Paul Fulbrook - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Paul Fulbrook

Australasian Emergency Care, May 1, 2018

To identify paediatric emergency department nurses' perceptions of factors influencing parents' u... more To identify paediatric emergency department nurses' perceptions of factors influencing parents' understanding of discharge information. Procedures: Content analysis was used to analyse data from three semi-structured focus groups with nurses from a paediatric ED. Findings: Findings were interpreted within the three domains of structure, process, and outcomes from the Donabedian model. Within the structure domain, barriers to effective provision of discharge information included inexperienced emergency department staff and time policies. Enablers included availability of interpreter services. Process-related barriers included parents' health related behaviour and health literacy, while enablers included ensuring parents understood discharge information. Nurses' perceptions of ineffective outcomes involved the risk of parents receiving incomplete or inappropriate information. Nurses perceived effective outcomes in quality of care were related to their professional experience and competence in being able to provide useful information to parents. Conclusion: This study investigated ED nurses' perceptions of factors that influence parents' understanding of discharge information. Interpreting findings within the Donabedian model provided important directions for future improvements to structure, processes and outcomes for provision of discharge information to parents leaving a paediatric ED. Ultimately, the findings from this study could inform future research to maximise the role of ED nurses in providing a high quality of discharge care for children discharged from the ED.

Applied Nursing Research, Nov 1, 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of psychological screening tools... more The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of psychological screening tools in outpatient heart transplant recipients. Methods: Forty-eight heart transplant recipients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7), Kessler Psychological Distress 10-item Scale (K-10) and Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-item Health Survey. A structured psychological interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Version 6) was conducted after completion of the questionnaires. Internal consistency, criterion validity and construct validity of the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and K-10 were evaluated. Results: Internal consistency supported the reliability of the screening tools. The optimal cutoff on the PHQ-9 for depression was 10 (sensitivity = 0.86; specificity = 0.93). A score of 6 on the GAD-7 maximized sensitivity (0.75) and specificity (0.89) for anxiety. A score of 17 on the K-10 was the optimal cutoff for diagnosis of either anxiety or depression (sensitivity = 0.83; specificity = 0.84). Increasing scores on the screening tools were associated with lower health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Psychometric analyses support the reliability and validity of the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and K-10 as screening tools for detection of anxiety and depression in heart transplant recipients.

Nursing in critical care, Dec 1, 2003

• The care bundle is a new concept in critical care, which is currently being promoted by the Nat... more • The care bundle is a new concept in critical care, which is currently being promoted by the National Health Service Modernisation Agency for Critical Care • Care bundles originated in North America and are described best as groups of evidence-based practice interventions • The theory behind care bundles is that when several evidence-based interventions are grouped together in a single protocol, it will improve patient outcome • Care bundles are relatively easy to develop, implement and audit, and provide practitioners with a practical method for implementing evidence-based practice • This article describes the care bundle and offers practical suggestions about how to develop, implement and audit them in practice

Nurse Education Today, Aug 1, 2003

The high dropout rate of nursing students is a major concern. However, there is little research a... more The high dropout rate of nursing students is a major concern. However, there is little research available about the reasons why students leave. Universities collect some information from 'exit' interviews but, due to ethical sensitivities, it is not made available for research analysis. The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus view of the reasons why student nurses leave their pre-registration education programme. The study was undertaken in two phases. Initially, an exploratory phase using focus groups and one-to-one interviews was used to gather multi-professional views about the reasons why students leave. In the second phase a questionnaire was developed from the themes arising from the data analysis in phase one. The questionnaire was administered to an expert panel of student nurses in the form of a three-round Delphi Study. The consensus level was set at 75%. It is important to clarify that, for reasons stated above, the views expressed in this paper are those of current students about others who had left the programme. From this study, it is apparent that, with the exception of academic failure, there was no single contributing factor that was thought to make students leave. However, there were a number of important issues identified as factors that may result in student nurses leaving. These include communication and operational factors between the university and clinical areas, feelings of not being valued, unmet expectations, and stress. These issues were of concern to students and appeared to have a cumulative effect that led them to question whether they should continue their education programme. On the basis of these findings, several recommendations are made to improve the student nurse experience.

