The Vital Bridge Transforming Postgraduate Nurse Education And Employability To Employment

Today’s universities are constantly looking for a competitive edge in delivering a postgraduate nurse curriculum with a positive outcome of future employability and employment. In this respect, Monash University Malaysia is no different since market differentiation is important for the survival of Private Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia. Currently, some Malaysian public and private universities do offer specific postgraduate courses in advanced clinical skills nurse practice which have been accredited by Malaysia Qualifications Agency and recognized by both Ministry of Higher Education as well as Ministry of Health. In addition to that, the Nurses Board Malaysia, also consider the postgraduate courses that are currently offered to be too generic with very little application of theory to practice in the clinical healthcare settings. In view of the gap that exists in the present postgraduate courses, this paper would critically examine the preliminary market information gathered on the requirements of higher educational needs of nurses in Malaysia. The future development of an appropriate higher education course, “the vital bridge”, is in the planning stage. It is expected to be both vigor and relevant to today’s Malaysian nurses’ employability and employment

Assessing predictors of self-management intentions in people with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is slowly turning into an international health emergency, evidenced by accelerated growth in prevalence rates worldwide. Experts have now called for greater integration of self-management interventions in clinical practice in light of these worrisome trends, supplanting the prevailing notion of a “glucocentric” approach. In this pilot study designed to complement a novel assessment program currently in development, we describe a concise screening tool designed to stratify the intention to follow through on self-management practices in people with T2D. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 3 regional primary care clinics. Individuals with T2D having the following characteristics were recruited into the study: (i) individuals with T2D between 18 and 65 years, (ii) fluent in English and, and iii) having been diagnosed with T2D for at least 2 years. We assessed the relevance of components in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) within the context of self-management behaviour in T2D. Participants were requested to complete a questionnaire containing questions related to intention, attitudes subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. Based on their responses, the psychometric properties of the scale were then evaluated using both reliability and validity analysis. RESULTS: The Cronbach α value for all direct measures of TPB was excellent: intention to adhere to self-management practices (0.98), attitude towards self-management behaviour (0.87), subjective norm (0.83), and perceived behaviour control (0.66). The correlation between intentions and all 3 constructs of TPB was excellent (p < 0.01). Structural equation modeling helped determine attitudes and subjective norms as important predictors of intentions to follow through self-management practices. CONCLUSIONS: By first understanding the dimensions that influence intentions associated with self-management behaviour, clinicians have the opportunity to “triage” individuals with T2D who require greater involvement to bring about better self-care practices. Thus, our research attempts to bridge this gap by devising a psychometric tool suited to a regional setting which allows for an improved person-centered communication between clinicians and patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07731-x

The internal realities of individuals with type 2 diabetes-Psychological disposition in self-management behaviour via grounded theory approach

BackgroundA paradigm shift in the disease management of type 2 diabetes is urgently needed to stem the escalating trends seen worldwide. A "glucocentric" approach to diabetes management is no longer considered a viable option. Qualitative strategies have the potential to unearth the internal psychological attributes seen in people living with diabetes that are crucial to the sustenance of self-management behaviour. This study aims to identify and categorize the innate psychological dispositions seen in people with type 2 diabetes in relation to self-management behaviour.MethodsWe adopted a grounded theory approach to guide in-depth interviews of individuals with type 2 diabetes and healthcare professionals (HCP) at a regional primary care clinic in Malaysia. Twenty-four people with type 2 diabetes and 10 HCPs were recruited into the study to examine the inner narratives about disease management. Two focus group discussions (FGD) were also conducted for data triangulation.ResultsParticipants' internal dialogue about the management of their disease is characterized by 2 major processes- 1) positive disposition and 2) negative disposition. Optimism, insight, and awareness are important positive values that influence T2D self-care practices. On the other hand, constructs such as stigma, worries, reservations, and pessimism connote negative dispositions that undermine the motivation to follow through disease management in individuals with type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsWe identified a contrasting spectrum of both constructive and undesirable behavioural factors that influence the 'internal environment' of people with type 2 diabetes. These results coincide with the constructs presented in other well-established health belief theories that could lead to novel behavioural change interventions. Furthermore, these findings allow the implementation of psychosocial changes that are in line with cultural sensitivities and societal norms seen in a specific community

The external realities of people with type 2 diabetes-Understanding disease perspective and self-management behaviour via Grounded Theory Approach.

BackgroundQualitative strategies can uncover the relationship between the external realities of people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the barriers that are associated with disease self-management. Information from in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) can be used to devise psychological models that could potentially facilitate behaviour changes in people with T2D. We aim to identify salient factors that govern the external realities of people with T2D in relation to disease management.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted at a regional primary care clinic in Malaysia using a Grounded Theory Approach. People with T2D were recruited through purposeful sampling to determine their living experiences with the disease. A total of 34 IDIs with 24 people with T2D and 10 health care professionals, followed by two FGDs with people with T2D, were conducted.ResultsThree major processes that arbitrate self-management practices include- 1) external reality, 2) internal reality, 3) mediators of behaviour. Within the context of external reality, three important sub-themes were identified-intrinsic background status, personal experience, and worldview. Lifestyle habits of persons with T2D play a central role in their disease management. Another common recurring concern is the issue of a low-quality food environment in the country. More importantly, individuals with T2D have a high degree of expectations for a more person-centered approach to their illness.ConclusionsWe identified modifiable and non-modifiable behavioural factors that influence the daily living environment of people with T2D. This information can be used to customize the management of T2D through targeted behavioural interventions