Abstract: This study sought to examine whether practice nurses were prepared to provide exercise prescriptions to clients. It involved administering questionnaires to 53 practice nurses in Otago to examine their understanding of green prescriptions and their knowledge and participation in exercise prescription.

Abstract: Provision of a primary health care system that delivers timely, appropriate, affordable and effective care is a challenge throughout the world. The purpose of this work is to discuss the realities of collaborative practice in primary health care, where care is delivered by doctors and nurses in general practice settings in New Zealand. The close relationship between the two professions has been historically marked by the dominance of medicine over nursing. Unclear articulation of nursing practice by the nursing profession along with historical gender issues has further hindered a more collegial relationship between medicine and nursing. The author suggests that historical gender inequalities have also contributed to a system which has disadvantaged nurses in the execution of their work. Collaboration occurs when mutual respect is present between two parties intent on furthering mutual goals. Collaboration is not supervision or co-operation. It is therefore, the author suggests, questionable that collaboration exists in the New Zealand system other than through the good will of individual practitioners. An examination of these issues using the work of Jurgen Habermas and Michel Foucault offers insight into how the current working situation between medicine and nursing came about. The author concludes that the emergence of the nurse practitioner role in New Zealand along with a change in the way that primary health care is being managed nationally provides opportunities for the nursing profession to move into emancipatory collaborative practice roles.

Abstract: In 2003, as part of implementing the Primary Health Care Strategy, the Ministry of Health announced contestable funding, available over three years, for the development of primary health care nursing innovation projects throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Ministry looked for proposals that would: support the development of innovative models of primary health care nursing practice to deliver on the objectives of the Primary Health Care Strategy; allow new models of nursing practice to develop; reduce the current fragmentation and duplication of services; and assist in the transition of primary health care delivery to primary health organisations. This report describes the findings from the evaluation of the 11 primary health care nursing innovations selected for funding by the Ministry of Health. It provides an overview of the innovations' success and of the lessons learnt from this policy initiative.

Abstract: The introduction of the 2001 New Zealand Primary Health Care Strategy has seen increased emphasis on the development of the national primary health care nursing workforce. National and local nursing workforce development initiatives, in response to the strategy, have seen evolving models of primary health care nursing practice in New Zealand. Research was undertaken in 2007 to review the current position of the Wairarapa primary health care nursing workforce. Quantitative, descriptive data was generated through the application, at a local level, of the 2001 Ministry of Health Primary Health Care and Community Nursing Workforce survey tool. Many of the regional challenges highlighted by survey respondents in 2007 are similar to those identified in the national 2001 survey. These include predominantly low numbers of Maori, Pacific and male primary health care nurses and a fragmented, part-time and aging workforce with many respondents indicating they undertake more than one nursing role in their organisation. Respondents were similarly unsure or did not have clear clinical career pathways available to them, a mechanism by which nurses can advance their clinical practice. Some unique service provision and workforce development issues related to Wairarapa's rural context include: geographical barriers, population spread and the high health needs of its rural population. Some unique regional differences compared to the 2001 data are: lower numbers of nurses studying toward further qualifications and specific barriers to accessing education opportunities that can be linked to living in a rural region. More respondents indicated they could work collaboratively with other nurses and health professionals within their own and other organisations. While many respondents were able to provide insightful examples of specific nursing strategies in their practice targeted towards reducing inequalities for groups at risk, others could not. Enrolled nurses remain part of the Wairarapa primary health care nursing workforce. Ten percent of the respondents were actively practising enrolled nurses with an average of 24 years experience in primary health care nursing. Direction and delegation requirements by registered nurses for this group and national attrition trends with corresponding loss of workforce experience of enrolled nurses highlight an area in the Wairarapa primary health care nursing workforce that requires further consideration. Overall this study contributes to current knowledge by establishing a regional nursing workforce baseline from which to measure and enable focused future workforce development initiatives and research. Regional findings can be used to inform recommendations within the Wairarapa Primary Health Care Nursing Action Plan 2006-11 to enhance the delivery of well-developed primary health care nursing services with benefits for the Wairarapa community.

Abstract: The study outlined here explored outcomes from the provision of primary health care to children aged 5-13 years in a nurse-led clinic based in a primary school in Auckland. This multi-faceted study collected both qualitative and quantitative data, however it is the results of the quantitative arm of the study that are presented here. Data were collected from a variety of sources concerning conditions seen, age and ethnicity of users, types of services provided and impact on hospital usage. Findings demonstrate that the provision of comprehensive primary health care by the nurse at the clinic impacts positively on hospital visitation by children from the area where the clinic is located.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to obtain a 2005 snapshot of the New Zealand rural primary health care workforce, specifically GPs, general practice nurses and community pharmacists. A postal questionnaire was distributed to rural general practice managers, GPs, nurses, community pharmacy managers and pharmacists in November 2005. The self-reported data included information on demographics, country of training, years in practice, business ownership, hours worked including on-call, and intention to leave rural practice.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to describe a national opioid treatment training programme that was introduced into primary health care, and evaluate its effectiveness following its first year of operation. The programme was introduced as a strategy to recruit, train and support a primary health care workforce in the provision of methadone treatment. For the evaluation a written questionnaire was sent to the general practitioner, practice nurse and pharmacist participants of training programmes held throughout New Zealand in 2000. One hundred and forty-five (98%) participants reported that the overall quality of the course was good or better, and that relevant issues were, in general, covered. However a recurring theme related to difficulties in designing a course relevant to the three different professional groups, with some material not equally applicable to all. Another prominent theme pertained to the issue of funding. general practitioners lamented the failure to address the issue of transferring patients from a free specialist clinic to their practice for care. The evaluation of this pilot programme indicates that this training in methadone maintenance treatment was well-received by primary health care providers. However, the author notes that there is no benchmark with which to compare it.

Abstract: An analytical tool of Force Field Analysis was used to identify and describe forces influencing the development of innovative roles, including the nurse practitioner role, in primary health care nursing. At the commencement of the study an initial analysis of research, literature and policy identified forces driving or restraining the development of innovative roles. A mixed research method of surveys and focus group interviews with key stakeholders, namely nurses in innovative roles, general practitioners and nurse leaders, was then used to identify factors influencing development within the Northland District Health Board. Descriptive statistics and interpretative methods were used to analyse the data. A final analysis enabled a picture of forces influencing innovative role development to be presented. Driving forces reflected international trends and were strongly influenced by economics and a political imperative to reconfigure health care services towards a primary health focus. The Treaty of Waitangi was also a key influence. Driving forces had greatest impact on the development of new roles. Forces were identified as drives towards cost-effective evidence-based health care (effective services), equity for Maori, response to local needs and workforce reorganisation. The major forces restraining the development of innovative roles were reinforced by attitudes, customs and support systems. These forces were identified as poor professional identity and support, an outdated nursing image, inadequate education and training and slow transition from traditional practices and structures (tradition). These forces had a negative influence on support for innovative roles. Promotion of kaupapa Maori, involvement of the local community, local Maori and nursing in decision-making and promotion of a team culture have the potential to support further development of innovative roles. Political ideology and the Treaty of Waitangi will continue to be major influences directed through policy and the contracting and funding process.