Organizational Infrastructure Research Articles

Catalysing gender transformation in research through engaging African science granting councils

Science investments should benefit everyone; however, research still predominantly lacks gender integration, resulting in incomplete findings and inequitable outcomes. Moreover, despite some progress, gender disparities persist in the research workforce. Research funders, including science granting councils, are pivotal in driving gender transformation through shaping knowledge production and research infrastructure. We report on key findings from the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Gender Equality and Inclusivity (GEI) Project – a multi-year participatory intervention aimed at strengthening the capacities of councils to integrate GEI across their functions. Participating councils were located in 13 African countries, and their actions spanned four domains: building organisational GEI infrastructure; reshaping norms, practices, and power relations that perpetuate gender inequality; implementing targeted measures to address women’s unequal access to resources and research opportunities; and promoting collective ownership of efforts to advance GEI in the research and innovation ecosystem.

Application-based big data development framework for health sciences libraries.

The study is a part of a student research project on performance-based evaluation of big data application in health sciences libraries. It presents a theoretical framework of the performance-based evaluation system for health institutes' libraries in the digital environment. The health sciences libraries' systematic approach was judged based on the five main components (data culture, organisational infrastructure, responsibilities, skills and technology competence) of big data analytics (BDA). A comprehensive literature review of the published studies was undertaken related to BDA, including the diffusion of innovation theory, and the theoretical background of the technology acceptance model to produce an application-based big data development framework for the health sciences libraries. The application-based evaluation model integrates BDA in health sciences libraries for improving library services and performance. The study proposed a need for skilled professionals with the knowledge and experience both professionally and technically. Finally, the study proposed a model that will help to measure the organisation's ability to analyse vast amounts of data to empirically validate the association concerning big data analysis and analytical practices in health libraries.

Current Landscape of Child and Adolescent Psychology Internship Programs and Implications for Workforce Development.

Doctoral psychology internships play a key role in the development of the competencies of the clinical child and adolescent psychologist workforce needed to serve the increasing behavioral and mental health needs of children. This study surveyed 50 internship training directors regarding workforce needs, the structure of experiential internship components, and the organizational infrastructure and funding of internship programs that provide focused care to children and adolescents within medical settings. Findings suggest that internships most commonly occur within academic medical settings and include clinical child psychology, integrated care, pediatric psychology, neuropsychology, and developmental disabilities tracks. On average, sites had 6 interns, 3 tracks, and 4 major rotations per track. Training directors identified program funding to be the greatest barrier to sustaining internship programs. Currently, internships are funded through clinical revenue, grants, and organizational funds covering an average intern salary of $31,020 plus benefits as well as 0.3 FTE of a training director's time to administrate the program. The number of internship tracks within a single program was associated with greater administrative time for the training director. Implications for advocacy at the federal, state, profession, and institutional level to increase funding and decrease barriers to training are discussed.

Nurses experience and perceptions towards video consultations and how affects the relation to the patients

Abstract Background The integration of telehealth services, particularly video consultations, has rapidly expanded in healthcare settings, presenting a paradigm shift in patient care. The study aimed to contribute to a deeper understanding of how ambulatory nurses experience using video consultations. Further, we aimed to explore how video consultations are established and how video consultations affect ambulatory nursing care from the nurse’s perspective. Method A hermenutic qualitative focus group approach was employed with nurses from two Danish cardiological outpatient clinics. Findings Two focus group interviews provided qualitative insights into the nuanced perspectives of nurses. Findings are presented by three themes 1) ‘Nursing care is a relational practice and must remain so’, 2) ‘Video consultations have both pros and cons and must be used at the right time’ and 3) ‘Missing initiatives that will enable the nurses to use video consultation’. The findings provided an in-depth understanding of factors that can affect the motivation, opportunities, and enablers, which, in their absence, can be used to explain the limited scope of vide Conclusion The study highlights the importance of organizational support and infrastructure in shaping nurses' attitudes towards video consultations. Strategies for successful implementation include targeted training programs, user-friendly technology, and clear implementation strategy. Additionally, understanding the contextual factors influencing nurses' attitudes is crucial for tailoring interventions and optimizing the integration of video consultations into routine clinical practice.

University-industry open innovation: main enablers and practices based on a scoping review

Purpose Given their capacity to generate knowledge, universities can be the primary external source of knowledge and innovation for companies. Despite studies on the potential drivers of open innovation, the actors involved in these projects beyond academics and the most effective practices that universities follow for successful university–industry collaborations remain unclear. This study aims to identify the enablers and best practices universities follow to contribute to successful university–industry open innovation results, providing a conceptual framework for the management of such initiatives. Design/methodology/approach Articles from peer-reviewed academic journals identified in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were researched in this scoping review. The review used descriptive and thematic analyses and focused on 93 articles published between 2013 and 2023 that analysed universities’ enablers and practices for knowledge transfer to the industry. Findings Organisational factors, stakeholder attitudes, infrastructure, and external factors facilitate knowledge transfer from universities to companies. The most effective practices for promoting innovation are related to project management, policies and incentives and are relational and educational. Performance results can be evaluated through quantitative and qualitative indicators, measured at the different phases of the innovation process, considering the impacts achieved. Originality/value Previous reviews have focused on barriers, researchers’ motivations or specific enablers. The enablers and practices identified were analysed with a systemic vision, considering the university as a unit of analysis. This study suggests a comprehensive conceptual framework for the successful management of university–industry open innovation.

