- Buykx, Penny, Kinsman, Leigh, Cooper, Simon J., McConnell-Henry, Tracy, Cant, Robyn, Endacott, Ruth
- Authors: Buykx, Penny , Kinsman, Leigh , Cooper, Simon J. , McConnell-Henry, Tracy , Cant, Robyn , Endacott, Ruth
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nurse Education Today Vol. 31, no. 7 (2011), p. 687-693
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- Description: Delayed assessment and mismanagement of patient deterioration is a substantial problem for which educational preparation can have an impact. This paper describes the development of the FIRST2ACT simulation model based on well-established theory and contemporary empirical evidence. The model combines evidence-based elements of assessment, simulation, self-review and expert feedback, and has been tested in undergraduate nurses, student midwives and post-registration nurses. Participant evaluations indicated a high degree of satisfaction and substantial self-rated increases in knowledge, confidence and competence. This evidence-based model should be considered for both undergraduate and post-registration education programs.
Integrating renal and palliative care project : A nurse-led initiative
- Smith, Vicky, Potts, Carita, Wellard, Sally, Penney, Wendy
- Authors: Smith, Vicky , Potts, Carita , Wellard, Sally , Penney, Wendy
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Renal Society of Australasia Journal Vol. 11, no. 1 (2015), p. 35-40
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- Description: Renal nurses working in dialysis settings in Australian regional and rural locations face challenges in facilitating advance care planning (ACP) and providing quality physical and psychological symptom care at the end of life (EOL) for a growing population of older and sicker people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Following concerns raised by patients, families, renal and palliative care nurses early in 2009 in one regional setting, gaps in service delivery were identified. These identified gaps were supported by an emerging literature that identified the need for integrated, palliative, supportive care earlier in the disease trajectory. This care, provided on a needs basis, incorporates ACP, and identifies and addresses complex symptom and psychological issues to improve quality of life (QOL) and planning EOL care for patients and their families/carers. This approach to care, now called renal supportive care, is in varying stages of implementation across Australia for all renal patients, predominantly in metropolitan centres. With limited financial resources, a successful multi-professional collaboration and coordinated approach was established in January 2009 in Ballarat, a large regional setting in Victoria. An implementation framework was developed, addressing the continuum of care from pre-dialysis to withdrawal/cessation from renal replacement therapy (RRT), with an integrated palliative supportive approach during active treatment or EOL care. This project has provided a step forward in improving confidence and responsibility for palliative care by renal nurses working in dialysis settings, helping them to address the challenges faced in evaluating symptom burden, facilitating ACP and delivery of quality EOL care for patients, their families and carers with ESKD.
- Authors: Smith, Vicky , Potts, Carita , Wellard, Sally , Penney, Wendy
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Renal Society of Australasia Journal Vol. 11, no. 1 (2015), p. 35-40
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Renal nurses working in dialysis settings in Australian regional and rural locations face challenges in facilitating advance care planning (ACP) and providing quality physical and psychological symptom care at the end of life (EOL) for a growing population of older and sicker people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Following concerns raised by patients, families, renal and palliative care nurses early in 2009 in one regional setting, gaps in service delivery were identified. These identified gaps were supported by an emerging literature that identified the need for integrated, palliative, supportive care earlier in the disease trajectory. This care, provided on a needs basis, incorporates ACP, and identifies and addresses complex symptom and psychological issues to improve quality of life (QOL) and planning EOL care for patients and their families/carers. This approach to care, now called renal supportive care, is in varying stages of implementation across Australia for all renal patients, predominantly in metropolitan centres. With limited financial resources, a successful multi-professional collaboration and coordinated approach was established in January 2009 in Ballarat, a large regional setting in Victoria. An implementation framework was developed, addressing the continuum of care from pre-dialysis to withdrawal/cessation from renal replacement therapy (RRT), with an integrated palliative supportive approach during active treatment or EOL care. This project has provided a step forward in improving confidence and responsibility for palliative care by renal nurses working in dialysis settings, helping them to address the challenges faced in evaluating symptom burden, facilitating ACP and delivery of quality EOL care for patients, their families and carers with ESKD.
Emergency resuscitation team roles: What constitutes a team and who's looking after the family
- Porter, Joanne, Cooper, Simon J., Taylor, Beverley
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Cooper, Simon J. , Taylor, Beverley
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Nursing Education and Practice Vol. 4, no. 3 (2014), p. 124
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- Description: Aim of study: This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of personnel working in emergency departments on the constitution of a resuscitation team in particular the perceptions of the family liaison role. Methods: A paper base survey on family presence during resuscitation was distributed to emergency personnel working in 18 public departments in the state of Victoria, Australia. Results: A combination of nurses (n = 282) and doctors (n = 65) working in rural and metropolitan emergency departments, identified seven unique resuscitation team roles. Resuscitation teams were identified as comprising of three doctors, three nurses and one other which could be either. Respondents identified seven unique roles as consisting of a team leader, airway doctor, airway nurse, procedure doctor and procedure nurse, drugs nurse and a scribe. The respondents identified the following components as key to discussions with family members; emergency personnel, reassurance, diagnosis, regular updates, intervention, and prognosis (ER-DRIP). Conclusion: The acronym ER-DRIP can be used as a reminder to emergency staff when speaking with family members during resuscitation events ensuring they receive all the necessary information and support.
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Cooper, Simon J. , Taylor, Beverley
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Nursing Education and Practice Vol. 4, no. 3 (2014), p. 124
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim of study: This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of personnel working in emergency departments on the constitution of a resuscitation team in particular the perceptions of the family liaison role. Methods: A paper base survey on family presence during resuscitation was distributed to emergency personnel working in 18 public departments in the state of Victoria, Australia. Results: A combination of nurses (n = 282) and doctors (n = 65) working in rural and metropolitan emergency departments, identified seven unique resuscitation team roles. Resuscitation teams were identified as comprising of three doctors, three nurses and one other which could be either. Respondents identified seven unique roles as consisting of a team leader, airway doctor, airway nurse, procedure doctor and procedure nurse, drugs nurse and a scribe. The respondents identified the following components as key to discussions with family members; emergency personnel, reassurance, diagnosis, regular updates, intervention, and prognosis (ER-DRIP). Conclusion: The acronym ER-DRIP can be used as a reminder to emergency staff when speaking with family members during resuscitation events ensuring they receive all the necessary information and support.
