Hepatitis C elimination: amplifying the role of primary care nurses in Australia.

Background Australia's commitment to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 is underpinned by the mobilisation of the primary care sector. Primary care nurses are well placed to contribute to achieving elimination given their unique access to people with/at risk of hepatitis C and their person-centred approach to care delivery. This study examines the enablers to primary care nurse involvement in elimination efforts. Methods Primary care nurses involved in the care of people with/at risk of hepatitis C were recruited through two national nursing organisations. Participants provided verbal consent to participate in an electronically recorded, semi-structured interview. Interview data were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using a thematic analysis. Results Sixteen interviews were conducted with nurses working in general practice, community health, alcohol and other drug services, and custodial settings, with the findings framed using a social-ecological model. The study identified individual attributes, such as empathy and advocacy for clients deemed 'too hard for everyone else'. Interpersonal enablers included participants' ability to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues, and using trusted professional relationships to improve client access to care. Public policy that addressed community factors, including stigma and confidentiality, were seen as supportive. Conclusions This study identified the critical and varied role primary care nurses play in hepatitis C elimination. Effective scale up of hepatitis C care involves recognising the pivotal role of primary care nurses, which will help to create an enabling environment that supports nurses to work to their full scope of practice and enhance their contribution to the elimination response.

Inefficient Processes and Associated Factors in Primary Care Nursing: System Configuration Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Industrywide, primary care nurses' work is increasing in complexity and team orientation. Mobile health information technologies (HITs) designed to aid nurses with indirect care tasks, including charting, have had mixed success. Failed introductions of HIT may be explained by insufficient integration into nurses' work processes, owing to an incomplete or incorrect understanding of the underlying work systems. Despite this need for context, published evidence has focused more on inpatient settings than on primary care. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize nurses' and health technicians' perceptions of process inefficiencies in the primary care setting and identify related work system factors. METHODS: Guided by the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) 2.0 model, we conducted an exploratory work system analysis with a convenience sample of primary care nurses and health technicians. Semistructured contextual interviews were conducted in 2 sets of primary care clinics in the Midwestern United States, one in an urban tertiary care center and the other in a rural community-based outpatient facility. Using directed qualitative content analysis of transcripts, we identified tasks participants perceived as frequent, redundant, or difficult, related processes, and recommendations for improvement. In addition, we conducted configuration analyses to identify associations between process inefficiencies and work system factors. RESULTS: We interviewed a convenience sample of 20 primary care nurses and 2 health technicians, averaging approximately 12 years of experience in their current role. Across sites, participants perceived 2 processes, managing patient calls and clinic walk-in visits, as inefficient. Among work system factors, participants described organizational and technological factors associated with inefficiencies. For example, new organization policies to decrease patient waiting invoked frequent, repetitive, and difficult tasks, including chart review and check-in using tablet computers. Participants reported that issues with policy implementation and technology usability contributed to process inefficiencies. Organizational and technological factors were also perceived among participants as the most adaptable. Suggested technology changes included new tools for walk-in triage and patient self-reporting of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In response to changes to organizational policy and technology, without compensative changes elsewhere in their primary care work system, participants reported process adaptations. These adaptations indicate inefficient work processes. Understanding how the implementation of organizational policies affects other factors in the primary care work system may improve the quality of such implementations and, in turn, increase the effectiveness and efficiency of primary care nurse processes. Furthermore, the design and implementation of HIT interventions should consider influential work system factors and their effects on work processes.

School refusal: Considerations for the primary care NP.

ABSTRACT: School refusal refers to child- or adolescent-motivated refusal to attend school or remain in school for the duration of the school day. Importantly, the child or adolescent does not conceal their absence from school from their caregivers. Root causes for school refusal include anxiety, mood disorders, untreated learning disorders, and social difficulties. Long-term outcomes of school refusal include further social withdrawal, ongoing mental health issues, and unemployment. This article reviews the differences between school refusal and other types of chronic absenteeism, and it describes behaviors that may manifest in a child or adolescent who avoids attending school. The primary care provider's role in evaluation and treatment of this population is discussed.

Testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism: A primer for primary care.

ABSTRACT: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a crucial intervention for men diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition characterized by inadequate testosterone production. As primary care NPs play an essential role in managing patients with hypogonadism, they must comprehensively understand TRT. This article serves as a primer for primary care NPs, based on current guidelines, to provide evidence-based care for men with hypogonadism. It offers an overview of the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for hypogonadism, focusing on using TRT appropriately in primary care settings.

Practices developed by nurses in primary health care in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the practices developed by nurses in primary care in southern Brazil. METHOD: Qualitative study, with data collection via online interviews, conducted between October 2020 and May 2021, and recorded. 174 nurses from 24 municipalities in southern Brazil participated. Data analysis used inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The activity that stood out among nurses was the nurse consultation, for all age groups and health conditions, especially when dealing with chronic disease, prenatal care, attention to women and children, mental health, home visits, and the management of the nursing team and the health unit. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study demonstrated that an excess of responsibilities associated to care and management, added to a lack of balance in the activities common to the team make it difficult for nurses to develop clinical practices.

Competency mapping of primary healthcare nurses on the Brazil-Paraguay border.

OBJECTIVE: To map the competencies of Primary Health Care nurses in border regions of Brazil and Paraguay. METHOD: Exploratory qualitative studyconducted between February and July 2020, with 64 nurses from six Brazilian municipalities bordering Paraguay. It was conducted in three stages: 1. Documentary study: analysis of legal documents to identify the nurse's competencies. 2. Application of instrument to the study population .3. Mapping of competencies, through the competencies expressed by nurses analyzed using the collective subject discourse technique. RESULTS: Twenty-eight general competencies were identified, categorized as assistance and management, and five specific competencies required to work in border regions: conducting a situational diagnosis of the border community; attending to foreign users with active and humanized listening; communicating appropriately with foreign users; identifying the epidemiological profile of the border; and, understanding the health policies of the neighboring country. The competencies required for the work from the participants' perspective were included in the mapping. The competence gap identified in the mapping refers to educational practices in communities. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The study identified the necessary competencies for nurses to work in border regions, but pointed out gaps in the training and continuing education of these professionals.

Practices of primary health care nurses in the care for people in psychological distress.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the practices of nurses working in Primary Health Care in caring for people in psychological distress. METHOD: Qualitative study conducted with 30 nurses working directly in Primary Health Care. Data were collected from January to March 2023 through semi-structured interviews, which were fully transcribed. The resulting material was organized in the IRaMuTeQ® software and subjected to the thematic content analysis, anchored in the precepts of Eric Cassell's Theory of the Nature of Human Suffering. RESULTS: Five categories emerged: 1. Causes of Psychological Distress (14.65%), 2. Needs of the person in psychological distress (31.3%), 3. Team case discussions (26.5%), 4. Care network for the person in psychological distress (15.99%) and 5. Care instruments (11.57%). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The practices that nurses perform involve listening spaces to express feelings, case discussions within the team and matrixing and the understanding that psychological distress is the result of environmental, social, and family factors. However, they report a lack of training to assess individuals experiencing psychological distress and request the development of institutional protocols and training to support care.

Willingness to pay for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses.

BACKGROUND: Due to the rapid increase in chronic diseases in South Korea, the Korean government has expanded chronic disease management to primary care. Thus, the role of primary care nurses is critical. However, the fee for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses has not been set, and few studies have evaluated the value of nursing services. This study aimed to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses and to identify the factors that affect WTP. METHODS: This study adopted a descriptive research design and conducted a cross-sectional online survey from January 16 to 18, 2023. The inclusion criteria were community residents aged ≥ 20 years living in South Korea and capable of participating in online surveys. A total of 520 people participated in this study. A contingent valuation method (CVM) was used with double-bound dichotomous choice questions along with open-ended questions. The mean WTP was calculated using a Tobit model. RESULTS: The mean WTP of the 520 study participants for one chronic disease management service provided by primary care nurses was 15,390.71 Korean won ($11.90). Factors affecting WTP were having a chronic disease, recognition of primary care nurses, and the first-bid price. Community residents with fewer chronic diseases, high awareness of primary care nurses, and a higher first-bid price showed higher WTP for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care is important worldwide due to the increasing number of chronic diseases, and Korea is no exception. However, payment for services by primary care nurses is undervalued compared to their critical role and skills. This has led to problems such as a primary care nurse shortage and burnout. This study estimated individuals' WTP for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses. The results can be used as a basic resource for setting the fee for services provided by primary care nurses. It is also a good starting point to understand the benefits of primary care nurse services.