Connect, Jun 1, 2004

In modern health care there is an expectation that all practice is evidence-based. v One area tha... more In modern health care there is an expectation that all practice is evidence-based. v One area that has received a lot of attention with regard to its evidence base is weaning from mechanical ventilation. v There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that protocol-driven weaning from ventilation improves patient outcomes. v In many intensive care units, nurses have taken a lead role in weaning patients from ventilation. v This paper describes a nurse-led weaning protocol that was developed by a critical care network. v The protocol is explained, and the charts that were developed to support it are presented. v The protocol is currently being implemented in four different intensive care units, which are being audited during the first six months of its use. v The audit processes of data collection and analysis are also described.

Collegian, Dec 1, 2014

Title: Perceived barriers to healthy lifestyle activities in midlife and older Australian women w... more Title: Perceived barriers to healthy lifestyle activities in midlife and older Australian women with type 2 diabetes.

Journal of Research in Nursing, Jul 1, 2009

Abstract Caring has long been affirmed as the essence in nursing. A caring protocol was developed... more Abstract Caring has long been affirmed as the essence in nursing. A caring protocol was developed to enhance professional caring and served as a tool to establish a caring culture within a cluster of hospitals. The protocol encompasses three essential elements of ...

Enfermería Intensiva, Jun 1, 2005

BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning, Jun 28, 2017

Aim To assess the utility of a multiple-encounter in-situ (MEIS) simulation as an orientation too... more Aim To assess the utility of a multiple-encounter in-situ (MEIS) simulation as an orientation tool for multidisciplinary staff prior to opening a new paediatric emergency service. Methods A single-group pretest/post-test study was conducted. During the MEIS simulation, multidisciplinary staff with participant or observer roles managed eight children (mannequins) who attended triage with their parent/guardians (clinical facilitators) for a range of emergency presentations (structured scenarios designed to represent the expected range of presentations plus test various clinical pathways/systems). Participants were debriefed to explore clinical, systems and crisis-resource management issues. Participants also completed a pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaire comprising statements about role confidence and orientation adequacy. Pre-test and post-test results were analysed using t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. results Eighty-nine staff participated in the MEIS simulation, with the majority completing the presimulation and post-simulation questionnaire. There was a significant improvement in post-intervention versus pre-intervention Likert scores for role confidence and orientation adequacy (p=0.001 and <0.001, respectively); effect sizes suggested the greatest impact was on orientation adequacy. Nearly all scenarios resulted in significant increases in participants' confidence levels. conclusions The MEIS simulation was of utility in orientation of staff, at least with respect to selfreported role confidence and orientation adequacy. Its effectiveness in practice or compared with other orientation techniques was not assessed, but it did identify several flaws in planned systems allowing remediation prior to opening.

Journal of Clinical Nursing, Apr 1, 2005

Advancing the clinical perspective: a practice development project to develop the nurse practitio... more Advancing the clinical perspective: a practice development project to develop the nurse practitioner role in an acute hospital trust Aims. The aims of this project were to investigate awareness and foster understanding of the concept of the nurse practitioner and to facilitate and support the development of nurse practitioner roles within an acute hospital trust. Background. A limited understanding of and minimal support for the development of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role were identified within an acute hospital trust in the south of England. This was the impetus for pursuing the project outlined in this paper. Theoretical perspective. The project used practice development theory synonymously with action research methodology comprising of four action research cycles. Method. Data were collected in a variety of ways within the four overlapping cycles using formal and informal methods, which were analysed concurrently during the project. Techniques included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, meetings, discussions and the project leader's field notes' diary. Outcomes. A better understanding of the concept and support for NP posts were enhanced across the trust. A Nurse Practitioner Development Group (NPDG) was established, which helped to facilitate the development of NP posts. An example of such a post was established within a NP-led gynaecology pre-operative assessment clinic, which was a pilot project and constituted Action Research cycle 3. Conclusion. It is concluded that the development of NP roles, with the support of a NPDG, within an agreed strategy offers a robust process for NP development within an acute hospital setting. Relevance to clinical practice. This project demonstrated how practice development and action research might be used together as a systematic process for developing and supporting professional roles that aim to improve the quality of patient care and the effectiveness of health care services.

