Abstract: Argues that the following measures must be taken to ensure the ongoing development and establishment of nurse practitioners (NP) across the health sector: review of NP competencies; support for NPs to undertake the nurse practitioner training programme
(NPTP); formation of nationally-consistent and funded NPTPs; mentoring novice NPs; and a national workforce plan for NPs.

Abstract: Reports on a local multi-component initiative to improve local Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among Maori male students aged 13-17 years in a rural location in Aotearoa New Zealand. Backgrounds the initiative co-designed by the rural health nurse from a community clinic of the Hauora (Maori health provider) and the principal of the local area school, in order to improve health literacy and provide an environment to support student consent to vaccination. Undertakes an evaluation of the initiative in 2018, comprising 10 key informant interviews and a group discussion with eight male students. Identifies the factors associated with the success of the initiative.

Abstract: Describes a national initiative to increase the capacity and capability of the Maori health workforce by supporting kaimahi (unregulated health workers) to become enrolled nurses (EN) delivering care within their communities. Uses Kaupapa Maori principles to create a strengths-based framework, focusing on self-determination and validating Matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge). Outlines the key components of the Earn as you Learn model.

Abstract: Describes the demographics, distribution, clinical settings and employment arrangements of the NZ nurse practitioner (NP) workforce in primary healthcare settings, and organisational factors limiting their practice. Surveys 160 NPs and finds that general practice and aged residential care were the most common clinical settings.

Abstract: The researchers evaluate and compare the organisation of general practice in the UK and New Zealand. A key aim of the Primary Health Care Strategy is a reduction in health inequalities. Locally, some nurse leaders suggest that changing nurse practice employment from general practitioners to Primary Health Organisations will achieve this aim. The authors take lessons from the UK and suggest that nurses organising themselves into peer groups, remuneration of general practices for the attainment of positive patient outcomes, and a statutory duty of clinical governance, all contributed to the development of practice nurses' roles and expansion of numbers of nurse practitioners in general practice. Nurses have become partners with general practitioners in general practice in the UK, which the authors suggest is a much preferable alternative for some than employment by a Primary Health Organisation.

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.

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: 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.