Flower therapy and perceived stress in primary health care nursing professionals: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy compared to placebo in reducing perceived stress levels in primary health care nursing professionals. METHOD: Pragmatic, parallel randomized clinical trial conducted with 87 primary care nursing professionals with self-identified stress, from October 2021 to June 2022, in the cities of Osasco and São Paulo, Brazil. The intervention group (n=43) received the collective flower formula, and the placebo group (n=44) received only the diluent. Data analysis was performed using the linear mixed model, and effect size was measured by partial Eta squared, significance level 5%. RESULTS: Data analysis showed a significant reduction in perceived stress levels within groups (p=0.038). However, there was no significant difference between the study groups (p=0.750). Participants in the intervention group reported a greater perception of changes than participants in the placebo group, but without statistical significance (p=0,089). CONCLUSION: The floral formula was not more effective than the placebo formula in reducing perceived stress. There was a significant stress reduction among nursing professionals in both study groups, although with a small effect size.

Integrated self-management support provided by primary care nurses to persons with chronic diseases and common mental disorders: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: More and more people suffer from concomitant chronic physical diseases and common mental disorders, calling for integrated self-management support in primary care. However, self-management support of chronic physical diseases and common mental disorders is not clearly operationalized by guidelines and is still conducted in silos by primary care nurses, especially in favour of chronic diseases. This study aims to better understand primary care nurses' experience of integrated self-management support for people with physical chronic diseases and common mental disorders. METHODS: An interpretive descriptive qualitative approach was conducted with 23 primary care nurses from family medicine groups in Quebec (Canada). They were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods to participate in an individual interview. Data were analysed using an iterative inductive and deductive analysis (Rainbow Model of Integrated Care and the Practical Reviews in Self-Management Support (PRISMS) taxonomy). RESULTS: Nurses' experience of integrated self-management support for people with CD and CMD was structured around: (1) elements of the approach; (2) clinical integration through prevention and health promotion; and (3) operationalization of integrated self-management support. Several elements deemed essential to integrated self-management support were identified. Nurses offered integrated self-management support through prevention of risk factors and promotion of a healthy lifestyle for physical chronic diseases and common mental disorders. Nurses' self-management support activities included education, action plans, monitoring, and many practical, psychological, and social support strategies. A model of integrated self-management support for primary care nursing is proposed to better understand its clinical integration. CONCLUSION: This study presents clinical integration of self-management support and activities for people with physical chronic diseases and common mental disorders in primary care settings. Understanding integrated self-management support will help implement future interventions.

Knowledge and attitudes of primary care nurses towards geriatric depression in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

Depression is a global health concern, particularly in the geriatric population. The increasing number of hospital admissions among older individuals highlights the need for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to understand and treat geriatric depression. Nurses play a crucial role in caring for older adults with depressive symptoms or depression. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding geriatric depression among primary care nurses in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 primary healthcare nurses in Jazan City using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge scores were measured and compared among selected demographic variables as well as attitudes toward geriatric depression. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version. 20.0. Chi-square test, fisher's exact test were used for comparison of variables with categorical data. Most primary care nurses were interested in caring for older patients with depression; however, they never attended training courses focused on geriatric depression. Where the study indicated that 38.1% of participants have poor knowledge about geriatric depression while 25.2% have good knowledge. Where the majority had a high understanding of the potential side effects of antidepressant medications, while they had limited knowledge about symptoms, diagnosis, and medications, the majority of participants demonstrated a positive attitude regarding feeling comfortable dealing with depressed patients' needs (56.7%) and considered their profession as a well-placed to assist patients (83.3%) However, 15.2% had a negative attitude citing a lack of self-discipline and willpower.

