-acute hospital settings. Background: Sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is a complex issue that can be resistant to resolution. There is little research investigating factors influencing nurses’ promotion of reduced levels of sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital settings. Design: An explanatory sequential design was employed, comprising quantitative and qualitative phases. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 138 nurses from five Australian states. Logistic regression modelling identified demographic and behavioural characteristics of nurses who often encouraged patients to reduce their sedentary behaviour. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 ward nurses and nurse managers, with the content subjected to thematic analysis. STROBE and GRAMMS checklists were employed. Results: Nurses recognised their role in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour but faced a range of personal and organisational barriers in achieving this outcome for patients. Few nurses were aware of national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Five themes emerged from interviews (nursing role, care challenges, expectations of advocates, teamwork and improving the experience). Overall, many nurses experienced a lack of agency in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour and cognitive dissonance in feeling unable to undertake this role. Conclusions: The results of this study are significant in confirming that reducing sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is influenced by a range of complex and multi-level factors. There is a fundamental need for organisational and clinical leadership in building a culture and climate in which staff feel empowered to promote reduced sedentary behaviour in their patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The results of this study highlight the importance of taking action to reduce sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital settings. A co-design approach to developing interventions in local health services is warranted. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The feasibility and impact of a brief behavioural intervention for anxiety in later life : perceptions of general practice nurses
- Reis, Julie, Hills, Sharon, Robinson, Tracy, Hills, Danny
- Authors: Reis, Julie , Hills, Sharon , Robinson, Tracy , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Nurse Vol. 60, no. 4 (2024), p. 356-366
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Anxiety is prevalent in older people and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Early detection and intervention are imperative, yet clinically significant anxiety in older people is often under-diagnosed. When diagnosed, pharmacotherapy is often the initial treatment, but resistance due to stigma, polypharmacy concerns, and side effects are common among the elderly. Non-pharmacological interventions such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation may offer more acceptable and cost-effective options to managing anxiety. While primary care is ideal for addressing anxiety in older adults, it is important to assess the feasibility and acceptability of nurse-led interventions in general practice. Objective: To explore the perspectives of General Practice Nurses (GPNs) on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a guided relaxation intervention for older people living with symptoms of anxiety, in Australian metropolitan and regional settings. Methods: GPNs were trained and then administered a guided relaxation intervention to older people at three metropolitan general practices and one large rural practice encompassing four sites. Subsequently, five GPNs participated in semi-structured interviews exploring the acceptability and feasibility of implementing the intervention. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and findings were mapped to four key domains of interest: “Screening”, “Training and Delivery”, “Perceived impact of the Intervention” and “Barriers to the intervention”. Results: Overall, GPNs reported that the intervention was easy to implement, was well received, helped build relationships and enabled conversations about mental health and well-being. They noted broader applicability of acquired knowledge and skills with other clients. Conclusion: The intervention shows promise in promoting and supporting healthcare capabilities in primary care. GPNs are ideally placed to detect clinical symptoms of anxiety among older people and deliver brief well-being initiatives. However, to sustain and scale well-being interventions structured skill development, commitment from general practices, and policy shifts such as government rebates for GPNs are required. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Reis, Julie , Hills, Sharon , Robinson, Tracy , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Nurse Vol. 60, no. 4 (2024), p. 356-366
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Anxiety is prevalent in older people and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Early detection and intervention are imperative, yet clinically significant anxiety in older people is often under-diagnosed. When diagnosed, pharmacotherapy is often the initial treatment, but resistance due to stigma, polypharmacy concerns, and side effects are common among the elderly. Non-pharmacological interventions such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation may offer more acceptable and cost-effective options to managing anxiety. While primary care is ideal for addressing anxiety in older adults, it is important to assess the feasibility and acceptability of nurse-led interventions in general practice. Objective: To explore the perspectives of General Practice Nurses (GPNs) on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a guided relaxation intervention for older people living with symptoms of anxiety, in Australian metropolitan and regional settings. Methods: GPNs were trained and then administered a guided relaxation intervention to older people at three metropolitan general practices and one large rural practice encompassing four sites. Subsequently, five GPNs participated in semi-structured interviews exploring the acceptability and feasibility of implementing the intervention. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and findings were mapped to four key domains of interest: “Screening”, “Training and Delivery”, “Perceived impact of the Intervention” and “Barriers to the intervention”. Results: Overall, GPNs reported that the intervention was easy to implement, was well received, helped build relationships and enabled conversations about mental health and well-being. They noted broader applicability of acquired knowledge and skills with other clients. Conclusion: The intervention shows promise in promoting and supporting healthcare capabilities in primary care. GPNs are ideally placed to detect clinical symptoms of anxiety among older people and deliver brief well-being initiatives. However, to sustain and scale well-being interventions structured skill development, commitment from general practices, and policy shifts such as government rebates for GPNs are required. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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