Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 

About: Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Health care & Nurse education. It has an ISSN identifier of 1447-4328. Over the lifetime, 406 publications have been published receiving 9815 citations.

Faking it: Social desirability response bias in self-report research

Abstract: Objective: The tendency for people to present a favourable image of themselves on questionnaires is called socially desirable responding (SDR). SDR confounds research results by creating false rela...

The Effectiveness of Clinical Supervision in Nursing: An Evidenced Based Literature Review

Abstract: Objective: Clinical supervision (CS) is attracting attention in the Australian nursing context with efforts underway to embed CS into mental health settings and to extend it to the general nursing ...

A review of graduate nurse transition programs in Australia.

Abstract: Background: Despite nearly two decades of experience with graduate transition programs in Australia little evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of these programs as interventions that enhance the transition from nursing student to professional practitioner. There is general acknowledgement that this is a crucial time for people entering the profession and yet there is little agreement on what constitutes best practice for nurses’ transition to the workforce. Aim: This paper challenges the status quo through a review of current programs and questions whether primacy should be given to formal transition programs or to the development of educationally supportive clinical learning environments. Conclusion: There is sufficient doubt in the efficacy of formal transition programs to at least investigate potential alternatives such as concentration on the development of a supportive practice culture conducive to learning. Indeed, the type of learning environment suitable for graduate nurses is likely to be one that will also facilitate the continued development and enhanced job satisfaction of the rest of the nursing team.

On the use of narratives in nursing research

Abstract: On the use of narratives in nursing research Narratives have always been a path to knowledge in nursing care but are a recent element within nursing research. Therefore, this article deals with the narrative and its use within nursing research. First, the use of narratives in nursing care and nursing research is examined. Second, Paul Ricoeur's narrative theory with its dimensions of interpretation, time, action and ethics is presented as a possible methodological basis. Third, the use of Ricoeur's narrative theory in nursing research is examined, showing that, at present, support mainly comes from Ricoeur's text interpretation theory. Finally, a nursing research approach to the narrative, based on the life-world, is suggested.

Beyond the rhetoric: what do we mean by a 'model of care'?

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Contemporary health care systems are constantly challenged to revise traditional methods of health care delivery. These challenges are multifaceted and stem from: (1) novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments; (2) changes in consumer demands and expectations; (3) fiscal and resource constraints; (4) changes in societal demographics in particular the ageing of society; (5) an increasing burden of chronic disease; (6) documentation of limitations in traditional health care delivery; (7) increased emphasis on transparency, accountability, evidence-based practice (EBP) and clinical governance structures; and (8) the increasing cultural diversity of the community. These challenges provoke discussion of potential alternative models of care, with scant reference to defining what constitutes a model of care. AIM: This paper aims to define what is meant by the term 'model of care' and document the pragmatic systems and processes necessary to develop, plan, implement and evaluate novel models of care delivery. METHODS: Searches of electronic databases, the reference lists of published materials, policy documents and the Internet were conducted using key words including 'model*', 'framework*', 'models, theoretical' and 'nursing models, theoretical'. The collated material was then analysed and synthesised into this review. RESULTS: This review determined that in addition to key conceptual and theoretical perspectives, quality improvement theory (eg. collaborative methodology), project management methods and change management theory inform both pragmatic and conceptual elements of a model of care. Crucial elements in changing health care delivery through the development of innovative models of care include the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and assessment of the sustainability of the new model. Regardless of whether change in health care delivery is attempted on a micro basis (eg. ward level) or macro basis (eg. national or state system) in order to achieve sustainable, effective and efficient changes a well planned, systematic process is essential. (author abstract)