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Nemathaga M, Maputle MS, Makhado L, Mashau NS. Professional nurses' experiences of managing epilepsy at limited resource rural facilities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa. Seizure 2024; 121:156-161. [PMID: 39182464 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Professional nurses play a crucial role in the care and treatment of people living with epilepsy, ensuring their safety and well-being. Professional nurses frequently encounter challenges, such as restricted access to drugs, specialised equipment, and epilepsy treatment training. Despite these obstacles, professional nurses are essential to providing high-quality care to patients with epilepsy in remote locations. METHODS A qualitative design using explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. The sample comprised 20 professional nurses working in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analysed using Tesch's eight steps of data analysis. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data: experiences of professional nurses during management of epilepsy; inadequate training in management of epilepsy; insufficient supply of antiepileptic drugs and late presentation to local clinics. CONCLUSION The study found that professional nurses experienced several challenges hindering the effective management of epilepsy. Cultural beliefs in supernatural causes of epilepsy significantly influence treatment preferences, consequently delaying diagnosis and treatment. Despite limited resources and cultural barriers experienced by professional nurses, they strive to provide appropriate care to minimise seizures. Ongoing education and training on epilepsy management is vital to enable professional nurses to keep up-to-date with current methods and new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muofheni Nemathaga
- University of Venda, Department of Advanced Nursing Science, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo South Africa.
| | - Maria Sonto Maputle
- University of Venda, Department of Advanced Nursing Science, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo South Africa
| | - Lufuno Makhado
- University of Venda, Department of Public Health, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Ntsieni Stella Mashau
- University of Venda, Department of Public Health, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo, South Africa
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Schwingrouber J, Bryant-Lukosius D, Kilpatrick K, Mayen S, Colson S. Evaluation of the implementation of advanced practice nursing roles in France: A multiple case study. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:977-992. [PMID: 37658619 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aims of the study were to describe the processes used to introduce advanced practice nursing roles and factors that facilitated or hindered role implementation, examine the time advanced practice nurses (APNs) spend in role activities and how these activities relate to domains of advanced practice nursing and examine how implementation processes influenced APN integration within healthcare teams. DESIGN A multiple case study was conducted. METHODS Five cases were included, representing the four population areas approved for advanced practice nursing in France. Data were collected from January to March 2021 using observation, interview and document analysis methods. Data were examined using thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants included APNs (n = 5), nurses/allied health providers (n = 5), physicians (n = 5), managers (n = 4) and decision-makers (n = 4). Stakeholder engagement and leadership provided by decision-makers, managers, physicians and APNs facilitated role implementation. Poor stakeholder role understanding, uncertain role funding, and the COVID-19 pandemic hindered role implementation. APNs spent the most time in clinical activities. Participants perceived the integration of APNs within the healthcare team and their impact on patient care to be positive. CONCLUSION Stakeholder engagement and organizational and APN leadership facilitated the implementation of the roles, especially related to team-based patient care. Further efforts are needed to strengthen APN involvement in non-clinical activities and address role barriers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND PATIENT CARE Systematic and system-wide approaches are needed to improve role clarity, role autonomy and health systems integration of APNs. Research should examine patient perspectives about APNs in France. IMPACT The results highlight how policies can create favourable conditions for advanced practice nursing role implementation in France. Internationally, this study serves as a reminder to APNs and nurse leaders about the strategies for and importance of implementation evaluation to support the optimal development of advanced practice nursing roles. REPORTING METHOD The study reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No Patient or Public Contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Schwingrouber
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Nursing School, CEReSS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | | | - Kelley Kilpatrick
- Susan E. French Chair in Nursing Research and Innovative Practice, Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sandrine Mayen
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Nursing School, CEReSS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Colson
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Nursing School, CEReSS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Ma X, Li Y, Li J, Zhou D, Yang R. Construction of nursing-sensitive quality indicators for epilepsy in China: A Delphi consensus study. Seizure 2023; 107:71-80. [PMID: 36989923 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The quality and safety of epilepsy care are of great importance because seizures are unpredictable. The aim of this study was to develop a set of nursing-sensitive quality indicators (NSQIs) for assessing and improving the quality of epilepsy nursing care in China. METHODS An international literature review, a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study were conducted to identify candidate NSQIs for epilepsy care and compile a questionnaire. Then, two rounds of electronic Delphi studies were conducted with a panel of 27 independent experts to identify the final NSQIs for epilepsy. RESULTS Thirty-nine candidate NSQIs were extracted for the Delphi process. The recovery rates in the first and second rounds of expert consultations were 92.6% and 96.2%, respectively. The experts' authority coefficients of the two rounds were 0.876 and 0.878, respectively. The Kendall W value of the two rounds ranged between 0.094 and 0.200 (p<0.001). Eight structure indicators, 9 process indicators and 7 outcome indicators that represented the following three domains were included in the set of NSQIs for epilepsy: nursing resource allocation, implementation of nursing care, and outcomes of patients with epilepsy. CONCLUSION These NSQIs for epilepsy provide a primary foundation for monitoring and improving the quality of epilepsy nursing care in China. However, the effects of these indicators on improvements in epilepsy care and outcomes in patients need to be verified in clinical practice.
