Sandra Reilly - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sandra Reilly

Research paper thumbnail of ATINER's Conference Paper Series HSC2013-0486

Recent studies have revealed that sexually selected traits may signal sperm quality and hence mal... more Recent studies have revealed that sexually selected traits may signal sperm quality and hence male fertilisation ability. There is also evidence that the expression of male sexual ornamentation and associated sperm characteristics depend on an individual's ability to cope with oxidative stress. Carotenoids are known for their antioxidant properties and carotenoid-based ornaments might represent honest signals as these pigments can be traded off between the investment in sexual ornamentation, sperm function as well as immune response. In this study, we examined the relationship between sexual ornamentation (breeding coloration) and sperm characteristics (e.g., velocity and morphology) in the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, an externally fertilising fish species, in which sperm competition commonly occurs. During the breeding season males are sperm limited and develop a conspicuous carotenoid-based coloration, which is under strong pre-copulatory sexual selection due to female mate choice and male-male competition. The results of the present study show that the expression of stickleback male breeding coloration is significantly positively associated with the linearity of sperm movement, whereas sperm morphology (head length to tail length ratio) is significantly negatively related to the trajectory of sperm movement. Moreover, there is some support for the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis as the intensity of male red breeding coloration is significantly positively correlated with sperm velocity, which is supposed to be an important determinant of fertilisation success in external fertilisers, indicating the honesty of the sexually selected nuptial red coloration [Current Zoology 59 (6): 761-768, 2013].

Research paper thumbnail of Partnering Nursing Students with Nurse Educators

Research paper thumbnail of A Survey of the Health Experiences of International Business Travelers

AAOHN Journal, 2002

Occupational health professionals need to know more about the health, worklife, and family life o... more Occupational health professionals need to know more about the health, worklife, and family life of international business travelers (IBTs). This descriptive correlational study, in two parts, examines the physiological and psychosocial experiences associated with business travel for a sample of 140 employees from western Canada's oil and gas industry. Results for Part One show that 76% of IBTs report travel related health problems, 74% have jet lag, 45% have travelers' diarrhea and gastrointestinal complaints, 12% to 16% have climate adaptation problems, and 2% report accidents and minor injuries. High risk behaviors include not carrying a first aid travel kit (54%); drinking more alcohol than ordinarily (21%); and neglecting food, water, and antimalarial precautions (6% to 14%). Other risk factors include age, length of stay, destination, pre-travel medical examinations, pre-travel advice, and eating and accommodation facilities. Findings show that IBTs are at risk for trav...

Research paper thumbnail of A qualitative study: Mothers of late preterm infants relate their experiences of community-based care

PLOS ONE, 2017

In Alberta, the high occurrence of late preterm infants and early hospital discharge of mother-in... more In Alberta, the high occurrence of late preterm infants and early hospital discharge of mother-infant dyads has implications for postpartum care in the community. Shortened hospital stay and complexities surrounding the care of biologically and developmentally immature late preterm infants heighten anxiety and fears. Our descriptive phenomenological study explores mothers' experience of caring for their late preterm infants in the community. Methods Eleven mothers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interview transcripts were analysed using an interpretive thematic approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Defining the role of primary health care nurse practitioners in rural Nova Scotia

The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieres, 2010

This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in ... more This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, by collecting the perceptions of rural health board chairpersons and health-care providers. Qualitative data were collected in telephone interviews with health board chairpersons. Quantitative data were collected in a survey of NPs, family physicians, public health nurses, and family practice nurses.The authors describe participants' perspectives on the health needs of rural communities, the gaps in the current model of primary health care services, the envisaged role of NPs in rural communities, and the facilitators of and barriers to NP role implementation. Optimizing the benefits of the NP role for residents of rural communities requires attention to the barriers that impede deployment and integration of the role.

