Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Critical Incidents On Nurses And Midwives: A Systematic Review, Melanie Buhlmann, Beverley Ewens, Amineh Rashidi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Aims:

To synthesise the existing literature, which focuses on the impact of critical incidents on nurses and midwives, and to explore their experiences related to the support they received in the current healthcare environment to move on from the event.

Design:

Systematic review and qualitative synthesis.

Data sources:

The electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase and Nursing and Allied Health (ProQuest) were systematically searched from 2013–2018, and core authors and journals identified in the literature were manually investigated.

Review methods:

Qualitative studies of all research design types written in English were included according to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. The …

A Survey Identifying Leadership And Research Activities Among Nurse Practitioners, Mary Ryder, Elisabeth Jacob, Joyce Hendricks

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Nurse Practitioners are identified as the ideal conduit to transform healthcare delivery internationally. Healthcare transformation requires the application of leadership and research skills. Current literature has limited information on NPs as leaders or researchers in the nursing profession.

Objectives: Determine if Nurse Practitioners identify themselves as leaders in nursing. Identify the leadership and research activities and influencing characteristics of Nurse Practitioners in Ireland and Australia. Establish similarities in leadership and research activities between Nurse Practitioners in Ireland and Australia. To identify if there is a relationship between leadership and research activities.

Design: A quantitative electronic survey.

Methods: A …

Mentalisation Amongst Maternal And Child Health Nurses Using The Newborn Behavioural Observations With Infant-Mother Dyads: A Qualitative Study, Kim Simkin-Tran, Bronwyn Harman, Susan Nicolson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 Elsevier Inc. Purpose: This study explored Maternal and Child Health Nurses' (MCHN) mentalisation processes towards infant-mother dyads when using the Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO) system in practice. Design and methods: Ten Australian MCHNs (female; aged 31–66 years), who had used the NBO clinically within the last 12 months, were recruited from a database of NBO-trained practitioners. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of one-on-one semi-structured interviews explored MCHNs experiential meaning-making. Results: Analysis of the data produced four main themes: reflections regarding the dyad, personal reflections, reflection into action, and professional identity and future practice. MCHNs reported that the NBO's focus on …

Disrupted Sleep And Associated Factors In Australian Dementia Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study, Aisling Smyth, Lisa Whitehead, Eimear Quigley, Caroline Vafeas, Laura Emery

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance is an issue reported by caregivers. Waking at night is a feature of dementia and by proxy, sleep disturbance among caregivers is reported to be high. Little is known about the characteristics of dementia caregivers' sleep and the factors that may influence sleep disruption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sleep characteristics and disturbances of Australian caregivers of a person living with dementia. In addition, it evaluated the psychological wellbeing of caregivers by evaluating associations between mood and sleep in this population. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlation design. Participants were recruited …

Contemporary Nursing Graduates' Transition To Practice: A Critical Review Of Transition Models, Amanda C Graf, Elisabeth Jacob, Diane Twigg, Barbara Nattabi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To critically review contemporary transition theories to determine how they apply to the newly qualified graduate registered nurse programmes.

BACKGROUND: Graduate nurse transition to employment is the time of significant change which has resulted in high attrition rates. Graduates are often challenged by their expectation of nursing practice and the reality of the role. The transition from hospital-based training to university-based training has resulted in the need for primary employment to commence with graduate/orientation/internship programmes to help support new graduates transition into clinical practice. One transition model, Duchscher's stages of transition theory, utilised three former theories to …

‘Ward For The Day’: A Case Study Of Extended Immersive Ward-Based Simulation, Hugh Davies, Rebecca Schultz, Deb Sundin, Elisabeth Jacob

