Litchfield, M. (2002). The successful design and delivery of rural health services: The meaning of success. Christchurch: Centre for Rural Health.
Abstract: This is the report of the analysis of data from an in-depth survey designed by Sue Dawson, previously Rural Health Researcher in the Centre for Rural Health, and follow-up interviews. The study purpose was to construct a definition of “successful design and delivery of rural health services” as a step towards a measurement tool. Participants were grouped as general practitioners, nurses and community representatives. A format for a participatory approach to evaluation of rural health services is derived from the criteria of success identified, with its relevance for the implementation of the new Government primary health care strategy explicit. This format provided the basis for a subsequent evaluation case study undertaken in a small rural forestry township by the Centre for Rural Health.
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Tustin-Payne, W. (2008). Self esteem, competence assessment and nurses ability to write reflectively: Is there any connection? Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 requires nurses to have evidence to support they are competent to practice. Many nurses have become distraught and / or angry at this prospect, and the researcher suggests that this response appears to be more commonly related to the expectation of undertaking reflective writing, which is a key component of the competence evidence. This study explores the predisposing factors relating to nursing, reflective writing and competence to determine how this may impact on a nurse's self esteem. Utilisation of Critical Social Theory informed by feminist framework allows for exploration of the historical, social, political and cultural factors that shape and form female nurses reality in practice. It is a theory that relates to oppression and power, with the primary intent being to raise consciousness in order to emancipate. Although no definitive findings were made, there are multiple factors relating to nurse's history, socialisation, political imperatives and cultural beliefs that have the potential to impact on their self esteem. Competence, competence assessment and reflective practice are complex, therefore presenting multiple challenges. In order for nurses to understand their contextual reality and opportunities for change there is a need for them to engage in critical reflection.
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Clissold, C. (2006). How discourses stifle the Primary Health Care Strategy's intent to reduce health inequalities. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The Primary Health Care Strategy (PHCS) has a stated commitment to defined populations who suffer disproportionately from ill health. This thesis examines whether some prevailing discourses actually decrease the focus on health inequalities. A study of the nursing and medical media found that it focused predominantly on professional and industrial issues, leaving health workers focused mainly on their own professional interests, rather than considering the effects on health inequalities. She goes on to suggest that current Ministry of Health discourse values decentralised community health decision making. This may gloss over factors in community health which are affected by Government policy such as employment policy, and thus should be dealt with centrally by legislation. These factors have been found to be the most pertinent in health inequalities. So while models of community partnerships may seem to place communities as agents in their own health, this downplays the determinants of health which are beyond their control. Having shown that discourse can decrease the focus on health inequalities due to other professional and political drivers, the author then looked at health initiative concepts which are effective, efficient and equitable given the current set up of PHOs and nursing innovations.
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Holloway, K. T., & Pearson, J. R. (2005). Trailblazers: Primary health care programme evaluation. (Vol. Paper presented June 2004 at Royal New Zealand Plu).
Abstract: This report is an evaluation of the academic journey undertaken by a group of newly graduated nurses who were sponsored by a New Zealand district health board to work in a variety of primary health care nursing settings. The impetus for this pilot employment option was the Ministry of Health's focus on primary health care nursing and workforce development for this sector and the Expert Advisory Committee for primary health care nursing's recommendations to district health boards regarding employment of graduate nurses and support for them to engage in post graduate study. Evaluation participants were primarily the graduate nurses who were interviewed at the end of their first year of practice which was following programme completion then again nine to ten months later. Findings include the nurses reflections on what supported them and what acted to impede as barriers to their learning success and practice development. The report concludes with five recommendations that can be used to ensure that the travels of future newly graduated nurses taking this pathway are supported, safe and successful.
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Adams-Smith, P. H. (2002). An exploration of issues of primary health services for Taranaki Te Atiawa children based on the expectations and perceptions of their female caregivers. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The intention of this research is, through collaborative discussion and selective conversations, to explore female caregivers' expectations and perceptions of primary health services for some Te Atiawa Maori children. The research process was developed in a partnership between the Maori women participants and the researcher. In addition, two local kuia actively participated in and supported the process. Emancipatory critical social theory underpinned and informed the project. Power relationships between the researcher and the participants can be overtly explored within this theoretical framework. In terms of this particular exploratory study, participatory research appeared to be applicable. The participants are female caregivers of Te Atiawa children. Data collection was done using group interactions and semi-structured interviews in the winter of the year 2000. A thematic analysis of the data was used, in which common themes were identified, compared and discussed. From the analysis of the data of the participants' conversations, key ideas were identified. The major findings have been identified within two main themes. These are: a concept of health is not the same for Pakeha as for Maori, and access issues are still problematic for the participants in this study. Many quotes from the interview participants are included in order to keep the focus of the project on the voices of the women interviewed. In terms of the significant contribution of this research, this study aims to allow voices of female caregivers of Te Atiawa Maori children to be heard. Individual and collaborative interactions offer insights into what is important to them in terms of Maori child health. Clearly, the primary health initiatives promoted by the New Zealand government are not reaching at least some of the people for whom they are intended. The research participants offered their ideas as to how these deficits could be remedied in their community.
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Fail, A. (1999). Ageing in the 21st century. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 5(9), 24–31.