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Hutchinson K, Ryder T, Coleman H, Nullwala R, Herkes G, Bleasel A, Nikpour A, Wong C, Todd L, Ireland C, Shears G, Bartley M, Groot W, Kerr M, Vagholkar S, Braithwaite J, Rapport F. Determining the role and responsibilities of the community epilepsy nurse in the management of epilepsy. J Clin Nurs 2022. [PMID: 36494199 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of the core elements and influencing factors on the community-based epilepsy nurse's role and responsibilities. BACKGROUND Internationally, epilepsy nurse specialists play a key role in providing person-centred care and management of epilepsy but there is a gap in understanding of their role in the community. DESIGN A national three-stage, mixed-method study was conducted. METHODS One-on-one, in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted online with 12 community-based epilepsy nurses (Stage 1); retrospective analysis of data collected from the National Epilepsy Line, a nurse-led community helpline (Stage 2); and focus group conducted with four epilepsy nurses, to delve further into emerging findings (Stage 3). A thematic analysis was conducted in Stages 1 and 3, and a descriptive statistical analysis of Stage 2 data. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative studies checklist was followed for reporting. RESULTS Three key themes emerged: (1) The epilepsy nurse career trajectory highlighted a lack of standardised qualifications, competencies, and career opportunities. (2) The key components of the epilepsy nurse role explored role diversity, responsibilities, and models of practice in the management of living with epilepsy, and experiences navigating complex fragmented systems and practices. (3) Shifting work practices detailed the adapting work practices, impacted by changing service demands, including COVID-19 pandemic experiences, role boundaries, funding, and resource availability. CONCLUSION Community epilepsy nurses play a pivotal role in providing holistic, person-centred epilepsy management They contribute to identifying and addressing service gaps through innovating and implementing change in service design and delivery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Epilepsy nurses' person-centred approach to epilepsy management is influenced by the limited investment in epilepsy-specific integrated care initiatives, and their perceived value is impacted by the lack of national standardisation of their role and scope of practice. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Only epilepsy nurses' perspectives were sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hutchinson
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tayhla Ryder
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Honor Coleman
- Melbourne School of Psychological Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruqaiya Nullwala
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Herkes
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Bleasel
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Armin Nikpour
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chong Wong
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Todd
- Epilepsy Action Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carol Ireland
- Epilepsy Action Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Melissa Bartley
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Groot
- Epilepsy Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Epilepsy Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michael Kerr
- Department of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sanjyot Vagholkar
- MQ Health General Practice, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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Kipping S, Riahi S, Velji K, Lau E, Pritchard C, Earle J. Implementation of the Nurse Practitioner as Most Responsible Provider model of care in a Specialised Mental Health setting in Canada. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:1002-1010. [PMID: 35468256 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Globally, mental health systems have failed to adequately respond to the growing demands of mental health services resulting in a disparity between the need and provision of treatment. Paucity of mental health care providers contributes to the aforementioned disparity. This can be addressed by engaging Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in an integrated model within healthcare teams. This paper describes the implementation of NPs as Most Responsible Provider (MRP) care of model in a specialised mental health hospital in Ontario, Canada. Guided by the participatory, evidence-based, patient-focused process for advanced practise nursing (APN) role development, implementation, and evaluation (PEPPA) framework, authors developed a model of care and implemented the first seven steps of the PEPPA framework - (a) define the population and describe the current model of care, (b) identify stakeholders, (c) determine the need for a new model of care (d) identify priority areas and goals of improvement, (e) define the new model of care, and (f) plan and implement the NP as MRP model of care. Within these steps, different strategies were implemented: (a) revising policies and procedures (b) harmonising reporting structures, (c) developing and implementing a collaborative practise structure for NPs, (d) standardised and transparent compensation (e) performance standards and monitoring (f) Self-Assessment Competency frameworks, education, and development opportunities. This paper contributes to the state of the knowledge by implementing NPs as MRP model of care in a specialised mental health care setting in Ontario, Canada; and advocates the need for incorporating mental health programmes within the Ontario nursing curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kipping
- Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanaz Riahi
- Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Emily Lau
