Postnatal women's experiences of the prevention of mother-to-child transmittion of HIV programme
- Authors: Links, Nomvuyiseko
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10042 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011704 , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Description: This research study endeavoured to explore and describe the experiences of women who participated in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Programme. Data relating to evaluation of the PMTCT Programme in the piloted sites compiled by other researchers in the Department of Health focus on the process, progress and extent of service implementation. There appears to be a dearth of information available from women participants in the PMTCT Programme. The objectives of the study were to: · Explore and describe postnatal women’s experiences of the PMTCT Programme offered in the East London Hospital Complex. · Propose recommendations into the existing guidelines for midwives who implement the PMTCT Programme in the health services to ensure optimal implementation of this programme. The research population included postnatal women who participated in the PMTCT of HIV Programme at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Ethics Committee, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital complex and the Advanced Degrees Committee and Human Ethics Committee at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The research study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in design. Data collection was carried out by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with postnatal women at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim with the aid of field notes. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s method of data analysis (in De Vos et al, 2000:343). Themes were identified from the transcriptions and finalised after consensus discussions with an independent coder who was experienced in qualitative research. Literature control, guided by the themes identified in the interviews, was carried out to compare and verify the findings of the study. Three major themes with sub-themes were identified during data analysis. The major themes were identified as follows: · The participants expressed feelings of being devastated by the results that confirmed their HIV positive status. · The participants expressed a thirst for knowledge on how to live with the diagnosis and on how to continue with the PMTCT Programme. · The physical environment where counselling and testing were done, as well as the practical arrangements, were not conducive to the full implementation of the PMTCT Programme at the antenatal clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made in the form of additional guidelines for midwives implementing the PMTCT Programme in the antenatal clinic health services. Guidelines for further midwifery-related research were formulated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Midwives' perceptions in KwaZulu-Natal public hospitals regarding their level of competence related to cardiotocography
- Authors: Maduna, Ntsepiseng Elizabeth
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Fetal heart rate monitoring -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public hospitals -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5698 , vital:20968
- Description: The primary purpose of CTG is to detect early signs of intrapartum hypoxia and improve foetal outcomes. Intrapartum hypoxia remains the major cause of perinatal deaths mainly in monitored labours. This is attributed to the midwives’ lack of skills in the foetal implementation and interpretation of CTG. Midwives interpret foetal heart rate patterns erroneously hence they fail to detect early signs of severe foetal compromise. Accurate interpretation of CTG is the cornerstone for clinical decision during intra-partum foetal surveillance. Therefore, it is mandatory that midwives are competent in CTG. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwives in KwaZulu-Natal public hospitals regarding their level of competence related to the CTG. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwives in KwaZulu-Natal public hospitals regarding their level of competence related to the CTG. The objectives of this study were: -to explore and describe the perceptions of the midwives regarding their level of competence relating to cardiotocography. -to establish the levels of competence of midwives in relation to CTG. -to develop clinical guidelines that could be utilised by midwives in the implementation and interpretation of the cardiotocograph. The study utilised a quantitative non-experimental comparative descriptive research design. A self-developed and self-administered questionnaire was developed under the supervision of a statistician and was to collect data from a purposively selected sample of midwives who work in labour wards in Kwa-Zulu Natal public hospitals. A sample of 226 practicing midwives working in labour wards of the nine KZN public hospitals was selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method; only 125 responded. Data were collected on an excel spread sheet and analysed under the supervision of the statistician and research supervisor. The researcher assured of validity and reliability of the data collection method and data as well as of the data collection instrument. The findings revealed that the midwives in KZN public hospitals perceived themselves as being competent regarding CTG tasks; however they lack knowledge and skills in the implementation and interpretation of CTG. It was also evident that the midwives’ years of midwifery clinical experience, labour ward experience, possession of additional post basic midwifery qualification and the perceived level of competence related to CTG tasks number of years of the midwives did not influence their level of competence in the implementation and interpretation of CTG. Literature control supported these findings and there was consistency with that literature. Recommendations were made and clinical guidelines were developed to assist midwives with the assessment of foetal heart rate and the interpretation of the cardiotocograph results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Association between maternal health status and birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Hawkins, Althea Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Birth weight, Low -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Birth weight Premature infants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30039 , vital:30812
