Abstract: The researchers evaluate two case-management models of respite relief care at Waitemata District Health Board. The evaluation consisted of semi-structured interviews and postal surveys for clients utilising respite care and staff members involved in both the North/West and Rodney models of respite care in Auckland. Across the two regions, a total of 2 older people and their informal caregivers, 2 respite coordinators, and the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) Manager were interviewed. In addition, postal surveys were received from 21 older people, 36 informal caregivers, 11 NASC workers, and 3 allied health professionals. Findings revealed there was generally high satisfaction with both the respite models. Caregivers believed the respite service did give them a break, although it was insufficient. Caregivers reported concerns regarding how respite facilities could improve and the older person's deterioration post respite. Staff identified improvements for each of the models.

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.

Abstract: This paper describes the development and validation of bicultural clinical indicators that measure achievement of mental health nursing practice standards in New Zealand (ANZMCHN, 1995, Standards of practice for mental health nursing in New Zealand). A four-stage research design was utilised including focus groups, Delphi surveys, a pilot, and a national field study, with mental health nurses and consumers as participants. Results revealed a variation in the mean occurrence of the clinical indicators in consumer case notes of 18.5-89.9%. Five factors with good internal consistency, encompassing domains of mental health nursing required for best practice, were derived from analysis of the questionnaire. This study presents a research framework for developing culturally and clinically valid, reliable measures of clinical practice.

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.

Abstract: This article describes the implementation of a nurse-led, dedicated support network and service for children with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma and their families. Nurses with an interest in retinoblastoma at an Auckland Ophthalmology Department realised that the service provided was not meeting the needs of patients and families, particularly since the numbers had increased over the past two years. This article outlines the development of a cost-effective approach that improved the service.

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: Evaluates the B4 School Checks in Hawke's Bay, focusing on children assessed as having behaviour issues, as determined by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Reviews Health Hawke's Bay (HHB) records for the number and demographics of the children assessed, and the interventions recommended. Interviews 36 parents to discover what difference the B4 check made to children's behaviour and which aspects of the check contributed to successful outcomes.