Current continuing professional education practice among Malaysian nurses
- Chan Chong, Mei, Francis, Karen, Cooper, Simon J., Abdullah, Khatijah Lim
- Authors: Chan Chong, Mei , Francis, Karen , Cooper, Simon J. , Abdullah, Khatijah Lim
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Research and Practice. Vol. 2014, Article ID 126748
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nurses need to participate in CPE to update their knowledge and increase their competencies. This research was carried out to explore their current practice and the future general needs for CPE. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved registered nurses from government hospitals and health clinics from Peninsular Malaysia. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit 1000 nurses from four states of Malaysia. Self-explanatory questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Seven hundred and ninety-two nurses participated in this survey. Only 80% (562) of the nurses had engaged in CPE activities during the past 12 months. All attendance for the various activities was below 50%. Workshops were the most popular CPE activity (345, 43.6%) and tertiary education was the most unpopular activity (10, 1.3%). The respondents did perceive the importance of future CPE activities for career development. Mandatory continuing professional education (MCPE) is a key measure to ensure that nurses upgrade their knowledge and skills; however, it is recommended that policy makers and nurse leaders in the continuing professional development unit of health service facilities plan CPE activities to meet registered nurses’ (RNs) needs and not simply organizational requirements.
- Authors: Chan Chong, Mei , Francis, Karen , Cooper, Simon J. , Abdullah, Khatijah Lim
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Research and Practice. Vol. 2014, Article ID 126748
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nurses need to participate in CPE to update their knowledge and increase their competencies. This research was carried out to explore their current practice and the future general needs for CPE. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved registered nurses from government hospitals and health clinics from Peninsular Malaysia. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit 1000 nurses from four states of Malaysia. Self-explanatory questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Seven hundred and ninety-two nurses participated in this survey. Only 80% (562) of the nurses had engaged in CPE activities during the past 12 months. All attendance for the various activities was below 50%. Workshops were the most popular CPE activity (345, 43.6%) and tertiary education was the most unpopular activity (10, 1.3%). The respondents did perceive the importance of future CPE activities for career development. Mandatory continuing professional education (MCPE) is a key measure to ensure that nurses upgrade their knowledge and skills; however, it is recommended that policy makers and nurse leaders in the continuing professional development unit of health service facilities plan CPE activities to meet registered nurses’ (RNs) needs and not simply organizational requirements.
Investing in big ideas: utilisation and cost of Medicare Allied Health services in Australia under the Chronic Disease Management initiative in primary care
- Cant, Robyn, Foster, Michele
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Foster, Michele
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association Vol. 35, no. 4 (2011), p. 468-474
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To critically examine utilisation of the 13 allied health services provided through Medicare Chronic Disease Management program and related general practitioner (GP) care planning initiatives.
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Foster, Michele
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association Vol. 35, no. 4 (2011), p. 468-474
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To critically examine utilisation of the 13 allied health services provided through Medicare Chronic Disease Management program and related general practitioner (GP) care planning initiatives.
Characteristics of mothers with chronically ill children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Katooa, Nouf, Shahwan-Akl, Lina, Reece, John, Jones, Linda
- Authors: Katooa, Nouf , Shahwan-Akl, Lina , Reece, John , Jones, Linda
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Nursing Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 59-73
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
- Authors: Katooa, Nouf , Shahwan-Akl, Lina , Reece, John , Jones, Linda
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Nursing Vol. 2, no. 1 (2015), p. 59-73
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
Management of Maternal and Child Health Services in Victoria Australia : Education or Health Portfolio
- Breach, Rayleen, Jones, Linda, Sheeran, Leanne
- Authors: Breach, Rayleen , Jones, Linda , Sheeran, Leanne
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Nursing Vol. 1, no. 2 (2014), p. 103-114
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
- Authors: Breach, Rayleen , Jones, Linda , Sheeran, Leanne
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Nursing Vol. 1, no. 2 (2014), p. 103-114
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- 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.
Lived experiences and insights into the advantages important to rural recruitment and retention of general practitioners
- Terry, Daniel, Nguyen, Hoang, Schmitz, David, Baker, Ed
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Nguyen, Hoang , Schmitz, David , Baker, Ed
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and remote health Vol. 18, no. 3 (2018), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: INTRODUCTION: Despite existing studies in this field, community factors behind recruiting and retaining rural general practitioners (GPs) are not fully understood. To address this issue, the Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed to extend the understanding of communities' assets and capabilities that impact GP recruitment and retention. However, more in-depth insights are vital to develop a comprehensive approach. METHODS: This mixed methods study was administered using face-to-face structured interviews with a total of 40 health service representatives. All interviews lasted 35-40 minutes and were audio-taped. Qualitative data were generated from the extended responses to the structured questions of the CAQ and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted in relation to explanations, elaborations, and relevant strategic approaches to improving workforce retention. RESULTS: The qualitative findings illuminated the most important advantages of recruiting and retaining GPs were linked to medical support, hospital and community support, and economic factors, while the challenges were related to geographic factors. The underlying reasons for and nature of those advantages and challenges reinforce that health professionals' decisions to stay or leave are complex and multifactorial. CONCLUSION: The originality of the study rests on the administration of the CAQ accompanied by the opportunity for participants to provide extended responses, which gives critical insights into the complexities of rural recruitment and retention. As such, the results confirm the need for a flexible multifaceted response to improving rural GP workforce and informs decision-making in terms of addressing workforce issues within the scope of available resources and capacity.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Nguyen, Hoang , Schmitz, David , Baker, Ed
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and remote health Vol. 18, no. 3 (2018), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: INTRODUCTION: Despite existing studies in this field, community factors behind recruiting and retaining rural general practitioners (GPs) are not fully understood. To address this issue, the Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed to extend the understanding of communities' assets and capabilities that impact GP recruitment and retention. However, more in-depth insights are vital to develop a comprehensive approach. METHODS: This mixed methods study was administered using face-to-face structured interviews with a total of 40 health service representatives. All interviews lasted 35-40 minutes and were audio-taped. Qualitative data were generated from the extended responses to the structured questions of the CAQ and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted in relation to explanations, elaborations, and relevant strategic approaches to improving workforce retention. RESULTS: The qualitative findings illuminated the most important advantages of recruiting and retaining GPs were linked to medical support, hospital and community support, and economic factors, while the challenges were related to geographic factors. The underlying reasons for and nature of those advantages and challenges reinforce that health professionals' decisions to stay or leave are complex and multifactorial. CONCLUSION: The originality of the study rests on the administration of the CAQ accompanied by the opportunity for participants to provide extended responses, which gives critical insights into the complexities of rural recruitment and retention. As such, the results confirm the need for a flexible multifaceted response to improving rural GP workforce and informs decision-making in terms of addressing workforce issues within the scope of available resources and capacity.