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cindy Pritchard
- Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Earle
- Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, Ontario, Canada
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Shawahna R. Using a mixed method to develop consensus-based aims, contents, intended learning outcomes, teaching, and evaluation methods for a course on epilepsy for postgraduate or continuing education in community health nursing programs. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:572. [PMID: 34772401 PMCID: PMC8588674 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-03001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge deficits with regard to epilepsy have been reported among healthcare professionals. This study was conducted to develop consensus-based aims, contents, intended learning outcomes, teaching, and evaluation methods for a course on epilepsy for postgraduate or continuing education in community health nursing programs. METHODS A mixed method which combined a thorough search of literature, the nominal group technique, the Delphi technique, and survey of students' agreement was used. The databases MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, CInAHL/EBESCO, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, Google Books, and Amazon were searched to identify potential aims, topics/contents, intended learning outcomes, teaching, and evaluation methods. Discussions and deliberations in serial meetings based on the nominal group technique were attended by educators/academicians (n = 12), neurologists (n = 2), practicing nurses (n = 5), pharmacists (n = 2), patients with epilepsy (n = 2), and students in postgraduate and continuing education programs (n = 7) to supplement and refine the data collected from the literature. The qualitative data were analyzed using RQDA tool for R. The Delphi technique was used among educators/academicians (n = 15), neurologists (n = 2), practicing nurses (n = 5), pharmacists (n = 2), patients with epilepsy (n = 3), and students in postgraduate and continuing education programs (n = 8) to achieve formal consensus. RESULTS Consensus was achieved on 6 aims, 16 intended learning outcomes, and 27 topics in the course. Of the topics, 13 were relevant to nature of epilepsy and seizures, 2 were relevant to the impact of epilepsy and seizures on different life aspects of patients with epilepsy, 4 were relevant to advocating for the patients and supporting their choices, 5 were relevant to educating patients and their caregivers, and 3 were relevant to assessments and services. CONCLUSION Consensus-based aims, topics/contents, intended learning outcomes, teaching, and evaluation methods of a course on epilepsy for postgraduate or continuing education in community health nursing programs were developed. Consensus-based courses could bridge knowledge gaps and improve educating community health nursing programs on epilepsy. Further studies are needed to determine if such consensus-based courses could promote care of patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, New Campus, Building: 19, Office: 1340, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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Manzanares I, Sevilla Guerra S, Peña-Ceballos J, Carreño M, Palanca M, Lombraña M, Conde-Blanco E, Centeno M, Donaire A, Gil-Lopez F, Khawaja M, López Poyato M, Zabalegui A. The emerging role of the advanced practice epilepsy nurse: A comparative study between two countries. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:1263-1272. [PMID: 33471366 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to compare advanced practice in epilepsy nurses in Spain and United Kingdom, identifying differences in the domains of standard advanced practice. BACKGROUND Europe has recently faced the challenge of providing high-quality care for patients with epilepsy, a disease that generates many health demands. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, advanced practice nursing is well established and could serve as a guide for implantation in countries where it is still in development, as is the case of Spain. DESIGN A multicentre cross-sectional descriptive cohort study compared differences in the roles of advanced practice nurses in Spain and the United Kingdom. METHODS The Advanced Practice Role Delineation Tool and its validated Spanish version were administered using an online questionnaire in a cohort of advanced practice epilepsy nurses in both countries. A convenience sample was recruited between January to December 2019. The study complied with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. RESULTS Most United Kingdom nurses in our sample came from community environments, in contrast to Spanish nurses who worked in hospital. All domains analysed in the survey had significantly higher scores in the United Kingdom than in the Spanish cohort, especially in the research and leadership domains. CONCLUSIONS The advanced practice role in Spain is underdeveloped compared with the United Kingdom. Differences in the settings of advanced roles in epilepsy nurses may be explained by greater community practice in the United Kingdom and differences in organisational and health systems. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Our study showed the need to implement specific policies to develop advance practice nurse roles in Spain to improve the quality of care of patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Manzanares
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Sevilla Guerra
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Peña-Ceballos
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mar Carreño
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Palanca
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Lombraña
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefanía Conde-Blanco
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Centeno
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Donaire
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Gil-Lopez
