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Aim: To develop and test the psychometric properties of an expanded catheter self‐management scale for patients with in‐dwelling urinary catheters. Design: A cross‐sectional validation study. Despite the utility of the original 13‐item catheter self‐management scale, this instrument did not include bowel management, general hygiene and drainage bag care, which are fundamental skills in urinary catheter self‐management to prevent common problems resulting in unnecessary hospital presentations. The expanded catheter self‐management scale was developed with 10 additional items to comprehensively assess all five essential aspects of urinary catheter self‐management. Methods: A total of 101 adult community‐dwelling patients living with indwelling urinary catheters were recruited from Western Sydney, Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation, the number of factors to be extracted from the expanded 23‐item expanded catheter self‐management scale was determined using a scree plot. The reliability of the overall scale and subscales was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlations between clinical characteristics, overall scale and subscales. Results: The 23‐item expanded catheter self‐management scale yielded a 5‐factor solution, labelled as: (i) self‐monitoring of catheter function, (ii) proactive, help‐seeking behaviour function, (iii) bowel self‐care function, (iv) hygiene‐related catheter site function and (v) drainage bag care function. Cronbach's alpha of the expanded catheter self‐management scale indicating all 23 items contributed to the overall alpha value. Convergent validity results showed a negative correlation between the overall expanded catheter self‐management scale and catheter‐related problems. Conclusion: The 5‐factor structure provided a comprehensive assessment of key aspects of urinary catheter self‐management essential to reduce the likelihood of catheter‐related hospital presentations. Implications: The expanded catheter self‐management scale can be used to assess and monitor effective patient‐centred interventions for optimal self‐management to prevent catheter‐related problems and improve the quality of life of patients. Impact: Many patients start their journey of living with a urinary catheter unexpectedly and are not supported with quality information to care for their catheter.The findings of this study show the correlation between catheter self‐management skills and catheter‐related problems.The expanded catheter self‐management scale (E‐CSM) assists with analysing the self‐management skills of patients living with a catheter and developing tailored interventions to prevent problems and improve their quality of life. In addition, this screening tool can be included in policies, guidelines, and care plans as a standard for improving catheter management and developing educational resources for patients. Reporting Method: STROBE checklist was used to report all aspects of this study comprehensively and accurately. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients living with indwelling urinary catheter and their carers have participated in surveys, interviews and co‐designing interventions. This paper reports the psychometric analysis of the expanded catheter self‐management scale (E‐CSM) used in the patient survey as part of the main study 'Improving Quality of Life of Patients Living with Indwelling Urinary Catheters: IQ‐IDC Study' (Alex et al. in Collegian, 29:405–413, 2021). We greatly value our consumers' contributions and continue to communicate the progress of the study to them. Their contributions will be acknowledged in all publications and presentations. In addition, all participants will be provided the option of receiving the interventions and publications generated from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the satisfaction and experiences of women and staff with the BSOTS in an Australian hospital. Design: Cross‐sectional descriptive survey. Methods: Surveys were distributed to women and staff between February and May 2022. Survey questions reflected satisfaction with triage and provision of care under the BSOTS system (for women) and confidence in using the BSOTS system and its impact on triage‐related care (for staff). Survey data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were analysed using content analysis. Results: There were 50 women and 40 staff (midwives and doctors) survey respondents. Most women were satisfied with triage wait times, the verbal information they received and the time it took for them to receive care. Nearly all midwife participants indicated they had high knowledge and confidence in using the BSOTS. Most staff indicated that the BSOTS supported the accurate assessment of women and had benefits for women, staff and the hospital. Conclusion: The findings showed that women and staff were satisfied with receiving and providing care in a maternity triage setting under the BSOTS system. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Implementing standardized maternity triage approaches such as the BSOTS in health settings delivering care to pregnant women is recommended for improving flow of care and perceptions of care quality by women. Impact: Quality of maternity triage processes is likely to impact the satisfaction of women attending services and the staff providing care. The BSOTS was shown to improve maternity triage processes and was associated with satisfaction of women and staff. Maternity settings can benefit from implementing triage approaches such as the BSOTS as it standardizes and justifies the care provided to women. This is likely to result in satisfaction of women and staff engaged in maternity triage and improve the birth outcomes of women and babies. Reporting Method: The reporting of this paper has followed SQUIRE guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution: Women engaged with maternity services were participants in the study but did not contribute to the design, conduct or publication of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the proportion of acute care nurses witnessing end‐of‐life dreams and visions or having these reported by a patient or relative, and to canvass their related attitudes and beliefs. Design: A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted from February 2023 to May 2023. Setting/Participants: Participants were medical and surgical nurses from a 200‐bed acute care hospital in metropolitan Australia. Results: Fifty‐seven nurses participated from a workforce of 169 (34% response rate), of whom 35 (61%) reported they had encountered end‐of‐life dreams and visions. The nature of end‐of‐life dreams and visions encountered was similar to those reported in previous studies by patients and clinicians. Nurses generally held positive attitudes towards end‐of‐life dreams and visions but identified an unmet need for education and training on this aspect of end‐of‐life care. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nurses in acute care encounter end‐of‐life dreams and visions in a similar proportion to oncology and long‐term care but lower than in palliative care settings. Education and training regarding end‐of‐life dreams and visions are needed to ensure the provision of comprehensive, patient‐centred end‐of‐life care. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. Impact: Research in sub‐acute and long‐term care settings suggests that end‐of‐life dreams and visions are a common accompaniment to the dying process. No research has yet focused on the acute care setting, despite this being the place of death for the majority of people in most high‐income countries. This study demonstrates that acute care nurses encounter end‐of‐life dreams and visions in similar proportions to oncology and long‐term care nurses but lower than palliative care nurses. Acute care nurses would benefit from education and training regarding end‐of‐life dreams and visions to enable the provision of holistic person‐centred end‐of‐life care. Reporting Method: This study was reported using the STROBE Checklist for cross‐sectional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

scott k., white k., johnson c. & roydhouse j.k. (2011) Knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurses in Australia. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1111-1121. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of the development and testing of a questionnaire measuring knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurse in Australia. Background. The role of cancer clinical trials nurse, widely acknowledged as an integral member of the clinical research team, has evolved in recent years. Elements of the clinical trials nurse role in cancer have previously been described. To evaluate specific cancer clinical trials nurse educational and training needs, the development of a valid and reliable tool is required. Methods. In 2009, a study was conducted in three stages. Stage I: questionnaire development and pilot testing; stage II: focus group; stage III: national survey. Internal consistency reliability testing and multi-trait analysis of item convergent/divergent validity were employed. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of clinical trials nurse knowledge and skills. Results. The national survey was a 48-item questionnaire, measuring six clinical trial knowledge and seven skills sub-scales. Of 61 respondents, 90% were women, with mean age 43 years, 19 years as a Registered Nurse and 5 years as a cancer clinical trials nurse. Self-reported knowledge and skills were satisfactory to good. Internal consistency reliability was high (Cronbach's alpha: knowledge = 0·98; skills = 0·90). Criteria for item convergent/divergent validity were met. Number of years as cancer clinical trials nurse was positively related to self-reported knowledge and skills. Conclusion. Preliminary data suggest that the national survey is reliable and valid. Data have contributed to better understanding the knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurse in Australia and development of a postgraduate course in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

tramm r., mccarthy a. & yates p. (2011) Using the Precede-Proceed Model of Health Program Planning in breast cancer nursing research. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1870-1880. Abstract Aim. In this article, we discuss the use of the Precede-Proceed model when investigating health promotion options for breast cancer survivors. Background. Adherence to recommended health behaviours can optimize well-being after cancer treatment. Guided by the Precede-Proceed approach, we studied the behaviours of breast cancer survivors in our health service area. Data sources. The interview data from the cohort of breast cancer survivors are used in this article to illustrate the use of Precede-Proceed in this nursing research context. Interview data were collected from June to December 2009. We also searched Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo and PsychExtra up to 2010 for relevant literature in the English language to interrogate the data from other theoretical perspectives. Discussion. The Precede-Proceed model is theoretically complex. The deductive analytic process guided by the model usefully explained some of the health behaviours of cancer survivors, although it could not explicate many other findings. A complementary inductive approach to the analysis and subsequent interpretation by way of Uncertainty in Illness Theory and other psychosocial perspectives provided a comprehensive account of the qualitative data that resulted in contextually relevant recommendations for nursing practice. Implications for nursing. Nursing researchers using Precede-Proceed should maintain theoretical flexibility when interpreting qualitative data. Perspectives not embedded in the model might need to be considered to ensure that the data are analysed in a contextually relevant way. Conclusion. Precede-Proceed provides a robust framework for nursing researchers investigating health promotion in cancer survivors; however, additional theoretical lenses to those embedded in the model can enhance data interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: To explore Registered Nurses' attitudes and behaviour towards