Nichole Harvey

Nominal group technique: an effective method for obtaining group consensus.

This paper aims to demonstrate the versatility and application of nominal group technique as a method for generating priority information. Nominal group technique was used in the context of four focus groups involving clinical experts from the emergency department (ED) and obstetric and midwifery areas of a busy regional hospital to assess the triage and management of pregnant women in the ED. The data generated were used to create a priority list of discussion triggers for the subsequent Participatory Action Research Group. This technique proved to be a productive and efficient data collection method which produced information in a hierarchy of perceived importance and identified real world problems. This information was vital in initiating the participatory action research project and is recommended as an effective and reliable data collection method, especially when undertaking research with clinical experts.

The profile of diabetes healthcare professionals in Indonesia: a scoping review

AIM To explore and synthesize evidence of the literature about healthcare professionals involved in the provision of diabetes management within an Indonesian context. BACKGROUND Indonesia is challenged to control the major burden of diabetes prevalence rate that requires a multidimensional approach with the aim to optimize existing health services by involving healthcare professionals who can promote access and provide diabetes management. METHODS This literature review, which is integrated with a scoping study framework, used the electronic databases including CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to locate papers particular to the Indonesian context. From the total of 568 papers found, 20 papers were selected. RESULTS The literature review identified physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians and diabetes educators as the providers of diabetes care and management in Indonesia. Collaborative management involving either interdisciplinary or intradisciplinary teams was mentioned in several papers. Internal challenges included limited skills and knowledge. External challenges included high patient volumes; a shortage of healthcare professionals and reduced funding. CONCLUSIONS Overcoming the challenges cannot be undertaken with a workforce dominated by any one single healthcare professional. Coordinating with the government to improve the implementation of different roles in diabetes management will improve patient outcomes and thus reduce the burden of diabetes. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY Health policy reform should support nurses and other healthcare professionals in their professional development at all levels of health care. Policy makers can use the review findings to modify the current healthcare system to address key issues in workforce development; funding for services and medications; and fostering multidisciplinary care for diabetes management.