Thesis (MTech (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007 / This study focuses on the specialised field of Nurse Case Management and the need for formal training for Nurse Case Managers (NCMs). In particular, the study aimed to establish what the outcomes should be of a learning programme for practising NCMs in South Africa. I used a descriptive survey study design. Data was collected using the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique involves questionnaires to be distributed, collation of the data returned and the distribution of a revised questionnaire for input from the participants. Each questionnaire distributed becomes a 'round' and forms part of the process of data collection. A group of experts working in the field of managed healthcare (MHC) were included as the study respondents. Consensus was reached after three rounds as to what the learning outcomes for NCMs should be. This study found that NCMs practising in South Africa require a specialised set of competencies that are not covered in the basic general nursing training. A learning programme for this area of specialisation needs to include outcomes related to relevant legislation, a code of ethics, managerial and clinical competence, administrative competence in managing contracts, good governance, research, (data analyses) and (business) reporting within the context of MHC.

Bakgrund: ACT- modellen växte fram under 70 och 80-talet i samband med att många psykiatriska kliniker stängdes i USA. Den ursprungliga ACT- modellen kan ses som en fullservicemodell men har sedan modifierats och anpassats efter samhällets och sjukvårdens rådande förhållanden. Som det ser ut idag så har flera modeller utvecklats med utgångspunkt från ACT-modellen men kan särskiljas av vilka komponenter som ingår. Modellen har visat positiva resultat avseende patienters delaktighet och återhämtning. Sjuksköterskan har en bred yrkesbakgrund och anses ha en viktig roll i teamet. Med sin kompetens har de grundläggande kunskaper för att utföra medicinsk och psykiatrisk omvårdnad men flera studier har visat att det finns ett behov av specialistutbildade sjuksköterskor då många av patienterna är svårt sjuka. Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva psykiatriska specialistsjuksköterskors erfarenheter av sin kompetens och roll i team som arbetar enligt ACT-modellen Metod: En kvalitativ design har valts. Datainsamling skedde med semi-strukturerade intervjuer. En kvalitativ innehållsanalys med induktiv ansats användes för att bearbeta materialet. Resultat: Innehållsanalysen resulterade i två huvudkategorier, Kompetensen med in i teamet samt Den mångsidiga sjuksköterskan, med tillhörande sex underkategorier. Diskussion: Resultatet diskuterades utifrån de två huvudkategorierna Kompetensen med in i teamet och Den mångsidiga sjuksköterskan. Som stöd i diskussionen användes till ämnet relevanta artiklar och litteratur samt Phil Barkers tio förpliktelser som utgångspunkt. / Background: The ACT model developed in the 70's and 80's when many psychiatric clinics were closed in the United States. The original ACT model can be seen as a full service model but has since been modified and adapted to the current conditions of society and health care. As it appears today, several models have been developed based on the ACT model but can be distinguished by which components are included. The model has shown positive results regarding patient participation and recovery. The nurse has a wide professional background and is considered to be an important part of the team. With their skills, they have the basic knowledge to perform medical and psychiatric care, but several studies have shown that there is a need for specialist educated nurses, as many of the patients are severely ill. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the psychiatric specialist nurse's experience of their competence and role in teams working under the ACT model. Method: A qualitative design has been selected. Data collection was done with semi-structured interviews. A qualitative content analysis with inductive approach was used to process the material. Results: The content analysis resulted in two main categories, skills in the team and the versatile nurse, with six associated subcategories. Discussions: The result was discussed based on the two main categories, skills in the team and the versatile nurse. In support of the discussion, relevant topics and literature were used as well as Phil Barker's ten obligations as a starting point.