Do simulation studies measure up? A simulation study quality review
- Cant, Robyn, Levett-Jones, Tracy, James, Ainsley
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Levett-Jones, Tracy , James, Ainsley
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Clinical Simulation in Nursing Vol. 21, no. (2018), p. 23-39
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Simulation-based education has become a ubiquitous teaching approach in nursing. However, ensuring the quality of simulation research is critical. We reviewed the methodological quality of 26 quantitative studies published in Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 2017. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and Simulation Research Evaluation Rubric showed that nearly all studies were of moderate to high quality (rated ≥50%). Correlation coefficients showed that interrater agreement was high overall (≥0.94). In conclusion, this was a valid approach for examining simulation study quality. Although most included studies were of high quality, some elements of study reporting can be improved upon.
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Levett-Jones, Tracy , James, Ainsley
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Clinical Simulation in Nursing Vol. 21, no. (2018), p. 23-39
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Simulation-based education has become a ubiquitous teaching approach in nursing. However, ensuring the quality of simulation research is critical. We reviewed the methodological quality of 26 quantitative studies published in Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 2017. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and Simulation Research Evaluation Rubric showed that nearly all studies were of moderate to high quality (rated ≥50%). Correlation coefficients showed that interrater agreement was high overall (≥0.94). In conclusion, this was a valid approach for examining simulation study quality. Although most included studies were of high quality, some elements of study reporting can be improved upon.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors that relate to aggression perpetrated against nurses by patients/relatives or staff
- Edward, Karen-Leigh, Stephenson, John, Ousey, Karen, Lui, Steve, Warelow, Philip, Giandinoto, Jo-Anne
- Authors: Edward, Karen-Leigh , Stephenson, John , Ousey, Karen , Lui, Steve , Warelow, Philip , Giandinoto, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 25, no. 3-4 (2016), p. 289-299
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims and objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the factors that related to aggression (verbal abuse or physical abuse/assault) perpetrated against the nurse or other health professionals by patients/relatives or staff. In the light of the paucity of systematic reviews on this common issue in nursing, the objective was to present a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of these papers. Background: Aggression towards nurses is common around the world and can be the impetus for nurses leaving the profession or developing anxiety when working in particular settings. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the factors of gender and context (dichotomised as mental health/psychiatric or nonmental health/psychiatric). The databases of Medline (1966-2015), CINAHL (1982-2015) and PsychInfo (1920-2015). Results: A total of 1571 papers were screened by two reviewers. At the final decision 14 were selected for analysis. A higher proportion of female nurses than male nurses were reported to be the victims of verbal abuse, with the difference in proportions being statistically significant. A statistically significant higher proportion of male nurses than female nurses were reported to be the victims of physical abuse. There was a significantly higher proportion of mental health nurses reported experiencing physical abuse as compared to nonmental health nurses. Conclusions: The analysis reveal female nurses have greater odds of verbal abuse than male nurses and male nurses have greater odds of physical abuse than female nurses. Overall mental health nurses had three times higher odds of physical assault than other nurses. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Edward, Karen-Leigh , Stephenson, John , Ousey, Karen , Lui, Steve , Warelow, Philip , Giandinoto, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 25, no. 3-4 (2016), p. 289-299
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims and objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the factors that related to aggression (verbal abuse or physical abuse/assault) perpetrated against the nurse or other health professionals by patients/relatives or staff. In the light of the paucity of systematic reviews on this common issue in nursing, the objective was to present a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of these papers. Background: Aggression towards nurses is common around the world and can be the impetus for nurses leaving the profession or developing anxiety when working in particular settings. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the factors of gender and context (dichotomised as mental health/psychiatric or nonmental health/psychiatric). The databases of Medline (1966-2015), CINAHL (1982-2015) and PsychInfo (1920-2015). Results: A total of 1571 papers were screened by two reviewers. At the final decision 14 were selected for analysis. A higher proportion of female nurses than male nurses were reported to be the victims of verbal abuse, with the difference in proportions being statistically significant. A statistically significant higher proportion of male nurses than female nurses were reported to be the victims of physical abuse. There was a significantly higher proportion of mental health nurses reported experiencing physical abuse as compared to nonmental health nurses. Conclusions: The analysis reveal female nurses have greater odds of verbal abuse than male nurses and male nurses have greater odds of physical abuse than female nurses. Overall mental health nurses had three times higher odds of physical assault than other nurses. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The effect of an e-health intervention designed to reduce prolonged occupational sitting on mean arterial pressure
- Mainsbridge, Casey, Cooley, Dean, Fraser, Sharon, Pedersen, Scott
- Authors: Mainsbridge, Casey , Cooley, Dean , Fraser, Sharon , Pedersen, Scott
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Vol. 56, no. 11 (2014), p. 1189-1194
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To evaluate the effect of a workplace health intervention designed to reduce prolonged occupational sitting on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of desk-based employees. Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved an experimental group who received an e-health intervention and a control group who did not. The 13-week intervention passively prompted participants to stand and engage in short bouts of office-based physical activity by interrupting prolonged occupational sitting time periodically throughout the workday. Mean arterial pressure was measured at pretest and posttest. Results: Between pretest and posttest the experimental group significantly reduced their MAP, whereas MAP in the control group did not. Conclusions: A workplace e-health intervention designed to reduce prolonged occupational sitting was effective in decreasing MAP in desk-based employees.