Research paper thumbnail of The Continuity of Care: From Admission to the Recovery at Home

Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing

The treatment and support patients receive in their transition from the Emergency Department (ED)... more The treatment and support patients receive in their transition from the Emergency Department (ED) to the patient care unit (PCU), and eventually, the community, have clinical consequences, psycho-social outcomes, and financial ramifications. This quality improvement report provides recommendations intended to improve patient experiences and outcomes, in the context of ED crowding. The recommendations provided are informed by the findings of a master's project that examined the transfer of patients from admission in a crowded ED, to a select PCU, and then to the community using process mapping and patient surveys. The purpose of this project was to examine the sequence of care beyond the walls of the ED and include the PCU (McHugh et al., 2011) using a systems approach (Villa, Prenestini, & Giusepi. 2014). We believe that by understanding process successes and failures, between EDs and PCUs, we can make improvements to ensure efficient, effective, and streamlined transitions to p...

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences, mental well‐being and community‐based care needs of fathers of late preterm infants: A mixed‐methods pilot study

Nursing Open

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which... more This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Research paper thumbnail of Mother's level of confidence in caring for her late preterm infant: A mixed methods study

Journal of Clinical Nursing

Research paper thumbnail of Breastfeeding the late preterm infant: experiences of mothers and perceptions of public health nurses

International Breastfeeding Journal

Background: The promotion and maintenance of breastfeeding with late preterm infants (LPIs) remai... more Background: The promotion and maintenance of breastfeeding with late preterm infants (LPIs) remain under examined topics of study. This dearth of research knowledge, especially for this population at-risk for various health complications, requires scientific investigation. In this study, we explore the experiences of mothers and the perceptions of public health nurses (PHNs) about breastfeeding late preterm infants in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Methods: We used an exploratory mixed methods design with a convenience sample of 122 mothers to gather quantitative data about breastfeeding. We collected qualitative data by means of individual face-to-face interviews with 11 mothers and 10 public health nurses. Data were collected from April 2013 to June 2014. We then employed an interpretive thematic analysis to identify central themes and relationships across narratives. Results: We collected 74 complete data sets about breastfeeding. During the first 6-8 weeks postpartum, 61 mothers breastfed their infants. Of these, 51 partially breastfed and 10 exclusively breastfed. For qualitative purposes, the researchers interviewed 11 mothers with late preterm babies and three themes emerged: significant difficulty with breastfeeding, failing to recognize the infant's feeding distress and disorganized behavior, and the parental stress caused by the multiple feeding issues. The public health nurses' comments reinforced and expanded on what the mothers reported. The themes for the nurses included: challenges with initiating breastfeeding, challenges during breastfeeding, and the need for stimulation during breastfeeding. Conclusion: Mothers face challenges when breastfeeding their late preterm infants and public health nurses can guide them through this experience. Families with a late preterm infant need to be informed about the challenges associated with breastfeeding a late preterm infant. It is necessary for all health care professionals to receive proper training on safe and effective breastfeeding of late preterm infants. It is essential for public health nurses to communicate effectively with families of late preterm infants to provide anticipatory guidance about potential challenges and strategies to resolve any breastfeeding problems.

Research paper thumbnail of What Can Secondary School Students Teach Educators and School Nurses About Student Engagement in Health Promotion? A Scoping Review

The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses, 2017

Student engagement represents a critical component of a comprehensive school health (CSH) approac... more Student engagement represents a critical component of a comprehensive school health (CSH) approach to health promotion. Nevertheless, questions remain about its implementation. This scoping review updates the field of student engagement in health promotion. Of the 1,388 located articles, 14 qualify for inclusion in this study. An analysis reveals four themes. CSH programs that incorporate student engagement promote a sense of belonging to a community, encourage meaningful involvement, give voice to student concerns, and advance supportive relationships. This study finds a lack of research regarding student engagement in health promotion but confirms that student participation in CSH initiatives contributes to a sense of ownership. Consequently, we can infer that student ownership of health promotion takes place through their meaningful engagement and can effect social change.

