Using a co-design methodological approach to optimize perioperative nursing care for older adult patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds: a study protocol.

This article outlines the use of a co-design methodological approach aimed at optimizing perioperative care experiences for ethnically diverse older adults and their family carers. The research involved three phases. In Phase 1, the foundation was established with the formation of a Core Advisory Group comprising key informants, including health consumers. This initial phase focused on forming relationships and conducting a literature review to inform subsequent stages of the research. Phase 2 progressed to data collection, where a qualitative survey on perioperative experiences was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were held with patients, their family carers, and perioperative staff. Phase 3 advanced the co-design process through a workshop involving patients, family carers, perioperative staff, and key stakeholders. Workshop participants collaborated on potential practice changes, proposing strategies for future clinical implementation. While data analysis and reporting for Phases 2 and 3 are forthcoming, the continued involvement of the Core Advisory Group ensures ongoing consensus-building on health consumer needs. This methodology article adopts a prospective stance, with findings to be presented in subsequent scholarly works. Use of this methodology will help to determine how the use of a co-design approach may impact the development of culturally responsive perioperative nursing care for those from ethnically diverse communities.

The application and tailoring of Colaizzi's phenomenological approach in a hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Husserl's descriptive phenomenology is a popular methodology in health research as it provides a way to understand people's experiences. Positioned in Husserl's phenomenology, Colaizzi's approach offers a way to analyse data and develop trustworthy findings. However, it can pose methodological and practical challenges. AIM: To present a discussion of the application and tailoring of Colaizzi's phenomenological approach to a study conducted in a hospital. DISCUSSION: Applying Colaizzi's approach to interview data concerning health professionals' decisions about transferring older people in hospital to residential care provided a decision trail. However, Colaizzi's final step - member-checking - is controversial so was tailored to enhance the development of trustworthy findings. CONCLUSION: Validating findings is an important part of conducting research. Tailoring the final step of member-checking in Colaizzi's approach supports trustworthy findings while staying connected to phenomenological epistemology. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Phenomenology is a popular methodology for nurse researchers. Tailoring Colaizzi's approach provides strategies to augment phenomenological methods, ensuring dependable findings. Nurse researchers conducting phenomenological research can use these strategies.

Perspectives of residents and staff regarding food choice in residential aged care: A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of food choice and meal service in residential aged care facilities and its impact on autonomy, self-determination and quality of life from the perspectives of both residents and staff. BACKGROUND: Globally, residential aged care is a principal provider of care for older people who can no longer live independently at home. Within this setting, lack of food choice has been identified as a significant factor impacting on residents' self-determination, sense of autonomy and quality of life. DESIGN: This study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach guided by self-determination theory. METHOD: A total of 14 participants (seven residents and seven staff members) from two Australian residential aged care facilities were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling with assistance from one independent contact nurse at each facility. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, digitally recorded and transcribed. The COREQ checklist was used in this qualitative study. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified from the interview data provided by residents and staff, which were as follows: (a) catering for the masses; (b) organisational barriers to providing choice; and (c) food impacts well-being. CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the experiences of food choice and service in residential aged care facilities, from the perspectives of both residents and staff. Results of interviews highlighted the importance of providing adequate food choice which has become an enduring issue that requires more attention and commitment to make a positive change for residents living in residential aged care facilities. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses and other staff working in residential aged care facilities need to be aware of the importance of providing adequate food choice, including for residents who require modified diets. As advocates for residents, nursing staff must address the persistent lack of food choice. However, this will require a radical change in organisational culture and strong leadership.

Retention and academic performance of undergraduate nursing students with advanced standing: A mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate nursing students enter university through a variety of pathways. For some students, this includes the granting of advanced standing based on recognition of prior qualifications. The impact of advanced standing on nursing students' transition, retention and success at university is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the retention, academic success and experiences of students who commenced their undergraduate nursing studies with advanced standing. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was used in this study, which involved undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a multi-campus university in Australia. Nursing students who enrolled in 2014 and did not opt out of program level research were included in the study. RESULTS: Students with advanced standing were older (mean 31.6 versus 25.8 years, p<0.001) and more likely to discontinue their studies at the end of semester one (97% versus 95%, p=0.015) than standard-entry students. Advanced standing was also shown to be an independent predictor of low GPA [OR: 1.69 (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.69]. Most students with advanced standing commenced directly into second year (45%) missing first year student connections and programs. Students reported feeling apprehensive, forgotten and ill-prepared for the expectations of university. Some showed significant strength and resilience while others were struggling to cope with the workload with minimal knowledge or understanding of supports available to them. CONCLUSIONS: The widening participation agenda is a commendable strategy; however, students who enter university with advanced standing need targeted support to promote their transition, retention and success at university.