Huntington, A. D., & Gilmour, J. A. (2005). A life shaped by pain: Women and endometriosis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14(9), 1124–1132.
Abstract: The research aim was to explore women's perceptions of living with endometriosis, its effects on their lives and the strategies used to manage their disease. A qualitative research design informed by feminist research principles was chosen for this project. Eighteen women agreed to take part in the research. The individual, audio taped interviews were semi-structured and interactive. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The dominant feature of data from the interviews was the experience of severe and chronic pain impacting on all aspects of life. Analysis related to pain resulted in four themes: manifestations of pain, the pain trajectory, intractable pain and controlling pain. The diagnostic process typically took 5-10 years indicating that primary health care practitioners need higher levels of 'suspicion' for this condition. Case studies and problem-based scenarios focusing on endometriosis in health professional education programmes would enhance diagnostic skills and knowledge development. No formal pain management follow up after diagnosis and treatment meant women actively sought information from other sources as they made major lifestyle changes in the areas of activity and nutrition. Pain management services specifically for women with endometriosis would provide much needed support with this neglected aspect of the disease. The authors conclude this is an area for the development of the nurse practitioner role which, also drawing on the considerable collective expertise of women with endometriosis, could provide significant information and support for women as they manage this highly complex condition.
|
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.
|
Henty, C., & Dickinson, A. R. (2007). Practice nurses' experiences of the Care Plus programme: A qualitative descriptive study. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners website, 34(5), 335–338.
Abstract: The aim of this small qualitative descriptive pilot study was to describe the experiences of practice nurses delivering the Care Plus programme within the general practice setting. Care Plus was introduced into Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in 2004. This programme encourages more involvement from practice nurses in chronic care management. For many New Zealand practice nurses this is a new role. This study, carried out prior to the larger Care Plus implementation review (2006), provides an insight into the nursing experience of implementing Care Plus and provides a basis for future studies with regard to the nurse's role within the Care Plus programme.
|
McKinlay, E. M. (2007). Thinking beyond Care Plus: The work of primary health care nurses in chronic conditions programmes. New Zealand Family Physician, 34(5), 322–327.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the work of primary health care nurses on chronic conditions, through both formal chronic care management (CCM) programmes and informal work. The author overviews the key components of CCM and describes Care Plus, a funding stream accessed via PHOs. The author gives examples of nurse led clinics and programmes in the general practice environment, and outlines the structures and processes necessary. A table summarises nurse involvement in several PHOs throughout the country. The author finds that the role of PHC nurses within a framework of inter-disciplinary chronic condition care is diverse and increasing.
|
Framp, A. (2006). Diffuse gastric cancer. Gastroenterology Nursing, 29(3), 232–238.
Abstract: This article provides an overview of gastric cancer using a unique case study involving a Maori family genetically predisposed to diffuse gastric cancer. The pathophysiology of diffuse gastric cancer, including prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment, along with important patient considerations is highlighted.
|
Horsburgh, M., Goodyear-Smith, F., Yallop, J., & O'Connor, S. (2008). Implementation of a nursing initiative in primary care: A case report, cardiovascular disease risk reduction. New Zealand Family Physician, 35(3), 183–186.
Abstract: The aim was to report on implementation of a nursing initiative of cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening risk assessment at the Mornington Health Centre, Dunedin, with initial outcomes after six months. The practice aim was 80% of their eligible population assessed within three to four years, particularly targeting high-risk groups. The audit indicates that in their first six months, Mornington Health Centre had screened 42% of their eligible patients. This is described as very successful progress towards their goal of 80%. A number of key organisational factors are identified that are likely to have contributed to the development and success of the nurse CVD risk assessment programme at Mornington Health Centre. The authors suggest that this case study demonstrates how organisational change, where the practice nurse role in the multidisciplinary team is clear, can facilitate a practice to meet a population-based goal.
|
Horsburgh, M., Goodyear-Smith, F., & Yallop, J. (2008). Nursing initiatives in primary care: An approach to risk reduction for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners website, 35(3), 176–182.
Abstract: The authors evaluated a nurse-led cardiovascular disease and diabetes (CVD) management project. The Ministry of Health funded the project to implement models of nurse service delivery, with care pathways for risk reduction of CVD and diabetes based on national guidelines, with quality assurance, audit and nurse leadership. The paper presents the components required to implement and sustain a nurse CVD risk assessment and management service, which were identified and clarified through the action research process.
|
Lesa, R., & Dixon, D. A. (2007). Physical assessment: Implications for nurse educators and nursing practice. International Nursing Review, 54(2), 166–172.
