The purpose of this thesis was threefold – First to investigate the emergence from the existing health system of nurse practitioners as a new occupation. Second to make sense of how nurse practitioners developed as primary care providers in the province of Ontario. Third to understand the nature and development of the intra-professional relationship between primary care nurse practitioners and physicians in local practice settings. I used a case study approach, with both historical (document review) and empirical (ethnography and interview) components. The empirical data was analyzed from an interpretive perspective using thematic analysis. A number of theoretical perspectives were drawn on, including Kingdon’s Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policy model, Abbott’s Occupational Jurisdiction model, Van de Ven et al’s Innovation Journey model, and Closure Theory. The study makes 3 contributions to new knowledge. First it documents the unfolding of events and actions over time, and thus serves as a historical summary. Second it adds an analysis of the case of nurse practitioners as an emergent occupation to the existing body of sociological analyses of professions. Third, it provides insight into how nurse practitioner - physician relationships are impacted at the local level because nurse practitioners are obligated to develop a relationship with a physician in order to be able to deliver comprehensive primary care services. The empirical component of the thesis analyzes and describes the nature of this relationship at a practice level. It also describes the use of ‘workarounds’ to bypass legislated restrictions in nurse practitioners’ scope of practice. It analyzes how structural differences in the manner of regulation, payment, and employment status between nurse practitioners and family physicians contribute to different styles of practice and perpetuate the hierarchical relationships between nurses and physicians. This knowledge has potential generalization to other emerging occupations, such as physician assistants and paramedics.

Bakgrund: Post partum depression är den vanligaste psykiatriska störningen som kan uppstå efter en förlossning. Ungefär 13 % av alla nyblivna mammor drabbas eller visar tecken på en depression. Syftet: Syftet med studien var att beskriva BVC sköterskans reflektioner och erfarenheter av att stödja mammor med Post partum depression. Metod: Beskrivande design med kvalitativ ansats. Åtta BVC-sköterskor på fem hälsocentraler medverkade. Semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes och analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: EPDS var en bra enkät för att hitta mammor med PPD och för att få ett bra samtal med mammorna. Svårigheter framkom då mamman inte kunde det svenska språket. Det var viktigt att se mamman, inte bara barnet och att ge tid för stöd och samtal. Mammorna följdes upp via telefon och täta besök på mottagningen vid behov. Det upplevdes svårt då mamman inte ville ta emot hjälp när BVC-sköterskan bedömde att hon behövde detta. BVC-sköterskorna beskrev att mammor som visat sig ha PPD hänvisades till en psykolog. BVC-sköterskan ansåg sig inte ha tillräckligt mycket kunskap för att ge behandlande samtal men kunde lyssna och ge stöd genom att finnas där för dem. Slutsats: EPDS-enkäten är ett bra verktyg för att tidigt fånga upp mammor med PPD, enkäten är också ett bra stöd i samtalet med mamman. Det är viktigt att fokusera på mamman och inte bara på barnet och att tillräckligt med tid för samtal avsätts för att ge stöd. Mer handledning och utbildning behövs inom ämnet PPD för att kunna ge bättre stöd till mammor men även papporna. / Introduction: Postpartum depression is the most common psychiatric disorders that may occur following childbirth. Approximately 13% of all new mothers suffer or shows signs of depression. The purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the child health care nurse´s reflections and experiences to support mothers with post partum depression. Method: Descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Eight child health care nurses at five health-centers participated.  Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Results: EPDS was an adequate instrument in order to find mothers with PPD and to initiate positive conversations with mothers. Difficulties emerged when mothers didn’t speak Swedish. It was important to see the mother, not just the child and to give time for support and conversations. Mothers were followed-up by telephone made frequent visits to the clinic when necessary. It was difficult when mothers didn’t accept help even though the child health care nurse found it necessary. Mothers who had PPD symptoms were referred to a psychologist by the child health care nurse. The child health care nurse’s perceived deficient knowledge providing therapeutic conversations but could listen and provide support by being there for the mothers. Conclusion: EPDS is an adequate tool for early identification of mothers with PPD, the instrument is a good help when talking to the mother. It is important to focus on the mother and not just on the child and allow enough time for conversation aside providing support. More guidance and training is needed within the topic PPD for improved support to mothers, but also fathers.