La dépression est un problème de santé mondial, en particulier dans la population gériatrique. Le nombre croissant d'hospitalisations chez les personnes âgées met en évidence la nécessité pour les professionnels de santé, en particulier les infirmières, de comprendre et de traiter la dépression gériatrique. Les infirmières jouent un rôle crucial dans la prise en charge des personnes âgées présentant des symptômes dépressifs ou une dépression. Cette étude visait à évaluer les connaissances et les attitudes concernant la dépression gériatrique parmi les infirmières de soins primaires de la région de Jazan, en Arabie Saoudite. Une étude transversale a été menée auprès de 210 infirmières de soins primaires de la ville de Jazan à l'aide d'un questionnaire auto-administré validé. Les scores de connaissances ont été mesurés et comparés parmi certaines variables démographiques ainsi que les attitudes à l'égard de la dépression gériatrique. Les données obtenues ont été analysées à l'aide du progiciel statistique pour les sciences sociales, version. 20,0. Le test du Chi carré et le test exact de Fisher ont été utilisés pour comparer les variables avec les données catégorielles. La plupart des infirmières de soins primaires souhaitaient soigner des patients âgés souffrant de dépression ; cependant, ils n'ont jamais suivi de formation axée sur la dépression gériatrique. L'étude indique que 38,1 % des participants ont de mauvaises connaissances sur la dépression gériatrique tandis que 25,2 % ont de bonnes connaissances. Alors que la majorité des participants avaient une bonne compréhension des effets secondaires potentiels des médicaments antidépresseurs, alors qu'ils avaient une connaissance limitée des symptômes, du diagnostic et des médicaments, la majorité des participants ont démontré une attitude positive et se sentaient à l'aise pour répondre aux besoins des patients déprimés (56,7 %). et considéraient leur profession comme bien placée pour assister les patients (83,3 %). Toutefois, 15,2 % avaient une attitude négative citant un manque d'autodiscipline et de volonté.

Multiple sclerosis treatment review for primary care providers.

ABSTRACT: The treatment landscape for multiple sclerosis has dramatically grown in terms of available options and complexity. The various mechanisms of action and safety profiles of these new treatments necessitate that primary care providers remain current in knowledge and practice to provide high-quality care.

Autonomia profissional do enfermeiro na atenção primária à saúde: perspectivas para a prática avançada / Professional autonomy of nurses in primary health care: perspectives for advanced practice / Autonomía profesional de los enfermeros en la atención primaria de salud: perspectivas para la práctica avanzada

Objetivo: Descrever como os enfermeiros atuantes na Atenção Primária identificam sua autonomia profissional no desenvolvimento das práticas de Enfermagem. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa. Participaram de entrevistas online 28 enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária de um município do Sul do Brasil, entre o período de outubro de 2020 até fevereiro de 2021. Para tratamento dos dados, foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Emergiram duas categorias: 1) Resolutividade das práticas da Enfermagem; 2) Respaldo nas regulamentações profissionais e evidências científicas. A Enfermagem dispõe de maior autonomia frente à atenção à saúde da mulher, Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis e no cuidado à pessoa com feridas, pois no momento da consulta do enfermeiro, despontam habilidades e competências para a tomada de decisão na prática clínica. Em relação à regulamentação para exercício profissional, os profissionais enfatizaram a importância dos protocolos para respaldar as ações. Conclusão: O protagonismo do enfermeiro e sucesso nas experiências indicam um caminho promissor para a discussão e implementação da Enfermagem de Prática Avançada no Brasil. (AU)

