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Author Scrymgeour, G.
Title (down) Using diagnostic reasoning in nursing practice: Ectopic pregnancy: A case study approach Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Vision: A Journal of Nursing Abbreviated Journal Available online at Eastern Institute of Technology
Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 13-17
Keywords Nursing; Pregnancy; Clinical assessment
Abstract This paper explores, through the use of a case study, an evidence-based diagnostic reasoning process utilising the framework followed by Dains, Baumann and Scheibel (1998). This framework, as described by these authors, involves an inductive process of reasoning, which leads to formulation of a hypothesis that is then analysed using an evidence-based approach. From this analysis, a likely diagnosis can be made and appropriate therapeutic intervention initiated. This research demonstrates that although an evidence-based approach is the ideal, sometimes clinical intuition is equally important to the clinical outcome.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1305
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Author Holloway, K. T.
Title (down) The future for nursing education: UKCC review has relevance for New Zealand Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication Nursing Praxis in New Zealand Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 17-24
Keywords Nursing; Education; Recruitment and retention; Clinical assessment; Policy
Abstract The author reviews the report 'Fitness for Practice' by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) noting many areas of relevance for New Zealand educators in outlining possible strategies for nursing education. Discussion of some of the recommendations is put in the context of a strategic review of undergraduate nursing education recently commissioned by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Issues such as recruitment and access to education; retention; clinical assessment and placements; clinical skill acquisition and partnership are valid concerns for educators here also. Internationally, the author suggests, the commonalties in issues of concern lend validity to the concept of the global village and the necessity for a global perspective in health care workforce planning, including educational preparation.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 848
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Author Fogarty, K.
Title (down) The assessment of competence in the novice nurse in the adult intensive care unit Type
Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Intensive care nursing; Nursing specialties; Clinical assessment
Abstract This dissertation explores the assessment of nurses' clinical competence in the adult ICU setting. Specifically, methods for the assessment of competence are critiqued for their practical application to the novice nurse with less than six months experience in ICU. The assessment methods considered are continuous clinical assessment, self-assessment, peer review, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), portfolio and computer assisted assessment. Several criteria are applied to the methods including the ability of each method to assess skills, knowledge and attitudes or values. Each method is critiqued for its implications in terms of cost and staffing resource, benefits and barriers to implementation. In addition, reliability and validity issues are considered for each method. The outcome of this exploration is the recommendation of a combination of methods; namely, portfolio and OSCE, for the assessment of competence in the ICU novice. The author concludes that this finding enhances current understanding within the ICU specialty of the multidimensional nature of competence assessment.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 574
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Author Hardy, D.J.; O'Brien, A.P.; Gaskin, C.J.; O'Brien, A.J.; Morrison-Ngatai, E.; Skews, G.; Ryan, T.; McNulty, N.
Title (down) Practical application of the Delphi technique in a bicultural mental health nursing study in New Zealand Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication Journal of Advanced Nursing Abbreviated Journal
Volume 46 Issue 1 Pages 95-109
Keywords Clinical assessment; Biculturalism; Professional competence; Psychiatric Nursing; Maori
Abstract The aim of this paper is to detail the practical application of the Delphi technique as a culturally and clinically valid means of accessing expert opinion on the importance of clinical criteria. Reference is made to a bicultural New Zealand mental health nursing clinical indicator study that employed a three-round reactive Delphi survey. Equal proportions of Maori and non-Maori nurses (n = 20) and consumers (n = 10) rated the importance of 91 clinical indicator statements for the achievement of professional practice standards. Additional statements (n = 21) suggested by Delphi participants in round 1 were included in subsequent rounds. In round 2, participants explained the rating they applied to statements that had not reached consensus in round 1, and summarised responses were provided to participants in round 3. Consensus was considered to have been achieved if 85% of round 3 ratings lay within a 2-point bracket on the 5-point Likert-scale overall, or in one of the Maori nurse, non-Maori nurse, or consumer groups. A mean rating of 4.5 after round 3 was set as the importance threshold. Consensus occurred overall on 75 statements, and within groups on another 24. Most statements (n = 86) reached the importance benchmark. The authors conclude that when rigorous methods of participant selection, group composition, participant feedback, and determination of consensus and importance are employed, the Delphi technique is a reliable, cost-effective means of obtaining and prioritising experts' judgements.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1060
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Author Lesa, R.; Dixon, D.A.
Title (down) Physical assessment: Implications for nurse educators and nursing practice Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication International Nursing Review Abbreviated Journal
Volume 54 Issue 2 Pages 166-172
Keywords Advanced nursing practice; Clinical assessment; Cardiovascular diseases; Nursing; Education
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.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 786
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Author Bishop, D.; Ford-Bruins, I.