- Authors: Mainsbridge, Casey , Cooley, Dean , Fraser, Sharon , Pedersen, Scott
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Vol. 56, no. 11 (2014), p. 1189-1194
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To evaluate the effect of a workplace health intervention designed to reduce prolonged occupational sitting on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of desk-based employees. Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved an experimental group who received an e-health intervention and a control group who did not. The 13-week intervention passively prompted participants to stand and engage in short bouts of office-based physical activity by interrupting prolonged occupational sitting time periodically throughout the workday. Mean arterial pressure was measured at pretest and posttest. Results: Between pretest and posttest the experimental group significantly reduced their MAP, whereas MAP in the control group did not. Conclusions: A workplace e-health intervention designed to reduce prolonged occupational sitting was effective in decreasing MAP in desk-based employees.
Newly qualified graduate nurses’ experiences of workplace incivility in Australian hospital settings
- Mammen, Bindu, Hills, Danny, Lam, Louisa
- Authors: Mammen, Bindu , Hills, Danny , Lam, Louisa
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Collegian Vol. 25, no. 6 (2018), p. 591-599
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Workplace incivility is a well-documented issue of concern known to negatively impact on new graduate nurses’ confidence, which in turn may affect the quality of patient care. However, there is lack of qualitative research that solely focuses on workplace incivility experiences of new graduate registered nurses enrolled in graduate nurse programs. Aim: This paper aims to explore new graduate nurses’ experiences of workplace incivility while enrolled in graduate nurse programs Method: A descriptive-qualitative method was used to discover the ‘who, what, and where’ of events and experiences, and assist in understanding the perceptions of newly qualified nurses, through face-to-face, in-depth interviews. After transcription, the interviews were analysed by thematic analysis. Findings: Four major themes emerged: ‘realising vulnerability’ ‘sensing self actualisation’ ‘changing expectations’ and ‘yearning for respect, support & information’. Discussion: Our interpretations of what participants said suggest that workplace incivility is an extant issue in nurses’ supportive graduate year, with the temporary employment status offered by the graduate nurse program being identified as a major contributing factor. Paradoxically, the relatively short duration of clinical rotation was also found to be a morale booster, as the new graduate nurses knew that any conflict experienced would cease, which therefore acted as a decisive factor for their continuation in nursing. Conclusion: This study has provided more depth and insight into the experiences of incivility experienced by new graduate nurses, highlighting that the role of temporary employment as a major causative element for exposure to workplace incivility. Graduate nurse programs could be strengthened, with additional support provided for each rotation and throughout the graduate year.
Newly qualified graduate nurses’ experiences of workplace incivility in Australian hospital settings
- Authors: Mammen, Bindu , Hills, Danny , Lam, Louisa
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Collegian Vol. 25, no. 6 (2018), p. 591-599
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Workplace incivility is a well-documented issue of concern known to negatively impact on new graduate nurses’ confidence, which in turn may affect the quality of patient care. However, there is lack of qualitative research that solely focuses on workplace incivility experiences of new graduate registered nurses enrolled in graduate nurse programs. Aim: This paper aims to explore new graduate nurses’ experiences of workplace incivility while enrolled in graduate nurse programs Method: A descriptive-qualitative method was used to discover the ‘who, what, and where’ of events and experiences, and assist in understanding the perceptions of newly qualified nurses, through face-to-face, in-depth interviews. After transcription, the interviews were analysed by thematic analysis. Findings: Four major themes emerged: ‘realising vulnerability’ ‘sensing self actualisation’ ‘changing expectations’ and ‘yearning for respect, support & information’. Discussion: Our interpretations of what participants said suggest that workplace incivility is an extant issue in nurses’ supportive graduate year, with the temporary employment status offered by the graduate nurse program being identified as a major contributing factor. Paradoxically, the relatively short duration of clinical rotation was also found to be a morale booster, as the new graduate nurses knew that any conflict experienced would cease, which therefore acted as a decisive factor for their continuation in nursing. Conclusion: This study has provided more depth and insight into the experiences of incivility experienced by new graduate nurses, highlighting that the role of temporary employment as a major causative element for exposure to workplace incivility. Graduate nurse programs could be strengthened, with additional support provided for each rotation and throughout the graduate year.
Who speaks for whom? Can nurses be patient advocates in renal settings?
- Authors: Wellard, Sally
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Renal Society of Australasia Journal Vol. 10, no. 2 (2014), p. 81-83
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nursing texts laud the role of nurses as advocates for patients. With increased acknowledgement of patient-centred care, is it appropriate or desired for nurses to presume this as their role? An examination of concepts of advocacy and autonomy highlight potential conflicts between the nurses' adoption of the roles of advocate and surveyor in renal care. There is no clear and definitive answer to 'who can speak for whom' when considering advocacy for people involved in renal replacement therapies. It is evident that what is required is clearer articulation of how renal nurses can act as advocates for patients within the context of their multiple roles and with a goal of partnerships in care.
- Authors: Wellard, Sally
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Renal Society of Australasia Journal Vol. 10, no. 2 (2014), p. 81-83
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nursing texts laud the role of nurses as advocates for patients. With increased acknowledgement of patient-centred care, is it appropriate or desired for nurses to presume this as their role? An examination of concepts of advocacy and autonomy highlight potential conflicts between the nurses' adoption of the roles of advocate and surveyor in renal care. There is no clear and definitive answer to 'who can speak for whom' when considering advocacy for people involved in renal replacement therapies. It is evident that what is required is clearer articulation of how renal nurses can act as advocates for patients within the context of their multiple roles and with a goal of partnerships in care.