- Description: In 2011, the South African low birth weight rates varied between 9% and 15.5%, according to different sources. This means that about one out of every ten babies born alive weighed less than 2500g. Furthermore, six of South Africa’s nine provinces, including the Eastern Cape, reported low birth weight rates equal or higher than the national average. These figures raise serious concerns about the health status of infants, their chances of survival and their quality of life, particularly in provinces with a high incidence of low birth weight. Literature has linked the maternal health status to adverse birth outcomes. Statistics from the district office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) indicates that for the fourth quarter of 2015, between 16.65 and 20.9% low birth weight infants were born. However, limited information is available regarding the causes and maternal health status of the mothers of the infants born with adverse birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The objective of the research study is to investigate the associations between maternal health status and birth outcomes in order to identify the major drivers of adverse birth outcomes in NMBHD. The study used a quantitative research approach. In order to enhance the design, the researcher used an explorative, descriptive, cross-sectional, contextual and survey research design. The study was conducted at the regional hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and Midwifery Obstetric Units (MOU). The participants were selected using a convenient and purposive sampling technique. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. A statistician assisted with the data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The researcher ensured that ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study to protect the participants. Reliability and validity were also ensured throughout the study. The total sample of the study was 207 and the mean age of the participants was 26,9 years. Hypertension and HIV were the conditions most diagnosed prior to, and during, pregnancy. Most of the delivered infants were females. The findings of the study revealed a significant association between maternal diabetes, maternal hypertension and the infants’ birth weight. Additional findings iv revealed that independent of gestational age, mothers with hypertension are likely to deliver low birth weight (LBW) infants. Antenatal care is of the utmost importance during pregnancy and special attention should be given to the management of hypertension. The researcher developed recommendations for primary health care (PHC) nurses in antenatal clinics (ANC) to address the management of the major maternal drivers of LBW infants in order to decrease and prevent adverse birth outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The perceptions of professional nurses with regard to the process of withdrawing life-support treatment in a private intensive care unit
- Authors: Pheiffer, Evette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Artificial respiration , Cardiotonic agents , Life support systems (Critical care)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3115 , vital:20400
- Description: Life-support treatment is regarded as the support of vital functions of respiration and circulation such as mechanical ventilation and inotropic support, and life-sustaining therapy which incorporate therapies such as artificial hydration, nutrition and haemodialysis. Life-support treatment is rendered to critically ill patients within the intensive care units. However, when treatment options are maximised, and the patient’s condition is unchanged, a decision is often made to withdraw treatment. Professional nurses are usually involved in the process of withdrawal of life-support treatment as they care for this population of patients. The study followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research paradigm in order to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses with regard to the process of withdrawing life-support treatment in a private intensive care unit. Data was collected by means of interviews, which were transcribed according to Tesch’s method of analysis. Field notes were used to supplement the data findings. Based on the data collected, it is clear that professional nurses experience difficulties when performing withdrawal of life-support treatment. There are a number of communication concerns which need to be addressed and suggestions were also made by the interview participants regarding these concerns. The study makes recommendations to assist professional nurses with the process of withdrawing life-support treatment in a private intensive care unit. The findings of the study will be disseminated to the relevant hospital and unit managers. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study by adhering to the principles of privacy, confidentiality, anonymity and beneficence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Registered nurses' perceptions of factors causing stress in the intensive care environment in state hospitals
- Authors: Beau, S P
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa , Stress management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/457 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa , Stress management -- South Africa
- Description: The complex environment of an intensive care unit is associated with a considerable amount of stress. Intensive care nurses are confronted daily with increasing work demands, emanating from the growing numbers of critically-ill patients; the introduction of highly sophisticated technologies in the intensive care environment; increasing competition between health care institutions; increased work loads; and limited career opportunities caused by, among other things, budget cuts by the government (Janssen, De Jonge & Bakker, 1999:1360). Research has shown that such stressors can result in mental, physical and behavioural stress reactions among nurses (Demerouti, Bakker, Nachreiner and Schaufeli, 2000:454). The objective of this study is to explore and describe registered nurses’ perceptions of factors causing stress in intensive care environments of state hospitals. The main purpose of the study is to develop guidelines for a stress management programme, to assist registered nurses to cope with the stressors in an intensive care environment. The research design is placed within a quantitative, explorative and descriptive contextual framework. Validity and reliability in testing and evaluating the research questionnaire are discussed, as well as the ethical and legal considerations relating to this research study. Findings of the research study will be utilized to assist the researcher in developing guidelines for a stress management programme to assist registered nurses in coping with stress in an intensive care environment
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Experiences of operating room nurses in their work environment at a state hospital in Ethiopia
- Authors: Woldehawariat, Negat
