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Universities are in a highly competitive environment, needing strong academic leadership. Some heads of departments have been appointed into leadership positions in a healthcare faculty after having been mere academics for a few years. They are more likely to experience challenges. This study aimed to explore the views and understanding of heads of departments in a healthcare faculty on being appointed as academic leaders in a higher education context in South Africa. A qualitative design using 12 individual unstructured interviews was conducted with all the heads of departments in a health sciences faculty. Open coding was conducted and two themes emerged, focusing on the varied skills needed for academic leadership positions and developing leadership skills amongst senior academics. The findings indicated that development of senior academics in leadership should be undertaken by a knowledgeable professional in formal or informal settings, to encourage mentorship and more regular group meetings, while addressing the core role of a leader. Implications of these findings for a faculty of health sciences and suggestions for leadership succession in future are discussed.

Background: Globally, critical care outreach services (CCOS) were implemented in health care facilities; however, compliance with guidelines is poor. The authors have noticed that a gap exists in the literature on how self-leadership might influence nurses' implementation of CCOS. Self-leadership is about leadership applied to oneself. Critical care outreach services assist nurses with the nursing care of a patient whose health is declining. Leadership is needed for the successful implementation of CCOS. Aim: This article aims to outline the method the authors followed for developing the conceptual framework for how self-leadership amongst nurses influenced the functioning of CCOS. Setting: The research was conducted at a private hospital in Pretoria. Methods: A qualitative approach was followed to provide an accurate description of nurses' experiences on their self-leadership in a CCOS. The practice-oriented theory of Dickoff (1968) was the reasoning map for developing and constructing the conceptual framework. Results: Bedside nurses experienced the following self-leadership strategies: constructive thought patterns, natural rewards and behaviours focused on their implementation of CCOS. Conclusion: The conceptual framework was part of another study and provided the authors with a rationale that guided the authors with the development of self-leadership strategies in a CCOS. Contribution: The conceptual framework provided the authors with an understanding of how nurses' self-leadership influenced the implementation of CCOS. The conceptual framework can also assist in developing training programmes for nurses to improve their self-leadership and ultimately improve nurses' competence in providing quality nursing care to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive, yet they continue to experience insurmountable challenges, such as poverty and absentee fathers, that prompt them to resort to risk behaviours such as substance use. In rural South Africa, women tend to be the breadwinners and more involved with parenting than men. Objective: The primary objective of the study was to explore perspectives of rural youth on factors influencing youth participation in substance use. The secondary objective was to obtain the perspectives of adult women on factors influencing substance use among young people. Methods: The qualitative study, informed by a social‐ecological framework, utilised a semi‐structured interview protocol in focus group discussions in rural South Africa. Seven focus group discussions, each with between 8 and 15 individuals were conducted with 79 youth. The eighth discussion was with nine adult women. Data were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, manually coded and further analysed into themes using NVivo 12. Findings: Four themes emerged: hopelessness and lack of motivation, lack of adult role models such as father, lack of built environment for recreational activities and lack of educational opportunities. The social‐ecological model provided a useful framework to understand the findings. In line with this model, rural youth in South Africa described a variety of factors that influenced youth substance use and other risk behaviours. These related to the individual, relationships with others, community and societal norms and values factors of the social‐ecological model. Conclusions: The broadening spectrum of substances available to an increasing youth population bulge in Africa suggests a strong threat of social and disease burden due to substance use disorders. Given this threat, this study provides awareness to a multi‐systems approach needed to support the rural South African youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midwives are expected to meet the demands of their ever-expanding roles without having a voice to contribute to the decision-making process in developing the protocols to be followed in implementing HIV/AIDS testing and counselling. The aim of the current study was to describe nurse managers' support to midwives in implementing HIV/AIDS testing and counselling within protocol at an antenatal clinic located in the Central Region of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. The study followed a qualitative design to gain insight into midwives' experiences in implementing HIV/AIDS testing and counselling at an antenatal clinic and how nurse managers support midwives in this regard. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with eight (n = 8) purposively sampled professional midwives to understand the implementation of HIV/AIDS testing and counselling within protocol from the midwives' perspectives and field notes were taken. All the interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using the thematic approach. The study findings indicated that ongoing education, coaching and mentoring, and constructive feedback are all necessary support mechanisms for midwives to implement HIV/AIDS counselling for better client care outcomes. It was recommended that nurse managers should intensify their efforts in an antenatal clinic, supporting midwives with practice relevant information on HIV, to address the needs of pregnant women and the larger community. Well-informed competent midwives are needed to apply the latest protocols and trends in midwifery practices that will uplift the health status of pregnant women in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is considered one of the largest global health challenges of this century and one of the top 10 causes of death across the world. Studies indicate an increased economic burden in relation to diabetes, not only on government revenue but also within private industries. Exploring the perceptions of employees with diabetes mellitus as related to their self-management practices could assist in encouraging behaviours that are associated with positive management outcomes. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of employees with diabetes mellitus, seen by professional nurses in selected occupational health clinics, about the self-management of their disease. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive contextual design was followed through 17 individual interviews with 17 employees working in various industries in Cape Town, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Open coding of the data followed, and four themes emerged. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were also adhered to in the study, and approval for the study was granted. Results: The study findings gave insight into the manner in which employees perceived their behaviour changes in terms of their self-management practices. Various emotions were expressed by employees relating to the disease as well as the lifestyle adaptations required for self-management thereof. Employees noted that knowledge acquisition and greater understanding of the motivators for lifestyle changes could improve aspects of their day-today living as well as the disease outcomes. Conclusion: Employees expressed an awareness of the changes and lifestyle adaptations needed but found aspects thereof to be an ongoing challenge. The areas of challenge varied amongst employees. A consciousness of the possible consequences of poor self-management practices and self-modification behavior to address these was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the emerging global youth disengagement epidemic, anticipated population growth, and the threat of continued rural-urban migration among young adults, recent research has focused on community leadership practice and the factors that influence youth engagement at the local level. Studying these practices and factors can elicit interventions that can improve youth engagement and youth health. This study engaged South African rural community leaders in interviews to collect perceptions and experiences on community leadership and factors that influence youth engagement and their health behaviors. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Emergent themes are categorized into four domains: conceptualizations of leadership, current youth behaviors, barriers to youth engagement, and youth leadership opportunities and potential solutions. Findings demonstrate a clear grasp of the concept of community leadership among community leaders, and an awareness of the complex interplay of social, economic and environmental factors on youth disengagement and the potential interventions to promote more youth participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study sought to explore and describe the interpretation which adolescents ascribe to the term wellness at a selected high school in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Methods: A qualitative research design was utilized. Nine focus-group discussions were conducted among 58 adolescents. Sample was selected purposefully and collected data was analyzed using open coding. Results: Findings reflected adolescents' interpretations of the term wellness in the realm of holistic well-being transcending the nonexistence of illness or sickness in the body. The interpretations given include: healthy living which embrace eating enough nutritious foods, exercising regularly and being actively involved in physical activities; practicing self-care habits such as personal hygiene and grooming; well-being of the mind (psychological, emotional); having a balanced personality and interpersonal processes; being focused and goal directed and spiritual well-being. Conclusion: It is imperative to consider adolescents' understandings of wellness when planning, designing, implementing and evaluating adolescent wellness programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This paper describes the perceptions of nurse managers about their dual role in nursing units as cost centres. Background The tertiary hospital in the Limpopo province is the first institution to appoint nurse managers with a dual role in cost centres. The development of a conceptual framework for a context-specific programme for Cost Centre Managers is the first of its nature in South Africa. Method A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was followed. The target population included nurse managers ( n = 35) formally appointed as cost centre managers with a dual role of delivering quality care and cost management. A focus group and individual interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Results Personal and professional distress, an empowering potential of being a cost centre manager, and the need for decentralized cost centre management were indicated as barriers for nurse managers that led to a framework for a context-specific training programme. Conclusion There is a need for a context-specific training programme for cost centre managers in a hospital with cost centres. Implications for nursing management The training of cost centre managers for their dual role in cost centres could enhance cost effectiveness, quality care and staff satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper describes perceptions of the end users on quality of antiretroviral therapy ( ART) in public health facilities in Nigeria. Background Health care services in Nigeria face challenges of meeting end users' requirements and expectations for quality ART service provision. Method A qualitative design was followed. Unstructured focus group discussions were conducted with end users ( n = 64) in six locations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Results The findings indicate that end users were satisfied with uninterrupted antiretroviral drug supplies, courtesy treatment, volunteerism of support group members and quality counselling services. Conclusion End users expect effective collaboration between healthcare providers and support group members, to enhance the quality of life of people living with HIV. Implications for nursing management A best practice guideline for the provision of end user focused ART service provision was developed for nurse managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The present study outlines the perceptions of participants on male involvement in reproductive health (RH) from a management perspective. Background Namibia is one of the African countries affected by cultural and socio-economic influences that have persuaded gender roles in a way that hinders male-partner involvement in RH. Method A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was followed. The target population included all male and female partners attending a health facility and all nurse managers (registered nurses in charge) that provided RH services in the health facility in a northern region in Namibia. Individual interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Results The results indicate that the management principles, policy and legislation, as well as resources to facilitate male involvement in RH, were indicated as barriers for nurse managers to facilitate male involvement. Conclusion Male involvement in RH care is needed for an interpersonal and interactive partnership. Implications for Nurse Managers Recommendations are made to establish a partnership within the current health care framework in which reproductive health is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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jooste k. & jasper m. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management  18, 704-714 A framework for recognition of prior learning within a Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Management in South Africa Aims The present study focuses on the development of an initial framework to guide educators in nursing management in designing a portfolio for the recognition of prior learning for accreditation of competencies within a postgraduate diploma in South Africa. Background In South Africa, there is a unique educational need, arising from the legacy of apartheid and previous political regimes, to facilitate educational development in groups previously unable to access higher education. Awareness of the need for continuous professional development in nursing management practice and recognition of prior learning in the educational environment has presented the possibility of using one means to accomplish both aims. Evaluation Although the content of the present study is pertinent to staff development of nurse managers, it is primarily written for nurse educators in the field of nursing management. Key issues The findings identify focus areas to be addressed in a recognition of prior learning portfolio to comply with the programme specific outcomes of Nursing Service Management. Further work to refine these focus areas to criteria that specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement is needed. Conclusion and implications for nurse managers Managers need to facilitate continuous professional development through portfolio compilation which acknowledges the learning opportunities within the workplace and can be used as recognition of prior learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]