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To explore multidisciplinary clinical, academic, policy and governance stakeholders' perceptions of enablers and barriers to implementing designated registered nurse prescribing in Australia, using a systems-thinking approach.
A two-phase explorative study using a systems-thinking lens to investigate complex health-system interdependencies.
Fifty-three participants were recruited from all Australian states and territories, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, medical practitioners and health-service planners. Phase 1 involved interviews and focus groups conducted between February 2024 and April 2024 (n = 45), analysed using deductive content analysis, guided by the Sustainability of Innovation Framework. Phase 2 was a face-to-face workshop conducted in August 2024 (n = 28), with data from participant discussions and observer field notes analysed inductively and refined through reflexive dialogue. Reflexive analysis of the findings allowed the construction of recommendations for implementation in various healthcare contexts.
In Phase 1, participants representing all Australian jurisdictions and healthcare contexts identified that successful adoption of designated registered nurse prescribing is contingent upon several interrelated system components. These interconnected factors influence each other within the broader healthcare system and serve as the focus for Phase 2.
In Phase 2, participants reported context-specific service models, stakeholder engagement, financial support, clear messaging and workforce/organisational readiness for new models of care and service delivery were recognised as dynamic interrelated elements. Three overarching themes for successful implementation were generated: The Standard—just one piece of the puzzle. Harnessing collective capability. Shared wisdom for success.
National implementation of registered nurse prescribing requires consistent but context-responsive reforms. A systems-thinking approach underscores the need for whole-of-system strategies, acknowledging interdependencies and avoiding rapid, unplanned implementation. This study highlights that sustainable adoption of registered nurse prescribing in Australia depends on recognising system interdependencies and their dynamic nature.
Designated registered nurse prescribing has the potential to improve timely access to medicines and enhance patient-centred care when implemented with whole-of-system support.
This study provides key systems-level recommendations to guide policymakers and healthcare services to successfully implement designated registered nurse prescribing across various settings.
This study highlights key stakeholders' perspectives, providing valuable insights on the essential elements required for the successful adoption of this expanded practice.
Broad systems-level recommendations are offered to guide policymakers and healthcare services to successfully implement designated prescribing across various settings, taking into account the complexity of the healthcare system.
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.
Not registered.
Delay in detecting acute deterioration in older adults in care homes is associated with avoidable hospitalizations and adverse outcomes, including premature death.
Underpinned by the Knowledge to Action Framework, this study aimed to understand the barriers and enablers to direct care staff detecting and responding to the early signs of acute deterioration in care home residents.
Online focus groups or interviews with regulated (registered and enrolled nurses) and unregulated (assistants in nursing and personal care workers) direct care staff from participating care homes were conducted. Homes were recruited using disproportionate stratified random sampling to include metropolitan, inner regional, and outer regional care homes. Interview and focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Eighty direct care staff (n = 48 regulated; n = 32 unregulated) from eight care homes participated. Fifteen focus groups (n = 7 unregulated staff, n = 8 regulated staff) and two interviews (n = 1 regulated staff, n = 1 unregulated staff) were conducted between July 2021 and October 2022. Four themes related to the barriers and enablers of detecting and responding to acute deterioration were generated: decision-making within the scope of practice; resource availability; streamlined communication; and teamwork.
Findings highlight the challenges direct care staff encounter in being able to detect early signs of acute deterioration and implement appropriate care pathways. Perceived barriers and enablers highlighted in this study need to be considered when developing and implementing programs to optimize the timely detection of, and response to, acute deterioration in care homes.
Workforce knowledge, experience, and confidence deficits are significant barriers to detecting acute deterioration, while the unique workforce mix in care homes poses additional challenges for the accurate detection of early signs of acute deterioration. Knowing the resident, working as a team, and valuing the contribution of aged care staff and families in managing acute deterioration are enablers to achieving better outcomes for residents experiencing acute deterioration.
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