Family Presence During Resuscitation (FPDR) : Observational case studies of emergency personnel in Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Miller, Nareeda , Giannis, Anita , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Emergency Nursing Vol. 33, no. (2017), p. 37-42
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- Description: Introduction Family Presence During Resuscitation (FPDR), although not a new concept, remains inconsistently implemented by emergency personnel. Many larger metropolitan emergency departments (ED) have instigated a care coordinator role, however these personnel are often from a non-nursing background and have therefore limited knowledge about the clinical aspects of the resuscitation. In rural emergency departments there are simply not enough staff to allocate an independent role. A separate care coordinator role, who is assigned to care for the family and not take part in the resuscitation has been well documented as essential to the successful implementation of FPDR. Methods One rural and one metropolitan emergency department in the state of Victoria, Australia were observed and data was collected on FPDR events. The participants consisted of resuscitation team members, including; emergency trained nurses, senior medical officers, general nurses and doctors. The participants were not told that the data would be recorded around interactions with family members or team discussions regarding family involvement in the resuscitation, following ethical approval involving limited disclosure of the aims of the study. Results Seventeen adult presentations (Metro n = 9, Rural n = 8) were included in this study and will be presented as resuscitation case studies. The key themes identified included ambiguity around resuscitation status, keeping the family informed, family isolation and inter-professional communication. Conclusion During 17 adult resuscitation cases, staff were witnessed communicating with family, which was often limited and isolation resulted. Family were often uninformed or separated from their family member, however when a family liaison person was available it was found to be beneficial. This research indicated that staff could benefit from a designated family liaison role, formal policy and further education. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd
Foundations of nursing practice
- Authors: Cramer, Rhian , Coombs, Nicole , Lyons, Judith , Kim, Jeong-Ah
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: The road to nursing Chapter 11 p. 168-182
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- Description: Becoming a safe and contemporary nurse is more than just being able to demonstrate clinical skills or understand disease processes. It is about critical thinking - understanding why we do what we do and how to do it in the most efficient and effective way. Achieving the best outcomes for the patients is always paramount. This chapter explores the foundational principles of contemporary nursing practice: evidence-based practice, person-centred care, and communication. It also introduces the growing role of technology in healthcare and looks at how numerous factors come together to influence health outcomes for the individual patient.
Exploring young Australian adults’ asthma management to develop an educational video
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Allen, Louise , Cooper, Simon J. , Cant, Robyn , Beauchamp, Alison , Laszcyk, Jacki , Giannis, Anita , Hopmans, Ruben , Bullock, Shane , Waller, Susan , McKenna, Lisa , Peck, Blake
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Journal Vol. 77, no. 2 (2018), p. 179-189
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- Description: Objective: This study explored young university students’ (aged 18–24 years) health literacy, asthma experiences and help-seeking behaviours to inform the development of a web-based asthma education intervention relevant to this age group. Design: Exploratory mixed-methods design incorporateing a health literacy survey and interviews, plus the development of a web-based educational video. Setting: Participants were students at two universities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Method: In total, 20 asthma sufferers were interviewed by trained pairs of university students. Interpretative phenomenology underpinned the narrative analysis and enabled the description of the participants’ lived experience. A branching e-simulation video was developed. Results: A number of key themes were identified: ‘Life with asthma’, including ‘A life of vigilance’ regarding asthma triggers, lifestyle limitations and heightened sensitivities; ‘Asthma management – call Mum’, a lack of knowledge and support systems with substantial maternal reliance; ‘Health literacy: family and Dr Google’, denoting low health literacy levels with passive reluctant involvement in personal health management; and ‘Information gathering – one size doesn’t fit all’ – in the form of the need for immediate gratification and resource variety. Based on interviewees’ words and terminology, we designed an interactive branching educational video for YouTube portraying a young person (an actor) during an asthma flare-up. Conclusion: Young adults lacked insight into their condition and even after moving away from home, relied on Google searches and/or parents’ advice. To enhance health-seeking behaviours, interactive programmes with smartphone access may be valuable. Our open access programme Help Trent Vent provides an educational resource for young people with asthma and for health education teams, to reinforce asthma knowledge. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.
