ORCID
- Paisi, Martha: 0000-0001-5718-008X
- Shawe, Jill: 0000-0002-2766-7302
Abstract
Background People experiencing homelessness are less likely to access healthcare, particularly primary and preventive care. Nurses are well placed to improve access to healthcare for this vulnerable population. Aim To explore nurses’ perceptions of the skills, knowledge and attributes required to optimise scope of practice and improve access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, to underpin an education framework. Design A cross-sectional national survey of nurses in Australia. Methods Part of a larger study, a 222-item electronic survey was disseminated via social media and nursing colleges and associations. Participants rated the level of priority of specific skills knowledge and attributes to optimise nurses’ scope of practice and improve access to care for people experiencing homelessness. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data thematically. Findings The final analysis comprised n = 67 surveys. Participants were registered nurses (n = 54), nurse practitioners (n = 12) and one enrolled nurse. Items rated as highest priority and used in practice to optimise access to care were interpersonal attributes (n = 66.5, 99%), diagnosing presenting complaints (n = 64, 95%) and interpreting diagnostic test results (n = 63, 93%). Organisationally, support from colleagues (n = 58, 87%), managers (n = 57, 85%) and clear clinical guidelines (n = 46, 69%) are reportedly important. Most participants stated willingness to undertake further education in the care of people experiencing homelessness (93%, n = 62). Conclusion In developing a nursing education framework to optimise nurses’ scope of practice and improve access to care for people experiencing homelessness, the findings suggest that interpersonal skills, diagnosis and treatment are priority topics.
DOI
10.1016/j.colegn.2023.02.002
Publication Date
2023-08-01
Publication Title
Collegian
Volume
30
Issue
4
ISSN
1322-7696
Embargo Period
2023-12-08
Organisational Unit
School of Nursing and Midwifery
First Page
586
Last Page
594
Recommended Citation
Currie, J., McWilliams, L., Paisi, M., Shawe, J., Thornton, A., Larkin, M., Taylor, J., & Middleton, S. (2023) 'Nurses’ perceptions of the skills, knowledge and attributes required to optimise scope of practice and improve access to care for people experiencing homelessness in Australia: A cross-sectional study', Collegian, 30(4), pp. 586-594. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2023.02.002
