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Aim: To explore how nurses working in general practice experienced remote and technology-mediated working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Exploratory qualitative study with nursing team members working in general practices in England and national nurse leaders. Methods: Data were collected between April and August 2022. Forty participants took part in either semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis informed by the PERCS (Planning and Evaluating Remote Consultation Services) Framework. University of York ethics approval [HSRGC/2021/458/I] and Health Research Authority approval were obtained [IRAS:30353. Protocol number: R23982. Ref 21/HRA/5132. CPMS: 51834]. The study was funded by The General Nursing Council for England and Wales Trust. Results: Participants continued to deliver a significant proportion of patient care inperson. However, remote and technology-mediated care could meet patients' needs and broaden access in some circumstances. When remote and technology-mediated working were used this was often part of a blended model which was expected to continue. This could support some workforce issues, but also increase workload. Participants did not always have access to remote technology and were not involved in decision-making about what was used and how this was implemented. They rarely used video consultations, which were not seen to add value in comparison to telephone consultations. Some participants expressed concern that care had become more transactional than therapeutic and there were potential safety risks. Conclusion: The study explored how nurses working in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic engaged with remote and technology-mediated working. It identifies specific issues of access to technology, workload, hybrid working, disruption to therapeutic relationships, safety risks and lack of involvement in decision-making. Changes were implemented quickly with little strategic input from nurses. There is now an opportunity to reflect and build on what has been learned in relation to remote and technology-mediated working to ensure the future development of safe and effective nursing care in general practice. Impact: The paper contributes to understanding of remote and technology-mediated working by nurses working in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicates to employers and policy makers how this can be supported moving forward. Reporting method: Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (O'Brien et al., 2014). Patient or public contribution: This was a workforce study so there was no patient or public contribution. Implications for the profession and patient care: The paper highlights specific issues which have implications for the development of remote, technology-mediated and blended working for nurses in general practice, care quality and patient safety. These require full attention to ensure the future development of safe and effective nursing care in general practice moving forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To report on a survey of sexual health service needs among substance-misusing women attending a substance misuse service. Background Substance-misusing women carry a disproportionate burden of sexual ill health, yet the range and frequency of their sexual health risks, morbidities and service engagement are poorly understood. Design A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of substance-misusing women attending a substance misuse service. Methods From 4 April 2010-17 September 2010, substance-misusing women in Hastings & Ore, UK, were invited to complete a paper questionnaire addressing: drug use; cervical cytology, sexually transmitted infection and HIV screening history; pregnancy history, perceived pregnancy risk and contraceptive advice and supply; sexual activity and assault. Of 91 respondents, 77 attended local drug treatment services - results comprise analysis of this sub-sample. Results The study sample was characterized by long-term opioid and crack cocaine use. Of 53% sexually active in the previous 4 weeks, 66% perceived they had experienced sexual intercourse that could lead to pregnancy during that time. Fifty-five per cent had been forced to have sex against their will during their lifetime. High rates of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy termination, miscarriage and abnormal cervical cytology were reported. Conclusions Findings indicate the need to recognize the breadth of elevated sexual health risks and morbidities experienced by substance-misusing women with long-term opioid/crack use, including those not identifying as intravenous drug users. Poor recall of drop-in and appointment times, reluctance to disclose substance misuse and likelihood of previous sexual assault present significant challenges to nurses, who must take a sensitive, opportunistic approach to referral and provision of sexual health interventions to substance-misusing women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This paper is a report of a study, which seeks to determine if self-reported estimates of RNs' self-rated confidence in responding to alcohol use in patients is a psychometrically sound measure. Background Alcohol-related harm is a global public health problem. Nurses are the largest group of health professionals worldwide, with evidence showing that despite being well placed to respond, they are not engaging in this important role. Design Instrument development. Method The study was a survey set in a large teaching hospital in England, UK. The Clinical Confidence Questionnaire was made available to a convenience sample of 200 RNs in 2007, with a response rate of 22%. Rasch analysis was used to develop a scale for future learning based on the conjoint estimates of registered hospital nurses abilities to meet needs of patients requiring nursing care of different complexities related to alcohol use in patients. Results Outcomes verify that registered hospital nurses' self-rated clinical confidence measures for their own nursing abilities in responding to alcohol use in patients can be reliably estimated and a hierarchical scale of learning can be generated to inform curricula content and learning processes. Conclusion Current health policy in the UK identifies nurses as having a role in responding to alcohol-related harm. More focus should, therefore, be placed on ensuring that they are prepared to fully engage with patients in assessing and responding to alcohol use through specific education, training and skill development. The self-rated clinical confidence tool offers evidence as an acceptable method of measurement in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