Teaching science content in nursing programs in Australia: a cross-sectional survey of academics
- Birks, Melanie, Ralph, Nicholas, Cant, Robyn, Hillman, Elspeth, Ylona Chun, Tie
- Authors: Birks, Melanie , Ralph, Nicholas , Cant, Robyn , Hillman, Elspeth , Ylona Chun, Tie
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Nursing Vol. 14, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-9
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- Description: Background: Professional nursing practice is informed by biological, social and behavioural sciences. In undergraduate pre-registration nursing programs, biological sciences typically include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics and pharmacology. The current gap in the literature results in a lack of information about the content and depth of biological sciences being taught in nursing curricula. The aim of this study was to establish what priority is given to the teaching of science topics in these programs in order to inform an understanding of the relative importance placed on this subject area in contemporary nursing education. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional survey method. This paper reports on the first phase of a larger project examining science content in nursing programs. An existing questionnaire was modified and delivered online for completion by academics who teach science to nurses in these programs. This paper reports on the relative priority given by respondents to the teaching of 177 topics contained in the questionnaire. Results: Of the relatively small population of academics who teach science to nursing students, thirty (n = 30) completed the survey. Findings indicate strong support for the teaching of science in these programs, with particular priority given to the basic concepts of bioscience and gross system anatomy. Of concern, most science subject areas outside of these domains were ranked as being of moderate or low priority. Conclusion: While the small sample size limited the conclusions able to be drawn from this study, the findings supported previous studies that indicated inadequacies in the teaching of science content in nursing curricula. Nevertheless, these findings have raised questions about the current philosophy that underpins nursing education in Australia and whether existing practices are clearly focused on preparing students for the demands of contemporary nursing practice. Academics responsible for the design and implementation of nursing curricula are encouraged to review the content of current programs in light of the findings of this research.
- Authors: Birks, Melanie , Ralph, Nicholas , Cant, Robyn , Hillman, Elspeth , Ylona Chun, Tie
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Nursing Vol. 14, no. 1 (2015), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Professional nursing practice is informed by biological, social and behavioural sciences. In undergraduate pre-registration nursing programs, biological sciences typically include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics and pharmacology. The current gap in the literature results in a lack of information about the content and depth of biological sciences being taught in nursing curricula. The aim of this study was to establish what priority is given to the teaching of science topics in these programs in order to inform an understanding of the relative importance placed on this subject area in contemporary nursing education. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional survey method. This paper reports on the first phase of a larger project examining science content in nursing programs. An existing questionnaire was modified and delivered online for completion by academics who teach science to nurses in these programs. This paper reports on the relative priority given by respondents to the teaching of 177 topics contained in the questionnaire. Results: Of the relatively small population of academics who teach science to nursing students, thirty (n = 30) completed the survey. Findings indicate strong support for the teaching of science in these programs, with particular priority given to the basic concepts of bioscience and gross system anatomy. Of concern, most science subject areas outside of these domains were ranked as being of moderate or low priority. Conclusion: While the small sample size limited the conclusions able to be drawn from this study, the findings supported previous studies that indicated inadequacies in the teaching of science content in nursing curricula. Nevertheless, these findings have raised questions about the current philosophy that underpins nursing education in Australia and whether existing practices are clearly focused on preparing students for the demands of contemporary nursing practice. Academics responsible for the design and implementation of nursing curricula are encouraged to review the content of current programs in light of the findings of this research.
Communication training and its effects on carer and care-receiver outcomes in dementia settings : A systematic review
- Nguyen, Hoang, Terry, Daniel, Phan, Hoang, Vickers, James, McInerney, Fran
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Phan, Hoang , Vickers, James , McInerney, Fran
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 28, no. 7-8 (2019), p. 1050-1069
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- Description: Aims and objectives To review communication interventions that aim to improve regular care interactions between people with dementia and their carers in various settings; and to examine the impact of such interventions on both carer and care-receiver outcomes. Background Effective communication is imperative to ensure quality of care for people living with dementia. Due to neurodegenerative changes, people with dementia encounter ongoing and progressive difficulties in both understanding and expressing themselves. This in turn creates challenges for carers, which highlights the need for equipping them with necessary communication skills to respond to the specific communication needs of people with dementia. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Method Medline, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest and PsycINFO databases were searched for eligible interventions with any date of the publication. Hand searching was also conducted through reviewing the reference lists of relevant articles. The screening and selection of studies were based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria for eligibility and the methodological quality assessment checklist. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on comparable quantitative data. The review is reported following the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Results Seventeen studies were included in the final review, including 12 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), three nonrandomised controlled trials (NRCTs) and two controlled before-after interventions. The intervention designs, settings and outcome measures were varied. The findings suggest that the communication training had a positive impact on both carer and care-receiver outcomes, albeit to different degrees. The intervention effects were found to be strongest on carer communication skills and knowledge. Conclusion There is solid evidence for the positive impact of communication training on the skills and knowledge of carers. More research is needed regarding the effects of such educational interventions on carer physio-psychological outcomes and care-receiver neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is important to establish best practices in training design, develop validated outcome measures and adopt consistent reporting approaches. Relevance to clinical practice The increasing global prevalence of people with dementia manifests across clinical and community contexts. The profound impact of dementia on communication and associated care raises the imperative for enhanced health worker and carer communication skills to meet the needs of this particular client group. The findings of this review indicate that educational interventions incorporating face-to-face and diverse instructional delivery methods in dementia communication showed positive outcomes for communication skills in all carer groups and warrant inclusion as strategies in dementia training.
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Phan, Hoang , Vickers, James , McInerney, Fran
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 28, no. 7-8 (2019), p. 1050-1069
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims and objectives To review communication interventions that aim to improve regular care interactions between people with dementia and their carers in various settings; and to examine the impact of such interventions on both carer and care-receiver outcomes. Background Effective communication is imperative to ensure quality of care for people living with dementia. Due to neurodegenerative changes, people with dementia encounter ongoing and progressive difficulties in both understanding and expressing themselves. This in turn creates challenges for carers, which highlights the need for equipping them with necessary communication skills to respond to the specific communication needs of people with dementia. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Method Medline, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest and PsycINFO databases were searched for eligible interventions with any date of the publication. Hand searching was also conducted through reviewing the reference lists of relevant articles. The screening and selection of studies were based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria for eligibility and the methodological quality assessment checklist. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on comparable quantitative data. The review is reported following the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Results Seventeen studies were included in the final review, including 12 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), three nonrandomised controlled trials (NRCTs) and two controlled before-after interventions. The intervention designs, settings and outcome measures were varied. The findings suggest that the communication training had a positive impact on both carer and care-receiver outcomes, albeit to different degrees. The intervention effects were found to be strongest on carer communication skills and knowledge. Conclusion There is solid evidence for the positive impact of communication training on the skills and knowledge of carers. More research is needed regarding the effects of such educational interventions on carer physio-psychological outcomes and care-receiver neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is important to establish best practices in training design, develop validated outcome measures and adopt consistent reporting approaches. Relevance to clinical practice The increasing global prevalence of people with dementia manifests across clinical and community contexts. The profound impact of dementia on communication and associated care raises the imperative for enhanced health worker and carer communication skills to meet the needs of this particular client group. The findings of this review indicate that educational interventions incorporating face-to-face and diverse instructional delivery methods in dementia communication showed positive outcomes for communication skills in all carer groups and warrant inclusion as strategies in dementia training.
