|
Litchfield, M. (1992). The nation's health and our response. (Vol. Keynote address at the 1992 NERF/NZNZ National Nur).
Abstract: An analysis of the challenges for the nursing profession of the Government's health reforms. The findings of the 10-month Wellington Nurse Case Management Project 1991-1992, including the description of family nursing practice, what it achieved for health and the service delivery model that would position family nurses in the health reforms were used to provide an exemplar for the nuyrising contribution to health policy for the health reforms. The paper identified a vacum for the reorientating of health care provision to patients/clients and health need and the call to nursesw to take leadership in goving direction to the reorientation.
|
|
|
Truscott, J. M., Townsend, J. M., & Arnold, E. P. (2007). A successful nurse-led model in the elective orthopaedic admissions process. NZ Medical Association website. Access free to articles older than 6 months., 120(1265).
Abstract: This paper documents a successful nurse-led admissions process for same day orthopaedic surgery, on relatively fit patients under 70 years of age. During the 6-month study, 31 patients with a median age of 38 years were categorised into 3 streams. 252 patients (76%) underwent a nursing-admission process without the need for further consultation with a junior medical officer or an anaesthetist. The remaining patients not included in the study were admitted and clerked by a house officer. No safety issues arose and the surgeons and anaesthetists were satisfied with the process. The junior medical officers described improved job satisfaction by being able to attend theatre, other educational opportunities, and working more closely with the consultant. The process has now been incorporated into elective orthopaedic admissions at Burwood Hospital.
|
|
|
Grayson, S., Horsburgh, M., Lesa, R., & Lennon, D. (2006). An Auckland regional audit of the nurse-led rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis programme. Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts., 119(1243).
Abstract: The researchers assessed the compliance rates with the rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis programme established through the Auckland Rheumatic Fever Register and managed by community nursing services in Auckland. They undertook an audit of the 1998 and 2000 Auckland Rheumatic Fever Register data to establish the compliance rates of patients with the rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis programme. The sample included all patients on the Auckland Rheumatic Fever Register during this time. Results showed compliance rates across the three Auckland DHBs ranging from 79.9% to 100% for individual community nursing offices. They found that a community-based nurse-led secondary prophylaxis programme for rheumatic fever heart disease is able to deliver excellent patient compliance levels. Secondary prophylaxis is the WHO-recommended cost effective first step to rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease control. Community health workers have a key role to play in facilitating this compliance.
|
|
|
Barber, A., Charleston, A., Anderson, N., Spriggs, D., Bennett, D., Bennett, P., et al. (2004). Changes in stroke care at Auckland Hospital between 1996 and 2001. Access is free to articles older than 6 months, 117(1190).
Abstract: The researchers repeat the 1996 audit of stroke care in Auckland Hospital to assess changes in stroke management since the introduction of a mobile stroke team. The audit prospectively recorded information for all patients with stroke from 1 June to 30 September 2001. They describe the work of the stroke team physician and the specialist stroke nurse and allied health staff who coordinate the multidisciplinary care of patients. Variables examined include time to arrival and medical assessment, investigations, acute management, inpatient rehabilitation, and stroke outcome. The researchers then describe recent developments in stroke care and the impact of the stroke service on patient management.
|
|
|
Tan, S. T., Wright, A., Hemphill, A., Ashton, K., & Evans, J. H. (2003). Correction of deformational auricular anomalies by moulding: Results of a fast-track service. Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts., 116(1181).
Abstract: This paper reports the result of a fast-track referral service in treating deformational auricular anomalies using moulding therapy, by employing nurses who were familiar with the indications and technique, working in close liaison with plastic surgeons. The type and severity of the auricular anomaly were documented both clinically and photographically before and three months following cessation of treatment. Assessment of the results was made by comparing the pre- and post-treatment photographs and by a postal questionnaire, which was dispatched to the parents of the patients three months after treatment was discontinued. All parents of the 30 infants felt that auricular moulding was worthwhile. The authors conclude that this is an effective treatment strategy that will largely negate the need for surgical correction of deformational auricular anomalies.
|
|
|
Fraser, A. G., Williamson, S., Lane, M., & Hollis, B. (2003). Nurse-led dyspepsia clinic using the urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori. Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts., 116(1176).