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008177 , Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Description: Operating room nursing skills are some of the most demanding skills in the nursing profession. At the moment nurses trained in operating room technique are in very short supply in Ethiopia, due to the exodus of nurses to better working environments with more reasonable payment. This is especially noticeable in one of the state hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as emerged in conversations with the head nurse of the operating room in this hospital about the high turnover rate, as well as the high absenteeism rate amongst the nurses working in the operating room. Nurses working in the operating room also expressed unhappiness in their work environment which could cause them to look for other jobs or to be absent from duty. The nurses were facing numerous problems in their work environment such as work overload due to staff shortage, stress due to shortage of supplies because they are not able to do their job as much as the need requires. The researcher identified the need to explore the challenges that the operating room nurses are experiencing in their work environment. The researcher used the following questions to meet the research objectives: What are the experiences of the operating room nurses in their work environment?; What potential assistance would such nurses need to better cope with the problems they experience in their work environment? The research study aimed to explore and describe the experience of operating room nurses in their work environment and on the basis of the findings to develop guidelines to assist the operating room nurses in coping more effectively with their work environment. The researcher used a qualitative approach with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Fifteen registered nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and permission from the Ethics Committee of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as well as Yekatit 12 Hospital. Data were gathered using face to face interviews and field notes were taken to determine the experiences of the participants. Data were analyzed using Tesch's method of descriptive data analysis (in Creswell, 2003:13). Two main themes with two sub-themes related to the experience of the registered nurses working in the operating room of the state hospital were identified. Main theme one focused on the non-conducive work environment and it focused on the lack of support from management and the problems experienced in the environment. It was found that OR nurses had good working relationships among the nursing staff. Main theme two focused on the limited training opportunities in OR techniques. The sub-themes described the limited exposure to new technology and the quality of nursing education which the participants felt was not taken seriously in Ethiopia. Based on the identified themes guidelines were formulated to assist the registered nurses working in the operating room of a state hospital in Ethiopia. Utilization of these guidelines should assist the registered nurses to cope more effectively with their work environment. Recommendation were made, further research and limitations identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Lived experiences of professional nurses caring for mechanically ventilated patients
- Authors: Else, Liana
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Respiratory intensive care , Respiratory therapy , Respirators (Medical equipment) , Artificial respiration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8295 , vital:26320
- Description: Critical care nursing is a speciality that continues to evolve and transform. Critical care nurses of the 21st century routinely care for the complex, critically ill patient, integrating sophisticated technology with the accompanying psychosocial challenges and the ethical conflicts associated with critical illness – while, at the same time, addressing the needs and concerns of the family. Providing nursing care in such a dynamic and fast-track unit can pose various challenges for the critical care nurse. Professional nurses are the backbone of any health-care system. The quality of nursing directly affects the patients’ outcomes, and nursing care must therefore be rendered meticulously. Mechanical ventilator support is routinely needed for critically ill adults in these care units and is also a common therapy in sub-acute and long-term care settings. The care of the mechanically ventilated patient is the core of a professional nurse`s practice in the critical care unit. The mechanically ventilated patient presents many challenges for the professional nurse, while the critical care unit poses as a stressful environment for the professional nurse as well as the patient. The objectives of this study therefore were to explore and describe the lived experiences of professional nurses while caring for mechanically ventilated patients, and to develop recommendations to support professional nurses while caring for mechanically ventilated patients. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of professional nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model was utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout this research study. With the analysed data, recommendations were to support professional nurses while caring for mechanically ventilated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Experiences of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics regarding the nursing management of mentally ill clients in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tuswa, Bulelwa Martha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mentally ill -- Patients -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18507 , vital:28652
- Description: In South Africa, mental health care is being integrated into primary health care services. The integration of services was aimed at increasing the accessibility and availability of all health care services at primary health care level. The integration was well intentioned, and it was hoped that mentally ill clients would benefit from having a service near their homes. However, the process of integration is fraught with challenges, for instance, staff shortages, which lead to ineffective nursing management of mentally ill clients at the primary health care clinics. As a result, one professional nurse is often allocated to manage the clinic services on a daily basis with the assistance of an enrolled nurse or auxiliary nurse. The professional nurses therefore experience high levels of stress due to gross staff shortages and lack of time to conduct proper nursing assessments. This led to the research question: “What are the experiences of professional nurses with regards to the nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape?’’ The proposed objectives of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics with regard to the nursing management of mentally ill clients. The researcher thereafter made recommendations to the district managers regarding effective nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. The research population comprised of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants and the sample number was determined by data saturation. Unstructured interviews and observation notes were used to collect data. The eight steps of data analysis suggested by Tesch were utilized to analyze the data. The researcher conducted an in-depth literature review in order to identify research gaps pertaining to the study. To ensure that a high level of validity and reliability was exercised throughout the study, the researcher conformed to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The study was conducted in an ethical manner and ethical principles were adhered to. Findings: Three themes with subthemes emerged. The study showed that professional nurses experienced challenges related to the nursing management of mentally ill clients. These challenges included shortage of staff, a heavy workload, and lack of resources, lack of in-service training and workshops related to mental health issues coupled with lack of support from the supervisors. Due to the challenges, the mentally ill clients were not getting quality nursing care leading to complications and relapse. Conclusion: It emerged from the study that matters pertaining to mental illness and mental discomfort were still a serious problem in rural areas. The problems were related to the challenges which prevented professional nurses from providing quality nursing care to mentally ill clients with subsequent complications and relapse. Recommendations: Recommendations were made as an effort to ensure that the nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics is improved. These recommendations were categorized as related to nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Guidelines for a therapeutic programme to address the mental health needs of adolescents being treated in a psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Smith, Lourett
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teenagers , Psychiatric hospitals , Mental health facilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010963 , Teenagers , Psychiatric hospitals , Mental health facilities
- Description: It is estimated that about 10 million children and adolescents worldwide, annually suffer from psychiatric disorders. They often require hospital treatment because they are not coping with their psychiatric condition at home or there is a lack of supervision. Suicide amongst adolescents who are experiencing a crisis is a bleak reality. In-patient treatment provides the necessary structure and supervision in order to secure a stable environment which is vital for treating adolescents. Treatment usually includes a therapeutic programme provided by members of the multi-professional team. Since there is at present no adolescent in-patient treatment facility in the Nelson Mandela Bay to provide psychiatric care to adolescents who are experiencing a mental problem, these patients are admitted to psychiatric hospitals which cater only for the needs of adult patients or they are referred to facilities in other provinces. The goals and objectives of this study are firstly, to explore and describe the perceptions of mental health professionals working in psychiatric hospitals regarding what should be included in a therapeutic programme for adolescents and secondly, to develop guidelines for treating adolescents that can be implemented in psychiatric hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Bay. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design. The research population included various professionals who provide services at psychiatric hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Purposive sampling was utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect information-rich data and field notes were kept. The interviews were transcribed and Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis were followed to create meaning from the data collected. Themes were identified and grouped together to form new categories. An independent coder assisted with the coding process to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. Literature was reviewed in order to identify research that was done previously regarding adolescent psychiatric in-patient programmes in order to bridge the gaps that were identified. The researcher ensured the validity of the study by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness which consists of the following four constructs, namely, credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to ethical principles such as beneficence, justice and fidelity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Die ervaring van die geregistreerde verpleegkundedosent ten opsigte van die kliniese begeleiding van verpleegstudente
- Authors: De Wet, Annemie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nursing students , Mentoring in nursing -- South Africa
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1018275
- Description: Die doel van die studie was om vas te stel hoe die verpleegkundedosent die begeleiding van verpleegstudente in die praktyk ervaar. In die verlede was begeleiding van verpleegstudente met praktika in gesondheidsorginstansies deur ʼn professionele verpleegkundige gedoen wat deel was van die personeel se verantwoordelikhede. Die verpleegstudente doen hul teoretiese kennis op by ʼn tersiêre instansie en verkry hul praktiese kennis by ʼn geakkrediteerde gesondheidsorginstansie soos vereis deur die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad op Verpleging (SARV). Een van die take van ‘n verpleegkundedosent van die privaat opleidingskool is om die kliniese begeleiding van verpleegstudente in geakkrediteerde instellings te doen. Omdat verpleging ʼn beroep is waar vaardighede belangrik is, is praktiese inoefening van prosedures en evaluering van die verpleegstudente se vaardigheid daarin noodsaaklik. Die verpleegstudente is heeltyd besig met die pasiënte in die vorm van prosedures waarby die teorie wat in die opleidingskool verkry was, gekorreleer moet word met die prosedure om die hele prentjie te vorm. Dit is dus nodig dat begeleiding van die verpleegstudente gedoen moet word om vaardigheid en toepassing van kennis te verseker. Die navorser het ʼn kwalitatiewe, ondersoekende, beskrywende en kontekstuele studie gedoen waarvan die populasie die geregistreerde dosente van verskeie provinsiale en privaatverpleegskole in die Klein-Karoo en Suid-kaapdistrikte was. Die navorser het gebruik gemaak van ʼn nie-waarskynlike steekproef. Inligtingryke data was ingesamel deur semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude wat aangevul was met veldnotas soos verkry tydens onderhoude. Data-ontleding was reeds begin met data-insameling en Tesch se inhoudsontleding was gebruik om ʼn mening te vorm. ‘n Literatuurkontrole was gedoen om te bepaal wat vorige navorsing oor begeleiding bevind en aanbeveel het. Lincoln en Guba se model was gebruik vir betroubaarheidsversekering volgens die kriteria wat hulle aanbeveel het, naamlik geloofwaardigheid, oordraagbaarheid, betroubaarheid en bevestigbaarheid. Uit die data-ontleding het vier belangrike temas en subtemas te voorskyn gekom. Die temas was dat die verpleegkundedosente aspekte van die begeleiding van verpleegstudente in die gesondheidsorginstansie as positief en ook as negatief beleef. Die wyse waarop die gesondheidsorginstansies bestuur word, het die begeleiding beïnvloed en daar was riglyne voorgestel wat die kliniese personeel en dosente kan rig wanneer hulle betrokke raak by die begeleiding van verpleegstudente. Die begeleiding van verpleegstudente