Research paper thumbnail of Middle managers’ role in quality improvement project implementation, are we all on the same page? – A review of current literature

Safety in Health, 2016

Background: Middle managers within healthcare hold a unique position between senior leadership an... more Background: Middle managers within healthcare hold a unique position between senior leadership and frontline staff, and may hold a pivotal function in the implementation of quality improvement (QI) projects. This review aims to explore what is known about healthcare middle managers' role in implementing QI initiatives, and to determine if consensus around their role exists amongst middle managers and other healthcare stakeholders alike. Methods: A review of the current literature, limited to the English language was undertaken using the databases CINAHL (ESBSCO), PsychInfo, Cochrane, Medline (OVID) and Google Scholar. Of the 2473 articles the search yielded, data was extracted from 16 articles that met the authors' inclusion criteria. Results: There is scarcity of empirical literature surrounding healthcare middle managers' role in project implementation, and limited consensus in regards to role descriptors is identified. There is general agreement that middle managers have a role in mediating between strategy and day-today activities, acting as the primary supporter of frontline staff, and serving as a knowledge broker. However, disagreements about their role are apparent with discrepant perceptions held by the broader stakeholder group (physicians, frontline staff, and senior level leadership) and amongst middle managers themselves. Conclusions: A limited understanding exists around the specialized role of middle managers within this context, and could be a contributing barrier to QI project implementation. It is suggested that a lack of role clarity amongst middle managers is evident and may be attributed to various contexts and implementation strategies used in quality improvement (QI).

Research paper thumbnail of An early intervention programme to protect children by improving the coping strategies and life skills of families

Research paper thumbnail of Health Promotion at the Community Level: New Advances (2Nd Edition)

Canadian Journal of Public Health, May 1, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Transitions in the Early-Life of Late Preterm Infants

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 2012

The focus of this article is on the transition of late preterm infants from hospital to home. The... more The focus of this article is on the transition of late preterm infants from hospital to home. The current state of literature related to mortality, morbidities, emergency department visits, and rehospitalization underscores the vulnerability of late preterm infants following discharge from hospital. Universal provision of postpartum care to late preterm infants is viewed as an environmental support intended to facilitate transition of these vulnerable infants from hospital to home. Gaps in provision of postpartum care of late preterm infants are situated within the discussion of guidelines and models of postpartum care (home vs clinic) of late preterm infants.

Research paper thumbnail of Mothers' Efforts to Promote Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity for Their Preschool Children

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2011

Children's lifestyles profoundly impact their health. This action research study explores how mot... more Children's lifestyles profoundly impact their health. This action research study explores how mothers manage to provide good nutrition and physical activity opportunities for their preschool children despite the challenges of daily living. Aware of these daily challenges, mothers are the best source of information about the usefulness of different strategies in providing healthy lifestyles for their children. In so doing, they display an ecological viewpoint that recognizes health as an individual and collective responsibility.

Research paper thumbnail of Infant crying and parent-infant interaction: Theory and measurement

Infant Mental Health Journal, 1999

Infant crying is frequently quantified as a primary dependent variable in studies where the goal ... more Infant crying is frequently quantified as a primary dependent variable in studies where the goal is to understand and soothe infant crying within the context of the parent–infant relationship. Through a historical review and an examination of studies and measurement techniques, ...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of different soothing interventions on infant crying and on parent-infant interaction

Infant Mental Health Journal, 2002

INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Vol. 23(3), 310–328 (2002) 2002 Michigan Association for Infant Men... more INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Vol. 23(3), 310–328 (2002) 2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) . DOI: 10.1002/imhj.10018 ... M. RUTH ELLIOTT Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

Research paper thumbnail of Caring for late preterm infants: public health nurses’ experiences