Abstract: Background: Socialstyrelsen statistics show that breastfeeding continues to decline. Previous research some mother experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and their lack of knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding. Support to mothers varies depending on their individual needs. Factors affecting the choice are the support of health care nurses and the social network. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe health care nurse experiences of giving support to mother who are breastfeeding. Method: Interviews with eight health care nurses and analyzed with inspiration from a phenomenological approach. Result: The results are presented according to three themes: The initial support, the problem-solving support and the individual-based support. Parents are given an initial support in the parent groups and the opportunity to discuss breastfeeding before the baby is born. The support health care nurse conveys includes both the mother and the whole family and she encouraged the parents to make use of their social network. Conclusion: The support that gives to the parents is individually with a start before the baby is born. The support also includes the social network. Health care nurse describe the support by seeing the whole picture and that parents should feel confident in the new situation.

Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva distriktssköterskans arbete med, och erfarenhet av livsstilsförändringar hos patienter med pre-diabetes inom primärvården. Metod var en empirisk intervjustudie med en kvalitativ ansats. Åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer utfördes, intervjumaterialet analyserades utifrån Graneheim och Lundmans innehållsanalys. Resultatet visade att patienter med pre-diabetes oftast upptäcktes i samband med årskontrollen hypertoni eller då de sökte för andra besvär. Blodsockret kontrollerades på patienter med riskfaktorer. Det var diabetessköterskan som tog hand om patienterna och gav information om pre-diabetes, typ 2-diabetes, samt råd vad gäller livsstilsförändringar. De använde sig av olika pedagogiska verktyg och metoder i arbetet med att förebygga typ 2-diabetes hos patienter med pre-diabetes. Hur ofta dessa patienter följdes upp var individuellt. Att få patienten att förstå betydelsen av livsstilsförändringar upplevdes som en utmaning. Tid- och resursbrist nämndes som hinder i det förebyggande arbetet men ändå upplevdes möjligheterna som många. Slutsats är att om strukturerade rutiner för upptäckt av pre-diabetes och förebyggande av typ 2-diabetes fanns skulle patienter med pre-diabetes hittas tidigare. Därmed skulle onödigt lidande för patienten och de samhällskostnader som typ 2-diabetes medför minska. / The Aim of this study was to describe the Community Health Care nurse´s work and experience with lifestyle changes in patients with pre-diabetes, within the primary health care. The Method was an empirical interview study with a qualitative approach. Eight semi structured interviews were accomplished, the interview material were analyzed with Graneheim and Lundmans qualitative content analysis. The Results showed that the patients with pre-diabetes was discovered during the annual check-up for hypertension, or when the patients sought care for other symptoms. Blood glucose were checked on all patients with risk factors. It was the diabetes nurse who informed the patients about pre-diabetes, type 2- diabetes, and gave advice about lifestyle changes. They used different pedagogic tools and methods in the preventive work. The follow-up was adapted individually. It was a challenge to get the patients to understand that lifestyle changes were needed. Recourses and lack of time were an obstacle in the preventive work. Still the opportunities were seen as many. The Conclusion is that patients with pre-diabetes would be found earlier if structured routines for discovery of pre-diabetes and prevention of type 2-diabetes excited in the primary health care. Therefore, unnecessary suffering for the patient, and social costs would decrease.

