Melanie Birks

Bio: Melanie Birks is an academic researcher from James Cook University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nurse education & Grounded theory. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 123 publications receiving 4916 citations. Previous affiliations of Melanie Birks include Monash University, Gippsland campus & Monash University.

From traditional healers to telemedicine: a history of nursing in Malaysia.

Abstract: Malaysia is a country currently striving for developed nation status. Its history is both colourful and fascinating, from its pre-colonial times, through over a century of British rule, to its growth in the post-war period. Geographically and culturally this country is diverse and charming. Nursing in Malaysia shares a similarly interesting past. This article explores the history of nursing in Malaysia through pre-colonial, colonial, independent and global phases. With the bulk of progress occurring during the period of colonisation, nursing in Malaysia was influenced considerably by the profession as it was concurrently developing in Britain. Nonetheless, the uniqueness of the Malaysian environment has ensured that nursing has been shaped and strengthened by the challenges that have been confronted along this tortuous path. As a result, nursing in Malaysia is in a position to continue to rise above known and unknown obstacles facing contemporary health care in an increasingly complex global environment.

Professional and Therapeutic Communication

Abstract: Professional and Therapeutic Communication focuses on all aspects of interpersonal interaction that are essential to safe, high quality healthcare. It takes a practical approach to concepts fundamental to both the communication and therapeutic elements of the caring relationship and helps students develop essential skills for effectively communicating with clients, consumers and colleagues across a broad range of settings. With contributors from a range of professional groups including nursing, midwifery, psychology and occupational therapy, this book recognises the interprofessional nature of contemporary healthcare delivery and prepares students for future practice in diverse clinical environments. Key features: ◦Case studies and practitioner profiles engage readers in the day-to-day lives of health professionals ◦Critical thinking and reflection questions in each chapter help readers apply key concepts to real-life situations and reflect on their own experiences ◦Key terms, margin notes, summary points and useful web links in each chapter to support and further learning

Rural Nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia: Embracing Strategic Foresight to Sustain Tomorrow’s Workforce

Abstract: The problems facing rural nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia in the contemporary healthcare environment are very similar. Rural nurses manage a myriad of presentations in their work setting, frequently without medical support. Commonly, healthcare services are provided in either small rural hospitals, in the community, in general practice or in nurse-only rural clinics. Operating with limited infrastructure is a distinctive aspect of rural practice (Francis, Chapman, Hoare, & Birks, 2013). Consequently, rural nurses require a greater diversity of skills and knowledge than their urban counterparts, as they frequently face a broad range of challenges (O’Connor, 2014). These challenges are present in part due to the high numbers of visitors, many of whom take part in adventure tourism, and the transient and seasonal workers employed either in hospitality or in vineyards and orchards (Fitzwater, 2008), all of whom require access to healthcare 24 hours a day. In Australia, older people are touring long distances over protracted time frames while living in caravans, campervans, motorhomes or tents. These individuals are accessing health services largely for management of chronic illnesses and, to a lesser extent, medical emergencies, and this further increases the burden (Raven, 2015). In order to manage these unique challenges, rural nurses work within a purview that is frequently termed “generalist specialist” (Jones & Ross, 2008;Bingham, 2016; CRANA Plus, 2018)

Nursing in Australia and Malaysia: framing a shared history and future

Abstract: The culture of nursing is reflective of the country where it is practised. In nations that have been colonised, the impact of the dominant culture shapes the nature of how the profession evolves. Australia and Malaysia share a common colonial history that has influenced how their individual health care systems have developed and from that, how their nursing professions have progressed. In the past, it has been easy to distinguish between the evolutionary trajectories of both countries, particularly in relation to the development of nursing. Today however, with the tyranny of distance almost negated, the differences are less palpable and challenges for the future are universal. This paper traces the common nursing history shared between Australia and Malaysia and pays attention to the collective trends effecting contemporary practice.

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Abstract: An Introduction to Codes and Coding Chapter Summary Purposes of the Manual What Is a Code? Codifying and Categorizing What Gets Coded? The Mechanics of Coding The Numbers of Codes Manual and CAQDAS Coding Solo and Team Coding Necessary Personal Attributes for Coding On Method Writing Analytic Memos Chapter Summary The Purposes of Analytic Memo-Writing What Is an Analytic Memo? Examples of Analytic Memos Coding and Categorizing Analytic Memos Grounded Theory and Its Coding Canon Analytic Memos on Visual Data First-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Coding Cycles Selecting the Appropriate Coding Method(s) Overview of First-Cycle Coding Methods The Coding Methods Profiles Grammatical Methods Elemental Methods Affective Methods Literary and Language Methods Exploratory Methods Forms for Additional First-Cycle Coding Methods Theming the Data Procedural Methods After First-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding Transitions Eclectic Coding Code Mapping and Landscaping Operational Model Diagramming Additional Transition Methods Transitioning to Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Goals of Second-Cycle Methods Overview of Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Forms for Additional Second-Cycle Coding Methods After Second-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding and Pre-Writing Transitions Focusing Strategies From Coding to Theorizing Formatting Matters Writing about Coding Ordering and Re-Ordering Assistance from Others Closure Appendix A: A Glossary of Coding Methods Appendix B: A Glossary of Analytic Recommendations Appendix C: Field Note, Interview Transcript and Document Samples for Coding Appendix D: Exercises and Activities for Coding and Qualitative Data Analytic Skill Development References Index

Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization

Abstract: Saturation has attained widespread acceptance as a methodological principle in qualitative research. It is commonly taken to indicate that, on the basis of the data that have been collected or analysed hitherto, further data collection and/or analysis are unnecessary. However, there appears to be uncertainty as to how saturation should be conceptualized, and inconsistencies in its use. In this paper, we look to clarify the nature, purposes and uses of saturation, and in doing so add to theoretical debate on the role of saturation across different methodologies. We identify four distinct approaches to saturation, which differ in terms of the extent to which an inductive or a deductive logic is adopted, and the relative emphasis on data collection, data analysis, and theorizing. We explore the purposes saturation might serve in relation to these different approaches, and the implications for how and when saturation will be sought. In examining these issues, we highlight the uncertain logic underlying saturation—as essentially a predictive statement about the unobserved based on the observed, a judgement that, we argue, results in equivocation, and may in part explain the confusion surrounding its use. We conclude that saturation should be operationalized in a way that is consistent with the research question(s), and the theoretical position and analytic framework adopted, but also that there should be some limit to its scope, so as not to risk saturation losing its coherence and potency if its conceptualization and uses are stretched too widely.

Theme development in qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis

Abstract: Sufficient knowledge is available about the definition, details and differences of qualitative content and thematic analysis as two approaches of qualitative descriptive research. However, identifying the main features of theme as the data analysis product and the method of its development remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of theme and offer a method on theme construction that can be used by qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis researchers in line with the underpinning specific approach to data analysis. This methodological paper comprises an analytical overview of qualitative descriptive research products and the meaning of theme. Also, our practical experiences of qualitative analysis supported by relevant published literature informed the generation of a stage like model of theme construction for qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. This paper comprises: (i) analytical importance of theme, (ii) meaning of theme, (iii) meaning of category, (iv) theme and category in terms of level of content, and (v) theme development. This paper offers a conceptual clarification and a pragmatic step by step method of theme development that has the capacity of assisting nurse researchers understand how theme is developed. As nursing is a pragmatic discipline, nurse researchers have tried to develop practical findings and devise some way to “do something” with findings to enhance the action and impact of nursing. The application of a precise method of theme development for qualitative descriptive data analysis suggested in this paper helps yield meaningful, credible and practical results for nursing.