Implementation and evaluation of community-based drop-in centres for breastfeeding support in Victoria, Australia
- Cramer, Rhian, McLachlan, Helen, Shafiei, Touran, Amir, Lisa, Cullinane, Meabh, Small, Rhonda, Forster, Della
- Authors: Cramer, Rhian , McLachlan, Helen , Shafiei, Touran , Amir, Lisa , Cullinane, Meabh , Small, Rhonda , Forster, Della
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Breastfeeding Journal Vol. 12, no. 1 (2017), p.1-15
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- Description: Background: While Australia has high breastfeeding initiation, there is a sharp decline in the first weeks postpartum and this continues throughout the first year. Supporting breastfeeding In Local Communities (SILC) was a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial to determine whether early home-based breastfeeding support by a maternal and child health nurse (SILC-MCHN), with or without access to a community-based breastfeeding drop-in centre, increased the proportion of infants receiving any breast milk at three, four and six months. The trial was conducted in ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Victoria, Australia. The primary aim of this paper is to describe the three drop-in centres established during the trial; and the profile of women who accessed them. The secondary aim is to explore the views and experiences of the drop-in centre staff, and the challenges faced in establishing and maintaining a breastfeeding drop-in centre in the community. Methods: Evaluation of the three LGAs with drop-in centres was multifaceted and included observational visits and field notes; data collected from attendance log books from each drop-in centre; a written survey and focus groups with maternal and child health (MCH) nurses who ran the drop-in centres; and semi-structured interviews with MCH coordinators of the participating LGAs. Results: The three LGAs developed and ran different models of breastfeeding drop-in centres. They reported challenges in finding convenient, accessible locations. Overall, attendance was lower than expected, with an average of only one attendee per session. Two global themes were identified regarding staff views: implementation challenges, encompassing finding accessible, available space, recruiting volunteers to provide peer support, and frustration when women did not attend; and the work of SILC-MCHNs, including themes of satisfying and rewarding work, juggling roles, and benefits to women, babies and the community. Conclusion: Providing community-based breastfeeding support was satisfying for the drop-in centre staff but proved difficult to implement, reflected by the lower than anticipated attendances at all of the drop-in centres. Interventions to increase breastfeeding in complex community settings require sufficient time to build partnerships with the existing services and the target population; to understand when and how to offer interventions for optimum benefit. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000898954.
- Authors: Cramer, Rhian , McLachlan, Helen , Shafiei, Touran , Amir, Lisa , Cullinane, Meabh , Small, Rhonda , Forster, Della
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Breastfeeding Journal Vol. 12, no. 1 (2017), p.1-15
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: While Australia has high breastfeeding initiation, there is a sharp decline in the first weeks postpartum and this continues throughout the first year. Supporting breastfeeding In Local Communities (SILC) was a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial to determine whether early home-based breastfeeding support by a maternal and child health nurse (SILC-MCHN), with or without access to a community-based breastfeeding drop-in centre, increased the proportion of infants receiving any breast milk at three, four and six months. The trial was conducted in ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Victoria, Australia. The primary aim of this paper is to describe the three drop-in centres established during the trial; and the profile of women who accessed them. The secondary aim is to explore the views and experiences of the drop-in centre staff, and the challenges faced in establishing and maintaining a breastfeeding drop-in centre in the community. Methods: Evaluation of the three LGAs with drop-in centres was multifaceted and included observational visits and field notes; data collected from attendance log books from each drop-in centre; a written survey and focus groups with maternal and child health (MCH) nurses who ran the drop-in centres; and semi-structured interviews with MCH coordinators of the participating LGAs. Results: The three LGAs developed and ran different models of breastfeeding drop-in centres. They reported challenges in finding convenient, accessible locations. Overall, attendance was lower than expected, with an average of only one attendee per session. Two global themes were identified regarding staff views: implementation challenges, encompassing finding accessible, available space, recruiting volunteers to provide peer support, and frustration when women did not attend; and the work of SILC-MCHNs, including themes of satisfying and rewarding work, juggling roles, and benefits to women, babies and the community. Conclusion: Providing community-based breastfeeding support was satisfying for the drop-in centre staff but proved difficult to implement, reflected by the lower than anticipated attendances at all of the drop-in centres. Interventions to increase breastfeeding in complex community settings require sufficient time to build partnerships with the existing services and the target population; to understand when and how to offer interventions for optimum benefit. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000898954.
Graduate nurse program coordinators’ perceptions of role adaptation experienced by new nursing graduates : A descriptive qualitative approach
- Missen, Karen, McKenna, Lisa, Beauchamp, Alison
- Authors: Missen, Karen , McKenna, Lisa , Beauchamp, Alison
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Nursing Education and Practice Vol. 4, no. 12 (2014), p. 134-141
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- Description: Aims: This research explores the challenges that new nursing graduates experience whilst adapting to their new role in their first year of practice. These challenges are presented from the perspectives of Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators in the state of Victoria, Australia, previously not described in the literature. Background: Each year, thousands of new nursing graduates join the workforce in Australia, with many suffering major stressors and dissatisfaction in their first year of practice. Much has been written about challenges faced by this group from their own perspectives, yet nothing has been heard from the perspectives of those who support them; that is, the coordinators of year-long graduate nurse transition programs. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used individual, semi-structured interviews to access information and perceptions from sixteen Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators about the challenges experienced by nursing graduates in their first year of practice. Transcripts were thematically analysed to reveal reoccurring themes and sub-themes. Results: The interviews provided an insight into various challenges that nursing graduates experience in relation to role adaptation in their first year of practice. Nursing graduates found difficulties with reality shock, work-life balancing and having unrealistic assumptions in their capacity to work, assuming they should be at a higher level despite being a beginner practitioner. Conclusions: This study reinforces the need for education providers to maintain currency in their undergraduate nursing programs and to work closely with health care services in providing a quality clinical experience to all nursing students. It also provides evidence that graduate transition programs are essential, with Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators performing a crucial role in providing appropriately planned strategies to support graduates through this vulnerable time.