Objective: To describe how nurses working in Primary Care identify their professional autonomy in the development of Nursing practices. Methods: This is an exploratory, descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Twenty-eight nurses who work in Primary Care in a municipality in southern Brazil participated in online interviews, between October 2020 and February 2021. For data processing, thematic content analysis was used. Results: Two categories emerged: 1) Resolving nursing practices; 2) Support in professional regulations and scientific evidence. Nursing has greater autonomy in the care of women's health, Sexually Transmitted Infections and in the care of the person with wounds, because at the time of the nurse's consultation, skills and competences for decision-making in clinical practice emerge. Regarding regulation for professional practice, professionals emphasized the importance of protocols to support actions. Conclusion: The role of nurses and success in the experiences indicate a promising path for the discussion and implementation of Advanced Practice Nursing in Brazil. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir cómo los enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria identifican su autonomía profesional en el desarrollo de las prácticas de Enfermería. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación exploratoria, descriptiva, con abordaje cualitativo. Veintiocho enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria de un municipio del sur de Brasil participaron de entrevistas en línea, entre octubre de 2020 y febrero de 2021. Para el procesamiento de datos, se utilizó el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: Emergieron dos categorías: 1) Prácticas resolutivas de enfermería; 2) Apoyo en normativa profesional y evidencia científica. La enfermería tiene mayor autonomía en el cuidado de la salud de la mujer, Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual y en el cuidado de la persona con heridas, porque en el momento de la consulta del enfermero emergen habilidades y competencias para la toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica. En cuanto a la regulación para la práctica profesional, los profesionales destacaron la importancia de los protocolos para apoyar las acciones. Conclusión: El papel de los enfermeros y el éxito de las experiencias indican un camino promisorio para la discusión e implementación de la Enfermería de Práctica Avanzada en Brasil. (AU)

Intensive Primary Care Nursing: Exploring the Impact of a Nurse-Led Model for Medically and Social Complex Patients.

Lack of access to primary care contributes to health inequities. Treatment settings that utilize the full experience and training of nurses, both registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), can expand in primary care and successfully address health inequities. This small study describes the implementation of a model of primary care called intensive primary care (IPC), which has eight elements that support the full utilization of a nurse's experience and training. This is a mixed method qualitative study, which reports the observations of the implementation and pre- and post-intervention measures. The IPC model was implemented at a free clinic, which targeted underserved population between 2020 and 2023. Participants were selected as a convenience sample. Participants were to have two or more chronic health problems The participants received primary care using the IPC model, which included setting self-management goals, and meeting with RN or APRN on a monthly basis (face to face, via phone or zoom) to monitor progress toward goals. Twenty-two people were approached, and 19 completed the intervention. Pre- and Post-intervention measures (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care [PACIC]-20); Functional, Communicative, Critical Thinking Health Literacy; Perceived Stress; Patient Activation; Perceived Self Efficacy for Chronic Disease; EuroQo- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D); Trust in Provider; Emotional Support-Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS); and Patient Health Questionnaire-9) were obtained and analyzed with paired T test (α < .05). Nurses involved meet weekly to share observations recorded in free form notes. These observations were summarized by two of the authors (MD and KF) at the end of the study. All patients had improved physical health outcomes, but more importantly, there were significant improvements in measures known to impact health and health outcomes, specifically, patient activation, self-efficacy for chronic illness, PACIC, and trust in provider. Time spent with patients, both duration and frequency of contact, was observed to have significant impacts.

Nurse Practitioner Care, Scope of Practice, and End-of-Life Outcomes for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia.