Title (down) Nurses' perceptions of mental health assessment in an acute inpatient setting in New Zealand: A qualitative study Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 3 Pages 203-212
Keywords Psychiatric Nursing; Clinical assessment; Attitude of health personnel; Nursing models
Abstract This qualitative study explores the perceptions of mental health nurses regarding assessment in an acute adult inpatient setting in Central Auckland. Fourteen mental health nurses took part in semi-structured interviews answering five open-ended questions. The analysis of data involved a general inductive approach, with key themes drawn out and grouped into four categories (roles, attitudes, skills and knowledge) in order to explore the meaning of information gathered. The outcome of the study acknowledged the importance of contextual factors such as the physical environment and bureaucratic systems, as well as values and beliefs present within the unit. The participants expressed concern that their input to assessment processes was limited, despite belief that 24-hour care and the nature of mental health nursing generally suggested that a crucial role should exist for nurses. In order for nurses to be established as central in the assessment process on the unit the study concludes that a nursing theoretical framework appropriate for this acute inpatient setting needs to be developed.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 1082 Serial 1067
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Author Hunt, M.
Title (down) Nurses can enhance the pre-operative assessment process Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 10 Pages 20-22
Keywords Nursing specialties; Clinical assessment; Hospitals; Surgery
Abstract This reports on an initiative at Whakatane Hospital, where a Nurse-Led pre-assessment (NLPA) was delivered at an outpatients clinic. NLPA involves taking a comprehensive medical history, a nursing assessment, physical examination, airway assessment, ordering appropriate investigations and carefully documenting the process and results. More valuably, it provides an opportunity for the patient to participate in planning their care. The aim of this initative was to short circuit delays and congestion in existing pre-assessment clinics, streamline the pre-assessment process and reduce the number of patient visits to hospital. Reducing cancellations of surgery (often on the day of surgery) and “did not appear” (DNA) numbers were also objectives. After a small pilot, a six-month trial was funded by the Ministry of Health. Over the six-month trial, 373 patients attended NLPA; 178 patients required anaesthetist review before surgery, and 198 could proceed directly to surgery following NLPA. An anonymous postal survey was made of patients, who indicated satisfaction with the service. Other outcomes are discussed, and the trial was deemed successful. Follow up plans have been disrupted by restructuring at the hospital and the clinic has yet to be implemented.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 1005 Serial 989
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Author Fraser, A.G.; Williamson, S.; Lane, M.; Hollis, B.
Title (down) Nurse-led dyspepsia clinic using the urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication New Zealand Medical Journal Abbreviated Journal Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts.
Volume 116 Issue 1176 Pages
Keywords Advanced nursing practice; Hospitals; Clinical assessment; Evaluation
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.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 625 Serial 611
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Author Neville, S.J.; Gillon, D.; Milligan, K.
Title (down) New Zealand registered nurses' use of physical assessment skills: A pilot study Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Vision: A Journal of Nursing Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 14(1) Pages
Keywords Clinical assessment; Nursing; Evaluation
Abstract The objective of this project was to ascertain registered nurses' use of selected physical assessment skills before and after participation in a health assessment course. A pre- (also referred to as part I) and post- (part II) test design was used to investigate the research aim. Participants were obtained via a convenience sample. A questionnaire was completed at the beginning of the educational programme and then four to six weeks after completion of the assessment course. A two tailed t-test was used to identify any significant differences in the characteristics of participants from part I (N = 206) to part II (N = 145), with no differences identified. However, there was an overall mean percentage difference of 17.1% in the use of physical assessment skills after having completed the educational programme. In conclusion, the researchers found that four to six weeks after completion of a health assessment course, nurses were using the skills learned to improve their nursing practice more frequently than before the programme.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 879 Serial 863
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Author Richardson, S.; Ardagh, M.; Hider, P.
Title (down) New Zealand health professionals do not agree about what defines appropriate attendance at an emergency department Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication New Zealand Medical Journal Abbreviated Journal Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts.
Volume 119 Issue 1232 Pages
Keywords Hospitals; Clinical assessment; Interprofessional relations
Abstract This study aims to examine the concept of 'inappropriate' emergency department attendances in relation to the emergency department at Christchurch Hospital. It specifically seeks to determine whether there is a consensus opinion among healthcare providers regarding a definition of 'inappropriate'. An exploratory survey of health professionals involved with the referral, assessment, transport, and treatment of emergency department patients in Christchurch was carried out. A range of health professionals, including ambulance personnel, general practitioners, emergency department physicians, emergency nurses, and hospital managers were approached. A series of questions relating to definition and response to 'inappropriate' patients was asked, with an additional open-ended question relating to the definition of 'appropriateness'. The researchers found significant differences in the attitudes and perceptions of key health professionals involved in the referral, treatment, and admission of patients to the emergency department. This has implications for any interventions aimed at addressing emergency department 'overcrowding' that assume the presence of a consensus understanding of this concept.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 526
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Author Clarke, R.
