1
|
Beasleigh S, Bish M, Mahoney AM. The learning needs and clinical requirements of post graduate critical care nursing students in rural and regional contexts: A scoping review. Aust Crit Care 2024; 37:326-337. [PMID: 37541909 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2023.06.001] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to establish the learning needs and clinical requirements of postgraduate critical care nursing students preparing for clinical practice in rural and regional contexts. REVIEW METHOD USED Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Published and unpublished empirical studies. REVIEW METHODS A scoping review based on database searches (CINAHL and Medline) using Aromataris and Munn's four-step search strategy, plus subsequent forward reference search strategy was undertaken, applying predetermined selection criteria. The review aligned to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Review. Studies were uploaded into Endnote 20© for storage and into Covidence 2.0© for data extraction. Screening was undertaken by a primary reviewer, with a secondary reviewer evaluating the studies identified as relevant by the first reviewer. Qualitative codes were derived, and reflexive thematic analysis synthesised the results of the review, using Braun and Clarke's six-phase process. RESULTS Nine foundational learning needs for critical care nursing students were extracted from the literature. The nine established foundational learning needs were: behavioural attributes/personal base; critical thinking and analysis; ethical practice; identification of risk; leadership, collaboration, and management; professional practice; provision and coordination of clinical care; research knowledge, standards of care, and policy development; and the health consumer experience. Discerning learning needs specific to rural and regional critical care nursing students was difficult. Only one study that met the inclusion criteria was identified. This study identified some instances of interest in relation to rural and regional learning needs. These instances were related to preparation of rural students for low-volume, high-stake situations; transfer of critically ill patients; stabilisation and preparation of critically ill patients; and care of specific patient groups such as, critically ill, bariatric, paediatric, obstetric, trauma, and patients with behavioural issues. CONCLUSIONS Limited literature exists within the rural and regional critical care nursing educational context, making it difficult to determine the unique learning needs of students within this group. This scoping review lays the groundwork for further research into the needs of critical care nursing students situated within the rural and regional context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beasleigh
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Melanie Bish
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Anne-Marie Mahoney
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University; Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care (ACEBAC), Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Murray N, Palermo C, Batt A, Bell K. Does patient and public involvement influence the development of competency frameworks for the health professions? A systematic review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:918915. [PMID: 35957861 PMCID: PMC9360578 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.918915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Competency frameworks typically describe the perceived knowledge, skills, attitudes and other characteristics required for a health professional to practice safely and effectively. Patient and public involvement in the development of competency frameworks is uncommon despite delivery of person-centered care being a defining feature of a competent health professional. This systematic review aimed to determine how patients and the public are involved in the development of competency frameworks for health professions, and whether their involvement influenced the outcome of the competency frameworks. Studies were identified from six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science and ERIC). The database search yielded a total of 8,222 citations, and 43 articles were included for data extraction. Most studies were from the United Kingdom (27%) and developed through multidisciplinary collaborations involving two or more professions (40%). There was a large variation in the number of patients and members of the public recruited (range 1–1,398); recruitment sources included patients and carers with the clinical condition of interest (30%) or established consumer representative groups (22%). Common stages for involving patients and the public were in generation of competency statements (57%) or reviewing the draft competency framework (57%). Only ten studies (27%) took a collaborative approach to the engagement of patients and public in competency framework development. The main ways in which involvement influenced the competency framework were validation of health professional-derived competency statements, provision of desirable behaviors and attitudes and generation of additional competency statements. Overall, there was a lack of reporting regarding the details and outcome of patient and public involvement. Further research is required to optimize approaches to patient and public involvement in competency framework development including guidance regarding who, how, when and for what purposes they should be engaged and the requirements for reporting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Murray
- Monash Centre for Scholarship in Health Education, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Nicole Murray
| | - Claire Palermo
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alan Batt
- Department of Paramedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Paramedic Programs, Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services, Fanshawe College, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kristie Bell