- Authors: Missen, Karen , McKenna, Lisa , Beauchamp, Alison
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Nursing Education and Practice Vol. 4, no. 12 (2014), p. 134-141
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: This research explores the challenges that new nursing graduates experience whilst adapting to their new role in their first year of practice. These challenges are presented from the perspectives of Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators in the state of Victoria, Australia, previously not described in the literature. Background: Each year, thousands of new nursing graduates join the workforce in Australia, with many suffering major stressors and dissatisfaction in their first year of practice. Much has been written about challenges faced by this group from their own perspectives, yet nothing has been heard from the perspectives of those who support them; that is, the coordinators of year-long graduate nurse transition programs. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used individual, semi-structured interviews to access information and perceptions from sixteen Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators about the challenges experienced by nursing graduates in their first year of practice. Transcripts were thematically analysed to reveal reoccurring themes and sub-themes. Results: The interviews provided an insight into various challenges that nursing graduates experience in relation to role adaptation in their first year of practice. Nursing graduates found difficulties with reality shock, work-life balancing and having unrealistic assumptions in their capacity to work, assuming they should be at a higher level despite being a beginner practitioner. Conclusions: This study reinforces the need for education providers to maintain currency in their undergraduate nursing programs and to work closely with health care services in providing a quality clinical experience to all nursing students. It also provides evidence that graduate transition programs are essential, with Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators performing a crucial role in providing appropriately planned strategies to support graduates through this vulnerable time.
Workplace aggression experiences and responses of Victorian nurses, midwives and care personnel
- Hills, Danny, Lam, Louisa, Hills, Sharon
- Authors: Hills, Danny , Lam, Louisa , Hills, Sharon
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Collegian Vol. 25, no. 6 (2018), p. 575-582
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- Description: Background: Workplace aggression is a major work health and safety, and public health concern. To date, there has been limited investigation of population level exposure and responses to workplace aggression from all sources, and little evidence on the experiences, reporting and support-seeking behaviour of nurses, midwives and care personnel in Australian settings. Aim: To determine the 12-month prevalence of aggression experienced by nurses, midwives and care personnel from sources external and internal to the organisation, and the reporting behaviours and support sought from employers, health services, Trade Unions, work health and safety agencies, police and legal services. Methods: An online survey of the membership of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation – Victorian Branch was conducted between 1 st May and 30th June 2017. Findings: In the previous 12 months, 96.5% of respondents experienced workplace aggression, with 90.9% experiencing aggression from external sources and 72.3% from internal sources. A majority indicated they just accepted incidents of aggression, and most rarely or never took time off work, sought medical or psychological treatment, or sought organisational or other institutional support, advice or action. Levels of satisfaction with institutional services were mostly neutral to poor. Discussion: Victorian nurses, midwives and care personnel work in aggressive and violent workplaces. The incivility endemic in health care likely sets the climate for the generation of and exposure to so much explicit aggression and violence. It appears that any systems or processes instituted to protect health care personnel from harm are failing. Conclusion: More targeted and effectively operationalised legislation, incentives and penalties are likely required. Further research may elaborate the extent of the impact of exposure to workplace aggression over time.
- Authors: Hills, Danny , Lam, Louisa , Hills, Sharon
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Collegian Vol. 25, no. 6 (2018), p. 575-582
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Workplace aggression is a major work health and safety, and public health concern. To date, there has been limited investigation of population level exposure and responses to workplace aggression from all sources, and little evidence on the experiences, reporting and support-seeking behaviour of nurses, midwives and care personnel in Australian settings. Aim: To determine the 12-month prevalence of aggression experienced by nurses, midwives and care personnel from sources external and internal to the organisation, and the reporting behaviours and support sought from employers, health services, Trade Unions, work health and safety agencies, police and legal services. Methods: An online survey of the membership of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation – Victorian Branch was conducted between 1 st May and 30th June 2017. Findings: In the previous 12 months, 96.5% of respondents experienced workplace aggression, with 90.9% experiencing aggression from external sources and 72.3% from internal sources. A majority indicated they just accepted incidents of aggression, and most rarely or never took time off work, sought medical or psychological treatment, or sought organisational or other institutional support, advice or action. Levels of satisfaction with institutional services were mostly neutral to poor. Discussion: Victorian nurses, midwives and care personnel work in aggressive and violent workplaces. The incivility endemic in health care likely sets the climate for the generation of and exposure to so much explicit aggression and violence. It appears that any systems or processes instituted to protect health care personnel from harm are failing. Conclusion: More targeted and effectively operationalised legislation, incentives and penalties are likely required. Further research may elaborate the extent of the impact of exposure to workplace aggression over time.