Nursing in critical care, May 1, 2003

• Because the current drive towards evidence-based critical care nursing practice is based firmly... more • Because the current drive towards evidence-based critical care nursing practice is based firmly within the positivist paradigm, experimentally derived research tends to be regarded as 'high level' evidence, whereas other forms of evidence, for example qualitative research or personal knowing, carry less weight • This poses something of a problem for nursing, as the type of knowledge nurses use most in their practice is often at the so-called 'soft' end of science. Thus, the 'Catch 22' situation is that the evidence base for nursing practice is considered to be weak • Furthermore, it is argued in this paper that there are several forms of nursing knowledge, which critical care nurses employ, that are difficult to articulate • The way forward requires a pragmatic approach to evidence, in which all forms of knowledge are considered equal in abstract but are assigned value according to the context of a particular situation • It is proposed that this can be achieved by adopting an approach to nursing in which practice development is the driving force for change

Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Dec 13, 2013

Aim To develop clinical practice guidelines for nurse-administered procedural sedation and analge... more Aim To develop clinical practice guidelines for nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Background Numerous studies have reported that nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia is safe. However, the broad scope of existing guidelines for the administration and monitoring of patients who receive sedation during medical procedures without an anaesthetist presents means there is a lack of specific guidance regarding optimal nursing practices for the unique circumstances in which nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia is used in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Methods A sequential mixed methods design was utilised. Initial recommendations were produced from three studies conducted by the authors: an integrative review; a qualitative study; and a cross-sectional survey. The recommendations were revised in accordance with responses from a modified Delphi study. The first Delphi round was completed by nine senior cardiac catheterisation laboratory nurses. All but one of the draft recommendations met the pre-determined cut-off point for inclusion. There were a total of 59 responses to the second round. Consensus was reached on all recommendations. Implications for nursing The guidelines that were derived from the Delphi study offer twenty four recommendations within six domains of nursing practice: Pre-procedural assessment; Pre-procedural patient and family education; Pre-procedural patient comfort; Intra-procedural patient comfort; Intra-procedural patient assessment and monitoring; and Post-procedural patient assessment and monitoring. Conclusion These guidelines provide an important foundation towards the delivery of safe, consistent and evidence-based nursing care for the many patients who receive sedation in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory setting.

ACORN: the journal of perioperative nursing in Australia, Jun 1, 2010

There is a worldwide shortage of nurses and this is predicted to worsen as more nurses retire fro... more There is a worldwide shortage of nurses and this is predicted to worsen as more nurses retire from the profession. Within perioperative nursing in Australia there are nurse shortages in virtually every state and territory. Furthermore, since undergraduate nursing education moved into universities, there is no requirement for theatre experience and this has impacted on the recruitment of new graduates to the area. The reduction of new recruits to perioperative nursing, as well as an increased workload, has affected stress and burn-out in more experienced nurses, resulting in further losses to the profession. In 2007, as part of a South East Queensland strategy to improve recruitment of nurses to the perioperative area, a short, five-day education program was developed and implemented: the Perioperative Introductory Program (PIP). The main objective of the program is to prepare 'workready' nurses for novice perioperative practice. This paper presents the results from an evaluation study, where the main aim was to investigate participants' knowledge levels before and after the PIP. Objective assessment of knowledge was also compared to participants' self-assessment of their knowledge, competence and confidence levels. The results demonstrate significant improvements in knowledge and self-perceived competence and confidence. Furthermore, knowledge areas of strength and weakness, and knowledge areas where greatest learning was achieved were identified. It is concluded that PIP is effective in preparing nurses for novice-entry level to perioperative nursing practice in terms of their knowledge level. However, without further investigation, it cannot be assumed that this translates into competent clinical practice.

Nursing in critical care, Nov 1, 2004

Nursing in critical care, Dec 1, 2003

Journal of Child Health Care, Jan 13, 2012

In Australia, Community Child Health Services (CCHS) is the primary health care service which see... more In Australia, Community Child Health Services (CCHS) is the primary health care service which seeks to strengthen and support families, prevent illness and manage risks. Several nursing models of care exist within CCHS, and limited research has investigated which is the best way to provide child health surveillance and parenting support during the early years. This study qualitatively explored the everyday lived experience of parents and child health nurses involved with an open-access (appointment-free, parent-led) group child health surveillance clinic. Findings showed that participants considered the open-access clinic provided a helpful and supportive way of delivering child health surveillance and parental support to families with infants aged 0–18months, without identified risk factors. The perspectives of multiple parents, nurses and other health workers found it effective, flexible and parent-directed, which may be in contrast to some traditional individual appointment child health surveillance methods.

