One Year Later: Evaluating a Changing Delivery System

One year after the introduction of primary nursing on four medical and surgical units in the tertiary hospital, a 23-item survey was distributed to primary and associate nurses on these units to evaluate the nurses' perceptions of the status of this change in nursing care delivery. Lewin's theory of change provided direction for evaluation of the change. The survey assessed improvements in patient care, changes in nursing practice, and interactions with other disciplines. The majority of nurses surveyed reported that patient care had improved under primary nursing; 100% of the primary nurses agreed that care had improved. The nurses identified continuity of care, communications, and awareness of patient problems as specific areas of improvement. They also identified improved interactions with many members of the healthcare team; the greatest were with dietitians, social workers, and physicians. The authors reported both positive and negative perceptions of how practice had changed under primary nursing. Results from the survey provided suggestions for continued support for staff nurses in this change in nursing care delivery within the studied facility, and suggested the need for future assessment and further evaluation.     

Patients perception of care under primary and team nursing

The relationship between the structure of nursing care and patient satisfaction is examined after equalizing the quantity and quality of nursing staff. An all-registered-nurse model of primary nursing is compared to team nursing. The nursing competency scores of registered nurses (as measured by the Slater scale) on two patient care units were equalized through 6 months of continuing education and staff development programs. A patient checklist was used to determine satisfaction with care and perceived omissions in care. No significant differences in satisfaction with care were found between the two units. The unit with primary nursing was perceived as having significantly higher omissions in care in three categories: dietary needs, reaction to therapy, and contact with nurses. The results suggest that the effect of nursing care structures on patient perception of care may be contingent upon the efficiency of the support systems and the competency of the nursing staff.     

Intrapreneurial/entrepreneurial roles for nurses in long-term care. Seize the opportunity to be nontraditional.

An increasing elderly population with multiple chronic diseases in need of sophisticated nursing care suggests that long-term care needs will continue to escalate. Recent political changes affecting the industry have led to explication of quality care issues and needs of long-term care consumers. Creative, innovative nurses need to seize the opportunity to influence patient care and the long-term care industry positively and cost-consciously. Intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial nursing are nontraditional nursing roles for self-directed, highly motivated nurses. Opportunities exist for gerontological nurses to design, direct, implement, and provide quality patient care; to serve as primary care providers or consultants; and to own and control a nursing practice.     

The nursing shortage: dynamics and solutions. A supportive clinical practice model

In a large VA teaching hospital, the primary nursing care delivery model is established with an all-RN staff. Several new initiatives and incentives have been implemented to maintain nurse satisfaction during this period of nurse shortage, but the primary nurse's relationship with her or his patient is the most satisfying and rewarding opportunity in this setting. The professional profile of the nurse staff reflects high academic preparation, certification in clinical area of practice, and involvement in nursing organizations. Primary nursing is successful because of the availability of support services, which enable the nurse to remain with the patient on the nursing unit. The primary nursing care delivery model and staffing were evaluated and revised to include licensed vocational (practical) nurses as associate nurses. Nurses on staff affirm their authority and autonomy to make and carry out clinical decisions about the nursing care of their primary patients. Physicians recognize nurses as the co-primary care provider in a clinical practice atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration. New opportunities for professional growth and self-actualization enrich the work environment.     

Changing traditional nursing home roles to nursing case management

1. The role of nursing case manager described here was derived from the concept of primary nursing in acute care, team nursing, and the community-based social service role. 2. Nurses in nursing homes often function within a bureaucratic, physician advocate role instead of within a professional, patient advocate role. 3. Following implementation of the nursing case manager role, nurses were able to see results of their intervention, nursing accountability was enhanced, and the number of documented positive patient outcomes increased. 4. The two primary paper tools used by nurses in this project were the care plan to direct individualized care and the progress note to report problem resolution.     

责任护士包干负责制在改进护理服务质量中的效果分析

目的:探讨并分析责任护士包干负责制在改进护理服务质量中的效果.方法:对2010年7月～2011年6月成为优质护理服务试点病房的15个科室实行责任护士包干负责制,即每个科室根据床位多少分为2～3组,每组由责任组长、责任护士、助理护士组成,采取"扁平化"管理,每人负责5～8例患者,实行8 h在岗、24 h负责制.统计实施责任护士包干负责制后7项护理质量检查评分及患者满意度等,并与实施前(2009年7月～2010年6月)的相应指标作对照分析.结果:实施责任护士包干负责制试点病区的护理质量和患者满意度较实施前均有提高,且护理不良事件发生率较实施前下降(P＜0.01).结论:实施责任护士包干负责制可转变护理工作模式,优化工作流程,明确工作职责,增强护理人员工作责任心和主动服务意识,密切护患关系,使临床护理工作更加贴近患者.     