Title (down) New graduate nurse experiences of using health assessment skills in practice: A descriptive qualitative study Type
Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords New graduate nurses; Clinical assessment
Abstract Use of health assessment skills is undeniably part of everyday nursing practice, guiding nursing decisions and a part of facilitating patient outcomes. Undergraduate nursing education in New Zealand includes the use of health assessment skills within the context of nursing practice. The registered nurse working in their first year of practice is required to use effective assessment skills to identify potential risks to a patient's health, while learning to adjust to the many other demands of practice, but little research has explored these experiences. The purpose of this research study was to describe the experience of using health assessment skills within the first year of practice as a registered nurse. Using a qualitative descriptive method, informed by phenomenology, interviews were conducted with six newly graduated registered nurses working within a New Zealand setting. Findings of this study revealed that graduates endeavour to incorporate the skills of health assessment taught at undergraduate level into their practice. Six main themes of health assessment philosophy; tuning in; mobilising health assessment skills; recognition; anxiety; and identification and facilitation of outcomes can be aligned with Benner's (1984) model of skill acquisition. The author suggests that these research findings are useful to inform nursing education, clinical practice and further research. An awareness of these graduate experiences provides opportunities for nurses in both clinical practice and education to facilitate and support graduate nurses' of health assessment within their nursing practice.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 682
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Author Pitama, S.; Robertson, P.; Cram, F.; Gillies, M.; Huria, T.; Dalla-Katoa, W.
Title (down) Meihana model: A clinical assessment framework Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication New Zealand Journal of Psychology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 36 Issue 3 Pages 118-125
Keywords Nursing models; Clinical assessment; Maori; Mental health
Abstract In 1984 Mason Durie documented a framework for understanding Maori health, Te Whare Tapa Wha, which has subsequently become embedded in Maori health policy. This article presents a specific assessment framework, the Meihana Model, which encompasses the four original cornerstones of Te Whare Tapa Wha, and inserts two additional elements. These form a practice model (alongside Maori beliefs, values and experiences) to guide clinical assessment and intervention with Maori clients and whanau accessing mental health services. This paper outlines the rationale for and background of the Meihana Model and then describes each dimension: whanau, wairua, tinana, hinengaro, taiao and iwi katoa. The model provides a basis for a more comprehensive assessment of clients/whanau to underpin appropriate treatment decisions.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 459
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Author Kuehl, S.
Title (down) Emergency Department re-presentations following intentional self-harm Type
Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal ResearchArchive@Victoria
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Emergency nursing; Psychiatric Nursing; Mental health; Clinical assessment
Abstract The aim of this research was to describe what factors contribute to people re-presenting to the emergency department (ED) within one week of a previous visit for intentional self-harm. Objectives identified were to describe the people using demographic and clinical features; describe and evaluate ED management; and identify possible personal or system reasons as to why people re-present to ED within one week. A retrospective observational design was selected for a period of one year. The data was collected from electronic clinical case notes. The sample consisted of 48 people with 73 presentations and re-presentations. Missing data limited the number of inferential analyses. Outcome measures were divided into information regarding the person and the presentation. This study made several discoveries: many representations (55%) occurred within one day; the exact number of people who represented many times to ED is unknown, but is far higher than reported in other studies; fewer support people were present for the second presentation; the documentation of triage and assessments by ED staff was often minimal, though frequently portrayed immense distress of this population; cultural input for Maori was missing; physical health complaints and psychosis were found with some intentional self-harm presentations; challenging behaviours occurred in at least a quarter of presentations; and the medical and mental health inpatient admission rates were approximately 50% higher for second presentations. Recommendations in regard to the use of a triage assessment tool, the practice of reviewing peoples' past presentations and the need for a mental health consultation liaison nurse in ED are made. Staff education, collaboration between services with consumer involvement and further research of this group are required. This study supports the need for holistic and expert care for people who present at emergency departments with intentional self-harm.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1214
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Author Ardagh, M.; Wells, E.; Cooper, K.; Lyons, R.; Patterson, R.; O'Donovan, P.
Title (down) 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 Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication New Zealand Medical Journal Abbreviated Journal Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts.
Volume 115 Issue 1157 Pages
Keywords Emergency nursing; Time factors; Clinical assessment; Clinical decision making
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.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 617
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Author Neville, S.J.; Gilmour, J.A.
Title (down) Differentiating between delirium and dementia Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 22-25
Keywords Dementia; Psychiatric Nursing; Clinical assessment; Older people
Abstract Accurate nursing assessment is a critical element in the identification of health problems and treatment strategies for older adults who have delirium and/or dementia. This practice update provides information on the differentiation between these two debilitating and adverse health events, along with some useful assessment frameworks and other resources. Comments from people with delirium and dementia are interspersed throughout the article to draw attention to the impact of these conditions on people's lives and well-being. The article includes the 'A presenting concern framework', useful mnemonic devices to help nurses assess an older person who may have delirium or dementia, and a list of online resources.
Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 983
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