BMC Nursing

Background: Public health nurses (PHNs) care for and support late preterm infants (LPIs) and thei... more Background: Public health nurses (PHNs) care for and support late preterm infants (LPIs) and their families when they go home from the hospital. PHNs require evidence-informed guidelines to ensure appropriate and consistent care. The objective of this research study is to capture the lived experience of PHNs caring for LPIs in the community as a first step to improving the quality of care for LPIs and support for their parents. Methods: To meet our objectives we chose a descriptive phenomenology approach as a method of inquiry. We conducted semi-structured interviews with PHNs (n = 10) to understand PHN perceptions of caring for LPIs and challenges in meeting the needs of families within the community. Interpretative thematic analysis revealed PHN perceptions of caring for LPIs and challenges in meeting the needs of families within the community. Results: Four themes emerged from the data. First, PHNs expressed challenges with meeting the physiological needs of LPIs and gave voice to the resulting strain this causes for parents. Second, nurses conveyed that parents require more anticipatory guidance about the special demands associated with feeding LPIs. Third, PHNs relayed that parents sometimes receive inconsistent advice from different providers. Lastly, PHNs acknowledged that due to lack of resources, families sometimes did not receive the full scope of evidence informed care required by fragile, immature infants. Conclusion: The care of LPIs by PHNs would benefit from more research about the needs of these infants and their families. Efforts to improve quality of care should focus on: evidence-informed guidelines, consistent care pathways, coordination of follow up care and financial resources, to provide physical, emotional, informational support that families require once they leave the hospital. More research on meeting the challenges of caring for LPIs and their families would provide direction for the competencies PHNs require to improve the quality of care in the community.

Research paper thumbnail of Defining the Role of Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners in Rural Nova ScotiaDéfinir le rôle des infirmières praticiennes en soins primaires dans les régions rurales de la Nouvelle-Écosse

The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research Revue Canadienne De Recherche En Sciences Infirmieres, May 31, 2010

This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in ... more This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, by collecting the perceptions of rural health board chairpersons and health-care providers. Qualitative data were collected in telephone interviews with health board chairpersons. Quantitative data were collected in a survey of NPs, family physicians, public health nurses, and family practice nurses.The authors describe participants' perspectives on the health needs of rural communities, the gaps in the current model of primary health care services, the envisaged role of NPs in rural communities, and the facilitators of and barriers to NP role implementation. Optimizing the benefits of the NP role for residents of rural communities requires attention to the barriers that impede deployment and integration of the role.

Research paper thumbnail of ATINER's Conference Paper Series HSC2013-0486

Recent studies have revealed that sexually selected traits may signal sperm quality and hence mal... more Recent studies have revealed that sexually selected traits may signal sperm quality and hence male fertilisation ability. There is also evidence that the expression of male sexual ornamentation and associated sperm characteristics depend on an individual's ability to cope with oxidative stress. Carotenoids are known for their antioxidant properties and carotenoid-based ornaments might represent honest signals as these pigments can be traded off between the investment in sexual ornamentation, sperm function as well as immune response. In this study, we examined the relationship between sexual ornamentation (breeding coloration) and sperm characteristics (e.g., velocity and morphology) in the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, an externally fertilising fish species, in which sperm competition commonly occurs. During the breeding season males are sperm limited and develop a conspicuous carotenoid-based coloration, which is under strong pre-copulatory sexual selection due to female mate choice and male-male competition. The results of the present study show that the expression of stickleback male breeding coloration is significantly positively associated with the linearity of sperm movement, whereas sperm morphology (head length to tail length ratio) is significantly negatively related to the trajectory of sperm movement. Moreover, there is some support for the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis as the intensity of male red breeding coloration is significantly positively correlated with sperm velocity, which is supposed to be an important determinant of fertilisation success in external fertilisers, indicating the honesty of the sexually selected nuptial red coloration [Current Zoology 59 (6): 761-768, 2013].

Research paper thumbnail of Partnering Nursing Students with Nurse Educators

Research paper thumbnail of A Survey of the Health Experiences of International Business Travelers

AAOHN Journal, 2002

Occupational health professionals need to know more about the health, worklife, and family life o... more Occupational health professionals need to know more about the health, worklife, and family life of international business travelers (IBTs). This descriptive correlational study, in two parts, examines the physiological and psychosocial experiences associated with business travel for a sample of 140 employees from western Canada's oil and gas industry. Results for Part One show that 76% of IBTs report travel related health problems, 74% have jet lag, 45% have travelers' diarrhea and gastrointestinal complaints, 12% to 16% have climate adaptation problems, and 2% report accidents and minor injuries. High risk behaviors include not carrying a first aid travel kit (54%); drinking more alcohol than ordinarily (21%); and neglecting food, water, and antimalarial precautions (6% to 14%). Other risk factors include age, length of stay, destination, pre-travel medical examinations, pre-travel advice, and eating and accommodation facilities. Findings show that IBTs are at risk for trav...