kennedy f., harcourt d. & rumsey n. (2011) The shifting nature of women's experiences and perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 856-867. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a descriptive qualitative study of the evolution of women's perceptions and experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ from the period near to diagnosis to 1 year later. Background. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive breast condition where cancer cells are detected but confined to the ducts of the breast. With treatment, the condition has a positive prognosis but ironically patients undergo treatment similar to that for invasive breast cancer. There is a lack of longitudinal qualitative research studying women's experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ, especially among newly diagnosed patients, and how experiences change over time. Methods. Forty-five women took part in an initial interview following a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ and 27 took part in a follow-up interview 9-13 months later. Data were collected between January 2007 and October 2008. Transcripts were analysed using a hybrid approach to thematic analysis. Findings. Women's early perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ merged and sometimes conflicted with their lay beliefs of breast cancer. Perceptions and experiences of the condition shifted over time. These overriding aspects were evident in four themes identified across the interviews: (i) perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ vs. breast cancer, (ii) from paradox to acceptance, (iii) personal impact, and (iv) support and interactions with others. Conclusion. This study represents one of the few longitudinal qualitative studies with newly diagnosed patients, capturing women's initial and shifting experiences and perceptions of the condition. The issues identified need to be recognized in clinical practice and supported appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

nicholson j., slade p. & fletcher j. (2010) Termination of pregnancy services: experiences of gynaecological nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2245–2256. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to identify the experience of gynaecological nurses involved with termination of pregnancy. Background. Staff involved with termination of pregnancy have been found to experience both positive and negative views. Varying processes and experiences for staff have been identified, from termination of pregnancy work being emotionally draining and stressful to there being a process of care that evolves with greater experience. Methods. A purposive sample of seven gynaecological nurses currently working in a termination of pregnancy service was recruited. Data were collected between October 2007 and January 2008 using interviews and standardized questionnaires. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results. Eight superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Unconditional acceptance and understanding of termination of pregnancy, (2) Strategies for managing the demands and challenges, (3) What we do for patients and job satisfaction, (4) Challenges to unconditional acceptance, (5) Juggling the contrasting needs and demands of patients, (6) The most demanding aspects of the role, (7) The significance of personal experience and (8) The service context. Some of the experiences were interpreted as ways in which nurses justified their role. The themes were understood in terms of a balance between strains, coping and contextual influences. Conclusion. Providing a recognized supportive supervisory environment might allow for the acknowledgement of the unique challenges staff in termination of pregnancy services face, and might enhance a sense of validation within the organization and hence staff wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate nursing students' clinical decision‐making by using high‐fidelity simulation of a deteriorated patient scenario. Design: A convergent parallel mixed methods research design was used consisting of quantitative and qualitative data collection. Methods: Twenty‐three students completed the Health Science Reasoning Test before and after the simulation between October 2015 and June 2016. They were presented with a simulated scenario and asked to 'think aloud' during and after the simulation. The students were audio‐video recorded and observations were collected by the researcher. Results: There was a significant moderate increase in the 'deduction' and 'analysis' sub‐scale scores and overall test score, suggestive of improved analytical decision‐making processes through the simulation experience. Think‐aloud and observation data identified that students predominantly applied 'forward' reasoning during the simulated 'patient's' deterioration, focusing mainly on cue acquisition. 