M.P.H., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2011 / Although the nursing sector has not been spared the effects of human resource shortages and Human Immune-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) crisis in Lesotho, it still remains the backbone of the primary health care delivery. There is a well-established linkage between oral health and HIV/AIDS with many of the early symptoms of HIV manifesting in the oro-facial region. However, the lack of oral health personnel at primary health care levels in Lesotho makes Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners (PHCNPs) often the first health care providers to consult, manage and refer patients with such oral lesions. Aim: To assess the “knowledge, attitude and practice” (KAP) of the PHCNPs regarding oral health and oral HIV lesions in Queen Elizabeth II (QE II) and Roma health service areas (HSA) of Maseru district in Lesotho. Objectives: To assess the demographic profile of PHCNPs in the target health facilities, their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral health and oral HIV lesions. Methods and Materials: The research was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A convenience sample of 57 primary health care nurse practitioners (PHCNPs) from QE II and Roma health service areas were identified. During their monthly PHC meeting, a questionnaire was administered to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral health and oral HIV lesions. The information gathered was both quantitative and qualitative. Data was entered and analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Results: The response rate was 87.7%. There was 100% consensus regarding the importance of oral health to the total well being of individuals. The majority of the PHCNPs recognised oral candidiasis (OC) (94.7%), bleeding gums (87.7%), herpes lesions (71.9%) and dental caries (75.4%). Lesions such as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) (40.3%), angular cheilitis (AC) (56.1%) and apthous ulcerations (24.6%) were also recognised but to a lesser extent. The respondents associated OC (84%), herpes (61%), AC (54%), Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) (49%), Kaposi‟s‟ sarcoma (KS) (49%) with HIV/AIDS. OC was the most common lesion associated with HIV. Some lesions commonly seen in the clinics such as apthous ulceration and ANUG were not significantly associated with HIV (18% and 33%, respectively). The majority of PHCNPs (81%) indicated that they had knowledge about oral HIV lesions. Twenty nine 6 respondents (50.8 %) reported having received this knowledge through training institutions. Mass media (Radio (53%), TV (40%), and newspapers/magazines (49%)) was one of the major sources of information. Forty-four PHCNPs (77.2%) saw only Zero or one (0-1) HIV patients with oral lesions. Similarly, 15.8 % and 7% of the PHCNPs saw 11 to 20 and more than 20 (21+) HIV patients with oral lesions, respectively. The two thirds of the PHCNPs (67%) said they would not advise patients to seek care from Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) due to their lack of trust and confidence in the practices, knowledge and the patient management of the THPs. However, 16% of them reported that they would refer because they thought traditional medicine boosts the immune system. Only seven respondents (12.3%) routinely washed their hands with antiseptics. However, 44 of respondents (77.2 %) cleaned their instruments with bleach and disinfectants. The majority (89.5%) washed their hands with water and soap. Forty three respondents (75.4%) wore gloves during examination. Routine use of facemasks was limited to only 12 respondents (21.1 %). Ninety eight percent of the PHCNPs stated that they would like to learn to manage oral lesions at health centres. The majority (79%) of the respondents said that they would like to receive more training on the management of oral lesions through workshops. Conclusions: There was an observable correlation between PHCNPs self-assessment of oral health knowledge and the objective knowledge as assessed by ability to identify the oral lesions on a chart ( 2 –sided Fischer‟s test-0.000-0.261).This needs to be confirmed by undertaking a study with a larger sample size. OC was the most common lesion associated with HIV as reported by the PHCNPs. The majority of the participants (94.7%) identified OC and associated it (84%) with HIV infection. The finding indicated that with training and/or mentoring, PHCNPs are likely to confidently diagnose oral HIV lesions. PHCNPs showed a positive attitude towards learning more about the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS. PHCNPs should be utilised more effectively in the diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS.