医护合作型责任制护理模式的实践及效果

目的：探讨医护合作型责任制护理模式在深化优质护理服务活动中的实施效果。方法：在深入开展优质护理服务活动中,实施医护合作型责任制护理模式,采用自行设计的调查表,对病人满意度、医生满意度和护士满意度进行问卷调查,同时采集护理质量检查结果和护理服务质量相关数据,与实施医护合作型责任制护理模式前的调查结果进行比较。结果：实施医护合作型责任制护理模式后,病人对护理工作满意度、医生对护理工作满意度均明显提高,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。护士对自身工作满意度也有所提高,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。特级护理和一级护理质量、基础护理质量、病区管理质量明显提高,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。最满意护士的人次数、病人感谢信中点名表扬护士的人次数明显增多。结论：实施医护合作型责任制护理模式,能有效地密切医、护、患关系,充分发挥高级责任护士的作用,促进初级责任护士的成长,提高工作效率和护理质量,达到“病人满意、医生满意、护士满意”的目标。     

产科一贯制责任护理模式的实施与效果

目的 探讨在产科病房实施新的管理模式-一贯制责任护理模式的效果.方法 从孕妇在门诊产前检查时提供咨询及指导服务,到该孕妇入院后从产前、产后护理、直至出院后2周的随访护理,责任护士以孕产妇为中心,为其提供连续的全程护理.结果 责任护士专科考试成绩明显提高、表扬信数目增多.结论 一贯制责任护理是先进的产科护理模式,有利于提...     

The effect of individual characteristics on perceptions of collaboration in the work environment.

As the nursing shortage ensues, the need for recruiting and retaining highly skilled nurses committed to the organization will become necessary to maintain high-quality patient care. The primary role of nursing is to provide the best possible care to patients. To attain this goal, nurses must work in collaboration with other members of the health care team. The effect of team-orientation and organizational commitment on perceptions of nurse-physician collaboration in the work environment are examined.     

人文关怀在优质护理服务工作中的应用

目的探讨人文关怀在优质护理服务中的运用,强化护理责任感、落实基础护理,提高护理质量,提高患者满意度。方法通过营造良好的病区环境,增强护士综合素质和主动服务的意识,夯实基础护理,提供安全的护理,实施出院后的延续护理等措施,为患者提供优质护理。结果人文关怀在优质护理服务中的运用,切实提高了护士主动服务的意识,患者满意度和护理质量得到了提高,护理纠纷减少,患者满意度由85.77%提高到97.50%(P<0.01)。结论人文关怀在优质护理服务活动中,提升了护士与患者主动沟通的能力,促进患者的恢复,达到真正意义上的护患和谐、医患和谐和社会的和谐。     

Retention of nurses in the primary and community care workforce after the age of 50 years: database analysis and literature review

Title.  Retention of nurses in the primary and community care workforce after theage of 50 years: database analysis and literature review.
Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to explore strategies for retaining nurses and their implications for the primary and community care nursing workforce.
Background.  An ageing nursing workforce has forced the need for recruitment and retention of nurses to be an important feature of workforce planning in many countries. However, whilst there is a growing awareness of the factors that influence the retention of nurses within secondary care services, little is known about those that influence retention of nurses in primary and community care. Little is known about the age profile of such nurses or the impact of the ageing nursing workforce on individual nursing specialities in the England.
Methods.  Nursing databases were analysed to explore the impact of age on nursing specialities in primary and community care. The nurse retention literature was reviewed from 1995 to 2006.
Findings.  Workforce statistics reveal that primary and community care nurses have a higher age profile than the National Health Service nursing workforce as a whole. However, there are important gaps in the literature in relation to the factors influencing retention of older primary and community care nurses. Specific factors exist for older nurses within primary care that are unique. Implications for their retention are suggested.
Conclusion.  Particular attention needs to be paid to factors influencing retention of older nurses in primary and community care. These factors need to be incorporated into local and national policy planning and development.     

Continuing care after cancer treatment

BACKGROUND: Despite nearly three decades of debate and policy guidance there is evidence that, in the United Kingdom, patient hospital discharge remains problematic. District nurses, who deliver skilled home nursing care, receive referrals from hospitals for continuing nursing care needs. However, district nurses' expectations of appropriate patient referral from hospitals are not always achieved. In an attempt to improve services after hospital discharge, government policy has emphasized partnership between care providers, highlighting the need for smooth transition between care settings. AIM: To explore hospital discharge and referral procedures for patients with cancer, with particular emphasis on referrals made by hospital nurses to district nurses. METHOD: In-depth interviews were carried out with nurses actively involved in the discharge process as both referrers and recipients of referrals. Twenty nurses from a regional cancer centre and 20 district nurses from three adjacent primary care trusts were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically, and themes compared between the two care settings. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that competing sets of expectations, not only between hospital and community nursing settings, but amongst district nurses themselves, are a major factor impeding agreement on referral criteria and satisfaction with the referral process.     