Journal of Clinical Nursing, Feb 23, 2023

Australasian Emergency Care, May 1, 2018

To identify paediatric emergency department nurses' perceptions of factors influencing parents' u... more To identify paediatric emergency department nurses' perceptions of factors influencing parents' understanding of discharge information. Procedures: Content analysis was used to analyse data from three semi-structured focus groups with nurses from a paediatric ED. Findings: Findings were interpreted within the three domains of structure, process, and outcomes from the Donabedian model. Within the structure domain, barriers to effective provision of discharge information included inexperienced emergency department staff and time policies. Enablers included availability of interpreter services. Process-related barriers included parents' health related behaviour and health literacy, while enablers included ensuring parents understood discharge information. Nurses' perceptions of ineffective outcomes involved the risk of parents receiving incomplete or inappropriate information. Nurses perceived effective outcomes in quality of care were related to their professional experience and competence in being able to provide useful information to parents. Conclusion: This study investigated ED nurses' perceptions of factors that influence parents' understanding of discharge information. Interpreting findings within the Donabedian model provided important directions for future improvements to structure, processes and outcomes for provision of discharge information to parents leaving a paediatric ED. Ultimately, the findings from this study could inform future research to maximise the role of ED nurses in providing a high quality of discharge care for children discharged from the ED.

Applied Nursing Research, Nov 1, 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of psychological screening tools... more The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of psychological screening tools in outpatient heart transplant recipients. Methods: Forty-eight heart transplant recipients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7), Kessler Psychological Distress 10-item Scale (K-10) and Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-item Health Survey. A structured psychological interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Version 6) was conducted after completion of the questionnaires. Internal consistency, criterion validity and construct validity of the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and K-10 were evaluated. Results: Internal consistency supported the reliability of the screening tools. The optimal cutoff on the PHQ-9 for depression was 10 (sensitivity = 0.86; specificity = 0.93). A score of 6 on the GAD-7 maximized sensitivity (0.75) and specificity (0.89) for anxiety. A score of 17 on the K-10 was the optimal cutoff for diagnosis of either anxiety or depression (sensitivity = 0.83; specificity = 0.84). Increasing scores on the screening tools were associated with lower health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Psychometric analyses support the reliability and validity of the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and K-10 as screening tools for detection of anxiety and depression in heart transplant recipients.

Nursing in critical care, Dec 1, 2003

• The care bundle is a new concept in critical care, which is currently being promoted by the Nat... more • The care bundle is a new concept in critical care, which is currently being promoted by the National Health Service Modernisation Agency for Critical Care • Care bundles originated in North America and are described best as groups of evidence-based practice interventions • The theory behind care bundles is that when several evidence-based interventions are grouped together in a single protocol, it will improve patient outcome • Care bundles are relatively easy to develop, implement and audit, and provide practitioners with a practical method for implementing evidence-based practice • This article describes the care bundle and offers practical suggestions about how to develop, implement and audit them in practice

Nurse Education Today, Aug 1, 2003

The high dropout rate of nursing students is a major concern. However, there is little research a... more The high dropout rate of nursing students is a major concern. However, there is little research available about the reasons why students leave. Universities collect some information from &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;exit&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; interviews but, due to ethical sensitivities, it is not made available for research analysis. The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus view of the reasons why student nurses leave their pre-registration education programme. The study was undertaken in two phases. Initially, an exploratory phase using focus groups and one-to-one interviews was used to gather multi-professional views about the reasons why students leave. In the second phase a questionnaire was developed from the themes arising from the data analysis in phase one. The questionnaire was administered to an expert panel of student nurses in the form of a three-round Delphi Study. The consensus level was set at 75%. It is important to clarify that, for reasons stated above, the views expressed in this paper are those of current students about others who had left the programme. From this study, it is apparent that, with the exception of academic failure, there was no single contributing factor that was thought to make students leave. However, there were a number of important issues identified as factors that may result in student nurses leaving. These include communication and operational factors between the university and clinical areas, feelings of not being valued, unmet expectations, and stress. These issues were of concern to students and appeared to have a cumulative effect that led them to question whether they should continue their education programme. On the basis of these findings, several recommendations are made to improve the student nurse experience.

