scholarly journals Integration of nurses in general practice: A thematic synthesis of the perspectives of general practitioners, practice nurses and patients living with chronic illness

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 251-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Aerts ◽  
Peter Van Bogaert ◽  
Hilde Bastiaens ◽  
Lieve Peremans
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elsa Lally

<p>Practice nurses engaging with patients is a daily activity in general practice. However, there is little research to assess these relationships from a primary health care, general practice standpoint. The purpose of this new and original research was to explore from patients' perspectives what occurs in general practice, and to establish how the engagements patients have with practice nurses influences patients' health and well-being. The conceptualisation of symbiotic relationships between practice nurses, general practitioners receptionists and patients described in this study, shows how these relationships work in practice, and how they shaped patients' perspectives of their engagements in the general practice setting. Although each person’s role was independent and capable of existing without the other, a mutually beneficial close association was developed.  From the experiences of 15 patients from seven rural and urban general practices in New Zealand, using Narrative Inquiry methodology informed by life course theory and White’s (2010) dimensions of well-being, the co-constructed stories gathered from the participants were analysed applying a modification of McCormack’s (2001) multiple lens model. Findings from the individual participant stories revealed three major themes – general practice activity, health focused practice, and professional comforting. Each of these themes described aspects of the participants' relationships and engagements with practice nurses that contributed to their health and well-being. The co-constructed stories described participants' relationships and engagements, not only with practice nurses but also with general practitioners and receptionists. The presence of the (often unseen) overarching doctor and of practice nurses filling the gap in patients' care was evident. Patients described practice nurses as both support for the doctor and as autonomous practitioners. Ease of access to practice nurses significantly contributed to patients obtaining competent health promoting care. Particularly cogent were the findings that practice nurses directly contributed to patients' health and well-being through nurses' skilled compassion and skilled companionship. Nurses actively listened to patients' concerns, suggesting strategies to move patients forward, while at the same time, providing space for them to move at their own pace. Receptionists were viewed as the 'fronts people' of the practice who triaged patients' health concerns, making decisions relating to whom the patient consulted, the doctor or the nurse.  By building on existing theories in Narrative Inquiry methodology, data collection and analysis, this research makes an important contribution to nursing knowledge. It provides new perspectives about nurse-patient relationships, as well as other relationships within general practice. The research also demonstrates that while there has been a significant increase in collaboration between nurses and general practitioners over time, this collaboration is distinct from the symbiotic relationships described. The findings have implications for health professionals' everyday practice, and for Primary Health Organisations and District Health Boards when undertaking health professional education and funding reviews. Future research into patients' relationships with practice nurses, doctors and receptionists, and how these relationships contribute to patients' health and well-being is necessary.</p>


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lana J. Mitchell ◽  
Lesley MacDonald-Wicks ◽  
Sandra Capra

General practice is an ideal setting to be providing nutrition advice; however, it is important that the role of general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in providing nutrition advice is acknowledged and defined. This article aims to discuss the role of GPs and practice nurses in the delivery of nutrition advice. Ten general practitioners and 12 practice nurses from a NSW urban Division of General Practice participated in questionnaires and a Lifescripts© implementation study, as well as their consenting patients receiving Lifescripts© (n = 13). An online survey was conducted with 90 Australian private practice dietitians. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 52 Australian private practice dietitians. The provision of basic nutrition advice is acknowledged to be part of the role of GPs and practice nurses, as they are the first point of contact for patients, allowing them to raise nutrition awareness. However, it is important that this advice is evidence based and able to be delivered in a time-efficient manner. Increased nutrition education and the availability of appropriate resources and nutrition-related best practice guidelines will assist in this process.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jean Ross

<p>This study, which is methodologically grounded in qualitative research and philosophically informed by critical social science, explores important aspects of the socio-political context in which practice nurses and general practitioners (core primary health care team) work within a team environment. It is indicated in the literature that there are benefits for improved health care through the development of collaborative teamwork. However, there have been many barriers identified which prevent collaborative teamwork. Amongst the many barriers, is the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences. Role clarity and attitudinal differences are the topic of this thesis. This thesis explored and highlighted whether the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences do indeed impede the team's success, and are barriers to teamwork. The views and opinions of practice nurses and general practitioners understanding of their own and each other's current roles within the general practice setting were explored. The participants had the opportunity to discuss together, in focus group meetings, their thoughts on the topic. This raised their awareness of their taken for granted ideas on role and teamwork. Focus groups offered the participants the added opportunity to question each other which allowed for a deeper and more fulfilling understanding of role. New understandings that emerged could lead to alternative models of health care and influence the future delivery and planning of general practice. The thesis concludes by offering a potentially suitable model/framework which has been developed to further the understanding of teamwork in the future.</p>


Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christy E. Newman ◽  
Michael R. Kidd ◽  
Susan C. Kippax ◽  
Robert H. Reynolds ◽  
Peter G. Canavan ◽  
...  

Background The science of HIV prevention and treatment is evolving rapidly, resulting in renewed calls to increase rates of HIV testing and, in particular, facilitate the timely and possibly earlier initiation of treatment, as this has the potential to dramatically reduce new infections. Little is known about how to engage nonHIV specialist Australian general practitioners (GPs) with these new priorities. Methods: Content related to the engagement of nonHIV specialist GPs in the HIV response was identified within the transcripts of in-depth interviews with policy key informants (n = 24) and general practice clinicians (n = 47) engaged with HIV medicine. A qualitative analysis of the semantic meaning of this content identified three categories of ‘issues’ described by participants. Results: Educational issues referred to a lack of attention to HIV in medical curricula, a perception that HIV care is only provided by HIV-specialist GPs, a need to make HIV testing more ‘routine’ in GP education and a need to strengthen GP awareness of referral options. Organisational issues encompassed time pressures in general practice, and a need for general practice nurses and for rapid testing to become available, as well as formalised peer mentoring and comanagement opportunities. Societal issues included the changing dynamics of HIV transmission and a need to reconnect GPs with the Australian HIV response. Conclusions: To successfully engage nonHIV specialist GPs in the promotion of regular HIV testing and timely initiation of treatment, challenging issues affecting their capacity and willingness must be urgently addressed.


1999 ◽  
Vol 38 (03) ◽  
pp. 177-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. See Tai ◽  
C. Donegan ◽  
A. Haines ◽  
I. Nazareth

AbstractWe conducted a pilot randomised trial of computerised templates for the management of asthma and diabetes in general practice in six general practices in North London. Uptake of the guidelines by general practitioners and practice nurses was assessed using qualitative (semi-structured interviews designed to assess the users’ views) and quantitative (change in use of the template during the study period) outcome measures. The practice nurses used the templates frequently but general practitioners rarely used them. Several reasons were offered for non-use of the templates, such as the length of the template and non-involvement in the care of asthma or diabetes. Despite this, however, health professionals were favourably disposed to the use of templates for general clinical care. Pilot investigations of computerised templates are best achieved by observational or quasi-experimental methods rather than a randomised controlled trial. The use of both qualitative and quantitative methods in this study allowed exploration of the barriers to use of computers.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document