Abstract: The author looks at demographic and statistical information to extrapolate on trends that will affect the aged through into to the next century. She reviews policy approaches to the issues of a growing aged population combined with social and economic changes that could make this group vulnerable. Effective planning for the provision of quality care is placed in the context of social changes, advances in gerontology, and social theories of ageing.
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(2001). Dementia care: A literature review. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 7(13), 33–36.
Abstract: This article defines dementia, and explores recent trends in relation to why it is such a misunderstood condition in the health care setting. Within a theoretical framework of literature development, nurse client relationships, and quality of care and attitudes are analysed. Gaps, inconsistencies and consistencies are outlined, with the implications for nursing practice and education explored.
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Vernon, R. A. (2001). Clinical case study: Acute traumatic head injury. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 7(12), 3–9.
Abstract: This clinical case study takes an integrated approach to investigation and critical analysis of the complex physiological and pathophysiological treatment modalities instigated when a patient presents following acute traumatic head injury. A broad overview of the developmental physiology of the brain and an explanation of the mechanism of traumatic brain injury as it relates to alterations in cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolism is presented. The author describes in narrative form the clinical presentation of a patient, her symptoms and initial treatment rationale. It concludes with analysis of the patients initial treatment priorities and symptom management during the first 48 hours of her care.
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Lindsay, N. M. (2007). Family violence in New Zealand: A primary health care nursing perspective. Whitireia Nursing Journal, 14(7), 7–16.
Abstract: This article explores the implications of clinical decision making by primary health care nurses in relation to identifying family abuse, particularly partner abuse. The historical and sociological background to family violence in New Zealand, and government-led strategies are considered, along with issues for Maori and Pacific peoples. The concept of health literacy in relation to family violence is also briefly discussed.
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Vernon, R. A., Jacobs, S., & Papps, E. (2007). An innovative initiative for advanced nursing practice roles. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(2), 16–17.
Abstract: This paper reports an initiative which is an example of partnership between education and health organisations resulting in the implementation of a jointly funded advanced nursing practice role. The model is for community based Nurse Practitioner-managed health care for primary health and disease management. The key partners in this project are the Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, and a Primary Health Organisation (Tu Meke – First Choice). This article summarises the objectives, implementation, evaluation and benefits of the programme.
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Litchfield, M. (2007). The innovation effort: ?Are you in or are you out??.
Abstract: A graphic presentation in PDF format (April 2007) of the findings and policy implications of the developmental evaluation research programme for the Turangi Primary Health Care Nursing Innovation.
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Litchfield, M. (2002). The successful design and delivery of rural health services: The meaning of success. Christchurch: Centre for Rural Health.
Abstract: A report on the analysis of data from an in-depth survey designed by Sue Dawson, previously Rural Health Researcher in the Centre for Rural Health, and follow-up interviews. The study purpose was to construct a definition of ?successful design and delivery of rural health services? as a step towards a measurement tool. Participants were grouped as general practitioners (GPs), nurses and community representatives. A format for a participatory approach to evaluation of rural health services is derived from the criteria of success identified, with its relevance for the implementation of the new Government primary health care strategy explicit. This format provided the basis for a subsequent evaluation case study undertaken in a small rural forestry township by the Centre for Rural Health.
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Gibbons, V., Rice, S., & Lawrenson, R. (2010). Routine and rigidity: Barriers to insulin initiation in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. NZNO Library, 1(1), 19–22.
Abstract: It has been shown that intensive management of diabetes with type 2 diabetes is effective and has led to wider use of insulin. The conversion of patients from oral medication to insulin is usually managed in primary care. The study discussed here aimed to explore how patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) perceived insulin. The study was conducted in 2009 in an urban general practice in a large town in New Zealand with more than 300 patients with type 2 diabetes. A qualitative study was conducted with face-to-face interviews with 13 participants. The question focused on insulin initiation, lifestyle and routine. The transcribed responses were subject to thematic anaylsis. Interviews showed participants felt restricted by the prospect and eventuality of the routine and restrictions of being on insulin. Results show there needs to be a greater emphasis on the disease being progressive. This study provides the ground work for developing resources that will benefit patients with T2DM.
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Ha, I., Huggard, P., & Huggard, J. (2013). Staff support and quality of care provided by palliative care nurses: A systematic literature review. Available through NZNO library, 4(1), 25–32.
Abstract: There is a considerable body of literature discussing the stressors experienced by nurses and other health professionals when caring for those who are terminally ill and dying. Also, a number of articles offer suggestions, including the views of staff, as to what type of professional and organisational support is required when working in this often demanding specialty. There are, however, very few reports of assessment of the effectiveness of such supportive interventions and in particular, the impact of such support on the quality of patient care. This literature review examines any reported relationships between the quality of nursing provided by palliative care nurses and the staff support received by those nurses.
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Heese, N. (2004). Report: Margaret May Blackwell Travel Fellowship 2004. Margaret May Blackwell Travel Study Fellowship Reports. Christchurch: Nursing Education and Research Foundation (NERF).
Abstract: Covers the placements the author visited and the topics learned whilst undertaking travel in the UK after being awarded the 2003 Margaret May Blackwell Travel Study Fellowship. Of specific interest was Well Child Care in Primary Health. Part of the Margaret May Blackwell Scholarship Reports series.
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