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Simulation is an important teaching strategy in the preparation of nursing students for professional practice. The focus of simulation has shifted from single patient encounters to multiple case studies provoking immersion in all the activities that are regularly performed on the ward. Extended immersive simulation cannot replicate completely the stresses of working on a ‘real’ ward, but it does provide a safe environment for students to practice the role of being a registered nurse. Objective: To evaluate satisfaction associated with student experiences of mentorship by industry partners, self-reflection on performance, and responses to clinical situations following an episode of …

Sociocultural Practices Affecting The Care Of Preterm Infants In The Ghanaian Community, Esther Abena Adama, Deborah Sundin, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction

Although culture is an integral part of health, there is scarcity of evidence on the influence of culture on caregiving experiences of parents of preterm infants. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of sociocultural practices on caring for preterm infants in the Ghanaian community.

Method

Narrative inquiry was utilized to explore the influence of sociocultural practices on the care of preterm infants from 21 mothers, 9 fathers, and 12 household members. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews and observations at participants’ homes.

Results

Analysis of data resulted in three threads/themes—respect for the elderly, use …

Interpreting Health Events In Big Data Using Qualitative Traditions, Roschelle L. Fritz, Gordana Dermody

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© The Author(s) 2020. The training of artificial intelligence requires integrating real-world context and mathematical computations. To achieve efficacious smart health artificial intelligence, contextual clinical knowledge serving as ground truth is required. Qualitative methods are well-suited to lend consistent and valid ground truth. In this methods article, we illustrate the use of qualitative descriptive methods for providing ground truth when training an intelligent agent to detect Restless Leg Syndrome. We show how one interdisciplinary, inter-methodological research team used both sensor-based data and the participant’s description of their experience with an episode of Restless Leg Syndrome for training the intelligent agent. …

Our Covid-19 Artwork: Children From Around The World Share Their Experiences, Bernie Carter, Mandie Foster, Therese O'Sullivan, Angela A. Quaye, The International Network For Child And Family Centered Care

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

We gave children the opportunity to share a piece of artwork that
reflected something about their experience of life during COVID-19
restrictions (March-May 2020). The descriptions, stories and poems
presented in this e-book have been transferred verbatim from the
original submissions.

For each submission, we asked about the level of COVID-19
restrictions experienced by the child at the time of their entry. These
levels consisted of:

* None (no change to normal living routine)
* Minimal (e.g. still attending school, but not allowed to play with
friends after school)
* Some (e.g. still attending school, but not allowed to play …

Recognition And Management Of Agitation In Acute Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Evaluation Of Staff Perceptions, Joshua Tucker, Lisa Whitehead, Peter Palamara, Josephine Xenia Rosman, Karla Seaman

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020, The Author(s).

Background: Agitation among patients is a common and distressing behaviour across a variety of health care settings, particularly inpatient mental health. Unless recognised early and effectively managed it can lead to aggression and personal injury. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of mental health nurses in recognising and managing agitation in an inpatient mental health setting and the alignment of these experiences with best practice and person-centred care.

Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative methodology. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 20 nurses working in a mental health unit in …

Use, Adoption, And Effectiveness Of Tippy-Tap Handwashing Station In Promoting Hand Hygiene Practices In Resource-Limited Settings: A Systematic Review, Balwani C. Mbakaya, Fatch W. Kalembo, Maggie Zgambo

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Tippy-taps are locally made devices for washing hands with running water. They are simple and low-cost, enabling technology that provides adequate water sources, handwashing stations and motivation for people to prioritise handwashing. This systematic review aimed to establish the use, benefits, adoption and effectiveness of enabling technology; tippy-tap handwashing station, in resource-limited settings.

