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Purpose: This paper aims to outline a knowledge translation (KT) case study undertaken as part of a multi-component research programme aimed at evaluating new parenting supports in the earliest years. The study aimed to: explore the influencing factors relating to research use in an early years context; and to use the findings, at least in part, to execute an integrated KT plan – to promote stakeholder engagement, greater research visibility and to enhance the understanding of findings emerging from the research programme. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods study was embedded within a large-scale, longitudinal research programme. In the present study, a national survey (n = 162) was administered to stakeholders working with children and families throughout Ireland. A series of one-to-one interviews were also undertaken (n = 37) to amplify the survey findings. Also, one focus group was carried out with parents (n = 8) and one with members of the research team (n = 3). Several dissemination strategies were concurrently developed, executed and evaluated, based partly on survey and interview findings and guided by the knowledge translation planning template (Barwick, 2008; 2013; 2019). Findings: The main factors influencing the dissemination of evidence, as identified by the stakeholders – were: a lack of resources; an under-developed understanding of research use and dissemination; insufficient collaboration and communication; and conflicting stakeholder priorities. Despite these challenges, the research programme was found to benefit from a multi-component KT plan to achieve the outlined dissemination goals. Practical implications: The KT planning process allowed the research team to be more accountable, introspective and to work more efficiently. This helped increase the likelihood of more targeted and successful dissemination of the research findings, delivering a better return on research investment. Originality/value: This is the first study of its kind (to our knowledge) to provide important insights for stakeholders in Ireland and elsewhere about how to improve the dissemination process. Effective KT planning can ultimately help to bridge the research-policy-practice gap and enable the effective translation of high-quality evidence in the early years' sector to enhance outcomes for families in the shorter and longer-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the barriers and facilitators to seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among nurses. Background: Seasonal influenza causes significant mortality and morbidity among older people and high‐risk groups. Vaccinating nurses against influenza is an essential public health measure to reduce the burden of disease. Yet despite annual recommendations, nurses' influenza vaccine uptake rates remain low. Design: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study design. Data Sources: Qualified nurses attending mandatory training in two large acute hospitals in Ireland. Methods: A paper‐based questionnaire assessing nurses' knowledge, risk perception, health beliefs and influenza vaccination practices was distributed to a convenience sample of qualified nurses (N = 462) between September 2017 – February 2018. A self‐selected sample of 35 nurses who completed the questionnaire participated in five focus groups to explore in depth the barriers and facilitating factors associated with their vaccination practices between September 2018 – October 2018. The questionnaire data were analysed statistically and thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated using the Pillar Integration Process. Results: Seven themes emerged: (a) the influence of nurses' knowledge on vaccine uptake; (b) dissemination of information; (c) vaccine fears and concerns; (d) protection, risk and vulnerability: self and others; (e) influencers; (f) accessibility; and (g) organizational pressure. Conclusion: Achieving high vaccine uptake rates among nurses through voluntary vaccination programmes remains a challenge. Multi‐faceted influenza campaigns based on the HBM should be prioritized to address dissemination of evidence‐based knowledge, accessibility, and external cues to action. Impact: Low influenza vaccine uptake among nurses compromises patient safety and contributes to a significant burden on health services. This study identified factors associated with vaccine practices among nurses and will inform the development of specific tailored interventions for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To identify the reported predictors of the practice of restricting a child for a clinical procedure in hospital. Background Previous work in this area is dominated by discussion papers and suggestions for addressing the issue of restriction. This is the first study to explore reported predictors of this practice with a view to implementing change based on research findings. Design A factorial survey was developed, which incorporated the use of vignettes with various scenarios. The factorial design enabled exploration of the interaction of multiple factors on the practice of restriction. Methods One hundred and sixty-six nurses caring for children were each sent 10 vignettes and asked to rate their likelihood to restrict a child based on the vignettes. A total of 105 nurses responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 63%. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify reported predictors of restriction. Results Nurses were more likely to restrict a child if they had prior instruction on safe holding, if there was no play therapist available, if the nurse was a registered general nurse with no other registration qualification, if the child required cannulation or if the child was less than five years of age. Conclusion This study identified predictors of restriction from the perspective of practicing nurses; the evidence needs to be used in developing clinical guidelines and in multidisciplinary education. Relevance to clinical practice There is a need to move from any presumption of restriction towards more critical consideration of the individual requirements of the child. There is a need to increase the numbers of nurses receiving specialist training on the care of a child in hospital. The importance of a well-resourced play therapy service is supported, and there is a need for multidisciplinary work to explore alternatives to restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrant care workers make a substantial contribution to older adult care in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK). However, little is known about the relational aspects of care involving