'Backward' reasoning with a focus on cue interpretation was most prominent in the debriefing data, in line with the survey outcomes. Accurate cue interpretation of critical, key cues appeared more useful than the total number of cues in solving the main clinical case problem. Conclusion: Students learn different clinical decision‐making skills during the simulation compared to what they learn from debriefing. Using observation and think‐aloud methods have significant benefits for researchers seeking to optimize the evaluation of the clinical decision‐making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This article is a report of a study protocol designed to examine patients' and families' knowledge and experiences of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. Background Peritonitis is a considerable problem for people using peritoneal dialysis, leading to antibiotics, hospitalization and decreased quality of life. For some patients, peritonitis requires changing renal replacement therapy and can be fatal. Peritonitis is distressing and some patients are unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms. Patients with better knowledge of peritonitis and adherence to peritoneal dialysis procedures have lower rates of peritonitis. Little is known about patients' and families' knowledge and experience of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis in the United Kingdom. Design Ethical approval was gained in March 2017. To meet the study aim, a two-phase sequential explanatory mixed methods study is proposed. Methods Phase One: An author-developed questionnaire will be sent to patients using peritoneal dialysis at five sites in England and Wales. Patients will be asked to consider inviting a relative to participate. The questionnaire will assess peritonitis knowledge and experience. Data will be analysed statistically. Phase Two: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a purposive sample of Phase One participants ( n = 30) to explore their experiences of peritonitis in further depth. The data will be analysed thematically using Wolcott's (1994) approach. Discussion Data from the two phases will be synthesized to identify patients' and families' peritonitis information needs, to ensure they are appropriately supported to prevent, monitor, identify and report peritonitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to compare across different service configurations the acceptability of containment methods to acute ward staff and the speed of initiation of manual restraint. Background One of the primary remits of acute inpatient psychiatric care is the reduction in risks. Where risks are higher than normal, patients can be transferred to a psychiatric intensive care unit or placed in seclusion. The abolition or reduction in these two containment methods in some hospitals may trigger compensatory increases in other forms of containment which have potential risks. How staff members manage risk without access to these facilities has not been systematically studied. Design The study applied a cross-sectional design. Methods Data were collected from 207 staff at eight hospital sites in England between 2013 - 2014. Participants completed two measures; the first assessing the acceptability of different forms of containment for disturbed behaviour and the second assessing decision-making in relation to the need for manual restraint of an aggressive patient. Results In service configurations with access to seclusion, staff rated seclusion as more acceptable and reported greater use of it. Psychiatric intensive care unit acceptability and use were not associated with its provision. Where there was no access to seclusion, staff were slower to initiate restraint. There was no relationship between acceptability of manual restraint and its initiation. Conclusion Tolerance of higher risk before initiating restraint was evident in wards without seclusion units. Ease of access to psychiatric intensive care units makes little difference to restraint thresholds or judgements of containment acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to report a multifaceted knowledge translation intervention to facilitate use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and innovation in nutritional care for patients at risk of malnutrition. Background Malnutrition among hospitalized patients is a widespread problem leading to adverse health outcomes. Despite evidence of the benefits of malnutrition screening and recommendations for achieving good nutrition, shortfalls in practice continue. Design A mixed method integrated knowledge translation study. Methods The knowledge translation intervention comprised nutrition champions supported by knowledge translation facilitators and an action planning process. Data collection was undertaken over 18 months between 2011-2012 in a hospital in England. Data comprised observation of mealtimes, audit of patient records, survey of nurses and semi-structured interviews with nutrition champions, knowledge translation facilitators, senior ward nurses and nurse managers. Findings Statistically significant relationships (Chi Square) were observed between self-reported confidence of nurses (a) to assess patients using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, (b) to teach colleagues how to use the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and (c) to ensure that patients were assessed within 24 hours of admission. Ward-based nutrition champions facilitated successful innovation in nutrition support. Contextual factors operating at micro (ward), meso (organization) and macro (healthcare system) levels acted as barriers and enablers for change. Conclusion Nutrition champions were successful in increasing the timely assessment of patients at risk of malnutrition and promoting innovation in nutritional care. Support from knowledge translation facilitators helped nutrition champions develop their role and work collaboratively with senior ward nurses to implement action plans for improving nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To understand issues around carer roles that affect carer involvement for people with intellectual disabilities in acute hospitals. Background There is evidence that a lack of effective carer involvement can lead to poorer health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities, but there is a lack of insight into the reasons for poor carer involvement in acute hospitals. Design Mixed methods in six acute hospital trusts in England (2011-2013). Methods Electronic hospital staff survey ( n = 990), carer questionnaires ( n = 88), semi-structured interviews with hospital staff ( n = 68) and carers ( n = 37). Data were triangulated and analysed using a conceptual framework. Results There was strong support for carer