- Department of Dietetics and Foodservices, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Henriksen KF, Hansen BS, Wøien H, Tønnessen S. The core qualities and competencies of the intensive and critical care nurse, a meta-ethnography. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:4693-4710. [PMID: 34532876 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop a conceptual framework of the core qualities and competencies of the intensive and critical care nurse based on the experiences of intensive care patients, their relatives and the intensive and critical care nurses. DESIGN Meta-ethnography. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive, systematic search in seven databases supplemented with hand, citation and reference search. Sources published from 2007 to 2019 were included. REVIEW METHODS Noblit and Hare's understanding of meta-ethnography and the work of the eMERGE project have directed the synthesis. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included and synthesized into a conceptual framework. Overarching theme: 'feeling safe and being safe', subtheme: 'creating confidence and motivation' and conceptual categories (CCs): 'technical skills and biophysical knowledge'; 'inter/intra professional teamwork skills'; 'communication skills (with patients and their relatives)'; 'constant and attentive bedside presence'; 'creating participative care'; 'creating confidence through daily care'; 'creating a good atmosphere and having a supportive and encouraging attitude'; and 'building relationship to maintain self-esteem'. CONCLUSION By including the perspectives of intensive care patients, their relatives and intensive and critical care nurses, the core qualities and competencies comprise elements of both patient safety and the feeling of safety. The framework outlines concepts necessary to ensure person-centred and safe intensive care. Further research should involve each perspective to validate and strengthen the findings. IMPACT The development of standards and competence guidelines expressing the learning outcomes and qualification of intensive and critical care nurses should be based on input from intensive care patients, their relatives and intensive and critical care nurses. A variety of core qualities and competencies are necessary to create confidence and motivation, and to make the patient feel safe and be safe. This conceptual framework might form a basis for development of a program or assessment tool to facilitate excellence in education and practice in intensive care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Forbech Henriksen
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Britt Saetre Hansen
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Hilde Wøien
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Nursing Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Tønnessen
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lindberg E, Fridh I. Postgraduate nursing students' experiences of simulation training and reflection in end-of-life communication with intensive care patients and their families. Nurs Health Sci 2021; 23:852-861. [PMID: 34436818 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Losing a loved one in the intensive care unit relates to a risk of developing stress and complicated grief. Education in intensive care nursing should cover end-of-life care, and the use of simulation in nursing education is a powerful instrument to develop confidence in end-of-life care. The aim of this study was to explore postgraduate nursing students' experiences with simulation training in end-of-life communication with intensive care patients and their families. Twenty-nine students answered a questionnaire and nine students participated in an interview. Analyses were conducted according to the principles of phenomenography. The result is presented in four categories including the following: the design of the scenario affects learning, uncertainty overshadows learning, intertwining theory and practice contributes to learning, and learning to encounter existential dimensions. The conclusion is that high-fidelity simulation training contributes toward preparing students to be attuned to what it can be like to be a family member in this situation. The scenarios contributed toward preparing the students to engage in end-of-life conversations during clinical placements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Lindberg
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Promlek K, Currey J, Damkliang J, Considine J. Thai trauma nurses' knowledge of neuroprotective nursing care of traumatic brain injury patients: A survey study. Nurs Health Sci 2020; 22:787-794. [PMID: 32336019 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thai trauma nurses play a vital role in neuroprotective nursing care of patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury. Nurses' knowledge of the evidence underpinning initial neuroprotective nursing care vital to safe and high-quality patient care. However, the current state of knowledge of Thai trauma nurses is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated Thai nurses' knowledge of neuroprotective nursing care of patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury. Data were collected by a survey, comprising a section on participant characteristics and series of multiple-choice questions. All registered nurses (n = 22) and nursing assistants (n = 13) from the trauma ward of a regional Thai hospital were invited to participate: the response rate was 100%. Participants had limited knowledge of carbon dioxide monitoring; causes and implications of hypercapnia; mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure targets; management of sedatives and analgesics; and management of hyperthermia. Improving their knowledge focusing on knowledge deficits through educational training and implementation of evidence-based practice is essential to improve the safety and quality of care for Thai patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kesorn Promlek
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Judy Currey