patients' use of complementary therapies. Background: Despite high rates of use of complementary therapies by the general population, little is known of how nurses respond to patients' use of these therapies. Design: A two-phase sequential exploratory mixed methods design. Methods: Nineteen Registered Nurses working in Australia participated in a semi-structured interview in 2015-2016 and emerging themes informed the development of a quantitative survey instrument administered online nationwide in 2016. Findings: Emerging key themes "Promoting safe care"; "Seeking complementary therapies knowledge";" Supporting holistic health care"; and "Integrating complementary therapies in practice" were reflected in survey results. Survey responses (N = 614) revealed >90% agreement that complementary therapies align with a holistic view of health and that patients have the right to use them. Most nurses (77.5%) discussed complementary therapies with patients and 91.8% believed nurses should have some understanding of the area. One-third did not recommend complementary therapies and there was a lack of overall consensus as to whether these therapies should be integrated into nursing practice. Nurses with training in complementary therapies held more positive views than those without. Conclusion: Nurses were generally supportive of patients' interest in complementary therapies, although their primary concern was safety of the patient. Despite broad acceptance that nurses should have a basic understanding of complementary therapies, there was a lack of consensus about recommendation, integration into nursing practice and referral. Further research should explore how nurses can maintain safe, patient-centred care in the evolving pluralistic healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which Australian child and family health nurses work with families with complex needs and how their practice responds to the needs of these families. Background Many families with young children face challenges to their parenting capacity, potentially placing their children at risk of poorer developmental outcomes. Nurses increasingly work with families with mental health problems, trauma histories and/or substance dependence. Universal child health services must respond effectively to these challenges, to address health inequalities and to promote the best outcomes for all children and families. Design The descriptive study used cross-sectional data from the first national survey of child and family health nurses in Australia, conducted during 2011. Methods Survey data reported how often, where and how child and family health nurses worked with families with complex needs and their confidence in nursing tasks. Findings Many, but not all, of the 679 respondents saw families with complex needs in their regular weekly caseload. Child and family health nurses with diverse and complex caseloads reported using varied approaches to support their clients. They often undertook additional professional development and leadership roles compared with nurses who reported less complex caseloads. Most respondents reported high levels of professional confidence. Conclusion For health services providing universal support and early intervention for families at risk, the findings underscore the importance of appropriate education, training and support for child and family health professionals. The findings can inform the organization and delivery of services for families in Australia and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of characteristics of nurses' relationship quality with their manager on engagement and trust, onto in-role or discretionary behaviours and intent to quit. Background Nurses having a good relationship with their manager are seen as important, yet the mechanisms of how such relationships are beneficial, or which aspects of the relationship are important, is less clear. Two possible mechanisms are through the nurse being more engaged in work, or through building their trust in their employer. In turn, engagement and trust may impact in-role and discretionary behaviours as well as staff retention. Design Cross-sectional. Method An online survey in 2013 of 459 nurses across Australia. Results Structural analyses indicated that the affect dimension of relationship quality was negatively related to engagement, whereas contribution and respect were positively related to engagement. The affect and respect aspects were positively related to trust. Engagement positively related to discretionary and in-role behaviours. Engagement and trust were negatively related to quit intention, as was the loyalty dimension of the nurses' relationship with their supervisor. However, perceptions of variability in their team's relationship quality with their leader was negatively related to trust and positively related to intent to quit. Conclusions Nurse managers with a nuanced understanding of social exchange at work are likely to maintain more engaged, well-performing and stable nursing teams. In particular, a willingness by the supervisor to come to their nurses' defence and having a consistent standard of relationship quality across their nurses is likely to improve nurse retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The transition shock or Imposter Phenomena sometimes associated with moving from student to Registered Nurse can lead to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity especially with the increased expectations and responsibilities that registration brings. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the extent at which imposter phenomenon is evident in four final year nursing student cohorts in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Design A survey design. Settings The study took place at four higher education institutes - two metropolitan campuses and two regional campuses between October 2014 - February 2015 in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. A sample of 223 final year nursing students undertaking nationally accredited nursing programmes were approached. Results Each cohort exhibited mild to moderate feelings of Imposter Phenomena. A positive weak correlation between imposter phenomena and preparedness for practice was found. The New Zealand cohort scored higher than both the Australian and UK cohorts on both feelings of imposterism and preparedness for practice. Conclusions Nursing students possess internalized feelings which suggest their performance and competence once qualified could be compromised. There is some speculation that the respective curriculums may have some bearing on preparing students for registration and beyond. It is recommended that educational programmes designed for this student cohort should be mindful of this internal conflict and potential external hostility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This article describes the rationale, design and methodology of the Building research initiative group: chronic illness management and ad herence in transplantation ( BRIGHT) study. This study of heart transplant patients will: (1) describe practice patterns relating to chronic illness management; (2) assess prevalence and variability of non-adherence to the treatment regimen; (3) determine the multi-level factors related to immunosuppressive medication non-adherence. Background The unaltered long-term prognosis after heart transplantation underscores an urgent need to identify and improve factors related to survival outcomes. The healthcare system (e.g. level of chronic illness management implemented) and patient self-management are major drivers of outcome improvement. Design The study uses a survey design in 40 heart transplant centres covering 11 countries in four continents. Methods Theoretical frameworks informed variable selection, which are measured by established and investigator-developed instruments. Heart transplant recipients, outpatient clinicians and programme's directors complete a survey. A staged convenience sampling strategy is implemented in heart transplant centres, countries and continents. Depending on the centre's size, a random sample of 25-60 patients is selected (N estimated 1680 heart transplant recipients). Five randomly selected clinicians and the medical director from each centre will be invited to participate. Conclusion This is the first multi-centre, multi-continental study examining healthcare system and heart transplant centres chronic illness management practice patterns and potential correlates of immunosuppressive medication non-adherence. The knowledge gained will inform clinicians, researchers and healthcare policy makers at which level(s) interventions need to be implemented to improve long-term outcomes for transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To explore the complex relationships between nurses' personal resources, job satisfaction and 'customer' (patient) orientation. Background Previous research has shown that nursing is highly intensive, emotionally charged work, which affects nurses' job performance and their customer orientation as well as patient or 'customer' satisfaction. This study contributes to the literature by examining how nurses' personal resources relate to their personal satisfaction and customer orientation and the relationships between them. Specifically, this study explores the effects of two facets of emotional labour (deep acting and surface acting), empathic concern, self-efficacy and emotional exhaustion on personal job satisfaction and customer orientation. We also test the moderating effects of inauthenticity and emotional contagion. Design A quantitative survey. Method Data were collected through a self-completion questionnaire administered to a sample of 159 Australian nurses, in a public teaching hospital, in 2010. The data were analysed using Partial Least Square analysis. Results Partial Least Square analysis indicates that the final model is a good fit to the data (Goodness of Fit = 0·51). Deep acting and surface acting have different effects (positive and negative) on job satisfaction and 'customer' orientation, self-efficacy has a positive effect on both and emotional exhaustion has a positive effect on customer orientation and a negative effect on job satisfaction. The moderating effects of emotional contagion and empathic concern, in the final model, are discussed. Conclusions Understanding the complex interactions between personal resources, job satisfaction and customer orientation helps to increase service providers' (nurses in this study) personal satisfaction and 'customer' orientation particularly in difficult contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report a study in Australian operating theatres of compliance by the anaesthetic team with best peripheral arterial catheter practice for blood gas sampling and infection prevention. Comparisons are made with research recommendations and Centres for Disease Control Guidelines. Background There is wide global usage of peripheral arterial catheters in the operating theatre for haemodynamic monitoring and blood gas analysis. Frequent blood sampling from arterial catheters can lead to statistically significant blood loss and provide an infective potential. Evidence-based research and clinical guidelines prescribe best practice. Design Cross-sectional descriptive survey Methods Data were collected in 2009 from 64 major Australian hospitals using a self-designed internet survey. Results/Findings Hand hygiene prior to catheter insertion was the only infection prevention practice entirely adherent with guidelines. The recommended ratio of discard to dead space volume of 2:1 to decrease unnecessary blood loss during blood gas sampling was reported by only 11 (17%) respondents. Less than 32 (50%) respondents used the preferred solution, chlorhexidine to disinfect the insertion site. Access ports were reported as 'never disinfected' before use by 30 (47%) respondents. Conclusion The complex operating theatre environment presents barriers, which contribute to non-adherence with guidelines. These barriers need to be identified to plan strategies for improvement. A quality audit tool is proposed for development by nurses in collaboration with the anaesthetic team, providing a needed method to assess ongoing compliance with best peripheral arterial catheter care. Further international research would test the generalizability of our Australian findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lodewijckx c., sermeus w., panella m., deneckere s., leigheb f., troosters t., boto p.a., mendes r.v., decramer m. & vanhaecht k. (2012) Quality indicators for in-hospital management of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of an international Delphi study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 69(2), 348-362. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06013.x Abstract Aim. To report a Delphi study that was conducted to select process and outcome indicators that are relevant to study quality of care and impact of care pathways for patients hospitalized with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Background. Management of patients hospitalized with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is suboptimal and outcomes are poor. To evaluate the impact of care pathways properly, relevant indicators need to be selected. Design. Delphi study. Methods. The study was conducted over 4 months in 2008, with 35 experts out of 15 countries, including 19 medical doctors, 8 nurses and 8 physiotherapists. Participants were asked to rate, for 72 process and 21 outcome indicators, the relevance for follow-up in care pathways for in-hospital management of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Consensus (agreement by at least 75% of the participants) that an indicator is relevant for follow-up was sought in two rounds. Results. Consensus was reached for 26 of 72 process indicators (36·1%) and 10 of 21 outcome indicators (47·6%). Highest consensus levels were found for the process indicators regarding oxygen therapy (100%), pulmonary rehabilitation (100%) and patient education (94·5-88·6%) and for the outcome indicators concerning understanding of therapy (91·4-85·7%) and self-management (88·6-88·2%). Conclusion. The selected indicators appear to be sensitive for improvement. Therefore, researchers and clinicians that want to study and improve the care for patients hospitalized with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should primarily focus on these indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

bartram t., casimir g., djurkovic n., leggat s.g. & stanton p. (2012) Do perceived high performance work systems influence the relationship between emotional labour, burnout and intention to leave? A study of Australian nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(7), 1567-1578. Abstract Aims. The purpose of this article was to explore the relationships between perceived high performance work systems, emotional labour, burnout and intention to leave among nurses in Australia. Background. Previous studies show that emotional labour and burnout are associated with an increase in intention to leave of nurses. There is evidence that high performance work systems are in association with a decrease in turnover. There are no previous studies that examine the relationship between high performance work systems and emotional labour. Design. A cross-sectional, correlational survey. Methods. The study was conducted in Australia in 2008 with 183 nurses. Three hypotheses were tested with validated measures of emotional labour, burnout, intention to leave, and perceived high performance work systems. Principal component analysis was used to examine the structure of the measures. The mediation hypothesis was tested using Baron and Kenny's procedure and the moderation hypothesis was tested using hierarchical regression and the product-term. Results. Emotional labour is positively associated with both burnout and intention to leave. Burnout mediates the relationship between emotional labour and intention to leave. Perceived high performance work systems negatively moderates the relationship between emotional labour and burnout. Perceived high performance work systems not only reduces the strength of the negative effect of emotional labour on burnout but also has a unique negative effect on intention to leave. Conclusion. Ensuring effective human resource management practice through the implementation of high performance work systems may reduce the burnout associated with emotional labour. This may assist healthcare organizations to reduce nurse turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine current national urinary incontinence management practices in Australian acute stroke units and their concordance with the National Stroke Foundation guidelines. Background. Urinary incontinence is a common consequence after stroke and a statistically significant indicator of poor outcome, including disability and admission to institutional care. The National Stroke Foundation has produced guidelines for the acute and post-acute phase of care, offering Australian nurses evidence-based recommendations regarding stroke management including the management of urinary incontinence. Method. In 2007-2008, dedicated acute stroke units in Australia were identified and a senior nurse from each unit was invited to participate in a 10-minute telephone survey to ascertain their current urinary continence management practices. Results. Representatives from 41 acute stroke units participated in the survey (response rate 98%). Participants from less than half of the units reported that they had a formal plan for urinary incontinence management (n = 19, 46%), and the majority of those who did not would find a formal plan useful (n = 15, 79%). Two-thirds of respondents stated that they would manage urinary incontinence with indwelling catheterization (n = 25, 61%). Only 30% (n = 12) were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with urinary continence management in their acute stroke unit. Conclusion. A large proportion of acute stroke units were yet to establish formal urinary incontinence management plans. The implementation of evidence-based urinary incontinence management plans after stroke is integral to improving patient outcomes. An increase in resources for professional development in the assessment, treatment and management of urinary incontinence is essential to improve and maintain skills in after-stroke care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]