Julie Wilson

Identifying key performance indicators for nursing and midwifery care using a consensus approach

AIMS The aim of this study was to gain consensus on key performance indicators that are appropriate and relevant for nursing and midwifery practice in the current policy context. BACKGROUND There is continuing demand to demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency in health and social care and to communicate this at boardroom level. Whilst there is substantial literature on the use of clinical indicators and nursing metrics, there is less evidence relating to indicators that reflect the patient experience. DESIGN A consensus approach was used to identify relevant key performance indicators. METHODS A nominal group technique was used comprising two stages: a workshop involving all grades of nursing and midwifery staff in two HSC trusts in Northern Ireland (n = 50); followed by a regional Consensus Conference (n = 80). During the workshop, potential key performance indicators were identified. This was used as the basis for the Consensus Conference, which involved two rounds of consensus. Analysis was based on aggregated scores that were then ranked. RESULTS Stage one identified 38 potential indicators and stage two prioritised the eight top-ranked indicators as a core set for nursing and midwifery. The relevance and appropriateness of these indicators were confirmed with nurses and midwives working in a range of settings and from the perspective of service users. CONCLUSIONS The eight indicators identified do not conform to the majority of other nursing metrics generally reported in the literature. Furthermore, they are strategically aligned to work on the patient experience and are reflective of the fundamentals of nursing and midwifery practice, with the focus on person-centred care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses and midwives have a significant contribution to make in determining the extent to which these indicators are achieved in practice. Furthermore, measurement of such indicators provides an opportunity to evidence of the unique impact of nursing/midwifery care on the patient experience.

Do smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease report their smoking status reliably?: A comparison of self-report and bio-chemical validation

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is predominantly caused by cigarette smoking and is considered a worldwide preventable chronic illness. Smoking cessation is considered the primary intervention for disease management and nurses should play a major role in assisting patients to stop smoking. Currently there is a lack of professional consensus on how cessation interventions should be evaluated. The vast array of biochemical markers reported in the literature can be confusing and can make the comparisons of results difficult. OBJECTIVE To validate self-report data on smoking with exhaled carbon monoxide in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over twelve months. DESIGN We performed a secondary analysis of a previously published randomized controlled trial evaluating nursing interventions to assist respiratory patients to stop smoking. SETTING Northern Irelands Regional Respiratory Centre. PARTICIPANTS A total of 91 cigarette smokers attending secondary care for the treatment for COPD participated in the study. METHOD Self-reported smoking status and cigarettes smoked per day were compared to exhaled carbon monoxide readings at baseline, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The cut-off value of ≤10 ppm was used to identify non-smokers. The p-values are based on Pearsons correlation coefficient and Kappa Coefficient as appropriate. RESULTS Findings suggest self-reported smoking status and cigarette consumption amongst patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was highly consistent with exhaled carbon monoxide results (p = 0.001-0.003). CONCLUSION The majority of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reliably report their cigarette consumption.

Female gender doubles pre-hospital delay times for patients experiencing ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Pre-hospital delay has a significant impact on patients’ mortality and morbidity in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Internationally many factors including female gender have been implicated, but no research has been conducted in Arab cultures. We aimed to explore the factors contributing to pre-hospital delay among female STEMI patients in Saudi Arabia. Method: This sequential, explanatory mixed methods study comprised a consecutive sample of 311 patients, presenting with STEMI to three hospitals in Riyadh, from March 2011–August 2011. Of these, 189 patients (36 females) were eligible and interviewed using the Response to Symptoms Questionnaire. A purposive sample of 18 patients (9 females) then participated in qualitative interviews that were taped and transcribed prior to thematic analysis. Findings: The median pre-hospital delay for males was 5 h and 12.9 h for females (p<0.002). Standard multiple regression determined female gender as the strongest predictor of transfer delay–from decision to seek help to hospital arrival. Qualitative analysis produced five gender-related themes: (a) women require a male relative’s permission to seek medical help; (b) women cannot travel to hospital unless accompanied by a male relative; (c) women prioritise family responsibilities over seeking help; (d) women lack knowledge of myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms and treatment; and (e) perception that women should not attract attention. Conclusion: This study provides new insight into how cultural factors increase pre-hospital delay for women within Saudi Arabia. While the quantitative data demonstrates that women experience much longer delays, the qualitative interviews confirm that cultural factors are implicated. Further research is urgently required.

The impact of patients' gender and cultural factors on pre-hospital delay among myocardial infarction patients in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: After a first coronary event there is an increased risk for a recurrent event. Despite that risk, 1/5 of the patients continue to smoke, 1/3 is obese and more than half of the patients have elevated blood pressure and total cholesterol. Secondary preventive self-care activities are needed to improve outcomes and the belief of patients plays a vital role in changing behavior. Aim: To examine patients’ beliefs of self-care 6-12 months after a coronary event. Method: The study design was qualitative. Twenty-five patients, including 10 women, mean age 65 years with stable coronary artery disease participated in four focus group interviews. Data were taped, transcribed and analyzed according to the conventional content analysis. Findings: Patients’ belief of self-care is influenced by their desire of a good life even though life seems fragile. Patients try to live up to the standard of health care prescription and advices. However, these achievements require behavior change and conscious boundaries, which are challenged by various obstacles such as fear of, overstrain and stress. Physical activity is considered as both a source to well-being and a necessity, but patients are uncertain and afraid for overstraining. A healthy diet is seen as important but the advices given are sometimes contradictory and create confusion. Medication is found important but not at the cost of all the side-effects. Patients also report that in order to believe in their ability and to be responsible for self-care, support from health care providers is expected. But at the same time the invaluable support and information is often not provided, creating uncertainty. Discussion: The study highlights the patients’ perspective of self-care and what they view as important in self-care after an event of coronary artery disease. The patients’ expectations on health services comprise information, support and continuous follow-up. This is necessary to facilitate the patient’s responsibility for their own care. Conclusion: Patients’ beliefs about the concept of self-care after an event of coronary artery disease are multifaceted and voluminous compared to the health care definition. The findings of the study challenge health care policies approach to self-care. There is a need to reconsider and assess what and how secondary preventive patient education should be performed after an event of coronary artery disease.