Methods:

We systematically searched for articles in the PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, DOAJ and Google Scholar databases guided by the acceptable best practice developed by the PROSPERO and COCHRANE for systematic search and selection of articles. Search terms such as tippy-taps, enabling technology, hand-washing station, …

Factors That Influence Adherence To Treatment Plans Amongst People Living With Cardiovascular Disease: A Review Of Published Qualitative Research Studies, Amineh Rashidi, Prachi Kaistha, Lisa Whitehead, Suzanne Robinson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Treatment plan adherence is recognized as a worldwide health issue, particularly important in the management of cardiovascular patients. Healthcare professionals are the primary sources of information and support for people diagnosed with CVD and those who have experienced a cardiac event, yet we know little about how healthcare professionals contribute to the process of adherence to treatment plans that aim to prevent and/or reduce disease and adverse events. Qualitative evidence that explores factors that influence adherence to treatment plans is limited.

Objective

This systematic review identified and synthesised the best available evidence on factors that influence adherence to treatment …

Are Current Clinical Guidelines On The Use Of Peripheral Intravenous Cannula For Blood Draws Supported By Evidence? An Organizational Case Study, Alycia Jacob, Linda Coventry, Hugh Davies, Elisabeth Jacob

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Aim: To examine the quality of evidence used to inform health policies. Policies on peripheral intravenous cannulas were used as exemplars. Design: An organizational case study design was used, using the STROBE reporting guidelines. Methods: Policy guidelines were sourced between June and September 2018 from health departments in Australia. Seven documents were compared regarding intravenous cannula dwell times and blood collection use. Evidence used in the documents was critiqued using assessment guideline from the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Results: Large variations exist between policies regarding …

External Barriers For Including Parents Of Preterm Infants In A Randomised Clinical Trial In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit In Sweden: A Descriptive Study, Evalotte Mörelius, Emma Olsson, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Ylva Thernström Blomqvist, Charlotte Angelhoff

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Objectives Performing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in neonatal intensive care is challenging in many ways. While restrictive inclusion criteria or busy study protocols are obvious barriers, external barriers leading to termination of a study are seldom discussed. The aim of this study was to describe barriers for inclusion of families in neonatal intensive care in an RCT aiming to evaluate the effects of continuous skin-to-skin contact on mood and sleep quality in parents of preterm infants, as well as the quality of parent-infant interaction and salivary cortisol concentrations at the time of discharge. Design …

The Influence Of Adaptive Challenge On Engagement Of Multidisciplinary Staff In Standardising Aseptic Technique In An Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Susan Slatyer, Helen Cadwallader, Michelle Harvey, Susan Davis

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Aims and objectives: To explore the challenge of engaging multidisciplinary staff in standardising aseptic technique (AT) in an emergency department (ED) in an Australian tertiary hospital, and to better understand the enablers and barriers to implementing practice change within this setting.

Background: Healthcare‐associated infections are the most common complication for patients in acute care. A clinical practice framework developed in the United Kingdom (UK) standardised AT practice to reduce potential infection risk. One Australian tertiary hospital drew upon this framework to similarly improve clinical practice. It was understood that standardising practice would require some practitioners only to revisit and demonstrate …

Supporting New Graduate Registered Nurse Transition For Safety: A Literature Review Update, Melanie Murray, Deborah Sundin, Vicki Cope

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Reports suggest higher incidence of medical errors occur during times of transition for new practitioners, in part due to general staff disruption in the health services and inexperience of those entering the workplace. NGRNs experience a range of challenges on transition to professional practice and their transition experience will impact their ability to provide high quality patient care.

Aim: The aim of this review was to critically appraise the contemporary literature concerning the transition of new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) and their patient safety knowledge and practices.

Design: A scoping review of research literature.

Methods: The review used key …

Clarifying Workforce Flexibility From A Division Of Labor Perspective: A Mixed Methods Study Of An Emergency Department Team, Sarah Wise, Christine Duffield, Margaret Fry, Michael Roche

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The need for greater flexibility is often used to justify reforms that redistribute tasks through the workforce. However, "flexibility" is never defined or empirically examined. This study explores the nature of flexibility in a team of emergency doctors, nurse practitioners (NPs), and registered nurses (RNs), with the aim of clarifying the concept of workforce flexibility. Taking a holistic perspective on the team's division of labor, it measures task distribution to establish the extent of multiskilling and role overlap, and explores the behaviors and organizational conditions that drive flexibly.