Abstract: Reports the audit of a nurse-led dyspepsia clinic at Auckland Hospital. Referrals to the Gastroenterology Department for gastroscopy were assessed in a dyspepsia clinic. Initial evaluation included consultation and a urea breath test (UBT). Patients given eradication treatment prior to initial clinic assessment were excluded. Patients with a positive UBT were given eradication treatment and were reviewed two months later for symptom assessment and follow-up UBT. Patients with a negative UBT were usually referred back to the GP. There were 173 patients with a mean age 38 years. The urea breath test was found to be useful as part of the initial assessment of selected patients who would otherwise have been referred for endoscopy. It is likely that the need for gastroscopy was reduced, but longer follow up will be required to determine whether or not this effect is simply due to delayed referral. This approach is likely to have value only in patients who have a relatively high chance of being H. pylori positive.
|
|
|
Ardagh, M., Wells, E., Cooper, K., Lyons, R., Patterson, R., & O'Donovan, P. (2002). Effect of a rapid assessment clinic on the waiting time to be seen by a doctor and the time spent in the department, for patients presenting to an urban emergency department: A controlled prospective trial. Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts., 115(1157).
Abstract: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that triaging certain emergency department patients through a rapid assessment clinic (RAC) improves the waiting times, and times in the department, for all patients presenting to the emergency department. For ten weeks an additional nurse and doctor were rostered. On the odd weeks, these two staff ran a RAC and on even weeks, they did not, but simply joined the other medical and nursing staff, managing patients in the traditional way. During the five weeks of the RAC clinic a total of 2263 patients attended the emergency department, and 361 of these were referred to the RAC clinic. During the five control weeks a total of 2204 patients attended the emergency department. There was no significant difference in the distribution across triage categories between the RAC and non-RAC periods. The researchers found that the rapid management of patients with problems which do not require prolonged assessment or decision making, is beneficial not only to those patients, but also to other patients sharing the same, limited resources.
|
|
|
Litchfield, M. (1991). Nursing education: Direction with purpose. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 84(7), 22–24.
|
|
|
Litchfield, M. (1989). Knowledge embedded in practice. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 82(10), 24–25.
Abstract: A statement of the nature of research needed to distinguish the knowledge of nursing practice from knowledge developed by other disciplines. It orients to the interrelationship of practice and research as the foundation of the discipline of nursing.
|
|
|
Lichfield, M. (1974). The paediatric nurse and the child in hospital. New Zealand Nursing Journal, 67(11).
Abstract: A paper intended to inform paediatric nurses and influence service policy and management, adapted from a presentation at an inservice education study day for nurses at Wellington Hospital. The paper grew out of the findings of a small research project undertaken by the author as part of nursing practice in a paediatric ward of Wellington Hospital. The observations of the stress in the experience of infants and parents and the ambiguities inherent in the relationships between parents and nurses were the basis for arguing for changes in nursing practice and ward management.
|
|
|
Therkleson, T. (2010). Ginger compress therapy for adults with osteoarthritis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(10), 2225?2233.
Abstract: Abstract
Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explicate the phenomenon of ginger
compresses for people with osteoarthritis.
Background. Osteoarthritis is claimed to be the leading cause of musculoskeletal
pain and disability in Western society. Management ideally combines non-pharmacological
strategies, including complementary therapies and pain-relieving
medication. Ginger has been applied externally for over a thousand years in China
to manage arthritis symptoms.
Method. Husserlian phenomenological methodology was used and the data were
collected in 2007. Ten purposively selected adults who had suffered osteoarthritis
for at least a year kept daily diaries and made drawings, and follow-up interviews
and telephone conversations were conducted.
Findings. Seven themes were identified in the data: (1) Meditative-like stillness
and relaxation of thoughts; (2) Constant penetrating warmth throughout the
body; (3) Positive change in outlook; (4) Increased energy and interest in the
world; (5) Deeply relaxed state that progressed to a gradual shift in pain and
increased interest in others; (6) Increased suppleness within the body and (7)
More comfortable, flexible joint mobility. The essential experience of ginger
compresses exposed the unique qualities of heat, stimulation, anti-inflammation
and analgesia.