Background: Overweight in children is a growing problem around the world. Studies has shown that children suffering from overweight, are at a greater risk to remain overweight as adults as well. Child health care nurses have an important task by trying to motivate parents to better diet and exercise habits for their children. Previous research proves that overweight and obesity in children is a very complex problem which requires a good caring relationship between child health care nurses and parents. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to illuminate the experiences of child health care nurses of meeting parents of overweight children. Method: An inductive qualitative approach was used as method. The collection of data was conducted by using semi-structured interviews. Seven child health care nurses participated. A qualitative manifest content analysis was used as the method of analysis. Result: The result was described in three main categories. The child health care nurse way of approach described how the attitudes, mind-set and treatment affected the meeting with the parents. Impeding factors in the meeting described that the attitudes of the parents, their approach and cultural-and social differences could be impeding in the meeting. Strategies to increase the motivation and knowledge of the parents illuminated that process thinking and an informative and preventive work could be favorable in the meeting. The child health care nurses also described different useful tools that could increase the motivation and knowledge of the parents. Conclusion: The child health care nurses way of approach has a great importance when it comes to motivating the parents to encourage the future health of their overweight children. Today's society is getting increasingly more multicultural and the cultural competence of the child health care nurses should therefore be supported. The work of the child health care nurses is characterized by a process thinking where time is considered as a determinant factor. Ultimately, the child health care nurses work with meeting parents of overweight children can be considered difficult but highly important. / Bakgrund: Övervikt hos barn är ett växande hälsoproblem i hela världen. Studier har visat att överviktiga barn löper ökad risk att förbli överviktiga även i vuxen ålder. Barnhälsovårdssköterskan (BHV-sköterskan) har en viktig arbetsuppgift genom att försöka motivera föräldrar till bättre kost och motionsvanor för sina barn. Tidigare forskning har visat på att övervikt och fetma hos barn är ett komplext problem som kräver en god vårdrelation mellan BHV-sköterskan och föräldrarna. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att belysa BHV-sköterskors erfarenheter av att möta föräldrar till överviktiga barn. Metod: En induktiv kvalitativ ansats användes som metod. Datainsamlingen genomfördes med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer. Sju BHV-sköterskor deltog. En kvalitativ manifest innehållsanalys användes som analysmetod. Resultat: Resultatet beskrevs i tre huvudkategorier. BHV-sköterskans förhållningssätt beskrev hur BHV-sköterskors attityder, inställningar och bemötande påverkade mötet med föräldrarna. Hindrande faktorer i mötet beskrev att föräldrars attityder och inställningar samt kulturella och sociala skillnader kunde vara hindrande i mötet. Strategier för att öka föräldrars motivation och kunskap belyste att processtänkande och informativt och preventivt arbete kunde främja mötet. BHV-sköterskorna beskrev även olika användbara verktyg som kunde öka föräldrars motivation och kunskap. Slutsats: BHV-sköterskors förhållningssätt har stor betydelse när föräldrar till överviktiga barn ska motiveras till att främja barnets framtida hälsa. Dagens samhälle blir alltmer mångkulturellt och BHV-sköterskors kulturella kompetens bör därför främjas. BHV-sköterskors arbete präglas av ett processtänkande där tid ses som en avgörande faktor. Slutligen kan BHV-sköterskors arbete med att möta föräldrar till överviktiga barn ses som svårt men viktigt.

Bakgrund: Shaken Baby Syndrom är en allvarlig form av barnmisshandel. Förekomsten är vanligare bland barn under ett år och barnets skrik anses vara den enskilt största orsaken. BVC-sjuksköterskorna har ett ansvar i att arbeta förebyggande mot Shaken Baby Syndrom. Att som BVC-sjuksköterska möta en familj där barnet utsatts för skakvåld väcker mycket känslor och ställer höga krav på professionalitet. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att belysa BVC-sjuksköterskors erfarenheter av att möta en familj, där barnet utsatts för Shaken Baby Syndrom. Metod: Data analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys med induktiv ansats. Fem intervjuer genomfördes med BVC-sjuksköterskor. Resultat: Ur analysen av datamaterialet framträdde fyra kategorier; lyhörd för varningssignaler, tillämpa beprövad kunskap, egna insatser otillräckliga och kollegial avlastning med totalt 11 underkategorier. Konklusion: Resultaten av denna studie kan bidra till att utveckla och förbättra BVC-sjuksköterskors komplexa arbetssituation i mötet med familjen. Det kan också bidra till att BVC-sjuksköterskor lättare upptäcker varningssignaler och får en större insikt i betydelsen av att arbeta förebyggande och därmed minskar förekomsten av Shaken Baby Syndrom. / Background: Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious form of child abuse. The occurrence is more frequent among children younger than one year, and the baby's cries are considered the largest single cause. Child health care nurses have a responsibility to work to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome. Meeting a family where the child has being abused evokes a lot of emotions and requires a high level of professionalism.Aim: The aim of the study was to highlight child health care nurses’ experiences of meeting a family, where the child is a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome.Method: The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis technique with an inductive approach. Five interviews with child health care nurses’ were performed.Result: Four categories emerged from the analysis; perceptive to warning signs, application of proven knowledge, own efforts inadequate and collegiate relief, with 11 subcategories.Conclusion: The results of this study may contribute to develop and improve how child health care nurses handle their complex interaction with families. It can also contribute to a deeper understanding and awareness of warning signs. Preventive work is essential to decrease the prevalence of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

No description available.