deur verpleegkundedosente, kliniese dosente en die gesondheidsorginstansie se opgeleide personeel, is ʼn belangrike deel van verpleegopleiding en bepaal uiteindelik die kwaliteit van die pasiëntsorg wat verskaf word deur die verpleegkundiges. Die navorser het riglyne daar gestel om die begeleiding van vepleegstudente te rig. Die riglyne moet nou geïmplementeer en getoets word binne die konteks van die bepaalde verpleegskole en dan weer geëvalueer word. Beperkings wat ondervind was in die studie was dat die steekproef ʼn klein groepie verpleegkundedosente op die platteland was, wat veralgemening bemoeilik, veral in die stedelike konteks. Die begeleiding van die verpleegstudente is gedoen met die ingeskrewe verpleegstudente (Die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad op Verpleging Regulasies, Regulasie 2176 en 2175 van 19 November 1993), naamlik die kategorie met die minste status en verantwoordelikheid onder verpleegstudente. Veralgemening na alle kategorieë, veral verpleegstudente besig met professionele verpleegprogramme, mag dus nie sinvol wees nie.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in East London health services
- Authors: Bengu, Phindiwe Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13597 , vital:39683
- Description: The South African Nursing Council requires registered nurses to have the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which will enable them to render an efficient service (Morolong and Chabeli, 2005:39). The South African Education and training system, through its policy of outcomes- based education and training, has tabled competency as a national priority. In support of this, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) requires that the newly qualified registered nurse possess competency on the core functions of a registered nurse. The health system also demands competent nurse practitioners to ensure quality nursing care. Due to the fact that competency is a national priority and a statutory demand, the research question that guided the study is what are the perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in East London Health Care services. The study was aimed at describing the perceptions of unit managers regarding the competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in order to propose the recommendations to improve the competencies of such newly qualified registered nurses and to provide quality patient care. A quantitative descriptive non experimental design was used to evaluate the perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses from a public nursing college. The sampling method of probability convenience sampling was used in this study. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire administered to ninety unit managers and only eighty one unit managers participated in the study. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. Statistical methods enabled the researcher to reduce, summarize, organise, manipulate, evaluate, interpret and communicate quantitative data. Data were cleaned and coded and spoilt data were checked. Findings from the software were displayed in graphs or tables. Concerning the eighty one unit managers who participated in the study, age and sex matched respondents were selected according to their availability.The results showed that there is agreement that competence of the nurses affects the image, mission and staff utilisation in their units and/or institutions. There was no dominant opinion on the possible association between competency and environmental, physical and technological factors. There was unanimous agreement that newly qualified nurses need constant supervision and in-service training. There was moderate agreement on the use of acquired knowledge and skills by nurses and there was no dominant opinion about how newly qualified nurses tolerate differences and handle misunderstandings and shortcomings of other professions. In conclusion newly qualified registered nurses need coaching, mentoring, n-service training and constant supervision. Recommendations regarding strategies to be used to improve competencies of newly qualified registered nurses included exit evaluations of community service practitioners, stipulating the competency framework of newly qualified nurses and assessment criteria of competency. Mentoring and coaching of newly qualified registered nurses during community service, monthly or quarterly meetings with the community service candidate in order to identify their challenges were also recommended. Motivation strategies in order to boost their morale so that they can deliver quality patient care. The newly qualified registered nurses should hold meetings with the unit managers regarding the challenges the unit managers face when assessing competencies of newly qualified registered nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Perceptions and current practices of Namibian midwives regarding the use of the cardio-tocograph as an informative labour monitoring tool for labouring women
- Authors: Uusiku, Laura Ingashipwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fetal heart rate monitoring Midwives -- Namibia , Midwifery -- Namibia Hospital patients -- Namibia -- Attitudes Medical care -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21318 , vital:29477
- Description: Labour is a vital period for the labouring mothers, as it should bring with it the fulfilment of an expectation of having the baby that has been awaited. The health of the foetus which is to be born and that of the labouring mother are inextricably linked with each other which is why the labouring mother needs to be assessed and monitored carefully. The cardio-tocograph, which is a globally accepted method of diagnosis and assessment of the foetal status during labour is preferred to be used in monitoring labouring mothers, especially high- risk patients. Despite the evidence and information regarding the effectiveness of the use of the cardio-tocograph, midwives are still found not to be using it correctly, the reasons given that the women not always co-operate; do not keep the electrode and belt in place or cite the discomfort they experience from contraction. The objectives of this study were to: explore and describe the perceptions and current practice of Namibian midwives regarding the use of the cardio-tocograph as an informative labour- monitoring tool. Explore and describe how midwives working in labour wards in Namibia perceive informing laboring women of the use of the cardio-tocograph as an informative labour- monitoring tool and based on the results, develop an instruction guide for midwives working in the labour ward in intermediate hospital in Namibia that would serve as a guide on how to teach labouring women about the use of the cardio-tocograph as a labour- monitoring tool and enhance positive labor and delivery outcomes The study was conducted between May and June 2016, using a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design, following the necessary university approval and approval from other relevant authorities. The research population was midwives who work in labour wards at a public hospital in Namibia. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from purposively sampled participants using set criteria. A voice recorder was used to capture the interview with the permission of the participants. Seventeen midwives were interviewed of whom two were used for the pilot study. Data saturation determined the sufficient sample size. The collected data was analyzed using Tesch’s spiral method of data analysis with the assistance of an independent coder From the research findings, it emerged that midwives had varying perceptions regarding the use of the CTG machine. Midwives still perceive CTG interpretation as a challenge as a labour -monitoring tool and expressed a need for updates. Furthermore, midwives expressed the fact that they had limited communication with labouring women regarding the use of CTG. Based on the research findings and guided by Health Belief Model principles, three main guidelines were developed for midwives working in the labour ward in a public hospital in Namibia. These guidelines will serve as a tool to assist midwives in their teaching of labouring women about the use of the cardio-tocograph as a labour- monitoring tool, and the role to be played by labouring women during that monitoring period. Furthermore, recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research were developed. The researcher used literature control to ensure validation and integrity of the study. Trustworthiness, which was used to ensure rigour of the study, was guided by the principles of truth-value, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont report adopting the principles of beneficence, respect for human dignity, justice and non-maleficence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Barriers to implementation of evidence-based practices in a critical care unit
- Authors: Bowers, Candice Andrea
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Evidence-based medicine , Critical care medicine , Nursing ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10048 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013612
- Description: Over the last three decades there has been a greater need for health care practitioners to base their decision on the best available in order to optimise quality and cost-effective patient care. Evidence-based practice necessitates guideline development, education and review in order to achieve improved patient outcomes. However, initiatives that endeavour to disseminate and implement evidence-based practice have faced barriers and opposition. Barriers that might hamper the implementation of evidence-based practice include characteristics of the evidence itself, personal, institutional or organizational factors. The research study explored and described the barriers to implementation of evidence-based practices in a critical care unit. Based on the data analysis, recommendations were made to enhance the implementation of evidence-based practices in the critical care unit. A quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to operationalize the research objectives. The target population comprised professional nurses in the critical care unit. Non-probability sampling was used to obtain data by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was applied, using a statistical programme and the aid of a statistician. The results are graphically displayed using bar graphs and tables. Recommendations for nursing practice, education and research were made. Ethical principles have been maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A model for the facilitation of intergenerational reconciliation during teenage pregnancy a Xhosa perspective
- Authors: James, Sindiwe Valencia
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/458 , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Family relationships
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is an international phenomenon with girls falling pregnant from as early as 14 years of age. In South Africa teenage pregnancies are also on the increase (Kaiser, 2000:18; Statistica SA, 2006:5;). Teenage pregnancy may have negative effects for the teenager in that it can force the teenager to drop out of school prematurely as well as shortening her educational career which might limit future career possibilities. It also predisposes both the mother and the child to health risks. Finally, teenage pregnancy also leads to family destabilisation. Within the Xhosa communities family destabilisation becomes even more severe as it is culturally and traditionally related. Traditionally, teenage pregnancy in the Xhosa communities is stigmatized. The family suffers from embarrassment and disappointment and the effects of these experiences can manifest in outrage on the part of the parents towards the pregnant teenager resulting in non-communication with her and ultimately rejection (Boult & Cunningham, 1991:36). This results in no or minimal support from the family (Nxumalo, 1997:16). The research design and method to achieve the objective of the study was a theory-generative design based on a qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research approach utilizing the four steps of theory generation. During the step of concept analysis, which is the first step of the process of theory generation, data was collected by means of individual interviews with the pregnant Xhosa teenagers, parents and grandparents. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The sample for the study was selected purposively to ensure indepth information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Registered nurses' knowledge of infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex of private hospitals
- Authors: Malan, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1079 , Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Description: Infections are a major source of morbidity and cause of mortality during the post-operative phase for patients. Wound infections are the second most commonly encountered type of nosocomial, hospital-acquired, infection in the United States (Nichols, 2007:8). Owing to the fact that wound infection may be induced, such as, by not applying infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex, it is imperative to implement infection control principles and apply sterile technique principles. The researcher noticed that some of the sterile technique principles were not carried out in the operating room complex which lead to the necessity to assess the knowledge of registered nurses’ regarding the implementation of infection control and sterile technique principles. The main goal of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge of registered nurses’ in two private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, related to infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex. Following the analysis of the data, the researcher made recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex. The research design was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The sample consisted of all the registered nurses known as scrub nurses, in the operating room complex. The unit managers were excluded from the study, because the researcher utilized their assistance with the handing out and collecting of the questionnaires because, not all scrub nurses were at work at the same time. Firstly a pilot study was conducted (in both private hospitals) to confirm the reliability of the data collection instrument. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was self-administered and consisted out of three sections: Section A – Biographical Data; Section B – Knowledge Base Related to Infection Control Principles and Section C – Knowledge Base Related to the Principles of Asepsis. The researcher consulted experts to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and to ensure that the iv questionnaires would measure what it is intended to measure and that it will remain consistent. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed by means of statistical and inferential analysis and included descriptive statistics with the assistance of a statistician. Following the analysis of the data, recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex was made. This was done with relevant literature and the guidelines were discussed with experts in the field. The researcher ensured that all the legal and ethical requirements, such as the participants’ right to privacy, were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Enhancing clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students: perceptions of midwifery educators
- Authors: Vuso, Virginia Zanyiwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Study and teaching Childbirth -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13204 , vital:27161
- Description: Since the inception of the student supernumerary status, both globally and in South Africa, nursing and midwifery educators have been concerned about the clinical competencies of their students. Student clinical competency levels in South Africa are critical to midwifery practice, especially as most litigation against the Department of Health in South Africa concerns negligence in midwifery practice. In addition, the litigations mostly involve newly qualified midwives, thus suggesting a link with practice competency levels. Several challenges exist in the academic and practice environments regarding student learning, practice and clinical preparedness. Lack of support during clinical placement and a lack of facilities for use during clinical practice modules are among these challenges. Some students, due to the challenges they face with clinical learning and practice, fail to meet the practical competencies for examination entry requirements. Consequently, some of these students have to repeat the year or exit the programme. The current study sought to identify how to assist midwifery educators in their activities to prepare students for clinical placement readiness. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwifery educators regarding the need for additional measures to enhance the clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students before they are allocated to the clinical areas. The second objective sought to make recommendations that would further assist the midwifery educators to clinically prepare midwifery students before being allocated and placed in different clinical areas. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used for the study and the study was conducted at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape Province from August 2014 to January 2016. The research population consisted of midwifery educators at a nursing college and a purposive sampling technique was used guided by set criteria. Data were collected using focus group interviews. Four focus groups were used making a total of 17 participants. The principles applied for data analysis were those of Tesch’s method of data analysis, which were used to develop the themes and sub-themes. An independent coder assisted with the coding of the data for the purposes of trustworthiness. In addition, Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness consisting of the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability was used to confirm the validity of the study while the ethical principles adopted were informed consent, justice, non-maleficence, privacy and confidentiality. The study found that the participants perceived numerous challenges that hindered the clinical preparedness of their students. These related to increased workload, lack of support from management and a lack of commitment on the part of students towards their studies. The participants also identified inconsistencies in clinical practice between the clinical midwives and the educators, and even among the educators themselves. This lack of consistency in turn causes confusion among the students and thus impacts negatively on their clinical practice preparedness. Based on these findings recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and research were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Facilitated empowerment of midwives to enhance utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Ngwanya, Thandi Rose-mary , Williams, Marie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prenatal education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12517 , vital:27080
- Description: Background: Antenatal care is essential care that assists in maintaining a state of good health for the woman and her unborn baby. Globally the use of antenatal care services remains a challenge and this tendency is closely associated with maternal and neonatal mortalities and morbidities. South Africa has adopted a free service policy for pregnant women, their infants and for children up to the age of six. Despite this policy, the problem of limited utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women is still observed in this country and is associated with increased maternal and neonatal mortalities and morbidities.The purpose of the current proposed study was to explore and describe the reasons for limited utilisation of antenatal care services in the Mnquma sub-district, and to develop guidelines to assist the midwives to encourage the use of antenatal care services. Objectives:To explore and describe the reasons for the limited utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women at Mnquma sub-district.To explore and describe the knowledge of antenatal care services by the pregnant women.To develop guidelines to facilitate empowerment of midwives to enhance utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted in Mnquma sub-district during the months of July to January in 2016 using a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The research population were post-delivery women and the purposive sampling was used to identify women who met the stated criteria. One-on-one audio-taped semi-structured interviews were conducted and field notes were kept to justify some of the themes identified. Thirteen interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Collected data was analysed using Tesch’s data analysis method. Trustworthiness was maintained through the standards of truth value, credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The ethical considerations of beneficence, justice, autonomy, non-maleficence and veracity were maintained. From the findings it emerged that the participants raised various concerns with regard to barriers influencing limited utilization of antenatal care services. The participants had limited knowledge of antenatal care services. Furthermore, participants recommended some solutions to enhance utilization of antenatal care services. Recommendations were made with regard to clinical practice, nursing education and nursing research. Guidelines were formulated to assist midwives to enhance the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The experiences of pregnant teenagers as related to ante-natal care
