Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Publication The educational preparation for nurses providing complex care to children in the community setting(National University of Ireland Galway, 2019-11-21) Lynott, Claire; Conway, YvonneThe number of children with complex care needs has increased over the past decade. This is due to advances in medical science, pharmacology, technology and care (Brenner et al., 2015 Cocket, 2012 & Cohen et al., 2011). Ling et al. (2015) suggests the amount of children living with life-limiting conditions in Ireland has been previously underestimated and suggests there are approximately 4000 children with life-limiting conditions in Ireland many of whom require complex nursing care. Brenner et al. (2018) defines children with complex care needs as having multidimensional health and social care needs with either a recognised medical diagnosis or with no unifying diagnosis. Nicholl (2012) undertook a mix methods exploratory study in Ireland to identify the types of technology used in caring for children with complex needs within the home care setting. Within this study Nicholl (2012) states technology dependence can include tracheostomy tubes, ventilation, enteral or intravenous feeding and urethral catheterisation. This list is not exhaustive and many children are dependent on multiple pieces of equipment for survival thus have complex nursing care requirements. Cohen et al. (2011) highlights that children with medical complexities require a range of community and acute health and social care services. Brenner et al. (2015) suggests that medical technology and survival rates have increased, however the development of support services have not mirrored this. Hillis et al. (2016) discuss the increase in the number of children requiring home ventilation over the past ten years and Com et al ., identify that the nursing needs of a child with a tracheostomy are high.. Brenner et al. (2018) identify that the provision of care as close to home as possible is internationally recognised as best practice. Due to the increase in children requiring nursing care at home and the publication of the Health Service Executive (HSE) (2014) ‘Review of current policy and practice in the provision of home care to children with complex medical conditions’ the HSE have implemented a new framework and tendering system. Within this framework 8 private service providers have been accredited as having met the HSE standards and can tender for the care of children requiring nursing at home, ensuring equity and quality across the country.