migrant care workers and older people. Given that the care relationship is closely linked to quality of care, and that the Irish and UK sectors are increasingly restricted by economic austerity measures, this lack of information is a concern for care practice and policy. Our paper explores the relationship between migrant care workers and older people in Ireland and the UK and draws on data collected in both countries, including focus groups with older people (N = 41), interviews with migrant care workers (N = 90) and data from a survey of and interviews with employers. The findings illustrate the complexity of the migrant care worker–older person relationship; the prevalence of need orientated, friendship and familial-like, reciprocal, and discriminatory interlinking themes; and the role of individual, structural and temporal factors in shaping these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims and objectives. The aim of the study was to review breastfeeding support provided by Public Health Nurses in Ireland. The objectives were to identify the availability of appropriate guiding policies, educational preparation, attitude of Public Health Nurses and the availability and use of other supportive services. Background. Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe. The main source of formal support for breastfeeding mothers in the community in Ireland is from Public Health Nurses who can make referral to other non-statutory resources. The nature of this support is determined by policies guiding clinical practice and education that increases breastfeeding confidence and competence of all personnel. Consequently, an assessment of breastfeeding resources requires an analysis of all these variables. Design. A large quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted, involving Public Health Nurses and mothers. This paper represents the results from the perspective of Public Health Nurses. Method. Directors of Public Health Nursing ( n = 24) and Public Health Nurses ( n = 204) completed self-report questionnaires by mail and online. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. Public Health Nurses are well educated to support breastfeeding and have a positive attitude and a high degree of self-assessed confidence and competence. A wide variety of non-statutory support exists for breastfeeding but is not always used to their full potential. Conclusion. Standardising educational requirements for Public Health Nurses in supporting breastfeeding is an area that requires attention. Ultimately, service delivery in relation to supporting breastfeeding mothers would benefit from being more timely and responsive. Relevance to clinical practice. Awareness of support resources is necessary for Public Health Nurses to make appropriate referrals for breastfeeding mothers. Furthermore, Directors of Public Health Nursing need to encourage the breastfeeding supportive role of Public Health Nurses and facilitate continuing professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

o'leary d.f. & ni mhaolrúnaigh s. (2012) Information-seeking behaviour of nurses: where is information sought and what processes are followed? Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 379-390. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study on how nurses inform their decision-making in the workplace. Background. Despite the growing availability of research evidence, nurses have been slow to adopt it into their daily decision-making. Method. The study was undertaken in Ireland between 2006 and 2007 using a sequential mixed methods approach. In phase 1, the views of a quota sample of 29 nurses were explored using semi-structured interviews incorporating vignettes. Phase 2 involved the design and dissemination of a survey to a disproportionate stratified random sample of 1356 nurses. The response rate was 29%. Findings. In decision-making, nurses accessed other people, especially nursing colleagues, the most frequently. Sources that provided prepackaged information such as guidelines were favoured over sources that provided access to original research. The process of information-seeking for routine and non-routine decisions was different. Nurses making routine decisions relied mostly on their experience and an assessment of the patient. In non-routine decision-making, participants experienced more uncertainty about their decisions. Accordingly, sources of information used were more varied and the information-seeking process more extensive. The study highlighted the complexities of establishing whether information used in decision-making is research based or not. Conclusion. Routine practices should be reviewed and updated regularly through organizational mandates, as nurses do not generally question them. Research information to inform non-routine decision-making must be easily available to nurses in their workplace, as information searches generally prioritize finding enough, rather than the best, information to make a decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

white c. & gallagher p. (2010) Effect of patient coping preferences on quality of life following renal transplantation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2550-2559. Aim. This paper is a report of a study investigating the relationships between quality of life, patient coping preferences, and desire to be actively involved in care following renal transplantation. Background. While the general consensus is that quality of life is improved greatly by kidney transplantation, it is apparent that it is not uniformly a positive experience in this regard. There is a need to identify individual difference factors that influence quality of life following renal transplantation. Method. A correlational study was conducted in the national referral centre for renal transplantation in the Republic of Ireland in 2006 with a sample of 172 transplant recipients. Data were collected using a questionnaire composed of standardized instruments to measure the key concepts. Results. Participants perceived that they had good quality of life, and used more problem-solving than avoidance coping strategies. Avoidance coping strategies were associated with statistically significantly lower quality of life following transplantation. Being younger, attaining a higher education level, being in employment and being married were associated with higher quality of life following transplantation. Conclusion. Assessment of coping strategies among the transplant population should be further explored in clinical practice, and steps employed to promote the use of positive coping strategies in order to maximize quality of life after transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]