FINAL BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 2019

School of Nursing and Midwifery Scoil an Altranais agus an Chnáimhseachais

area. Whilst written information was acknowledged as being useful, face-to-face conversations were consistently highlighted as being the optimal form of communication. Conclusion: Currently, informal carers of people with dementia do not receive adequate information regarding the illness. Healthcare professionals needs to provide information to carers across all stages of the disease.

An examination of patients’ expectations and experience of service. Author(s) Dr. Ruth Lernihan, Dr. Margaret Landers, Prof. Eileen Savage Affiliation(s) South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital, UCC

Abstract Background: Blindness and vision loss is a global population health concern. A significant economic cost results fro service users are older persons. There is a growing increase in demand for ophthalmology services in Ireland which is consis a key issue for service providers and healthcare management. Service users’ perspectives and feedback are recognised as es service users’ expectations and experience determines perceived service quality. This gap can be positive or negative that is ophthalmology service is currently undergoing redesign therefore, it is advantageous to examine service users’ experience Aim: To examine patients’ expectations and experiences of service quality in the ophthalmology service. Method: Drawing on pragmatism a descriptive exploratory design was adopted. A purposeful sample of 10 patients attendi collected using semi-structured interviews which were audiotaped and transcribed. Thematic data analysis was employed. Findings: Four main themes emerged from the data: Deteriorating or disrupted vision, Entering the eye service, Getting visi A number of subthemes emerged from the main themes. In general, participants’ expectations were met or were exceeded access to the service and waiting for care. Conclusion: Eliciting participants’ expectations and experiences of the ophthalmology service is a valuable method of evalu experience in the main. Service users can inform service provision and highlight areas in need of improvement. These findin service users’ needs.

Exploring nurses’ perceptions towards nurse-led discharge in the acute hospital setting

Author(s) Ms. Jenny Lynch & Dr. Serena FitzGerald Affiliation(s) UCC

Abstract Background: Nurse-led discharge (NLD) can be defined as the delegation of responsibility to discharge patients in accordance with an agreed plan and determined criteria. Improving patient flow, reducing readmission rate and improving length of stay are essential objectives of the Health Service Executive, Department of Health and the National Acute Medicine Programme. NLD interventions are effective in improving readmission rates, reducing discharge delays and improving patient outcomes. NLD has been successfully implemented in acute care settings in England, Scotland and Australia. However, no formal measure of nurse perceptions towards NLD was explored in the literature. Aim: To explore nurses’ perceptions towards nurse-led discharge in an acute care setting

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was utilised. Participants were recruited using non-probability purposive sampling Semi-structured interviews were used to interview nurses (n=8). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Nurses need to know their patient and have the experience to participate in the role of NLD. In order to progress i their profession, nurses need organisational support to facilitate the implementation of NLD in the current healthcare setting Discharge planning and facilitating the patients’ transition with effective communication and collaboration with th multidisciplinary team may help to improve the delivery of care if NLD is implemented. Conclusion: A NLD tool should be developed and piloted in the acute care setting. A NLD policy should be developed as resource guide for those involved in carrying out the role of NLD. Education and training is needed for nurses to enhance thei continual professional development for NLD. Further qualitative research should be conducted to explore patients an consultant physicians’ perceptions towards NLD and quantitative research should be conducted to observe the effectivenes of NLD once it has been implemented in the acute care setting.

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