Krause, Tobias A., Schachtner, Christian & Thapa, Basanta E. P. (Hrsg.) (2023). Handbuch Digitalisierung der Verwaltung. transcript Verlag. 420 Seiten. ISBN: 978-3-8252-5929-7 / ISBN: 978-3-8385-5929-2 (eBook). https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838559292.

The handbook Digitalisierung der Verwaltung provides meaningful knowledge on important management issues relating to the digital transformation in public administration and public service provision in Germany. 19 refreshing contributions shed light on personnel management, organisation, processes, and data infrastructure. With their valuable book, the editors not only address design features of digitalisation concepts, but also pose critical questions about implementation processes. The reader can learn from a multitude of illuminating practical examples, workable solutions and pioneering insights without ignoring the specific contextual factors of the political-administrative system in Germany. The book is aimed at public sector employees and executives, students and scholars, tech companies and service providers who deal with the digital transformation in public sector organisations.

Organizational and managerial context of project-based learning development in higher school

The article is devoted to the study of the organizational and managerial context of the development of project-based learning in Russian universities. The sample of the study is represented by twelve universities of different types (federal, research, reference) Volga, Ural, Siberian and Southern Federal districts. Based on the traditional analysis of official documents posted on the official websites of universities, an assessment of key aspects of university policies in the implementation of project-based student education was carried out, reflecting the development of the organizational infrastructure of the analyzed practice and forming an environment of social interaction between students, teachers, curators, employers and representatives of educational management. The development of assessment tools was based on the methodology of systemic, organizational and managerial, process, situational and temporal approaches. The purpose of the study is to analyze the organizational and managerial context of project–based education in Russian universities. It is established that the institutional practices of implementing project-based learning in the universities under study have different resource capabilities and are implemented along different trajectories that have their own logic. The study recorded that in the information space, and accordingly in the organizational and managerial environment, diversity is represented in determining the goals and effectiveness of project training. The demarcation lines in the existing organizational and managerial models are strategic forks that ensure: the mass or selectivity of project-based education in universities; orientation towards educational and/or product results; integration of project-based learning into the educational process or the implementation of students' project activities beyond their educational activities. The dependence between the organizational design of project training and its resource provision – regulatory, personnel, and information support is revealed. The scale and intensity of managerial innovations associated with the transition of the educational process to project-based learning formats are more typical for universities included in the “Priority-2030” university development program. They determine not only serious institutional and organizational changes, but also the transformation of social interaction practices in higher education.

Navigating organizational excellence: a comparative study and roadmap for streamlining defense infrastructure organizational model of Georgia

In the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics and increasing security challenges, the efficacy of a nation’s defense infrastructure is pivotal. This article conducts a comprehensive exploration of defense infrastructure organizational models, centering on the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Latvia. Through a meticulous comparative analysis, the study delves into organizational structures, international operations, responsibilities, and strategic focuses of these nations’ defense infrastructure entities. The goal is to glean insights applicable to Georgia’s unique context, identifying key differences and commonalities to formulate a strategic roadmap for enhancing its defense infrastructure capabilities. The article examines each country’s defense infrastructure model, highlighting distinctive features in organizational structure, international operations, responsibilities, and strategic focus. Drawing upon these insights, the study proposes tailored recommendations for Georgia, spanning organizational structure, international operations, responsibilities and focus, modernization and strategy, and integration of departmental efforts. Key entities within Georgia’s defense infrastructure organizational model, such as the Department of Defense Sustainability, the J-4 Logistics Planning Department, and the Command for Logistics Support of the Troops, are illuminated to underscore their pivotal roles in fortifying the country’s defense capabilities. Concluding with the identification of key areas for improvement in Georgia’s defense infrastructure organization, the article outlines recommendations encompassing organizational structure, international operations, responsibilities and focus, modernization and strategy, and integration of departmental efforts. By aligning Georgia’s defense infrastructure with international best practices, the nation can enhance security, contribute to regional stability, and actively participate in global security efforts. In essence, this article serves as a strategic guide for Georgia, offering a roadmap to fortify its defense infrastructure in a rapidly changing world. Through a synthesis of global insights and tailored recommendations, Georgia can position itself as a resilient and adaptable force, safeguarding national interests and contributing to a more secure global landscape.

