Autonomous competences and quality of professional life of paediatric nurses in primary care, their relationship and associated factors: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the autonomous competences and quality of professional life of paediatric nurses in primary care, their relationship and possible associated factors. BACKGROUND: The autonomous competences of paediatric nurses vary among healthcare providers in Catalonia, Spain. Autonomy is related to quality of professional life, but little is known about autonomous competences and other factors contributing to paediatric nurses' quality of professional life. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study following the STROBE statement. METHODS: Data from 206 paediatric primary care nurses were analysed. A self-administered survey consisting of an ad hoc questionnaire and a validated instrument to measure quality of professional life (QPL-35 questionnaire) was conducted. Descriptive, bivariate and general multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the relationship between autonomous competences and quality of professional life, and its predicting factors. RESULTS: 47.6% nurses reported a medium level of autonomous competences, 46.6% a high level, and 5.8% a low level. Quality of professional life was medium-high for the domains perception of managerial support and global perception of workload and for the item disconnect from work after work shift, and very high and high values for the domain intrinsic motivation and for the item quality of work life, respectively. Autonomous competences and perceived autonomy were factors associated with quality of professional life. Other associated factors were academic background, specific training and being a paediatric nurse specialist. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric nurses in primary care have a medium-high level of autonomous competences and they perceive a high level of autonomy. Autonomous competences and level of perceived autonomy are predictors of quality of professional life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Enhancing paediatric nurses' autonomous competences and academic background, receiving specific training and being paediatric nurse specialists might improve their quality of professional life, healthcare quality and outcomes for the child population.

A qualitative model for evaluating and improving nursing governance in medium- and long-term intermediate care.

AIM: To evaluate nursing governance in intermediate care in Catalonia Spain and propose improvements. BACKGROUND: Drawing on two existing models, the Magnet model and the corporate governance model, we propose that good nursing governance requires nursing leaders to apply the following dimensions: transformational leadership, transformational culture, commitment and sustainability, authority, scientific evidence, transparency and communication, and teamwork. METHOD: A qualitative, exploratory study conducted in two phases. First, we asked nursing leaders in intermediate care to describe their opinions and experiences in each of the dimensions. Next, we observed governance practices at two intermediate care centres and conducted interviews with their nursing leaders. Content analysis was used. RESULTS: Our participants' behaviour corresponded closely to the model in the dimensions of transformational culture and commitment and sustainability but failed to meet the model in the dimensions of scientific evidence and transparency and communication. CONCLUSIONS: Participants had a leadership style focused on transforming their surroundings. According to the model, the leaders in our sample should draw more on scientific evidence and improve their internal communication about outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Establishing committees of nurses to address areas in which governance does not adhere to the model would create sustainable benefits for patients and nurses in intermediate care.

[New technologies and nursing. Use and perception of primary health care nurses about electronic health record]. / Enfermería y nuevas tecnologías: historia clínica electrónica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the nurses make use of electronic health records (EHR) and assess their perception of it. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2010 analyzing the nurses' perceptions of adult and pediatric consultations of primary health care teams in Baix Llobregat (Catalonia) in which the EHR is used. The study variables were: registration of care, continuity of care, training, usability and sociodemographic composition of the sample. The statistical analysis was descriptive. RESULTS: Nurses agree that EHR provides "continuity of care" in relation to nursing care (mean 2.03, Sd.0.83) and overall (mean 2.19, 5d.0.83). Show indifference to the "usability" of the EHR (mean 3.26, Sd.0.5), to facilitate the "record information" (mean 2.69, Sd.0.68) and the need for "training" in the use of EHR (mean 2.6, 5d.0.59). It has been found that with increasing age of the nurse, it shows more agreement that the EHR provides greater continuity of care overall. The average ratings of the continuum of care nurse, recording of information, continuity of care in general are greater the lead time using the EHR. CONCLUSIONS: The nurses' perceptions regarding the EHR are positive in that it provides continuity of care and to exchange information on patient health data.

New technologies and nursing: use and perception of primary healthcare nurses about electronic health record in Catalonia, Spain.

This study was aimed to analyze and assess the use and perception of electronic health records (EHRs) by nurses. The study sample included 113 nurses from different shifts of primary health facilities in Catalonia, Spain, devoted to adult as well as pediatric outpatients using EHRs throughout the year 2010. A majority of the sample (87.5%) were women and 12.5% were men. The average age was 44.27 years and the average time working in primary healthcare was 47.15 months. A majority (80.4%) received specific training on the use of the EHR and 19.6% did not. The use of the application required side technical support (mean: 3.42) and it is considered necessary to learn more about the performance of the application (mean: 3.50). The relationship between the average ratings that nurses have about the EHR and age shows that there is no statistically significant linear relationship (r=-0.002, p-value=0.984). As to how long they have used the EHRs, there are significant differences (r=-0.304, p-value=0.00), so the more time the nurse takes using the EHR, the greater degree of satisfaction is shown. In addition, there are significant differences between nurses' perceptions regarding the EHR and gender (t=-0.421, p-value=0.675). Nurses assessed as positive the contribution of the EHRs in their nursing care day work (average score: 2.55/5). Considering that the usability of the EHR device is assessed as satisfactory, the results of the perception of nurses show that we must also take into account the training and emphasize the need for a side technical support in the implementation process of the EHR. Doing so, the positive perception that nurses have in regard to information and communication technology in general and with respect to the EHR in particular may be increased.

[Adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media]. / Reacciones adversas a los medios de contraste yodados en radiología.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media and to characterise them in a group of outpatients, inpatients and emergency patients in a private hospital in Barcelona. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was carried out over a 60 months period, from February 2002 to February 2007, analysing the patients who underwent to iodinated contrast radiological examinations. Adverse reactions were evaluated from the manual record format developed following the requirements of the Quality Assurance Program in Radiology. Study variables were, administration route, contrast media dose, adverse reaction type, and signs and symptoms. Statistical analysis was descriptive. RESULTS: A total of 68 (0.3 %) of adverse reaction were registered of which 64 were mild (94.1%), 4 moderate (5.9%) and none severe. On the basis of the administration route (intravenous or oral) adverse reaction were 67 (94%) and 1 (6%) respectively. With a 40-80ml contrast media dose by injection, mild adverse reactions were 87.5%, moderate 12.5% and severe 0%. With a 90-150ml contrast media dose by injection, mild adverse reaction were 94.9% and moderate 5.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The number of adverse reaction using iodinated contrast media is low and are they are generally mild; however the nurse must be ready to recognise and treat them.