involvement among hospital staff, and most carers indicated that they felt welcomed and supported. However, an investigation of negative experiences showed that there were discrepancies in the perspectives of hospital staff and carers on the scope of 'carer involvement'. An important contributory factor to the effectiveness of carer involvement was the degree to which staff understood the importance of carer expertise (rather than simply carer work) and welcomed it. Carers' contributions to basic nursing care tasks could be taken for granted by hospital staff, sometimes erroneously. Conclusion The roles and contributions of carers should be clarified on an individual basis by hospital staff. The authors propose a new model to support this clarification. Further research is needed to assess the suitability of the model for patients with intellectual disabilities and other vulnerable patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To map current selection and recruitment processes for newly qualified nurses and to explore the advantages and limitations of current selection and recruitment processes. Background The need to improve current selection and recruitment practices for newly qualified nurses is highlighted in health policy internationally. Design A cross-sectional, sequential-explanatory mixed-method design with 4 components: (1) Literature review of selection and recruitment of newly qualified nurses; and (2) Literature review of a public sector professions' selection and recruitment processes; (3) Survey mapping existing selection and recruitment processes for newly qualified nurses; and (4) Qualitative study about recruiters' selection and recruitment processes. Methods Literature searches on the selection and recruitment of newly qualified candidates in teaching and nursing (2005-2013) were conducted. Cross-sectional, mixed-method data were collected from thirty-one ( n = 31) individuals in health providers in London who had responsibility for the selection and recruitment of newly qualified nurses using a survey instrument. Of these providers who took part, six ( n = 6) purposively selected to be interviewed qualitatively. Results Issues of supply and demand in the workforce, rather than selection and recruitment tools, predominated in the literature reviews. Examples of tools to measure values, attitudes and skills were found in the nursing literature. The mapping exercise found that providers used many selection and recruitment tools, some providers combined tools to streamline process and assure quality of candidates. Conclusions Most providers had processes which addressed the issue of quality in the selection and recruitment of newly qualified nurses. The 'assessment centre model', which providers were adopting, allowed for multiple levels of assessment and streamlined recruitment. There is a need to validate the efficacy of the selection tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the adequacy of initial nurse independent prescribing education and identify continuing professional development and clinical governance strategies in place for non-medical prescribing. Background In 2006, new legislation in England enabled nurses with an independent prescribing qualification to prescribe, within their competence. In 2006, non-medical prescribing policies released by the Department of Health outlined the recommendations for education, continuing professional development and governance of non-medical prescribing; however, there was no evidence on a national scale about the extent of implementation and effectiveness of these strategies. Design National surveys of: (i) nurse independent prescribers; and (ii) non-medical prescribing leaders in England. Methods Questionnaire surveys (August 2008-February 2009) covering educational preparation, prescribing practice (nurse independent prescribers) and structures/processes for support and governance (non-medical prescribing leaders). Results Response rates were 65% (976 prescribers) and 52% (87 leaders). Most nurses felt their prescribing course met their learning needs and stated course outcomes and that they had adequate development and support for prescribing to maintain patient safety. Some types of community nurse prescribers had less access to support and development. The prescribing leaders reported lacking systems to ensure continuity of non-medical prescribing and monitoring patient experience. Conclusion Educational programmes of preparation for nurse prescribing were reported to be operating satisfactorily and providing fit-for-purpose preparation for the expansion to the scope of nurse independent prescribing. Most clinical governance and risk management strategies for prescribing were in place in primary and secondary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report on the development and psychometric testing of the Adolescent Diabetes Needs Assessment Tool. Background The UK has the fifth largest paediatric diabetes population in the world, but one of the poorest levels of diabetes control, highlighting the need for intervention development. Design Mixed methods following recommendations for questionnaire design and validation. Methods A total of 171 young people (12-18 years) participated between 2008- 2011. Methods included item selection using secondary framework analysis, item review, pre-testing, piloting and online transfer. Statistical tests assessed reliability using item-total correlations, interitem consistency and test-retest reliability; and validity using blood glucose (HbA1c) levels and the Self-Management of type 1 Diabetes in Adolescence questionnaire. Results The Adolescent Diabetes Needs Assessment Tool consists of 117 questions divided between six domains of educational and psychosocial support needs. It combines reflective questioning with needs assessment to raise self-awareness to support adolescent decision-making in relation to diabetes self-care. Thirty-six of the questions provide self-care and psychosocial health assessment scores. Face and content validity of the scoring items were all positively evaluated in terms of appropriateness and readability and tests for validity