Abstract: In New Zealand, the physical assessment of a patient has traditionally been the domain of the medical profession. Recent implementation of advanced practice roles has expanded the scope of practice and nurse practitioners may now be expected to perform physical assessments. The aim of this literature review was to discover what could be learnt from the experiences of Western countries. Nurses from the USA, Canada and Australia readily incorporate physical assessment skills into their nursing practice as a component of health assessment. The international literature identified that any change to the nurse's role in health assessment, to include physical assessment skills, requires strategies that involve the regulatory, educational and practice components of nursing.
|
Lockett, J. (2020). Strategies and processes emergency department nurses consider important to safely manage during an influenza pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study. Master's thesis, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington.
Abstract: Explores what NZ Emergency Department (ED) nurses perceive as the biggest challenges to nursing care and staff safety during an influenza pandemic, in order to provide information on how to ensure the engagement of these nurses at the frontline of the pandemic response. Uses a qualitative descriptive design to allow an examination of the first-hand perspectives of ED nurses, gaining meaningful insights into a phenomenon little explored. Interviews 16 ED nurses about future pandemic planning at ED, DHB and government level.
|
MacGeorge, J. M. (2000). Non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patients presenting with cardiogenic pulmonary odema. Master's thesis, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, N.Z.
Abstract: Examines the value of early intervention of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the emergency setting, and the influence of experienced nurses on early initiation of CPAP. Investigates the difference that therapy made to mortality and morbidity for patients presenting with cardiogenic pulmonary odema (CPO) to a metropolitan emergency department. Performs a retrospective audit of 54 cases over the period of one year.
|
Banks, J., McArthur, J., & Gordon, G. (2000). Flexible monitoring in the management of patient care process: A pilot study. Lippincott's Case Management, 5(3), 94–106.
Abstract: This article describes a study conducted on the internal medicine, general surgical, and vascular wards of a large metropolitan hospital to assess the impact of a networked monitoring system and portable patient monitors. This pilot study was developed to address the needs of hospital patients who require continuous non-invasive vital signs monitoring (including heart rate, non-invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, cardiac waveform monitoring) with the addition of surveillance from a cardiac intensive care area. Data were collected from 114 patients over a three-month period to identify a patient group that could be managed appropriately under the new system and to determine the effect that flexible monitoring had on patient care management. Findings include identification of a specific patient group that can be managed successfully outside the cardiac intensive care area using this system. Other findings suggest a way to improve the management of patient monitoring in the general ward areas.
|
Day, W. (2003). Women and cardiac rehabilitation: A review of the literature. Contemporary Nurse, 16(1-2), 92–101.
Abstract: This literature review explores some of the issues related to women's experience of cardiac rehabilitation and demonstrates that women's experience may be different to that of men. Much of the research related to coronary heart disease (CHD) has been performed using either exclusively male populations or such small numbers of women that the results from the women studied were unable to be analysed independently. The author advocates that nurses working within this area of practice require an understanding of women's experience of recovery from a heart attack in order to better meet their needs.
|
Harrison, I., & Mercer, C. (2021). Rapid antigen detection testing for diagnosis of group A streptococcus (GAS) in children. Kai Tiaki Nursing Research, 12(1), 63–65.
Abstract: Evaluates the use of the rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) to diagnose group A streptococcus (GAS) in children with pharyngitis symptoms. Suggests that using RADT for GAS as part of diagnostic screening my help to reduce rheumatic fever hospital admission rates.
|
Stewart, R. (2005). Opportunistic chlamydia testing: Improving nursing practice through self-audit and reflection. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, 21(1), 43–52.
Abstract: This article details how an individual family planning nurse's practice concerning opportunistic testing for sexually transmitted chlamydia was improved through an audit of her testing rates and reflection on the outcome. The leading curable sexually transmitted infection in New Zealand, chlamydia, (including the incidence and spread of the infection and why it is a public health issue) is discussed, and the audit examined. The first audit of fifty consecutive client visits exposed a lack of opportunistic testing. The second looking at a similar but more recent group of client visits, made after the results of the first (zero opportunistic testing) were known, shows an increase in testing and education about chlamydia. Important clinical issues concerning chlamydia testing and treatment are considered. In conclusion the article challenges other nurses in the community to take a lead in raising awareness of the consequences of undiagnosed chlamydial infection and find ways of increasing opportunistic testing for chlamydia within their practice.
|
Day, W. (2000). Relaxation: A nursing therapy to help relieve cardiac chest pain. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 18(1), 40–44.
Abstract: This article discusses ways in which relaxation, when used as an adjunct to medical therapies, can be a useful nursing management tool for effectively relieving cardiac pain. The available literature suggests that although nurses place a lot of importance on cardiac patients being pain free, it is apparent this is often not achieved. Research and documented case studies suggest that relaxation can play an important role in the treatment and prevention of this distressing symptom. The author advocates for nurses to challenge nursing practice and help patients deal effectively with chest pain in a way that meets each individual's needs.
|