A hermeneutic analysis of the lived experiences of associate nurses

• ? In order to understand better the role of associate nurse in the primary nursing model, narratives from associate nurses were analysed using hermeneutic approach.
• ? Major themes in the narratives included: connecting with patients, collaborating with other nurses, and making decisions.
• ? Associate nurses were found to define their practice as ‘primary’ in terms of their contributions to patient care and being a responsible professional.
• ? A better understanding of the associate role in clinical practice can enhance patient care and professional relationships.
• ? Further research into the philosophical nature of primary nursing is suggested.

     

Are English novice nurses prepared to work in primary care setting?

This study explored the role of nurses in primary care and nurses' level of preparedness to work in the primary care sector in United Kingdom. The study was conducted in three primary care trusts (PCTs) in the north of England and participants were selected using a modified snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through telephone interviews. Fourteen nurses working at various levels in PCTs were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants believed that nurses work in a variety of roles in primary care including care provider, autonomous practitioner, health educator and patient's advocate. With regard to preparedness to work in primary care, a mixed response was identified. Some nurses believed that the pre-registration nursing curriculum generally prepares nurses well for the role; others believed it did not prepare them at all. A common perception was that the pre-registration nursing curriculum is generally acute care focused and does not educate nurses about the structure of the primary care setting. Participants recommended more emphasis on primary care, longer placements in community and primary care, increased involvement of the nurses working in primary care in the pre-registration nursing curriculum and preceptorship and mentorship programmes for novice nurses in primary care.     

Partners in care: investigating community nurses’ understanding of an interdisciplinary team‐based approach to primary care

Aim. This study investigated community nurses understanding of teamwork in primary care. Background. Internationally trends indicate a movement towards the development of primary care as a key element in health service delivery. This will have implications for the organisation of community nursing services by creating the need for more coherent integrated structures for service delivery. In this context, teamwork is associated with a range of positive outcomes including higher levels of quality care and job satisfaction. Design. A research study was undertaken to investigate community nurses’ understanding of an interdisciplinary team‐based approach to primary care using a qualitative research design. Focus groups were held with community nurses working in the areas of public health nursing, general nursing and practice nursing. Methods. Three focus groups were established. Twenty seven participants were recruited to form three groups comprising public health nurses (n = 10), general nurses (n = 10) and practice nurses (n = 7). A sequenced‐questioning framework guided the systematic process of data collection. Data analysis engaged a thematic content analysis framework. Results. The analysis of the data revealed the following themes: teamwork, promoting community services, promoting health, professional roles and skills and knowledge for primary care. Conclusion. Nurses can contribute significantly to the re‐orientation and development of primary care services. There must be greater efforts to encourage interdisciplinary approaches. The outcomes of this study can inform strategies for effective team working in primary care. Collective team efforts enhance patient care and effective teamwork requires a greater understanding of group processes and team development. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses clearly articulated their contribution to primary care, but recognised that there are many challenges to overcome. An enhanced primary care team has the potential to allow the public access to both the individual and collective skills and knowledge of team members.     

Integration or pragmatic coalition? An evaluation of nursing teams in primary care

Changing structures and organisations in primary care raise questions about the role and fit of traditional nursing disciplines. This paper discusses recent findings from an evaluation of integrated nursing teams. The study design used a mixed method approach measuring workload activity of health visitors, practice nurses and district nurses, through time diaries; and teamwork using the Primary Care Teamwork Questionnaire, in conjunction with semi-structured interviews exploring the views of key stakeholders and the nurses themselves. The main themes arising from the interviews are discussed, taking account of the findings from the assessment of workload and teamwork questionnaire. The key themes addressed are implementation of change, shifting role boundaries, communication and teamwork. The findings indicate that this type of organisational change is concerned predominately with structure, professional and organisational issues rather than patient care. In the teams studied the opportunity of integration led to a pragmatic coalition that encouraged its members to plan, execute and manage change by themselves, according to a vague definition rather than a patient focused agenda. In order to ensure a quality nursing service and avoid old historical rivalries this needs to be addressed as nursing teams are reconfigured in primary care groups.     

基层医院在职护士继续教育对护士护理技能的影响

目的 探讨基层医院在职护士继续教育对护士护理技能的影响.方法 选取2018年4月至2018年6月我院的210名在职护士作为对照组,选取2019年7月至2019年9月我院的340名在职护士作为观察组.对照组未参与继续教育,观察组参与规范化在职护士继续教育.比较两组在职护士的护理质量评分;分析在职护士继续教育效果与护士专业...