Research paper thumbnail of A qualitative study: Mothers of late preterm infants relate their experiences of community-based care

PLOS ONE, 2017

In Alberta, the high occurrence of late preterm infants and early hospital discharge of mother-in... more In Alberta, the high occurrence of late preterm infants and early hospital discharge of mother-infant dyads has implications for postpartum care in the community. Shortened hospital stay and complexities surrounding the care of biologically and developmentally immature late preterm infants heighten anxiety and fears. Our descriptive phenomenological study explores mothers' experience of caring for their late preterm infants in the community. Methods Eleven mothers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interview transcripts were analysed using an interpretive thematic approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Defining the role of primary health care nurse practitioners in rural Nova Scotia

The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieres, 2010

This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in ... more This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, by collecting the perceptions of rural health board chairpersons and health-care providers. Qualitative data were collected in telephone interviews with health board chairpersons. Quantitative data were collected in a survey of NPs, family physicians, public health nurses, and family practice nurses.The authors describe participants' perspectives on the health needs of rural communities, the gaps in the current model of primary health care services, the envisaged role of NPs in rural communities, and the facilitators of and barriers to NP role implementation. Optimizing the benefits of the NP role for residents of rural communities requires attention to the barriers that impede deployment and integration of the role.

Research paper thumbnail of The Continuity of Care: From Admission to the Recovery at Home

Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing

The treatment and support patients receive in their transition from the Emergency Department (ED)... more The treatment and support patients receive in their transition from the Emergency Department (ED) to the patient care unit (PCU), and eventually, the community, have clinical consequences, psycho-social outcomes, and financial ramifications. This quality improvement report provides recommendations intended to improve patient experiences and outcomes, in the context of ED crowding. The recommendations provided are informed by the findings of a master's project that examined the transfer of patients from admission in a crowded ED, to a select PCU, and then to the community using process mapping and patient surveys. The purpose of this project was to examine the sequence of care beyond the walls of the ED and include the PCU (McHugh et al., 2011) using a systems approach (Villa, Prenestini, & Giusepi. 2014). We believe that by understanding process successes and failures, between EDs and PCUs, we can make improvements to ensure efficient, effective, and streamlined transitions to p...

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences, mental well‐being and community‐based care needs of fathers of late preterm infants: A mixed‐methods pilot study

Nursing Open

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which... more This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Research paper thumbnail of Mother's level of confidence in caring for her late preterm infant: A mixed methods study

Journal of Clinical Nursing

Research paper thumbnail of Breastfeeding the late preterm infant: experiences of mothers and perceptions of public health nurses

International Breastfeeding Journal

Background: The promotion and maintenance of breastfeeding with late preterm infants (LPIs) remai... more Background: The promotion and maintenance of breastfeeding with late preterm infants (LPIs) remain under examined topics of study. This dearth of research knowledge, especially for this population at-risk for various health complications, requires scientific investigation. In this study, we explore the experiences of mothers and the perceptions of public health nurses (PHNs) about breastfeeding late preterm infants in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Methods: We used an exploratory mixed methods design with a convenience sample of 122 mothers to gather quantitative data about breastfeeding. We collected qualitative data by means of individual face-to-face interviews with 11 mothers and 10 public health nurses. Data were collected from April 2013 to June 2014. We then employed an interpretive thematic analysis to identify central themes and relationships across narratives. Results: We collected 74 complete data sets about breastfeeding. During the first 6-8 weeks postpartum, 61 mothers breastfed their infants. Of these, 51 partially breastfed and 10 exclusively breastfed. For qualitative purposes, the researchers interviewed 11 mothers with late preterm babies and three themes emerged: significant difficulty with breastfeeding, failing to recognize the infant's feeding distress and disorganized behavior, and the parental stress caused by the multiple feeding issues. The public health nurses' comments reinforced and expanded on what the mothers reported. The themes for the nurses included: challenges with initiating breastfeeding, challenges during breastfeeding, and the need for stimulation during breastfeeding. Conclusion: Mothers face challenges when breastfeeding their late preterm infants and public health nurses can guide them through this experience. Families with a late preterm infant need to be informed about the challenges associated with breastfeeding a late preterm infant. It is necessary for all health care professionals to receive proper training on safe and effective breastfeeding of late preterm infants. It is essential for public health nurses to communicate effectively with families of late preterm infants to provide anticipatory guidance about potential challenges and strategies to resolve any breastfeeding problems.