Towards a smart hospital: Smart infrastructure integration

In today’s business world, digital technologies have become vital for implementing processes in any company, including the healthcare industry. By utilizing the latest technologies to collect, process, analyze, and transmit data through smart devices and IT infrastructure, it is possible to implement trends in medicine as a value approach, personalization, predictability, and participation. Considering these trends, it is necessary to develop a methodology for creating a management system for medical organizations that can comprehensively and interconnectively develop various elements of the system. This includes business process systems, information systems and application architectures, hardware, and "smart" medical equipment that can fully participate in hospital information exchange. These elements should be developed within a single model. An architectural approach can be used to create a model of a medical organization. This paper examines the integration of smart infrastructure in medical organizations, develops requirements for smart infrastructure services, and creates architectural models based on the findings and requirements. Architecture models were developed for the following elements of the Smart Infrastructure: smart wards, wearable devices and telemedicine stands as the most necessary elements in everyday healthcare. The key discovery of the study is the architecture models of the mentioned elements and their integration with the medical organization IT architecture, described in the form of visual models and data exchange tables. The proposed models can be used both for further research or for practical implementation as the reference models to check up and adopt to each individual case. The solutions proposed in the paper give an example of open innovation philosophy, as they are developed on the basis of open information about the innovation activities of various medical organizations, and, at the same, time the results themselves are openly published and open for adaptation by the scientific and practicing medical community.

The future of pharmacy work: How pharmacists are adapting to and preparing for technology infusion

BackgroundThe pharmacy sector is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, presenting challenges and opportunities for pharmacists. However, limited literature exists on the future of pharmacy work, especially concerning technology adoption. ObjectiveThis exploratory study investigates pharmacists' perspectives on the impact of technologies on the profession - including career security, role evolution, adjustments to changes - and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technology implementation and the broader future of work in pharmacy. MethodA cross-sectional survey design was used, targeting all registered pharmacists in New Zealand. A questionnaire, adapted from Future of Work literature, was piloted and distributed to 3037 pharmacists. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-step hierarchical analysis, and content and thematic analysis. Ethics approval was obtained. Results177 responses met the inclusion criteria, yielding a 5.82% response rate. Respondent demographics included a lower proportion of community pharmacists and individuals of Asian ethnicity, but a higher proportion of males and hospital pharmacists compared to the national workforce. Most respondents were aged between 30 and 59 years, representing all District Health Board locations.Qualitative analysis identified two themes: 1) Factors affecting technology adoption across macro, meso and micro levels, including COVID-19's impact on work efficiency, regulatory gaps, fragmented IT and organizational infrastructures, patient safety, and attitudes at workforce and individual levels; 2) Career impacts, highlighting role expansion, job replacement fears, and the need for adaptation and upskilling. Quantitative findings indicate that early technology adopters are more prepared to learn new skills and plan their careers. Technology impact positively correlates with career planning, while job loss concerns negatively affect skill development readiness. ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of early technological adoption for readiness to acquire new skills and career planning in pharmacy. Embracing technological change, supported by regulatory and policy frameworks, is crucial for advancing the profession.

Exploring supply chain infrastructures for supply chain innovation: the roles of supply chain transformational leadership, supply chain collaboration and entrepreneurial emphasis

ABSTRACT Supply chain (SC) innovation is crucial for organisations to gain competitive advantage, limited research has investigated the core factors that facilitate member participation in SC innovation practices. Drawing on the ‘Context – Drivers – Sources of advantage – Positional advantage’ framework, we posit that SC transformational leadership, as a SC organisational infrastructure, is a critical driver of SC innovation. SC collaboration as a key inter-organisational infrastructure, is a source of advantage, explaining the effect of SC transformational leadership on SC innovation. We also examine the boundary condition that maximise the effectiveness of SC transformational leadership and SC collaboration, demonstrating the driving role of entrepreneurial emphasis. Based on survey data from 288 Chinese machinery manufacturing firms, we utilised structural equation modeling and interaction analysis to validate our hypotheses. The research findings provide empirical evidence supporting our viewpoints, contributing to the existing literature and offering practical guidance for firms’ SC innovation management practices.

Organizational Infrastructure and Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Alignment in Construction Organizations

Organizational Infrastructure and Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Alignment in Construction Organizations

Ending the HIV Epidemic in Metropolitan Atlanta: a mixed-methods study to support the local HIV/AIDS response.

