Culture, teams, and organizations: A qualitative exploration of female nurses' and midwives' experiences of urinary symptoms at work. (12th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pierce, Heather; Perry, Lin; Gallagher, Robyn; Chiarelli, Pauline
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced nursing. Volume 75:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 1284
• Page End: 1295
• Publication Date: 2019-02-12
• Subjects: drinking behaviour -- midwives -- nurse -- occupational health -- toilet facilities -- urinary bladder -- urinary incontinence -- working women -- workplace; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.13951
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-2402

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To explore nurses' and midwives' experiences of urinary symptoms at work. Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in female nurses and midwives. There is limited understanding of the relationship between urinary symptoms, bladder health practices, and work. Design: Qualitative design providing in‐depth exploration of nurses' and midwives' experiences of urinary symptoms at work through focus group discussions. Methods: Twelve focus groups were held July–September 2016 with 96 Registered Nurses and midwives working at two tertiary‐referral hospitals in urban New South Wales, Australia. A semi‐structured question schedule was used. An inductive process guided thematic analysis of data using a socioecological framework of health behaviours. Results: Nurses' and midwives' experiences of urinary symptoms at work primarily relate to delaying voiding. This practice is explained by a work culture of "patient‐first" care at expense of self‐care, relationships in the nursing team, demands of the nursing role, and inadequacy of workplace amenities. The first two themes reflect cultural and social caring dilemmas central to nursing. The second two themes identify issues with workforce management and physical workplace environments. Conclusion: Nurses' and midwives' urinary symptoms and behaviours in response to sensory cues for bladder emptying are dependent on several socioecological influences. Occupational health initiatives in the workforce are required to break cultural norms that deter self‐care and to promote work environments that support healthy bladder practices. Workforce management and physical workplace environments are key influences on nurses' timely and dignified access to amenities. Abstract : 目的: 探讨护士和助产士在工作中出现泌尿系症状的经历。 背景: 下尿路症状在女护士和助产士中很常见。 对泌尿系症状、膀胱医疗实践与工作之间的关系了解有限。 设计: 定性设计通过焦点小组讨论, 深入探讨护士和助产士在工作中出现泌尿系症状的经历。 方法: 2016年7月至9月举行了12次焦点小组探讨会, 其中有96名注册护士和助产士在澳大利亚新南威尔士市区的两所三级转诊医院工作。会上采用了半结构化问题进度表。归纳过程使用健康行为的社会生态框架指导数据的主题分析。 结果: 护士和助产士在工作中出现的泌尿系症状主要与延迟排尿行为有关。这种行为可以用一种以自我护理为代价的"病人至上"的工作文化、护理团队中的人际关系、护理角色的需求、以及工作场所便利设施的不足来对其进行解释。前两个主题反映了护理的核心文化和社会关怀困境。后两个主题确定了与劳动力管理和实际工作环境有关的问题。 结论: 护士和助产士对膀胱排空的感觉提示的泌尿症状和行为取决于多种社会生态影响。 工作人员的职业健康倡议需要打破阻碍自我保健的文化规范, 并促进支持健康膀胱实践的工作环境。劳动力管理和实际工作环境是影响护士及时和体面获得便利设施的关键因素。