found significant correlations with Self-Management of type 1 Diabetes in Adolescence and weak correlation with HbA1c, which compared favourably with Self-Management of type 1 Diabetes in Adolescence, the only comparable ( USA) tool. Item response analysis validated the use of simple additive scores. Conclusions The Adolescent Diabetes Needs Assessment Tool combines reflective learning with needs assessment to support patient-centred clinical consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report the first large-scale realistic nurse-led implementation, optimization and evaluation of a complex children's continuing-care policy. Background Health policies are increasingly complex, involve multiple Government departments and frequently fail to translate into better patient outcomes. Realist methods have not yet been adapted for policy implementation. Design Research methodology - Evaluation using theory-based realist methods for policy implementation. Methods An expert group developed the policy and supporting tools. Implementation and evaluation design integrated diffusion of innovation theory with multiple case study and adapted realist principles. Practitioners in 12 English sites worked with Consultant Nurse implementers to manipulate the programme theory and logic of new decision-support tools and care pathway to optimize local implementation. Methods included key-stakeholder interviews, developing practical diffusion of innovation processes using key-opinion leaders and active facilitation strategies and a mini-community of practice. New and existing processes and outcomes were compared for 137 children during 2007-2008. Results Realist principles were successfully adapted to a shorter policy implementation and evaluation time frame. Important new implementation success factors included facilitated implementation that enabled 'real-time' manipulation of programme logic and local context to best-fit evolving theories of what worked; using local experiential opinion to change supporting tools to more realistically align with local context and what worked; and having sufficient existing local infrastructure to support implementation. Ten mechanisms explained implementation success and differences in outcomes between new and existing processes. Conclusions Realistic policy implementation methods have advantages over top-down approaches, especially where clinical expertise is low and unlikely to diffuse innovations 'naturally' without facilitated implementation and local optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children's emergency hospital use is of concern internationally, but there has been little examination of home care by nurses. Aims To examine the care provided by community children's nurses during acute illness. Design Triangulation of findings from case studies of three Community Children's Nursing Teams. Methods Parents or carers ( n = 763) completed questionnaires between 2008-2010 about their contacts with nurses and satisfaction with aspects and overall assessment of nursing care provided. Eighty-one individuals participated in semi-structured interviews: 29 parents/carers described their experiences and explained their questionnaire responses in more detail; 13 children talked about their care both in hospital and at home; and 39 nurses and other healthcare providers explained how nurses supported care of children at home. Questionnaire data were analysed descriptively and interview data qualitatively. The findings were integrated by triangulation of methods (questionnaires and interviews) and of data from different informants (children, parents, healthcare providers). Results Nursing care most frequently took the form of advice and education by either home visits or telephone contact. Parents and children were reassured by access to nurses and it gave them confidence to care at home. Most respondents thought that it reduced the time their children spent in hospital. Conclusions Nurses can make an important contribution to supporting parents to care confidently for their children at home to reduce or even to avoid hospitalization for acute conditions and give them confidence to manage future episodes of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

carter m.r. & tourangeau a.e. (2012) Staying in nursing: what factors determine whether nurses intend to remain employed?. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(7), 1589-1600. Abstract Aim. To test a model of eight thematic determinants of whether nurses intend to remain in nursing roles. Background. Despite the dramatic increase in the supply of nurses in England over the past decade, a combination of the economic downturn, funding constraints and more generally an ageing nursing population means that healthcare organizations are likely to encounter long-term problems in the recruitment and retention of nursing staff. Design. Survey. Method. Data were collected from a large staff survey conducted in the National Health Service in England between September-December 2009. A multi-level model was tested using MPlus statistical software on a sub-sample of 16,707 nurses drawn from 167 healthcare organizations. Results. Findings were generally supportive of the proposed model. Nurses who reported being psychologically engaged with their jobs reported a lower intention to leave their current job. The perceived availability of developmental opportunities, being able to achieve a good work-life balance and whether nurses' encountered work pressures were also influencing factors on their turnover intentions. However, relationships formed with colleagues and patients displayed comparatively small relationships with turnover intentions. Conclusion. The focus at the local level needs to be on promoting employee engagement by equipping staff with the resources (physical and monetary) and control to enable them to perform their tasks to standards they aspire to and creating a work environment where staff are fully involved in the wider running of their organizations, communicating to staff that patient care is important and the top priority of the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]