Connect, Jun 1, 2004

In modern health care there is an expectation that all practice is evidence-based. v One area tha... more In modern health care there is an expectation that all practice is evidence-based. v One area that has received a lot of attention with regard to its evidence base is weaning from mechanical ventilation. v There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that protocol-driven weaning from ventilation improves patient outcomes. v In many intensive care units, nurses have taken a lead role in weaning patients from ventilation. v This paper describes a nurse-led weaning protocol that was developed by a critical care network. v The protocol is explained, and the charts that were developed to support it are presented. v The protocol is currently being implemented in four different intensive care units, which are being audited during the first six months of its use. v The audit processes of data collection and analysis are also described.

Collegian, Dec 1, 2014

Title: Perceived barriers to healthy lifestyle activities in midlife and older Australian women w... more Title: Perceived barriers to healthy lifestyle activities in midlife and older Australian women with type 2 diabetes.

Journal of Research in Nursing, Jul 1, 2009

Abstract Caring has long been affirmed as the essence in nursing. A caring protocol was developed... more Abstract Caring has long been affirmed as the essence in nursing. A caring protocol was developed to enhance professional caring and served as a tool to establish a caring culture within a cluster of hospitals. The protocol encompasses three essential elements of ...

Enfermería Intensiva, Jun 1, 2005

BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning, Jun 28, 2017

Aim To assess the utility of a multiple-encounter in-situ (MEIS) simulation as an orientation too... more Aim To assess the utility of a multiple-encounter in-situ (MEIS) simulation as an orientation tool for multidisciplinary staff prior to opening a new paediatric emergency service. Methods A single-group pretest/post-test study was conducted. During the MEIS simulation, multidisciplinary staff with participant or observer roles managed eight children (mannequins) who attended triage with their parent/guardians (clinical facilitators) for a range of emergency presentations (structured scenarios designed to represent the expected range of presentations plus test various clinical pathways/systems). Participants were debriefed to explore clinical, systems and crisis-resource management issues. Participants also completed a pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaire comprising statements about role confidence and orientation adequacy. Pre-test and post-test results were analysed using t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. results Eighty-nine staff participated in the MEIS simulation, with the majority completing the presimulation and post-simulation questionnaire. There was a significant improvement in post-intervention versus pre-intervention Likert scores for role confidence and orientation adequacy (p=0.001 and <0.001, respectively); effect sizes suggested the greatest impact was on orientation adequacy. Nearly all scenarios resulted in significant increases in participants' confidence levels. conclusions The MEIS simulation was of utility in orientation of staff, at least with respect to selfreported role confidence and orientation adequacy. Its effectiveness in practice or compared with other orientation techniques was not assessed, but it did identify several flaws in planned systems allowing remediation prior to opening.

Journal of Clinical Nursing, Apr 1, 2005

Advancing the clinical perspective: a practice development project to develop the nurse practitio... more Advancing the clinical perspective: a practice development project to develop the nurse practitioner role in an acute hospital trust Aims. The aims of this project were to investigate awareness and foster understanding of the concept of the nurse practitioner and to facilitate and support the development of nurse practitioner roles within an acute hospital trust. Background. A limited understanding of and minimal support for the development of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role were identified within an acute hospital trust in the south of England. This was the impetus for pursuing the project outlined in this paper. Theoretical perspective. The project used practice development theory synonymously with action research methodology comprising of four action research cycles. Method. Data were collected in a variety of ways within the four overlapping cycles using formal and informal methods, which were analysed concurrently during the project. Techniques included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, meetings, discussions and the project leader's field notes' diary. Outcomes. A better understanding of the concept and support for NP posts were enhanced across the trust. A Nurse Practitioner Development Group (NPDG) was established, which helped to facilitate the development of NP posts. An example of such a post was established within a NP-led gynaecology pre-operative assessment clinic, which was a pilot project and constituted Action Research cycle 3. Conclusion. It is concluded that the development of NP roles, with the support of a NPDG, within an agreed strategy offers a robust process for NP development within an acute hospital setting. Relevance to clinical practice. This project demonstrated how practice development and action research might be used together as a systematic process for developing and supporting professional roles that aim to improve the quality of patient care and the effectiveness of health care services.