Methods: The explanatory sequential mixed methods study was set in the …

Predictors Of Ceasing Or Reducing Statin Medication Following A Large Increase In The Consumer Copayment For Medications: A Retrospective Observational Study, Karla Seamon, Frank Sanfilippo, Max Bulsara, Libby Roughead, Anna Kemp-Casey, Caroline Bulsara, Gerald F. Watts, David Preen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Previous Australian research has shown that following the 21% increase in patient copayments for medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2005, the use of lipid-lowering therapy declined by 5%. This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who continued, reduced or ceased their use of statin medication in 2005.

STUDY TYPE:

Retrospective observational study using routinely collected administrative data.

METHOD:

We used pharmaceutical claims, hospital separations and mortality records from 2000 to 2005 for the Western Australian population. The cohort comprised stable users of statin medication in 2004. Based on changes in statin …

Population Data Centre Profile - The Western Australian Data Linkage Branch, Steve Hodges, Tom Eitelhuber, Alexandra Merchant, Janine Alan

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Established in 1995, the Western Australian Data Linkage Branch (DLB) is Australia’s longest running data linkage agency. The Western Australian Data Linkage System (WADLS) employs an enduring linkage model spanning over 60 data collections supported by internally developed and supported software and IT infrastructure. DLB has delivered, and continues to deliver, a range of significant data linkage innovations, many of which have been adopted elsewhere. A current restructure within the Western Australian Department of Health (which we will refer to as the Department of Health) will provide an improved funding model geared toward addressing issues with staff retention, capacity and …

Aboriginal People With Chronic Hcv: The Role Of Community Health Nurses For Improving Health-Related Quality Of Life, Amineh Rashidi, Peter Higgs, Susan Carruthers

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: There is a lack of knowledge about Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of Aboriginal Australians with self-reported hepatitis C infection in Western Australia. This marginalised group of people is disproportionally affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) for which there is no preventative vaccine. This study provides data that help understand the long-term consequences of living with HCV infection within the Aboriginal community. It outlines opportunities for nursing interventions for hepatitis care that focus on supporting mental health and drug and alcohol issues within this population. Methods: We surveyed 123 Aboriginal people living with HCV in a community setting. …

Blood Sampling Through Peripheral Intravenous Cannulas: A Look At Current Practice In Australia, Hugh Davies, Linda L. Coventry, Alycia Jacob, Laurita Stoneman, Elisabeth Jacob

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Sampling blood from a peripheral intravenous cannula offers an alternative to venepuncture. This practice can reduce frequency of venepuncture and patient discomfort. Opponents argue the practice increases the chance of haemolysis, risk of infection and device failure. Aim: To describe the prevalence and practice of blood sampling from peripheral intravenous cannulas by Australian nurses. Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and data were collected using an electronic survey. The survey examined Australian nurses’ practice of sampling blood from peripheral intravenous cannulas. Quantitative descriptive data was analysed and presented as frequencies, percentages, medians and ranges. Findings: A total …

Biopsychosocial Risk Factors And Knowledge Of Cervical Cancer Among Young Women: A Case Study From Kenya To Inform Hpv Prevention In Sub-Saharan Africa, Irene Ngune, Fatch Kalembo, Barbara Loessl, Lucy W. Kivuti-Bitok

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background Cervical cancer is the second most common female reproductive cancer after breast cancer with 84% of the cases in developing countries. A high uptake of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and screening, and early diagnosis leads to a reduction of incidence and mortality rates. Yet uptake of screening is low in Sub-Saharan Africa and there is an increasing number of women presenting for treatment with advanced disease. Nine women in their twenties die from cervical cancer in Kenya every day. This paper presents the biopsychosocial risk factors that impact on cervical cancer knowledge among Kenyan women aged 15 to …