Nurse-led interventions in the interim: waiting on universal health coverage.

AIM: The aim of the study was to test a nurse-led intervention to enhance lifestyle modification and improve hypertension outcomes. BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the leading modifiable contributor to non-communicable disease morbidity and mortality affecting more than 25% of adults in Uganda. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted to evaluate nurse-led interventions for hypertension. Group education and support with text message follow-up was the bundled interventions implemented in an outpatient clinical setting. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The statistically favourable outcomes of the nurse-led interventions support a cost-effective approach to, with policy support, sustainably improve practice outcomes.

A model for upscaling global partnerships and building nurse and midwifery capacity.

AIM: To provide a unique model for use in guiding global collaboration and policy to upscale nursing and midwifery partnerships. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION: Nurses and midwives across nations need skills reaching beyond the bedside and unit level in today's complex, global, multifaceted healthcare milieu. Thoughtful consideration, research and concomitant development of models to guide appropriate upscaling of nurse and midwifery capacity within and between nations are needed. DISCUSSION: This article explores an integrated global approach to upscaling nurse and midwifery capacity using examples of partnerships between nursing and midwifery programmes across multiple continents. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Global nurse and midwifery capacity is effectively being developed using a myriad of approaches. A new model is presented to illustrate supports, strategies and activities to achieve intermediate and long-term goals for capacity building through strong and sustainable global partnerships. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING POLICY: Development of global skills can focus the nurse and midwife to influence policy-level decisions. Human resource planning that can impact countrywide provision of health care begins in the preservice setting for both nurses and midwives. A global experience can be a value-added component to the well-rounded education of future nurses. Education during preparation for entry into practice is a strategic way to develop a worldview. Incorporating reflective practice can build skills and shape attitudes to prepare the new nurse to be comfortable as a global healthcare provider. An expanded world view is the springboard to more robust and informed involvement and inclusion in policy-level discussions.

Uganda nursing research agenda: a Delphi study.

AIM: Use a Delphi Methodology to identify nursing research priorities in Uganda. BACKGROUND: Identifying nursing research priorities, empowering researchers, and encouraging relevant studies can advance attaining global health goals. The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union identified the need to establish a nursing research agenda. Nurse leaders have a priority of increasing the influence of nurses in practice and policy. This study was conducted as a preliminary step in a long-term strategy to build nurses' capacity in nursing research. METHODS: A three-round Delphi study was conducted. The 45 study participants were nurses in practice, nurse faculty and members of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union. In the initial round, the participants wrote their responses during face-to-face meetings and the follow-up rounds were completed via email. RESULTS: Maternal and child morbidity and HIV/AIDS were identified as research priorities. Nurses also identified nursing practice, education and policy as key areas that nursing research could impact. LIMITATIONS: Demographic characteristics such as length of time in nursing were not collected. Additionally, first round participants completed a pencil-paper survey and the follow-up rounds were done by email. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse Leaders in Uganda identified areas where research efforts could have the most impact and were most relevant to nursing practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Health policy decisions have historically been made without nursing input. Nursing research can provide evidence to inform policy and, ultimately, improve population health. The focus of nursing research in priority areas can be used to guide nursing contribution in policy discussions.

Work-related quality of life of Ugandan healthcare workers.

AIMS: To describe perceived work-related quality of life of Ugandan healthcare workers. A secondary aim was to seek participant input on ways to improve work environments. BACKGROUND: Poor patient outcomes, decreased employee motivation and decisions to leave the organization have been linked to poor work conditions. Interventions to correct healthcare worker shortage in developing countries require information about work quality of life. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in health and educational settings in Uganda in July 2011. Participants completed the Biographical Information Scale demographic questionnaire and the validated 24-item Work-Related Quality of Life scale. RESULTS: Sample included 146 healthcare workers employed in various settings. Participants reported poorer quality of work life on the work conditions, control at work and home-work interface subscales. Participants perceived stress at work to be low and experienced higher job career satisfaction. There was a significant relationship between work-related quality of life, gender and hours worked. Participants' suggestions to improve work life ranged from simple no-cost suggestions to more complex system level interventions. DISCUSSION: Work-related quality of life was low in this convenience sample. Perceived stress at work was lower than expected, but may have been due to nurses' expectations of a normal work assignment. Predominantly women, the participants had significant caregiving responsibilities. NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Nurses must acquire a seat at the table where crucial decisions about nursing and its future are made. By advancing leadership skills, nurses can effectively advocate for organizational changes that address broad factors related to increasing job satisfaction, and retaining and attracting nurses. CONCLUSION: Nurses can influence work quality of life individually and collectively by identifying workplace concerns, demanding safe work environments, fostering teamwork and enhancing professional growth.