- Authors: Pienaar, Nadine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municpality , Prenatal diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1321 , Pregnant teenagers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municpality , Prenatal diagnosis
- Description: The experiences of pregnant teenagers as related to ante-natal care were researched. The primary objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences pregnant teenagers had of their ante-natal care. The researcher recommended measures based on the findings of the study to midwives to encourage ante-natal care clinic attendance amongst pregnant teenagers. The recommendations were such that even nurses at Primary Health Care clinics could utilise them as they also come into contact with pregnant teenagers. An increasing number of pregnant teenagers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality area are admitted to referral hospitals with complications during pregnancy and labour. Some of these teenagers are un-booked or had only a few ante-natal clinic visits. The researcher therefore wanted to obtain first hand information related to the reluctance of pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal care clinics. Attendance at ante-natal care clinics plays an important part in enabling the staff to screen pregnant mothers for health problems and so limit complications. Hence the concern and need to develop measures to motivate pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal clinics.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
Primary health care nurses' knowledge regarding symptoms of mental illness in HIV-positive patients
- Authors: Jantjies, Anderson Phumezo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18860 , vital:28739
- Description: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients are at increased risk for developing mental health problems when compared with the general population. The identification and management of symptoms of mental illness in HIV-positive patients is thus crucial in reducing the risk to developing severe mental illness. The severe mental illness may lead to poor adherence to anti retro-viral drugs resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The primary health care nurses are largely responsible for managing the treatment of HIV-positive patients as they spend the greatest degree of their time with these patients as compared to other health care professionals. Consequently it is important for primary health care nurses to identify symptoms of mental illness. However, it was unclear to the researcher, a professional psychiatric nurse, as to the level of knowledge among primary health care nurses concerning symptoms of mental illness in HIV-positive patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of primary health care nurses regarding symptoms of mental illness in HIV-positive patients attending primary health care services. In addition, recommendations were developed for primary health care nurses for the purpose of improving their competence in the identification of symptoms of mental illness in HIV-positive patients attending primary health care services. The researcher has utilised quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Bloom’s Taxonomy was used as a theoretical lens, to explore the primary health care nurse’s knowledge regarding symptoms of mental illness in HIV-positive patients. The study was conducted in the primary health care services situated in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The research population consisted of the primary health care nurses working with HIV-positive patients in these primary health care services. The researcher utilised census survey to recruit participants. A structured questionnaire, with 3 sections was used in this study. The necessary principles of reliability and validity were exercised to ensure research of the highest quality. The data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. All ethical considerations pertaining to beneficence, maleficence, justice, autonomy and obtaining permission from relevant structures to conduct the study were strictly adhered to.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Information needs of undergraduate nursing students at the point of care for clinical decision making
- Authors: Williams, Marie Rosalina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Clinical competence -- South Africa Information services -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23315 , vital:30527
- Description: A need was identified to assess the perceptions of fourth year nursing students regarding the information required by undergraduate nursing students at the point of care for clinical decision making. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used to conduct this study. The research population comprised of all fourth year nursing students who have been subjected to experiential learning in the various clinical areas during their four years of training. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews from a purposively selected sample and then analysed using the steps of qualitative data analysis described by Tesch (1990). A pilot study was conducted prior to the main study to determine whether the sampling and interviewing techniques of the researcher as well as the research question, were adequate for data collection. Trustworthiness was ensured by utilising Guba and Lincoln’s (1985) strategies of credibility, dependability, transferability and conformability. Strategies to ensure respect for persons, beneficence and justice were implemented throughout the study. The findings of the study was categorised into two main themes. Theme one; Participants shared their various experiences regarding information needed at the point of care. This theme had five sub-themes which were discussed in detail in chapter three. The second theme was; Participants offered suggestions to address their information needs at the point of care. This theme had four sub-themes and was discussed further in chapter three. The study concludes with recommendations made to the Department of Nursing Science at the Institution where the study was conducted to address clinical practice, education and future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018