Nursing in critical care, May 1, 2003

• Because the current drive towards evidence-based critical care nursing practice is based firmly... more • Because the current drive towards evidence-based critical care nursing practice is based firmly within the positivist paradigm, experimentally derived research tends to be regarded as 'high level' evidence, whereas other forms of evidence, for example qualitative research or personal knowing, carry less weight • This poses something of a problem for nursing, as the type of knowledge nurses use most in their practice is often at the so-called 'soft' end of science. Thus, the 'Catch 22' situation is that the evidence base for nursing practice is considered to be weak • Furthermore, it is argued in this paper that there are several forms of nursing knowledge, which critical care nurses employ, that are difficult to articulate • The way forward requires a pragmatic approach to evidence, in which all forms of knowledge are considered equal in abstract but are assigned value according to the context of a particular situation • It is proposed that this can be achieved by adopting an approach to nursing in which practice development is the driving force for change

Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Dec 13, 2013

Aim To develop clinical practice guidelines for nurse-administered procedural sedation and analge... more Aim To develop clinical practice guidelines for nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Background Numerous studies have reported that nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia is safe. However, the broad scope of existing guidelines for the administration and monitoring of patients who receive sedation during medical procedures without an anaesthetist presents means there is a lack of specific guidance regarding optimal nursing practices for the unique circumstances in which nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia is used in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Methods A sequential mixed methods design was utilised. Initial recommendations were produced from three studies conducted by the authors: an integrative review; a qualitative study; and a cross-sectional survey. The recommendations were revised in accordance with responses from a modified Delphi study. The first Delphi round was completed by nine senior cardiac catheterisation laboratory nurses. All but one of the draft recommendations met the pre-determined cut-off point for inclusion. There were a total of 59 responses to the second round. Consensus was reached on all recommendations. Implications for nursing The guidelines that were derived from the Delphi study offer twenty four recommendations within six domains of nursing practice: Pre-procedural assessment; Pre-procedural patient and family education; Pre-procedural patient comfort; Intra-procedural patient comfort; Intra-procedural patient assessment and monitoring; and Post-procedural patient assessment and monitoring. Conclusion These guidelines provide an important foundation towards the delivery of safe, consistent and evidence-based nursing care for the many patients who receive sedation in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory setting.

ACORN: the journal of perioperative nursing in Australia, Jun 1, 2010

There is a worldwide shortage of nurses and this is predicted to worsen as more nurses retire fro... more There is a worldwide shortage of nurses and this is predicted to worsen as more nurses retire from the profession. Within perioperative nursing in Australia there are nurse shortages in virtually every state and territory. Furthermore, since undergraduate nursing education moved into universities, there is no requirement for theatre experience and this has impacted on the recruitment of new graduates to the area. The reduction of new recruits to perioperative nursing, as well as an increased workload, has affected stress and burn-out in more experienced nurses, resulting in further losses to the profession. In 2007, as part of a South East Queensland strategy to improve recruitment of nurses to the perioperative area, a short, five-day education program was developed and implemented: the Perioperative Introductory Program (PIP). The main objective of the program is to prepare 'workready' nurses for novice perioperative practice. This paper presents the results from an evaluation study, where the main aim was to investigate participants' knowledge levels before and after the PIP. Objective assessment of knowledge was also compared to participants' self-assessment of their knowledge, competence and confidence levels. The results demonstrate significant improvements in knowledge and self-perceived competence and confidence. Furthermore, knowledge areas of strength and weakness, and knowledge areas where greatest learning was achieved were identified. It is concluded that PIP is effective in preparing nurses for novice-entry level to perioperative nursing practice in terms of their knowledge level. However, without further investigation, it cannot be assumed that this translates into competent clinical practice.

Nursing in critical care, Nov 1, 2004

Nursing in critical care, Dec 1, 2003

Journal of Child Health Care, Jan 13, 2012

In Australia, Community Child Health Services (CCHS) is the primary health care service which see... more In Australia, Community Child Health Services (CCHS) is the primary health care service which seeks to strengthen and support families, prevent illness and manage risks. Several nursing models of care exist within CCHS, and limited research has investigated which is the best way to provide child health surveillance and parenting support during the early years. This study qualitatively explored the everyday lived experience of parents and child health nurses involved with an open-access (appointment-free, parent-led) group child health surveillance clinic. Findings showed that participants considered the open-access clinic provided a helpful and supportive way of delivering child health surveillance and parental support to families with infants aged 0–18months, without identified risk factors. The perspectives of multiple parents, nurses and other health workers found it effective, flexible and parent-directed, which may be in contrast to some traditional individual appointment child health surveillance methods.

Journal of Clinical Nursing, Feb 23, 2023