Learning from clinical placement experience : Analysing nursing students' final reflections in a digital storytelling activity
- Paliadelis, Penny, Wood, Pamela
- Authors: Paliadelis, Penny , Wood, Pamela
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nurse Education in Practice Vol. 20, no. (2016), p. 39-44
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- Description: This paper reports on the learning potential of a reflective activity undertaken by final year nursing students, in which they were asked to recount two meaningful events that occurred during their clinical placements over the duration of their 3-year nursing degree program and reflect on how these events contributed to their learning to become beginning level Registered Nurses (RNs). This descriptive qualitative study gathered narratives from 92 students as individual postings in an online forum created within the University's learning management system. An analysis of the students' reflections are the focus of this paper particularly in relation to the value of reflecting on the identified events. Four themes emerged that clearly highlight the way in which these students interpreted and learned from both positive and negative clinical experiences, their strong desire to fit into their new role and their ability to re-imagine how they might respond to clinical events when they become Registered Nurses. The findings of this study may contribute to developing nursing curricula that better prepares final year students for the realities of practice. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
- Authors: Paliadelis, Penny , Wood, Pamela
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nurse Education in Practice Vol. 20, no. (2016), p. 39-44
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper reports on the learning potential of a reflective activity undertaken by final year nursing students, in which they were asked to recount two meaningful events that occurred during their clinical placements over the duration of their 3-year nursing degree program and reflect on how these events contributed to their learning to become beginning level Registered Nurses (RNs). This descriptive qualitative study gathered narratives from 92 students as individual postings in an online forum created within the University's learning management system. An analysis of the students' reflections are the focus of this paper particularly in relation to the value of reflecting on the identified events. Four themes emerged that clearly highlight the way in which these students interpreted and learned from both positive and negative clinical experiences, their strong desire to fit into their new role and their ability to re-imagine how they might respond to clinical events when they become Registered Nurses. The findings of this study may contribute to developing nursing curricula that better prepares final year students for the realities of practice. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
Community assets and capabilities to recruit and retain GPs : the community apgar questionnaire in rural Victoria
- Terry, Daniel, Baker, Ed, Schmitz, David
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Baker, Ed , Schmitz, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 16, no. 4 (2016), p.
- Full Text:
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- Description: Introduction: Rural communities continue to experience significant challenges recruiting and retaining physicians. The Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed in Idaho in the USA to comprehensively assess the characteristics associated with successful recruitment and retention of rural physicians. The CAQ has been utilised and validated across the USA; however, its value in rural Australia has not been examined. The objective of this study was to use the CAQ in rural Australia to examine its utility and develop a greater understanding of the community factors that impact general practitioner (GP) recruitment and retention. Method: The project conducted structured face-to-face interviews with hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) and directors of clinical services (DCSs) from 14 of the 21 (76%) health services that agreed to participate in rural north-eastern Victoria, Australia. The interviews were undertaken to complete the CAQ, which contains 50 questions centred on factors that influence physician recruitment and retention. Once completed, CAQs were scored by assigning quantitative values to a community's strengths and challenges including the level of importance placed on each factor. As such, the most important factors in physician recruitment, whether they are advantages or challenges for that community, were then weighed for their relative importance. Scores were then combined to create a CAQ score. To ensure reliability and validity of the results, three additional CAQs were purposefully administered to key general practices within the region. Results: The 14 rural communities exhibited cumulative CAQ scores ranging from a high of 387 to a low score of 61. This suggests the tool was sensitive enough to differentiate between communities that were high and low performers in terms of physician recruitment. The groups of factors that had the greatest impact on recruitment and retention were ranked highest to lowest and included medical support, hospital/community support, economic, scope of practice and geographic factors. Overall, the highest individual factors to impact recruitment and retention were perception of quality, hospital leadership, nursing workforce and transfer arrangements. Conversely, the lowest factors and challenges to recruitment and retention were family related, specifically spousal satisfaction and access to schools. Conclusions: Hume, in rural Victoria, was the first international site to implement the CAQ to differentially diagnose a community's relative strengths and challenges in recruiting and retaining GPs, while supporting health facilities to prioritise achievable goals to improve long-term retention strategies. It provided each community with a tailored gap analysis, while confidentially sharing best practices of other health facilities. Within Hume, open communication and trust between GPs and health facility leadership and nursing staff ensures that GPs can feel valued and supported. Possible solutions for GP recruitment and retention must consider the social, employment and educational opportunities that are available for spouses and children. Participation in the program was useful as it helped health facilities ascertain how they were performing while highlighting areas for improvement. © James Cook University 2016.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Baker, Ed , Schmitz, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 16, no. 4 (2016), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Rural communities continue to experience significant challenges recruiting and retaining physicians. The Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed in Idaho in the USA to comprehensively assess the characteristics associated with successful recruitment and retention of rural physicians. The CAQ has been utilised and validated across the USA; however, its value in rural Australia has not been examined. The objective of this study was to use the CAQ in rural Australia to examine its utility and develop a greater understanding of the community factors that impact general practitioner (GP) recruitment and retention. Method: The project conducted structured face-to-face interviews with hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) and directors of clinical services (DCSs) from 14 of the 21 (76%) health services that agreed to participate in rural north-eastern Victoria, Australia. The interviews were undertaken to complete the CAQ, which contains 50 questions centred on factors that influence physician recruitment and retention. Once completed, CAQs were scored by assigning quantitative values to a community's strengths and challenges including the level of importance placed on each factor. As such, the most important factors in physician recruitment, whether they are advantages or challenges for that community, were then weighed for their relative importance. Scores were then combined to create a CAQ score. To ensure reliability and validity of the results, three additional CAQs were purposefully administered to key general practices within the region. Results: The 14 rural communities exhibited cumulative CAQ scores ranging from a high of 387 to a low score of 61. This suggests the tool was sensitive enough to differentiate between communities that were high and low performers in terms of physician recruitment. The groups of factors that had the greatest impact on recruitment and retention were ranked highest to lowest and included medical support, hospital/community support, economic, scope of practice and geographic factors. Overall, the highest individual factors to impact recruitment and retention were perception of quality, hospital leadership, nursing workforce and transfer arrangements. Conversely, the lowest factors and challenges to recruitment and retention were family related, specifically spousal satisfaction and access to schools. Conclusions: Hume, in rural Victoria, was the first international site to implement the CAQ to differentially diagnose a community's relative strengths and challenges in recruiting and retaining GPs, while supporting health facilities to prioritise achievable goals to improve long-term retention strategies. It provided each community with a tailored gap analysis, while confidentially sharing best practices of other health facilities. Within Hume, open communication and trust between GPs and health facility leadership and nursing staff ensures that GPs can feel valued and supported. Possible solutions for GP recruitment and retention must consider the social, employment and educational opportunities that are available for spouses and children. Participation in the program was useful as it helped health facilities ascertain how they were performing while highlighting areas for improvement. © James Cook University 2016.