ED-HOME : Improving educator confidence and patient education in the Emergency Department
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Porter, Joanne , Beauchamp, Alison
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal Vol. 19, no. 3 (2016), p. 133-137
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- Description: Background Barriers to effective patient communication in the emergency department (ED) are well recognised; time, resources and staff and consumer expectations. This project aimed to improve the quality of health education provided in the ED by increasing nurses’ confidence as educators. Method By providing a staff information package including the introduction of a new structured education tool; ED-HOME, and by assessing the confidence and self-efficacy of the nurses in the process, we hoped to determine if an improvement in practice and confidence was achieved. A quantitative, pre and post-test questionnaire comparison study was undertaken before and after a four week implementation period. The project examined the attitudes and practices of registered emergency nurses and was conducted in one metropolitan emergency department. Results Results indicated that nurse confidence and self-efficacy improved by using the new structured ED-HOME format and both staff satisfaction and education competence increased. Participants positively responded to the new tool and recommended future use in the ED. Conclusion This project demonstrates that if emergency nurses feel more confident with their educating practices and by using a structured format, patients will benefit from better quality patient education provided in the ED. © 2016 College of Emergency Nursing Australasia
Improving youth physical, mental and social health through physical activity : a systematic literature review
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 3 (2022), p. 590-601
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- Description: Background: Across various parts of the world there is an increasing trend in adolescent and young adult physical inactivity, which has been linked to a multitude of illnesses throughout the lifespan. To further understand the link between physical inactivity and illness, it is important to determine the effect that physical activity has various components of wellbeing. The primary aim of this review was to compile and synthesise the recent evidence on physical activity and its effect on physical, mental and social wellbeing across younger populations. The secondary aim was to determine whether there is relationship between the amount, type and intensity of exercise, and changes in wellbeing outcomes. Methods: Main databases were searched using MeSH terms for the population of interest (young adult, adolescent), intervention (physical activity) and outcome (wellbeing). Upon screening papers of eligibility, quality appraisal was completed through the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP). Results: Nineteen studies were included in this review. The majority of studies found an associated link between the participation of physical activity and improvements in physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes. There was evidence to suggest that lower levels of physical intensity produced similar results in mental and social outcomes when compared to higher levels of physical intensity. Conclusion: This review supports the encouragement of adolescent and young adult physical activity, noting the improvements seen across the physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes. Future research is still required to further understand the benefits of lower intensity exercise within the adolescent and young adult population. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
Public health education by emergency nurses : a scoping review and narrative synthesis
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Plummer, Virginia
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Patient Education and Counseling Vol. 105, no. 5 (2022), p. 1181-1187
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- Description: Objective: To identify the extent, range, and nature of the evidence on public health education provided by emergency nurses. Methods: A scoping review, using the methodological guidance of Joanna Briggs Institute, was conducted to scope and map the literature and research activity. Using predetermined criteria, databases, grey literature, and reference lists were searched for eligible sources. At least two authors reviewed each article. A narrative synthesis methodology was utilised to analyse and report the findings. Results: There was significant methodological heterogeneity between sources (n = 6). Three themes were identified: 1) Benefits of the system: An opportunity to inform the public, 2) The barriers: Time pressures and being prepared and 3) The strategies: Plan for structured and created teachable moments Conclusion: Limited research is being conducted in this area. Further research is needed to understand emergency nurse's practice and attitudes towards providing public health messages. Practice implications: Emergency nurses need to utilise the ‘teachable moment‘ for every emergency admission, providing opportunistic preventative education to improve health outcomes and reduce demand on the healthcare system. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
The potential barriers and benefits of an online physical activity program during the COVID-19 restrictions : Latrobe Virtual Streetgames. A Qualitative Study
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of Health Education Vol. 54, no. 1 (2023), p. 29-37
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- Description: Background: COVID-19 saw the global reduction of many physical activity programs. To maintain engagement, many programs adjusted their delivery to online formats. Purpose: To explore the impact that a youth targeted virtual community exercise program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Seven participants of Virtual Streetgames took part in a semi-structured one-on-one interview, with questions around the impact of COVID-19, in addition to their view on the virtual program. Results: Three major themes were identified. “Dawning of a new world” described the changes that occurred due to the pandemic. “Traveling together” identified the difficultly to maintain regular wellbeing activities. “Making a difference” contextualized how the virtual delivery was able to influence participants. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the participants physical, mental and social health. The use of an online physical activity program had some positive impacts on health, however it did not seem to warrant the same level of engagement when compared to face-to-face. Translation to Health Education Practice: The study helped identify those who are at risk of both short and long-term health impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it provided information on how virtual innovative interventions can influence wellbeing outcomes. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars. © 2022 SHAPE America.