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariam Khawaja
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia López Poyato
- Department of Nursing, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Primary Care Centre Les Corts, Consorci d'Atenció Primària de Salut Barcelona Esquerra (CAPSBE), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adelaida Zabalegui
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Rapport F, Hutchinson K, Herkes GK, Bleasel A, Nikpour A, Ryder T, Wong C, Bartley M, Ireland C, Coleman H, Todd L, Groot W, Kerr M, Vagholkar S, Shears G, Braithwaite J. Determining the role and responsibilities of the Australian epilepsy nurse in the management of epilepsy: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e043553. [PMID: 33495260 PMCID: PMC7839898 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting between 3% and 3.5% of the Australian population at some point in their lifetime. The effective management of chronic and complex conditions such as epilepsy requires person-centred and coordinated care across sectors, from primary to tertiary healthcare. Internationally, epilepsy nurse specialists are frequently identified as playing a vital role in improving the integration of epilepsy care and enhancing patient self-management. This workforce has not been the focus of research in Australia to date. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This multistage mixed-method study examines the role and responsibilities of epilepsy nurses, particularly in primary and community care settings, across Australia, including through the provision of a nurse helpline service. A nationwide sample of 30 epilepsy nurses will be purposively recruited via advertisements distributed by epilepsy organisations and through word-of-mouth snowball sampling. Two stages (1 and 3) consist of a demographic questionnaire and semistructured interviews (individual or group) with epilepsy nurse participants, with the thematic data analysis from this work informing the areas for focus in stage 3. Stage 2 comprises of a retrospective descriptive analysis of phone call data from Epilepsy Action Australia's National Epilepsy Line service to identify types of users, their needs and reasons for using the service, and to characterise the range of activities undertaken by the nurse call takers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for this study was granted by Macquarie University (HREC: 52020668117612). Findings of the study will be published through peer-reviewed journal articles and summary reports to key stakeholders, and disseminated through public forums and academic conference presentations. Study findings will also be communicated to people living with epilepsy and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Hutchinson
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Herkes
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Bleasel
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Armin Nikpour
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tayhla Ryder
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chong Wong
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Bartley
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carol Ireland
- Epilepsy Action Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Honor Coleman
- Epilepsy Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Todd
- Epilepsy Action Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Groot
- Epilepsy Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Epilepsy Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mike Kerr
- Department of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Sanjyot Vagholkar
- MQ Health General Practice, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Graeme Shears
- Epilepsy Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Epilepsy Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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Shawahna R, Jaber M. Crossword puzzles improve learning of Palestinian nursing students about pharmacology of epilepsy: Results of a randomized controlled study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 106:107024. [PMID: 32193093 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate if crossword puzzles as active learning tools can improve the knowledge retention of nursing students in pharmacology of epilepsy and improve their performance in writing the correct spelling of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). METHODS The present study was a randomized controlled prospective parallel study in which a control group design with pretests and posttests were used among nursing students. Students were randomly allocated to either control group (n = 114) who received routine learning or intervention group (n = 110) who received crossword puzzles. Both control and intervention groups had to complete multiple-choice question (MCQs) and spelling pretests and posttests. RESULTS Scores of the MCQs and spelling pretests were not statistically different (p-value > 0.05) for participants in all achievement categories in both control and intervention groups. In the intervention group, scores in the first and second MCQs and spelling posttests were significantly higher than their corresponding scores in the pretest scores for participants from the all achievement categories (p-value < 0.05) and scores of the first and second MCQs and spelling posttests were not significantly different (p-value > 0.05). Data analyses showed that there were significant normalized changes between scores of students in across all achievement categories. CONCLUSION Findings of this study suggested that crossword puzzles were effective in improving the learning of nursing students about the pharmacology of epilepsy and writing correct spelling of AEDs. Educators should consider using crossword puzzles as active learning tools to improve knowledge of nursing students about the pharmacology of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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