Introduktion: Omkring 10–15% av nyblivna mammor drabbas av förlossningsdepression. Depression hos en nybliven mamma innebär förhöjd risk att relationen mellan henne och hennes nyfödda ej utvecklas optimalt. Då sköterskan på barnavårdscentralen har en kontinuerlig kontakt med nyfödda och deras mammor, kan de vara ett stöd i anknytningsprocessen. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att beskriva barnavårdscentralsköterskors reflektioner av att arbeta med mammor med förlossningsdepression och deras barn. Metod: Studien hade en beskrivande design med kvalitativ ansats. Data samlades in via åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer med barnavårdscentralsköterskor. Det insamlade materialet analyserades med en kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Huvudresultat:  Ett underliggande tema i studien var; ”Att använda sina kunskaper och inse sina begränsningar, för ett förtroendefullt samspel”. Temat bestod av fyra beskrivande kategorier; ”Vägar att upptäcka mammor med förlossningsdepression”, ”Interaktionen med mamman”, ”Strategier i arbetet” och ”Utmaningar med arbetet” Slutsats: Under studiens gång har det framkommit att om riktlinjer och rutiner ska fungera optimalt i arbetet med att upptäcka mamman med förlossningsdepression krävs en god kommunikation. Redan vid det första mötet med mamman började en resa som kunde innebära ett fungerande samspel eller en envägskommunikation. Detta krävde utöver formell kunskap om förlossningsdepression, en förmåga till interaktion med mamman.  Det handlade om att vinna mammans förtroende. / Introduction: About 10–15% of new mothers are affected by Post Partum Depression. A new mother with depression means a higher risk of attachmentsproblem with her newborn child. The child health care nurse has a regular contact with newborns and their mothers. Therefor they can have an important role in the process of attachment. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe reflections of the child health care nurses in their work with mothers with Postpartum Depression and their newborn. Method: The present study had a descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Eight child health care nurses  were interviewed with semi-structured interviews. The material was analyzied using qualitative content analysis. Result: A underlying theme was; ”To have knowledge and to know your limitations, for a trustworthy interaction.” The theme had four descriptive categories; ” Ways to discover the mother with a postpartum depression”, ”The interaction with the mother” ”Strategies at work” and ”Challenges in work”. Conclusion: During the study it has been revealed that if guidelines and routines are to work optimally discovering the mother with Post Partum Depression, it requires a good communication. Already at the first meeting a journey began, that could mean a working interaction or not. It required in addition to formal knowledge of Postpartum depression also an ability to interact with the mother. It was about getting the mother´s confidence.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the factors that motivate the Primary Health Care Nurses to render quality care in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Health Care Facilities (in the Northern Region). The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is located in Gauteng, South Africa. To achieve this, a quantitative, descriptive research study was undertaken. A purposive and voluntary sample of (n=54) Primary Health Care Nurses with two or more years’ experience of working in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, in the Northern Region, participated in the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Findings from the study indicated those factors that enhance the motivation of the Primary Health Care Nurses and those factors which may demotivate them. The findings further revealed the need for greater motivation for the Primary Health Care Nurses. Based on the study results, guidelines and recommendations were formulated according to the manner in which these nurses’ motivation may be implemented and improved / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)