Importance: Nursing home residents with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) often receive burdensome care at the end of life. Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide an increasing share of primary care in nursing homes, but how NP care is associated with end-of-life outcomes for this population is unknown. Objectives: To examine the association of NP care with end-of-life outcomes for nursing home residents with ADRD and assess whether these associations differ according to state-level NP scope of practice regulations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study using fee-for-service Medicare claims included 334 618 US nursing home residents with ADRD who died between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from April 6, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Exposures: Share of nursing home primary care visits by NPs, classified as minimal (<10% of visits), moderate (10%-50% of visits), and extensive (>50% of visits). State NP scope of practice regulations were classified as full vs restrictive in 2 domains: practice authority (authorization to practice and prescribe independently) and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) authority (authorization to sign DNR orders). Main Outcomes and Measures: Hospitalization within the last 30 days of life and death with hospice. Linear probability models with hospital referral region fixed effects controlling for resident characteristics, visit volume, and geographic factors were used to estimate whether the associations between NP care and outcomes varied across states with different scope of practice regulations. Results: Among 334 618 nursing home decedents (mean [SD] age at death, 86.6 [8.2] years; 69.3% female), 40.5% received minimal NP care, 21.4% received moderate NP care, and 38.0% received extensive NP care. Adjusted hospitalization rates were lower for residents with extensive NP care (31.6% [95% CI, 31.4%-31.9%]) vs minimal NP care (32.3% [95% CI, 32.1%-32.6%]), whereas adjusted hospice rates were higher for residents with extensive (55.6% [95% CI, 55.3%-55.9%]) vs minimal (53.6% [95% CI, 53.3%-53.8%]) NP care. However, there was significant variation by state scope of practice. For example, in full practice authority states, adjusted hospice rates were 2.88 percentage points higher (95% CI, 1.99-3.77; P < .001) for residents with extensive vs minimal NP care, but the difference between these same groups was 1.77 percentage points (95% CI, 1.32-2.23; P < .001) in restricted practice states. Hospitalization rates were 1.76 percentage points lower (95% CI, -2.52 to -1.00; P < .001) for decedents with extensive vs minimal NP care in full practice authority states, but the difference between these same groups in restricted practice states was only 0.43 percentage points (95% CI, -0.84 to -0.01; P < .04). Similar patterns were observed in analyses focused on DNR authority. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that NPs appear to be important care providers during the end-of-life period for many nursing home residents with ADRD and that regulations governing NP scope of practice may have implications for end-of-life hospitalizations and hospice use in this population.

Transforming health care delivery: The role of primary health care nurses in rural and remote Australia.

AIM: This paper describes the policy context and approaches taken to improve access to primary health care in Australia by supporting nurses to deliver improved integrated care meeting community needs. CONTEXT: In Primary Health Care (PHC), the nursing workforce are predominantly employed in the general practice sector. Despite evidence that nurse-led models of care can bridge traditional treatment silos in the provision of specialised and coordinated care, PHC nurses' scope of practice varies dramatically. Nurse-led models of care are imperative for rural and remote populations that experience workforce shortages and barriers to accessing health care. Existing barriers include policy constraints, limited organisational structures, education and financing models. APPROACH: The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) received funding to implement nurse-led clinics as demonstration projects. The clinics enable PHC nurses to work to their full scope of practice, improve continuity of care and increase access to health care in under serviced locations. We reviewed a range of peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, grey literature and APNA provided sources, particularly those relevant to rural and remote populations. We argue more focus is needed on how to address variations in the scope of practice of the rural and remote PHC nursing workforce. CONCLUSION: Despite growing evidence for the effectiveness of nurse-led models of care, significant policy and financial barriers continue to inhibit PHC nurses working to their full scope of practice. If their potential to transform health care and increase access to health services is to be realised these barriers must be addressed.

Difficulties of Spanish Primary Health Care nurses to assist emergencies: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The competence of a Primary Health Care nurse to handle emergency situations depends largely on prior acquisition of theoretical knowledge to make appropriate decisions, combined with the corresponding practical skills to carry out swift and effective interventions. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in through a survey auto-administered to a simple random sample of 269 nurses (n) with replacement of Asturias, Spain from the total nursing staff of 730 members (N) in Asturias. RESULTS: In rural areas, the most frequently mentioned reasons were the lack of practical skills (18.9%) and the absence of adequate material (14.4 %). In the semi-urban area, the most common reasons were the lack of practical skills (13.2 %) and the lack of theoretical knowledge (10.3 %). Finally, in the urban area, the main reasons were the lack of practical skills (14.4 %) and the absence of adequate material (7.2 %). The differences were significant (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the requirement that they acquire the necessary theoretical and practical skills, not all PHC nurses perceive themselves to be sufficiently prepared. The degree of self-perceived acquisition of this knowledge and skills, which is so important and necessary, is heterogeneous, with clear differences according to the respective field of work.

