Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore with a small number of Maori families their experiences of accessing health care when their children were unwell with a respiratory condition. A qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Participating families were among those experiencing an admission to a children's ward between July and December 2003. Four families were interviewed. They discussed in depth their experience of accessing health care for their unwell children. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and three common themes were evident: family resources, choice of health service provider and parents' feelings of vulnerability. The findings highlight that while socio-economic status plays a large part in determining the ease with which families can access the needed health care, there are other barriers within the health system which also pose difficulties for Maori.

Abstract: Practice nurses are primarily responsible for the administration of vaccinations in New Zealand, although many other health professionals contribute to the success of the National Immunisation Schedule by providing vaccination information and advice to parents. Vaccination uptake remains relatively low, indicating many parents choose not to vaccinate their children. A literature review was undertaken to gain an understanding of factors which may influence parents when they are making decisions about childhood vaccinations. Four key themes were identified within the literature: Perceived risk; Vaccine safety and efficacy; Child characteristics; and the Influence of health professionals/supporting vaccination structures. Increased knowledge and awareness about influential factors creates opportunities for health professionals and policy makers to develop strategies to increase vaccination uptake. Implications and recommendations are made for practice, with particular emphasis on the role of the primary healthcare nurse.

Abstract: This study explored what some New Zealand families believe constitutes the successful management of unsupervised childcare. It was designed to increase social understanding and practitioner knowledge of the issue by exploring families' beliefs, practices and perspectives. The researcher was concerned with the professional role nurses may play with this group of children. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to obtain a straight description of successful unsupervised childcare, using the everyday language of the participating families. Data was collected in semi structured interviews with five family groups, and subjected to content and thematic analysis. Findings suggest unsupervised childcare is both choice and solution, though parents are fearful of the legal and social consequences of using it. Context of the care is important, with the child's preference, community context and availability of adults through distal supervision critical components of its success. Trust between parent and child, the use of rules and boundaries to regulate child behaviour, the teaching of skills and strategies to build child competency, and parental support of children while unsupervised are identified by parents as factors linked to success. Parents identify increasing child independence and self responsibility as positive outcomes from the successful use of unsupervised childcare. This study has helped to identify positive factors resulting in good outcomes from which successful interventions could be developed, provides information that will be of particular interest to practitioners and policy makers, and provides a platform to launch larger studies into the issue of unsupervised children.