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julie Considine
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research-Eastern Health Partnership, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vargas CP, Vargas MADO, Tomaschewski-Barlem JG, Ramos FRS, Schneider DG, Camponogara S. Patient advocacy actions by intensivist nurses. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2019; 53:e03490. [PMID: 31389487 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2018011703490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the actions and factors associated to patient advocacy by intensivist nurses using the Protective Nursing Advocacy Scale. METHOD A quantitative, descriptive-exploratory, cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was answered by nurses who worked in Intensive Care Units in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. A factorial exploratory analysis of the data, T-tests and the chi-square test were used for association between factors. RESULTS 451 nurses participated in the study. A greater number of nurses disagreed with the negative consequences that patient advocacy may have or bring to them. Greater dialogue among nursing staff would enhance teamwork results. Nurses with two or more job relationships need more physical and mental effort, which compromises their quality of life and work, leading to them being those who least practice patient advocacy. CONCLUSION Nurses understand patient advocacy as an important part of their work, as well as factors which may influence their decision to defend their patients, but are still unaware of the benefits of advocacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Porcelis Vargas
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Departamento de Enfermagem , Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem , Florianópolis , SC , Brasil
| | - Mara Ambrosina de Oliveira Vargas
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Departamento de Enfermagem , Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem , Florianópolis , SC , Brasil
| | | | - Flávia Regina Souza Ramos
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Departamento de Enfermagem , Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem , Florianópolis , SC , Brasil
| | - Dulcinéia Ghizoni Schneider
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Departamento de Enfermagem , Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem , Florianópolis , SC , Brasil
| | - Silviamar Camponogara
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Departamento de Enfermagem , Santa Maria , RS , Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
|
8
|
Gullick J, Lin F, Massey D, Wilson L, Greenwood M, Skylas K, Woodard M, Tembo AC, Mitchell M, Gill FJ. Structures, processes and outcomes of specialist critical care nurse education: An integrative review. Aust Crit Care 2019; 32:331-345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
9
|
Luz KRD, Vargas MADO, Peter E, Barlem E, Viana RAPP, Ventura CAA. ADVOCACY IN INTENSIVE CARE AND HOSPITALIZATION BY COURT ORDER: WHAT ARE THE PERSPECTIVES OF NURSES? TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2018-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze how intensive care nurses practice patient advocacy in view of the need for hospitalization by court order to an intensive care due to bed unviability. Method: analytical exploratory qualitative research. Data were obtained through interviews with 42 nurses, selected via snowball sampling, between January and December 2016. The interviews were analyzed using elements of the Discursive Textual Analysis. Results: two categories emerged: 1) Between obedience to the law and the ethical-moral duty of the intensive care nurse; 2) The position of nurses in the practice of patient advocacy for patients requiring intensive care beds. Conclusions: intensive care nurses exercise sensitivity and moral duty of the care process when defending their patients by informing them of their rights, guiding, acting and talking to and on behalf of patients and their families, valuing care free of judgment and harm to the patient hospitalized by court order.
Collapse
|
10
|
Foster M, Whitehead L, Arabiat D, Frost L. Parents' and Staff Perceptions of Parental Needs During a Child's Hospital Admission: An Australian Study. J Pediatr Nurs 2018; 43:e2-e9. [PMID: 30041836 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to identify parents' and staff perceptions of parents' needs during a hospital admission and relationships between needs, socio-demographic and clinical variables. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive design. Forty-six parents whose child received care and 17 staff who worked within a paediatric ward at a secondary hospital in Western Australia completed the Needs of Parents' Questionnaire in 2016. RESULTS Parent and staff perceptions of the importance of needs were congruent but differences arose between parents and staff on whether these needs were met and needed. Parents were more likely to rate needs as less important, more met and more needed than staff members. Demographic characteristics significantly influenced parents' and staff perceptions of parents' needs in hospital. CONCLUSIONS Staff need to acknowledge that the parent and child's hospital trajectory and demographical characteristics can influence the parent and child's needs in hospital. For family centred healthcare delivery to be effective, care delivery needs to be aligned to what parents and children state their needs are at that time. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study has highlighted that future international collaborative research networks are needed to critique the concepts and clinical implications of FCC from a broader lens and recipients, deliverers and providers of healthcare need to be cognisance of contemporary FCC literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandie Foster
- Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Lisa Whitehead
- Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Perth, WA, Australia; University of Otago, Postgraduate Centre for Nursing Studies, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Diana Arabiat
- Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Perth, WA, Australia; The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Linda Frost
- Joondalup Health Campus, Paediatric Department, Perth, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baid H, Hargreaves J. Quality and safety: reflection on the implications for critical care nursing education. Nurs Crit Care 2015; 20:174-82. [DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Baid
- School of Health Sciences; University of Brighton; Brighton UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Gill FJ, Leslie GD, Grech C, Boldy D, Latour JM. Developing and Testing the Standard of Practice and Evaluation of Critical-Care-Nursing Tool (SPECT) for Critical Care Nursing Practice. J Contin Educ Nurs 2014; 45:312-20. [PMID: 24972098 DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20140620-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses working in critical care often undertake specialty education. There are no uniform practice outcomes for critical care programs, and consumer input to practice standards has been lacking. METHODS A structured multiphase project was undertaken to develop practice standards and an assessment tool informed by critical care nursing stakeholders as well as patients and families-the Standards of Practice and Evaluation of Critical-Care-Nursing Tool (SPECT). RESULTS Testing of the SPECT revealed adequate content validity index (CVI), domain CVI (range, 0.772 to 0.887), and statement CVI (range, 0.66 to 1.00). Reliability was adequate in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.864) and test-retest Spearman rank correlation (range, 0.772 to 0.887); intra-rater kappa agreement was significant for 102 of 104 statements with moderate agreement for 94.2% of statements. CONCLUSION The SPECT appears to have clinical feasibility, preliminary validity and reliability, and provides a clear definition for the expected practice level for graduates of a critical care education program.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gill FJ, Leslie GD, Grech C, Boldy D, Latour JM. Development of Australian clinical practice outcome standards for graduates of critical care nurse education. J Clin Nurs 2014; 24:486-99. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fenella J Gill
- Faculty of Health Science; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
- Child & Adolescent Health Services; Princess Margaret Hospital for Children; WA Australia
| | - Gavin D Leslie
- Critical
Care Nursing; Joint Appointment Royal Perth Hospital; Perth WA Australia
- Faculty of Health Science; School of Nursing & Midwifery; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Carol Grech
- School of Nursing & Midwifery; University of South Australia; Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Duncan Boldy
- Faculty of Health Science; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Jos M Latour
- Faculty of Health, Education and Society; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Plymouth University; Plymouth UK
- Department of Pediatrics; Intensive Care Neonatology; Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health Science; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Scholes J, Albarran J. What's in this issue? Nurs Crit Care 2013; 18:55-6. [PMID: 23419178 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
16
|
Gill FJ, Leslie GD, Grech C, Latour JM. Using a web-based survey tool to undertake a Delphi study: application for nurse education research. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2013; 33:1322-8. [PMID: 23510701 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2013.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Internet is increasingly being used as a data collection medium to access research participants. This paper reports on the experience and value of using web-survey software to conduct an eDelphi study to develop Australian critical care course graduate practice standards. METHODS The eDelphi technique used involved the iterative process of administering three rounds of surveys to a national expert panel. The survey was developed online using SurveyMonkey. Panel members responded to statements using one rating scale for round one and two scales for rounds two and three. Text boxes for panel comments were provided. COLLECTING DATA AND PROVIDING FEEDBACK For each round, the SurveyMonkey's email tool was used to distribute an individualized email invitation containing the survey web link. The distribution of panel responses, individual responses and a summary of comments were emailed to panel members. Stacked bar charts representing the distribution of responses were generated using the SurveyMonkey software. Panel response rates remained greater than 85% over all rounds. DISCUSSION An online survey provided numerous advantages over traditional survey approaches including high quality data collection, ease and speed of survey administration, direct communication with the panel and rapid collation of feedback allowing data collection to be undertaken in 12 weeks. Only minor challenges were experienced using the technology. Ethical issues, specific to using the Internet to conduct research and external hosting of web-based software, lacked formal guidance. CONCLUSIONS High response rates and an increased level of data quality were achieved in this study using web-survey software and the process was efficient and user-friendly. However, when considering online survey software, it is important to match the research design with the computer capabilities of participants and recognize that ethical review guidelines and processes have not yet kept pace with online research practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenella J Gill
- Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Child & Adolescent Health Services, Western Australia, 6008, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty Health Science, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|