Biomedical subjects

Linda Barrett

Publications and source records attributed to Linda Barrett.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Developing guidelines for syringe driver management.

The aim of this project was to develop clinical practice guidelines for the use and administration of pharmacological agents for symptom control via syringe drivers within Australia. By developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the use of this common device, this project aimed to improve patient outcomes, reduce practice variation, minimize errors and encourage more efficient use of resources. A literature review identified current literature regarding syringe driver management and an expert panel was assembled to assist in the development of the guidelines. The development of these practice guidelines provides an example of how palliative care practitioners can use a framework of contemporary evidence to enhance clinical practice.

Clinical Nursing Research↗

PubMed2005

Development of measures of individual leadership for health promotion.

PURPOSE: This purpose of this research was to develop and establish psychometric properties of scales measuring individual leadership for health promotion. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Scales to measure leadership in health promotion were drafted based on capacity assessment instruments developed by other provinces involved in the Canadian Heart Health Initiative (CHHI), and on the literature. Content validity was established through a series of focus groups and expert opinion appraisals and pilot testing. Psychometric analyses provided empirical evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the leadership scales in the baseline survey (n = 144) of the Alberta Heart Health Project. FINDINGS: Principal component analysis verified the construct of the leadership scales of personal work-related practices and satisfaction with work-related practices. Each of the theoretically a prior determined scales factored into two scales each for a total of four final scales. Scale alpha coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) ranged between 0.71 and 0.78, thus establishing good scale internal consistencies. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Limitations include the relatively small sample size used in determining psychometric properties. In addition, further qualitative work would enhance understanding of the complexity of leadership in health organizations. These measures can be used by both researchers and practitioners for the assessment leadership for health promotion and to tailor interventions to increase leadership for health promotion in health organizations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Establishing the psychometric properties and quality of leadership measures is an innovative step toward achieving capacity assessment instruments which facilitate evaluation of key relationships in developing health sector capacity for health promotion.

Canada↗

PubMed2005

Development of measures of organizational leadership for health promotion.

This study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of four scales measuring leadership for health promotion at an organizational level in the baseline survey (n=144) of the Alberta Heart Health Project. Content validity was established through a series of focus groups and expert opinion appraisals, pilot testing of a draft based on capacity assessment instruments developed by other provinces involved in the Canadian Heart Health Initiative, and the literature. Psychometric analyses provided empirical evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the organizational leadership scales. Principal component analysis verified the unidimensionality of the leadership scales of (a) Practices for Organizational Learning, (b) Wellness Planning, (c) Workplace Climate, and (d) Organization Member Development. Scale alpha coefficients ranged between .79 and .91 thus establishing good to high scale internal consistencies. These measures can be used by both researchers and practitioners for the assessment of organizational leadership for health promotion and heart health promotion.

Alberta↗

PubMed2004

Towards the development of scales to measure 'will' to promote heart health within health organizations in Canada.

This paper describes the development and psychometric evaluation of scales measuring the dimensions of 'will' (belief, confidence, prior action and desire) for heart health promotion specifically and health promotion in general at both an individual and organizational level. Content validity was established through a series of focus groups and expert opinion assessments, based on a compilation of capacity-assessment instruments developed by other provinces involved in the Canadian Heart Health Initiative and the literature. Psychometric analyses of questionnaire data provided empirical evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the 16 individual and 21 organizational level 'will' scales. A series of principal component analyses assisted in verifying the unidimensionality of the measures and all scales yielded high internal consistencies with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging between 0.73 and 0.96. These measures can be used by both researchers and practitioners for assessing the 'will' to promote heart health specifically and health promotion in general.

Alberta↗

PubMed2002

Oncology/haematology nurses: a study of job satisfaction, burnout, and intention to leave the specialty.

The impact of the current nursing shortage on the health care system is receiving attention by both state and federal governments. This study, using a convenience sample of 243 oncology/haematology nurses working in 11 Queensland health care facilities, explored factors that influence the quality of nurses' working lives. Although nurses reported high levels of personal satisfaction and personal accomplishment, results indicated that nearly 40% of registered nurses (RNs) are dealing with workloads they perceive excessive, 48% are dissatisfied regarding pay, and professional support is an issue. Furthermore, emotional exhaustion is a very real concern: over 70% of the sample experienced moderate to high levels. Over 48% of the sample could not commit to remaining in the specialty for a further 12 months. Health care managers and governments should implement strategies that can increase nurses' job satisfaction and reduce burnout, thereby enhancing the retention of oncology/haematology nurses.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2002

Cancer nursing research in Queensland, Australia: barriers, priorities, and strategies for progress.

Nursing research is an integral component of improving the care of people with cancer; however, the literature suggests that many organizational, resource, and attitudinal barriers to research remain. The aim of the present study was to systematically describe the research experience, attitudes, and opinions of nurses in Queensland, Australia, about priorities and strategies for developing cancer nursing research. A mail survey was sent to all 589 members of the Oncology Nurses Group of Queensland to assess their research knowledge, experience, and attitudes. A response rate of 54.2% (319 nurses) was obtained. Results suggest that many nurses in this study have access to and are reading available research regularly. However, many nurses reported only limited education and skills in research, scarce resources, and limited time to participate in research. Few nurses were involved in developing research proposals, were presenting at conferences, or were writing for publication. Despite these constraints, most of the sample indicated high levels of interest in participating in conducting research. Furthermore, most nurses in this study viewed research as important to patient care and as being an important role for clinical nurses. The top 3 priority areas for cancer nursing research were identified as psychosocial support, pain management, and symptom management. Specific strategies identified for developing nursing research included providing information, support, mentorship, and resources. Professional groups were viewed as having an important role in the development of nursing research in education, lobbying, and facilitating networking among researchers.

Adult↗