Student-led pop-up health check clinics : innovative health prevention strategy for a low socioeconomic community
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Sewell, Lauren , Jackson, Megan , Borgelt, Kaye , Lee, Jessica , Porter, Joanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 29, no. 6 (2023), p. 606-612
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- Description: Background. To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free ‘pop-up’ format within community settings. Methods. A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6 months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes. Results. The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations. Conclusions. Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited. © 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University.
Men’s shed field officer project phase 2 evaluation 2022/2023
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole , Soldatenko, Daria , Simic, Megan , Miller, Elizabeth , My, Sambath , Bransgrove, Natalie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Technical report , Report
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- Description: In September 2021, the Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA) and Victorian Men’s Sheds Association (VSMA) launched the Men’s Shed Field Officer in Latrobe to work with local men, Men’s Sheds and other men’s groups with the aim to achieve increased health and wellbeing outcomes for local men and support the activity of the Men’s Sheds in Latrobe. The Field Officer role had previously been evaluated by the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) from Federation University, with several recommendations made after analysing data collected from the Field Officer himself and the Shed members. At the end of the first year, it was recommended that the project be extended for another 12 months to allow the adaption of processes to permit further impact of the role. With identified misconceptions and challenges in identifying how the role could assist the Sheds, it was determined more time was required to learn about the Sheds and the individual needs associated with each different Shed culture. The Men’s Shed Field Officer engaged with Men’s Sheds in Toongabbie, Traralgon, Traralgon South, Boolarra, Churchill, Moe, Newborough, and Morwell and helped with the establishment of a new shed in Moe called Carpenter Bee Men’s Shed. The CERC was again commissioned to evaluate Phase 2 of the project with the aim to contribute to the knowledge regarding the best use of resources to achieve improved engagement with men across Latrobe and achieve enhanced health outcomes.
Public health messaging during disasters: Practice and attitudes of Australian emergency nurses
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Plummer, Virginia
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Emergency Care Vol. 26, no. 2 (2023), p. 193-197
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- Description: The growing frequency of disasters increases health system demands, increasing the need for emergency departments to provide public health messaging to prevent illness and reduce risk. This study aims to explore emergency nurse practice and attitudes in providing public health messages from the emergency department during disasters in Australia. Quantitative phase of a mixed methods study, using an explanatory sequential design. Australian emergency nurses were surveyed using a validated online questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, an enumerative content analysis, participant profiling and a factor analysis. Disaster experience varied in 143 nurse participants. The perception of the emergency nurse’s role in providing public health messages is influencing practice. Embracing teachable moments and health promotion responsibilities, attributes to positive attitudes and practice. In contrast, negative attitudes, lack of confidence, time, policy, and training, are barriers to public health messages being provided in the emergency setting. These barriers suggest that Australian emergency nurses may not have the capability, the opportunity, nor the motivation, to provide preventative messages to their patients during disasters. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors need to be addressed, ensuring nurses are confident and supported in their public health messaging practice during disasters.