Leepile Alfred Sehularo

Experiences of professional nurses in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis

The care of psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis is a serious concern in the whole world including a psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in the North West Province of South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was followed to address the researcher’s concern. The target population consisted of professional nurses caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. A non-probability sampling approach was used and participants were selected purposively based on the set selection criteria. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve professional nurses caring for patients with dual diagnosis in a psychiatric hospital. A tape recorder was used to record the interviews and was later transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed qualitatively using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. The findings of this study revealed that professional nurses have negative and positive experiences in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. Professional nurses made suggestions that can be used to improve the care of patients with dual diagnosis. The recommendations of this study may improve the care of patients with dual diagnosis in the North West Province of South Africa.Keywords: caring, dual diagnosis, professional nurses, psychiatric patients

Nurses' Coping Mechanisms in a Mental Health Establishment

The aim of this study was to explore and to describe nurses’ coping mechanisms in a mental health establishment in the North West province of South Africa so as to improve the methods of how they manage stressful situations in their care for mental healthcare users. A qualitative-explorative-descriptive and contextual design was followed to deal with the researcher’s concern. The target population included all categories of nurses who are caring for mental healthcare users in a mental health establishment in the North West province. Participants were selected purposively based on a set of selection criteria. The size of the sample was determined by data saturation which was reached after interviewing 10 nurses. Information obtained was transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability techniques. The findings of the study revealed four main themes, namely psychosocial support, coaching and mentoring, stakeholder support, and suggestions for improving nurses’ coping mechanisms. From the findings of the study, recommendations were made for the nursing practice, education and research.

A Substance Use Prevention Programme Focusing on Resilience as a Protective Factor for Adolescents in the North West Province of South Africa

ABSTRACT Adolescents’ substance use needs to be identified and addressed as soon as possible and substance use among adolescents needs to be prevented. The purpose of this study was to develop a substance use prevention programme focusing on resilience as a protective factor for adolescents in the North West Province of South Africa. The programme was developed based on the results of systematic review and qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research. A conceptual framework was used to guide the researcher to link the results of systematic review and qualitative research with the programme. The survey list of the Practice Oriented Theory was used as a guide for development of a conceptual framework and the programme. The findings of this study confirmed the content of the programme, and indicated that the programme to prevent substance use among adolescents should focus on strengthening adolescents’ resilience and on mobilizing protective factors.

1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP AND PRACTICE

The School of Nursing Science on the Mafikeng Campus of the North West University (NWU) hosted the first International Conference on Health Science Education, Leadership and Practice from the 15th to 17th April 2015 at the Birchwood Conference Centre, Boksburg, South Africa. The conference was funded by Atlantic Philanthropies. The purpose of the conference was to provide an opportunity for all health practitioners, educators, leaders, human and social scientists, other scientists and students from across the globe to share their knowledge, practical experiences, research and network with one another through concurrent abstract sessions, plenary, workshops and social functions.

Conference report : the Forum for Professional Nurse Leaders (FPNL) - 20-year legacy : leading nursing into the future : nursing 2016 conference

The Forum for Professional Nurse Leaders (FPNL) hosted the Nursing 2016 Conference from the 25-27 May 2016 at the Hilton Hotel, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa. The conference was dedicated to nurse leaders in the industry ready to lead a360° change in the nursing profession. The main objective of the conference was to foster the spirit of cooperation among professionals through networking and sharing of information, best practices, capacity building, and integrating nursing practice and education. The programme director was Dr Elizabeth Mokoka (Programme Manager, FUNDISA). She started the conference by thanking all conference sponsors, which were classified according to platinum, golden, silver and bronze partners. She further reminded conference delegates that nurses are backbones and heartbeats of healthcare services in South Africa and the whole world.

Conference report : 6th edition of Africa health congress

The 6th edition of Africa Health Congress took place at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa from 8-10 June 2016. Africa Health is the continents largest healthcare exhibition and is a leading platform for the industry to meet, learn and do business. There were 17 CPD accredited conferences that brought together locally and internationally acclaimed speakers to discuss, showcase and share their experiences and insights into the latest methods, developments and technologies in the healthcare industry. The congress featured a combination of clinical and non-clinical conferences and introduced six brand new tracks: Wound Care, Gastroenterology, Clinical Engineering (in association with CEASA & IFMBE), Medical Managers (in association with SASMM), South African Preventive Medicine (in association with SAPHMA), and Health Technology Assessment (in association with SAHTAS). Delegates to All Africa Health conferences were charged at a nominal fee of R100 per conference, and all proceeds were donated to the local charity, Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC).