Health Board Area (health + board_area)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Hospital-based industrial therapy units and the people who work within them , an Irish case analysis using a soft-systems approach

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2006
J. S. G. WELLS phd msc ba(hons) pgdip(ed.) rpn rnt
Occupational training and employment is seen as a central concern in the delivery of community-orientated mental health services aimed at enhancing the quality of life of people with enduring mental illness. A range of schemes from sheltered to open employment now operates in a number of countries, with a concomitant growth of interest in their evaluation. At the same time, hospital-based workshops, often referred to as industrial therapy units (ITUs), have steadily declined because they are seen as outdated and less efficacious compared with community-located training and employment. However, whether the total disappearance of the traditional ITU is a positive development may be open to question. This paper reports on a study of five mental health hospital-based sheltered workshops located in one Health Board area in Ireland, which catered for the needs of people with enduring mental health problems. Utilizing a soft-systems methodological approach, it examined their role and significance to ,users' who spent occupational time in them, the staff who worked in them and the clinicians who referred users to them. [source]


Frail older people's experiences and use of health and social care services

JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2007
MARKUS THEMESSL-HUBER PhD
Aims, To highlight older people's experiences and expectations of services and the consequences for service provision, service development and research. Rationale, A large amount of resources have been invested in providing services for frail older people who experienced multiple hospital admissions. However, their own views are under-reported. Method, Semi-structured interviews with frail older people were conducted in four Scottish Health Board areas to explore the context of emergency admissions and the use of extramural services. Outcomes, Frail older people are high users of services but claim that services are not responsive to their main concerns: meeting individual needs, maximizing independence and helping to live fulfilled lives. Services not catering for these needs are often cancelled or left in abeyance. Conclusion, The same people who are targeted by care services are reluctant to engage with them. Care providers need to adopt older people's priorities to provide them with responsive patient-centred care. [source]


Stoma coloproctology nurse specialist: a case study

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 6 2007
Ursula Chaney DPSN
Aims and objectives., The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the role of a Stoma Coloproctology Nurse Specialist. This paper presents the findings of an in-depth case study of a stoma coloproctology nurse specialist employed in one health board area in Northern Ireland. This case study was part of a larger study exploring innovative nursing and midwifery roles in Northern Ireland. Background., Specialist nursing roles have evolved and developed in response to changing health care needs, patient expectations, changes in professional regulation and government initiatives. Design., A case study approach was adopted. Method., Semi-structured interviews with the post holder (PH), her line manager and the human resource manager were undertaken. Non-participant observation of the PH's practice was also carried out. Analysis was undertaken on secondary data such as job specification, annual reports and other documentation relating to the post. Results., Findings illustrate the PH's function and the impact of the role on patient care. Examples of innovative practices relating to providing care, support and guidance for patients and their families were identified; however, limitations to her role were also identified. Conclusions., The PH provides an invaluable service to patients, demonstrating a positive impact on care. However, the findings suggest the importance of establishing clear role boundaries, which may lead to professional growth and practice development. Relevance to clinical practice., Although this study provides a valuable insight into the role of a Stoma Coloproctology Nurse Specialist a number of challenges exist, as the CNS role requires policy and appropriate educational preparation to practice at an advanced level. Further research investigating the development of the CNS role in the clinical setting and its relationship to members of the multi-professional team would be beneficial. [source]


R3 Increasing the awareness of the role of the dental team in child protection

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 2006
A. M. CAIRNS
Aims:, Construction and delivery of a multiagency child protection (CP) course for the dental team in five health board areas; increase knowledge of the signs of physical child abuse (CA); increase likelihood of referral when concerned; aid development of individual practice protocols; increase familiarity with local referral protocols and procedures. Method:, A 3-hour course was designed and delivered in five health board areas by two paediatric dentists and a member of the local CP team. The course content included: orofacial signs of CA; role of the dental team in CP; and local referral procedures and protocols. Questionnaires concerning the above topics were distributed to the course participants immediately prior to the start, and 1 month after the course. Results:, A total of 117 members of the dental team completed the first questionnaire and 65 the second. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of CA improved from 68.5% to 81%. Prior to and following the course: 58.9% and 40.6% reported that a fear of consequences to the child would influence the decision to report (P = 0.019); 79.5% and 38.5% were concerned that their lack of knowledge would negatively influence the decision to report (P < 0.001); 19.4% and 38.9% had a practice protocol (P < 0.001); 17.3% and 48.4% had seen their local guidelines (P < 0.001). Conclusions:, The course achieved increased: knowledge of the signs of CA; likelihood to refer due to reduction in fear of consequences to child and increased knowledge of both indicators of CA and referral procedures; dental practice protocols; familiarity with local procedures and protocols. [source]