Research paper thumbnail of What Can Secondary School Students Teach Educators and School Nurses About Student Engagement in Health Promotion? A Scoping Review

The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses, 2017

Student engagement represents a critical component of a comprehensive school health (CSH) approac... more Student engagement represents a critical component of a comprehensive school health (CSH) approach to health promotion. Nevertheless, questions remain about its implementation. This scoping review updates the field of student engagement in health promotion. Of the 1,388 located articles, 14 qualify for inclusion in this study. An analysis reveals four themes. CSH programs that incorporate student engagement promote a sense of belonging to a community, encourage meaningful involvement, give voice to student concerns, and advance supportive relationships. This study finds a lack of research regarding student engagement in health promotion but confirms that student participation in CSH initiatives contributes to a sense of ownership. Consequently, we can infer that student ownership of health promotion takes place through their meaningful engagement and can effect social change.

Research paper thumbnail of Middle managers’ role in quality improvement project implementation, are we all on the same page? – A review of current literature

Safety in Health, 2016

Background: Middle managers within healthcare hold a unique position between senior leadership an... more Background: Middle managers within healthcare hold a unique position between senior leadership and frontline staff, and may hold a pivotal function in the implementation of quality improvement (QI) projects. This review aims to explore what is known about healthcare middle managers' role in implementing QI initiatives, and to determine if consensus around their role exists amongst middle managers and other healthcare stakeholders alike. Methods: A review of the current literature, limited to the English language was undertaken using the databases CINAHL (ESBSCO), PsychInfo, Cochrane, Medline (OVID) and Google Scholar. Of the 2473 articles the search yielded, data was extracted from 16 articles that met the authors' inclusion criteria. Results: There is scarcity of empirical literature surrounding healthcare middle managers' role in project implementation, and limited consensus in regards to role descriptors is identified. There is general agreement that middle managers have a role in mediating between strategy and day-today activities, acting as the primary supporter of frontline staff, and serving as a knowledge broker. However, disagreements about their role are apparent with discrepant perceptions held by the broader stakeholder group (physicians, frontline staff, and senior level leadership) and amongst middle managers themselves. Conclusions: A limited understanding exists around the specialized role of middle managers within this context, and could be a contributing barrier to QI project implementation. It is suggested that a lack of role clarity amongst middle managers is evident and may be attributed to various contexts and implementation strategies used in quality improvement (QI).

Research paper thumbnail of An early intervention programme to protect children by improving the coping strategies and life skills of families

Research paper thumbnail of Health Promotion at the Community Level: New Advances (2Nd Edition)

Canadian Journal of Public Health, May 1, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Transitions in the Early-Life of Late Preterm Infants

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 2012

The focus of this article is on the transition of late preterm infants from hospital to home. The... more The focus of this article is on the transition of late preterm infants from hospital to home. The current state of literature related to mortality, morbidities, emergency department visits, and rehospitalization underscores the vulnerability of late preterm infants following discharge from hospital. Universal provision of postpartum care to late preterm infants is viewed as an environmental support intended to facilitate transition of these vulnerable infants from hospital to home. Gaps in provision of postpartum care of late preterm infants are situated within the discussion of guidelines and models of postpartum care (home vs clinic) of late preterm infants.

