The theory-practice gap has been the subject of much debate within nursing. Issues include: where the gap is, whether it is a positive or negative phenomenon and whether attempts should be made to bridge it. This pape...
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The theory-practice gap has been the subject of much debate within nursing. Issues include: where the gap is, whether it is a positive or negative phenomenon and whether attempts should be made to bridge it. This paper describes a research study adopting an innovative approach to exploring the theory-practice gap by investigating it from the perspectives of three different groups: nurse teachers, student nurses and clinical preceptors. Combining the perceptions of these diverse groups has allowed a more complete picture of the theory-practice gap to emerge than is possible when examining it from one group's perspective alone. Twenty-three group interviews were conducted and content analysed to identify common themes. Mutual concerns were identified by all groups: shortness of clinical placements, sequencing of theory and practice, lack of collaboration between clinical areas and educational institutions and the lack of clarity regarding link teacher roles. All interviewees felt a theory-practice gap does exist, and whilst this could be viewed positively as a means of developing students' problem-solving skills, attempts should be made to minimize its impact. Ways to achieve this include: the development of an innovative curriculum allowing closer sequencing of theory and practice, evaluating the effect length of clinical placement has on knowledge and skill acquisition, improving collaboration between clinical areas and educational institutions and developing preceptors' lecturing roles. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
A health survey developed to profile high school students for the purpose of assisting in program planning emphasized everyday health behaviors instead of focusing on high-risk behaviors (e.g., drinking, drugs, safety...
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A health survey developed to profile high school students for the purpose of assisting in program planning emphasized everyday health behaviors instead of focusing on high-risk behaviors (e.g., drinking, drugs, safety, or sexuality). The questionnaire was a voluntary 20-item survey that could be completed during a 15-minute homeroom period. A total of 1,401 students completed the questionnaire. Findings were shared with students, teachers, staff, and parents. Teachers and staff members were given a prepared response sheet that addressed each of the concerns identified. They were encouraged to have discussions about these behaviors with students during the homeroom period, as time and interest allowed. Response to the survey has been very positive, and a number of changes have been incorporated into the school health program as a result of the findings. One of these changes is a teen clinic that opened in April 1999. The findings also proved very useful in facilitating awareness of student behaviors and assisted in identifying ways the school nurse could assist students in improving their health and well-being.
The Regional Australia Summit brought together 282 invited delegates from all parts of Australia. The aim of the Summit was to develop partnerships between the government, business and community sectors to deliver a b...
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The Regional Australia Summit brought together 282 invited delegates from all parts of Australia. The aim of the Summit was to develop partnerships between the government, business and community sectors to deliver a better future for regional, rural and remote areas facing significant change. Health was one of 12 themes discussed at the Summit. Five key health priorities were identified;the need to change the dominant metropolitan mind-set, improve access to health-care services, improve service provision and workforce training, ensure equitable resource allocation, and adopt a population health approach. The ultimate success of the Regional Australia Summit will be gauged over time by the extent to which the health, wellbeing and prosperity of rural, remote and regional Australians has been improved, and existing problems and issues addressed. Nonetheless, the Summit is a significant event because it addresses issues at the highest level of government, emphasises coordination and the adoption of an intersectoral approach, and recognises the need to empower local communities and build partnerships between the government, corporate and community sectors.
Purchasing a mobile unit to deliver health-care services can be an expensive undertaking for anyone interested in pursuing this option. Yet, little information is found in the literature on planning or designing such ...
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Purchasing a mobile unit to deliver health-care services can be an expensive undertaking for anyone interested in pursuing this option. Yet, little information is found in the literature on planning or designing such vehicles. A set of guidelines could help administrators to make better decisions regarding this approach for delivering healthcare. This article focuses on mobile health units (MHU). It provides a synthesis of the literature in addition to information from written and oral correspondence with the chief executive officers (CEO) of firms that manufacture MHU. On-site visits to agencies using an MHU were made by one of the authors (DM) to glean their perspective. The combined sources led to the development of guidelines and checklists that can assist administrators in planning the function, design and operation of an MHU to deliver health-care services to remote rural sites.
This article discusses some of the findings of a research project which was designed to examine the role of community learning disability nurses in supporting people with learning disabilities who become parents. The ...
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This article discusses some of the findings of a research project which was designed to examine the role of community learning disability nurses in supporting people with learning disabilities who become parents. The need for information and help with the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, becoming parents and bringing up children has been highlighted in a recently issued guide for commissioning and providing services for people with learning disabilities (NHS Executive 1998). This research, however, indicates that nurses do not feel themselves to be adequately prepared for their role in supporting parenting. Responses from a questionnaire survey of 266 practitioners revealed little coverage of key issues relating to parenting on either pre-registration or post-basic courses and suggests, therefore, that some courses may not be meeting the perceived needs of these nurses in this crucial aspect of their role. This is likely to have significant consequences for this client group and suggests that educationalists need to consider ways of including more extensive discussion of parenting in educational provision for the multiplicity of professional groups who support and care for adults with learning disabilities. (C ) 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
This assessment helped shape the practice of a nurse administered mobile clinic serving three rural communities. Needed services were identified and existing services were customized to improve the overall health of t...
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This assessment helped shape the practice of a nurse administered mobile clinic serving three rural communities. Needed services were identified and existing services were customized to improve the overall health of the communities. With the dynamic state of health care systems, each practice is subject to influence by managed care and populations who, in turn, respond with changes in need, resources, and adaptation to the system dynamics. Nurse practitioners struggling to match resources and patient needs could use a similar research design to assess their practice, discover significant relationships, and redesign practice plans to fit specific practice settings.
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