Abstract: This paper reviews currently identified issues concerning emergency department attendance, and examines the core question of the role of primary care in the emergency department. Asks whether this is an appropriate use of emergency department resources, and if so, what the implications are for the role of the emergency nurse. Suggests the establishment of Minor Injury Units in New Zealand like those in the UK.

Abstract: This study, which is methodologically grounded in qualitative research and philosophically informed by critical social science, explores aspects of the socio-political context in which practice nurses and general practitioners (core primary health care team) work within a team environment. It is indicated in the literature that there are benefits for improved health care through the development of collaborative teamwork. However, there have been many barriers identified which prevent collaborative teamwork. Amongst the many barriers, is the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences. This thesis explored and highlighted whether the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences do indeed impede the team's success, and are barriers to teamwork. The views and opinions of practice nurses and general practitioners and the understanding of their own and each other's current roles within the general practice setting were explored. The participants had the opportunity to discuss together, in focus group meetings, their thoughts on the topic. This raised their awareness of their taken for granted ideas on role and teamwork. Focus groups offered the participants the added opportunity to question each other which allowed for a deeper and more fulfilling understanding of role. New understandings that emerged could lead to alternative models of health care and influence the future delivery and planning of general practice. The thesis concludes by offering a potentially suitable model/framework which has been developed to further the understanding of teamwork in the future.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of establishing a nurse practitioner-led, family focused, primary health care clinic within a New Zealand primary school environment as a means of addressing the health needs of children and families. A secondary aim was to ascertain whether public health nurses were the most appropriate nurses to lead such a clinic. Utilising a community needs analysis method, data were collected from demographic data, 17 key informant interviews and two focus group interviews. Analysis was exploratory and descriptive. Findings included the identification of a wide range of health issues. These included asthma management and control issues, the need to address poor parenting, and specific problems of the refugee and migrant population. Findings also demonstrated that participant understanding of the role of the public health nurse was less than anticipated and that community expectations were such that for a public health nurse to lead a primary health care clinic it would be likely that further skills would be required. Outcomes from investigating the practicalities of establishing a nurse practitioner-led clinic resulted in the preparation of a community-developed plan that would serve to address the health needs of children and families in the area the study was undertaken. Services that participants identified as being appropriate included health information, health education, health assessment and referral. The authors conclude that the establishment of a nurse practitioner-led, family focused, primary health care clinic in a primary school environment was feasible. While a public health nurse may fulfil the role of the nurse practitioner, it was established that preparation to an advanced level of practice would be required.

Abstract: The author argues that the involvement of nurses in the decision-making of health organisations is essential to maximise the contribution of nurses and promote positive outcomes for patients. She suggests that development of leadership skills will make nurses aware of power structures in the health system and allow them to become interdependent health professionals in primary health organisations (PHO). The particular competencies discussed are those proposed by Van Maurik (1997), namely ability to understand and manage organisational politics, work facilitatively with people and circumstances, and build a feeling of purpose.

Abstract: In 1999 primary health care in New Zealand was in the process of change from the current personal health care model, which focuses on general practitioner based care, to a population and community based health care programme. Carryer, Dignam, Horsburgh, Hughes and Martin (1999) submitted a report to the National Health Commission entitled “Locating Nursing in Primary Health Care”. This report envisaged that nurses in primary health care would be part of interdisciplinary teams, act autonomously and undertake community consultation and education. The submission suggested that nurses, currently working in primary health care, were alraedy prepared and able to move across into the new form of primary health care, without further education or training.

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.

Abstract: Compares the delivery models used by primary health-care nurses in Auckland for follow-up services aimed at Pacific children discharged from hospital with preventable illnesses, with similar services and programmes in Tonga and Samoa. Also compares NZ and Pacific Island programmes to promote immunisation and breastfeeding. Part of the Margaret May Blackwell Scholarship Reports series.