59Background. Admission of a loved one to an emergency/critical care unit can result in role conflict, high levels of stress, interruption of normal routines and potential changes in relationships among family members (FMs). Other potential stressors that FMs can be exposed to are deterioration in the condition of the patient, an uncertain outcome for the patient, pain and suffering experienced by the patient, the unfamiliar environment, and the large amount of high-tech equipment. An approach to support FMs during this crisis period is patient-and family-centred care (PFCC). Objectives. To describe PFCC practices of emergency nurses in emergency departments (EDs) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa. Methods. A descriptive survey was done among 44 emergency nurses (enrolled and registered nurses) from four EDs in the Durban area of KZN. The Self-Assessment Inventory Tool was used and adapted for a resource-constrained setting. Results. The majority of emergency nurses (84%) acknowledged the importance of family participation in patient care, 87% reported that FMs were provided with information in a timely manner, and 77% indicated that they had the necessary skills to provide care to FMs. Conclusions. The study showed that the majority of emergency nurses in EDs in the Durban area of KZN provided PFCC. The findings demonstrate that although PFCC is a challenge, nurses in EDs acknowledge the importance of this model of care. Patient-and family-centred care (PFCC) is an approach to the planning, delivery and evaluation of healthcare that focuses on a mutually beneficial partnership between patients, families and heathcare professionals.[1] An integral part of this approach is being responsive to the needs, values and cultural needs of the patient and family members (FMs).[2] Further to this, a PFCC approach in critical care in the emergency department (ED) recognises the needs of both the patient and FMs. This approach is central to delivering effective care, including prompt assessment of FMs' needs, that not only reduces FMs' stress and anxiety but also enhances the patient's satisfaction with care. [3] FMs often find it a traumatic experience when a loved one is admitted to a critical care unit. They are not usually psychologically prepared for this event, as most of these admissions are emergencies.[4] Admission of a loved one can result in role conflict, high levels of stress, interruption of normal routines and potential changes in relationships among FMs. [5] Other potential stressors that FMs can be exposed to are deterioration in the condition of the patient, an uncertain outcome for the patient, pain and suffering experienced by the patient, the unfamiliar environment and the large amount of high-tech equipment that the patient is connected to. This can lead to emotional reactions in FMs such as shock, anger, fear, anxiety, guilt, frustration and depression. [6] The primary goal of critical care is to help patients recover from acute threats to their health. However, despite this societal expec...

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Background Clinical scholarship is defined as an approach that enables evidence-based nursing and the development of best practices to meet the needs of clients efficiently and effectively. However, there are many barriers that impede its progress. Objective This study aimed to identify the barriers and enablers to scholarship for post basic nursing students in clinical service areas. Method This multimethods study used a structured questionnaire followed by semi-structured individual interviews of post basic nursing students and their lecturers (nurse educators). Results The 81 students who completed the questionnaire indicated a lack of support or funding assistance and mentoring, as well as no mechanisms to reward or recognise scholarship as top barriers to clinical scholarship. Top enablers were noticed as reward mechanisms in place, more protected time and availability of role models and mentoring. Twelve respondents engaged in the qualitative phase and three categories emerged from the data, namely (1) resource dependent, (2) ‘what’s the use of research’, (3) making a change. Conclusion It has been shown that there is a need to adopt and promote a culture of clinical scholarship to ensure that the best available evidence is being utilised by nurses to effectively manage their patients; however, to support clinical scholarship, resources are needed. Contribution This study highlighted the lack of funding and resources as being a major barrier to scholarship, together with an institutional culture that did not promote clinical scholarship. Providing protected time, mentoring and criteria for promotion and reward based on scholarship is viewed as enabling.