Research paper thumbnail of Mothers' Efforts to Promote Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity for Their Preschool Children

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2011

Children's lifestyles profoundly impact their health. This action research study explores how mot... more Children's lifestyles profoundly impact their health. This action research study explores how mothers manage to provide good nutrition and physical activity opportunities for their preschool children despite the challenges of daily living. Aware of these daily challenges, mothers are the best source of information about the usefulness of different strategies in providing healthy lifestyles for their children. In so doing, they display an ecological viewpoint that recognizes health as an individual and collective responsibility.

Research paper thumbnail of Infant crying and parent-infant interaction: Theory and measurement

Infant Mental Health Journal, 1999

Infant crying is frequently quantified as a primary dependent variable in studies where the goal ... more Infant crying is frequently quantified as a primary dependent variable in studies where the goal is to understand and soothe infant crying within the context of the parent–infant relationship. Through a historical review and an examination of studies and measurement techniques, ...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of different soothing interventions on infant crying and on parent-infant interaction

Infant Mental Health Journal, 2002

INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Vol. 23(3), 310–328 (2002) 2002 Michigan Association for Infant Men... more INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Vol. 23(3), 310–328 (2002) 2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) . DOI: 10.1002/imhj.10018 ... M. RUTH ELLIOTT Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

Research paper thumbnail of Caring for late preterm infants: public health nurses’ experiences

BMC Nursing

Background: Public health nurses (PHNs) care for and support late preterm infants (LPIs) and thei... more Background: Public health nurses (PHNs) care for and support late preterm infants (LPIs) and their families when they go home from the hospital. PHNs require evidence-informed guidelines to ensure appropriate and consistent care. The objective of this research study is to capture the lived experience of PHNs caring for LPIs in the community as a first step to improving the quality of care for LPIs and support for their parents. Methods: To meet our objectives we chose a descriptive phenomenology approach as a method of inquiry. We conducted semi-structured interviews with PHNs (n = 10) to understand PHN perceptions of caring for LPIs and challenges in meeting the needs of families within the community. Interpretative thematic analysis revealed PHN perceptions of caring for LPIs and challenges in meeting the needs of families within the community. Results: Four themes emerged from the data. First, PHNs expressed challenges with meeting the physiological needs of LPIs and gave voice to the resulting strain this causes for parents. Second, nurses conveyed that parents require more anticipatory guidance about the special demands associated with feeding LPIs. Third, PHNs relayed that parents sometimes receive inconsistent advice from different providers. Lastly, PHNs acknowledged that due to lack of resources, families sometimes did not receive the full scope of evidence informed care required by fragile, immature infants. Conclusion: The care of LPIs by PHNs would benefit from more research about the needs of these infants and their families. Efforts to improve quality of care should focus on: evidence-informed guidelines, consistent care pathways, coordination of follow up care and financial resources, to provide physical, emotional, informational support that families require once they leave the hospital. More research on meeting the challenges of caring for LPIs and their families would provide direction for the competencies PHNs require to improve the quality of care in the community.

Research paper thumbnail of Defining the Role of Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners in Rural Nova ScotiaDéfinir le rôle des infirmières praticiennes en soins primaires dans les régions rurales de la Nouvelle-Écosse

The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research Revue Canadienne De Recherche En Sciences Infirmieres, May 31, 2010

This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in ... more This article reports on a mixed methods study to define the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, by collecting the perceptions of rural health board chairpersons and health-care providers. Qualitative data were collected in telephone interviews with health board chairpersons. Quantitative data were collected in a survey of NPs, family physicians, public health nurses, and family practice nurses.The authors describe participants' perspectives on the health needs of rural communities, the gaps in the current model of primary health care services, the envisaged role of NPs in rural communities, and the facilitators of and barriers to NP role implementation. Optimizing the benefits of the NP role for residents of rural communities requires attention to the barriers that impede deployment and integration of the role.