Conclusion. Nurses could consider this therapy as part of a holistic treatment for
people with osteoarthritis symptoms. Controlled research is needed with larger
numbers of older people to explore further the effects of the ginger compress
therapy.
|
|
|
McBride-Henry, K., & Foureur, M. (2007). A secondary care nursing perspective on medication administration safety. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60(1), 58–66.
Abstract: This paper reports on a study to explore how nurses in a secondary care environment understand medication administration safety and the factors that contribute to, or undermine, safe practice during this process. Data were collected in 2005 using three focus groups of nurses that formed part of a larger study examining organisational safety and medication administration from a nursing perspective. A narrative approach was employed to analyse the transcripts. Participants had good understandings of organisational culture in relation to medication safety and recognised the importance of effective multi-disciplinary teams in maintaining a safe environment for patients. Despite this, they acknowledged that not all systems work well, and offered a variety of ways to improve current medication practices. These findings highlight the meaningful contribution nurses can make to patient safety and emphasise the importance of including the nursing voice in any quality improvement initiatives.
|
|
|
Payne, D., & Goedeke, S. (2007). Holding together: Caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60(6), 645–653.
Abstract: This paper reports a study to investigate the roles and experiences of nurses caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Nurses are in a potentially unique position in the assisted reproductive technology environment as they maintain a more constant contact with the client. A qualitative approach was taken and a convenience sample of 15 nurses from New Zealand was interviewed in 2005. Data were analysed using interpretive description. The overarching theme identified was that of the potential role of the nurse to 'hold together' multiple components of the assisted reproductive technology process: holding together clients' emotional and physical experiences of assisted reproductive technologies; holding together the roles of different specialist team members; and holding together personal own emotions. It encompasses practices such as information-giving, interpreting, supporting and advocating. The researchers note that recognition of and support for the complexity of the role of ART nurses may positively contribute to clients' experiences.
|
|
|
Polaschek, L., & Polaschek, N. (2007). Solution-focused conversations: A new therapeutic strategy in Well Child health nursing telephone consultations. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 59(2), 111–119.
Abstract: This paper reports a study to explore Well Child nurses' perceptions of outcomes resulting from the use of solution-focused conversations in their telephone consultations with clients. The standard problem-solving approach used to address physical issues is less effective for various non-physical concerns, where different communication strategies may be helpful. In this qualitative, action-oriented study, a small group of Well Child telenurses in New Zealand was introduced to a specific communication strategy, called 'solution-focused conversations', during 2005. They applied this approach in their practice and then reflected together on their experiences in focus groups. The nurses considered that the solution-focused conversations enabled clients to: recognise the nature of the parenting issue of concern that had motivated their call; identify more effective parenting practices to address specific issues with their child; increase their confidence in their own parenting capabilities. This study suggested the value of learning a specific communication strategy for the practice of a group of Well Child telenurses.
|
|
|
Giddings, D. L. S., Roy, D. E., & Predeger, E. (2007). Women's experience of ageing with a chronic condition. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 58(6), 557–565.
Abstract: This paper is a report of a study to explore the experiences of 'almost old' women as they grow older while living with a chronic condition. Little is known about the contextual effects of ageing and how it shapes and is shaped by a woman's chronic illness experience. Seven women aged between 50 and 58 years participated in this interpretive descriptive study that explored the issues of ageing with a chronic condition. Three focus groups were held between March 2003 and March 2004. Transcriptions were analysed after each focus group. Participants were given the opportunity to respond to the findings as the analysis progressed. The experience of living with a chronic illness foreshadowed what was to come with ageing and embodied the ageing process: it was just part of their lives. Alongside this, the women now felt less out of place. Their peers were catching up and beginning to experience aspects of participants' everyday reality. The women, however, experienced double jeopardy because ageing amplified the ongoing vulnerabilities of living with a chronic condition. The authors conclude that nurses who recognise the resourcefulness and expertise of women who live with a chronic condition can effectively be co-strategists in helping them to age well.
|
|