Condições de trabalho de enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde nas capitais da região sudeste do Brasil / Working conditions of primary health care nurses in the capitals of the southeastern of Brazil / Condiciones de trabajo de las enfermeras de atención primaria de salud en las capitales de la región sureste de Brasil

Introdução: As condições de trabalho de enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde se relacionam a questões de ordem interpessoal, política, organizacional e de infraestrutura. Objetivo: analisar a categoria "condições de trabalho" oriunda da pesquisa "Práticas de Enfermagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde: estudo nacional de métodos mistos", com foco nas capitais da região Sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: estudo qualitativo que analisou 108 entrevistas de enfermeiros residentes em Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo e Vitória, realizadas entre novembro de 2020 e setembro de 2021. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática, com apoio do software MAXQDA®. Resultados: os participantes eram majoritariamente do sexo feminino (88,0%), idade média de 42 anos, cor ou raça parda e tempo de atuação em atenção primária superior a 12 anos. Há uma diversidade temática quanto às condições de trabalho referidas por enfermeiros, destacando-se positivamente relacionamentos interpessoais. Infraestrutura das unidades de saúde e a fragilidade dos vínculos empregatícios foram referidos como dificultadores do trabalho na APS. Conclusão: Há uma diversidade de fatores que se relacionam com as condições de trabalho dos enfermeiros, sendo necessário intervenções sobre aquelas que trazem prejuízos, como o excesso de atribuições e infraestrutura das unidades de saúde. (AU)

Background: The working conditions of nurses working in Primary Health Care are related to interpersonal, political, organizational and infrastructure issues. Objective: to analyze the category "working conditions" from the research "Nursing Practices in Primary Health Care: a national study of mixed methods", focusing on the capitals of the Southeast region of Brazil. Methods: qualitative study that analyzed 108 interviews with nurses residing in Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Vitória, carried out between November 2020 and September 2021. Data were subjected to thematic analysis, with the support of the MAXQDA® software. Results: the participants were mostly female (88.0%), mean age of 42 years, brown color or race, and working in primary care for more than 12 years. There is a thematic diversity regarding the working conditions mentioned by nurses, with positive emphasis on interpersonal relationships. Infrastructure of the health units and the fragility of employment relationships were mentioned as obstacles to work in PHC. Conclusion: There are a variety of factors that are related to the working conditions of nurses, requiring interventions on those that bring harm, such as excess attributions and infrastructure of health units. (AU)

Introducción: Las condiciones de trabajo de los enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud están relacionadas con cuestiones interpersonales, políticas, organizativas y de infraestructura. Objetivo: analizar la categoría "condiciones de trabajo" de la investigación "Prácticas de Enfermería en la Atención Primaria de Salud: un estudio nacional de métodos mixtos", con foco en las capitales de la región Sudeste de Brasil. Métodos: estudio cualitativo que analizó 108 entrevistas con enfermeros residentes en Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo y Vitória, realizadas entre noviembre de 2020 y septiembre de 2021. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis temático, con el apoyo del software MAXQDA®. Resultados: los participantes eran mayoritariamente del sexo femenino (88,0%), edad media de 42 años, color moreno o raza, y actuaban en la atención primaria hace más de 12 años. Hay diversidad temática en cuanto a las condiciones de trabajo mencionadas por los enfermeros, con énfasis positivo en las relaciones interpersonales. La infraestructura de las unidades de salud y la fragilidad de las relaciones laborales fueron mencionadas como obstáculos para el trabajo en la APS. Conclusión: Hay una variedad de factores que se relacionan con las condiciones de trabajo de los enfermeros, requiriendo intervenciones sobre aquellos que traen perjuicio, como el exceso de atribuciones e infraestructura de las unidades de salud. (AU)