Four counties within the Atlanta, Georgia 20-county eligible metropolitan area (EMA) are currently prioritized by the US "Ending the HIV Epidemic" (EHE) initiative which aims for a 90% reduction in HIV incidence by 2030. Disparities driving Atlanta's HIV epidemic warrant an examination of local service availability, unmet needs and organizational capacity to reach EHE targets. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of the Atlanta EMA to examine geographic HIV epidemiology and distribution of services, service needs and organization infrastructure for each pillar of the EHE initiative. We collected 2021 county-level data (during June 2022), from multiple sources including: AIDSVu (HIV prevalence and new diagnoses), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web-based tools (HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] locations) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (HIV testing, PrEP screenings, viral suppression and partner service interviews). We additionally distributed an online survey to key local stakeholders working at major HIV care agencies across the EMA to assess the availability of services, unmet needs and organization infrastructure (June-December 2022). The Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change questionnaire assessed the organization climate for services in need of scale-up or implementation. We found racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in HIV disease burden and service availability across the EMA-particularly for HIV testing and PrEP in the EMA's southern counties. Five counties not currently prioritized by EHE (Clayton, Douglas, Henry, Newton and Rockdale) accounted for 16% of the EMA's new diagnoses, but <9% of its 177 testing sites and <7% of its 130 PrEP sites. Survey respondents (N = 48; 42% health agency managers/directors) reported high unmet need for HIV self-testing kits, mobile clinic testing, HIV case management, peer outreach and navigation, integrated care, housing support and transportation services. Respondents highlighted insufficient existing staffing and infrastructure to facilitate the necessary expansion of services, and the need to reduce inequities and address intersectional stigma. Service delivery across all EHE pillars must substantially expand to reach national goals and address HIV disparities in metro Atlanta. High-resolution geographic data on HIV epidemiology and service delivery with community input can provide targeted guidance to support local EHE efforts.

The “Son of Providence” – Some Background to the Episcopal Consecration of Áron Márton in the Transylvanian Press of the Time

The consecration of Áron Márton as bishop was an unusual event in the life of the parish of Cluj-Napoca. His attachment to the parish and the organization of the ecclesiastical infrastructure of Cluj-Napoca led Áron Márton to be consecrated Bishop of Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár) on 12 February 1939 in the Church of St Michael in Cluj-Napoca. Áron Márton’s appointment as bishop was preceded by his appointment as apostolic administrator. He had to take over the governance of the Diocese of Alba Iulia under difficult circumstances, as the Dutch loan was a heavy burden on the parish of St Michael in Cluj-Napoca. The press releases preceding and accompanying the consecration of a bishop carefully cover the events leading up to, during, and following the consecration. In the first part of my short study, I will focus on some of the interesting press releases that preceded the consecration of Áron Márton as bishop, as well as on the major events of the days immediately preceding the consecration, and then briefly describe the consecration and the receptions and greetings that followed. Keywords: Áron Márton, episcopal ordination, press, Cluj-Napoca, St Michael parish

Facility characteristics preferred by older men seeking medical male circumcision services in Kenya: qualitative findings from the ‘Tasco’ study (May 2014-June 2016)

Primary healthcare facilities are central to the implementation of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as points of access to integrated health services in line with the Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework II (2020/21-2024/25). Knowledge of factors that explain men’s uptake of VMMC and sexual health services at these facilities and preferences of where to get the services remain poorly understood. Using qualitative methodologies, we examined factors that determined facility choice for VMMC services and reasons for preferring the facility among men aged 25–39 years who previously underwent VMMC. The current study draws from focus group discussion interviews with circumcised men and their partners conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial to assess impact of two demand creation interventions in western Kenya. This involved 12 focus group discussions (FGD) with 6–10 participants each. Six FGDs were conducted with circumcised men, and 6 with their sex partners. Thematic issues relevant to a predetermined framework were identified. The themes were organized as follows: service availability, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness and, acceptability. Facility location, physical layout, organization of patient flow, infrastructure, and service provider skills were the outstanding factors affecting the choice of VMMC service outlets by men aged 25–39 years. Additionally, preferences were influenced by individual’s disposition, attitudes, knowledge of VMMC services and tacit balance between their own recognized health needs versus desire to conform to social-cultural norms. Facility choice and individual preference are intricate issues, simultaneously involving multiple but largely intra-personal and facility-level factors. The intrapersonal dimensions elicited may also reflect differential responses to strategic communications and demand creation messages with promotion and prevention frames.

Enhancing Metaward: Integrating Digital Forensic Readiness in the Metaverse

As virtual currencies gain traction as rewards and with the evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work environments, the need for adaptive and comprehensive reward systems becomes imperative. This research builds upon the foundation laid in prior studies, focusing on the integration of Digital Forensic Readiness (DFR) into the Metaward reward model, within the Metaverse. However, as more individuals engage with and use the Metaverse, it is crucial to implement DFR to the Metaverse. The problem of this research is the absence of DFR processes integrated into the Metaverse, particularly within the context of the Metaward reward system. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity and digital forensics (DF) in organizational operations, the integration of such measures aims to enhance the security and integrity of the Metaward model. This enhancement aims to ensure a proactive and effective response to potential security incidents, while maintaining the integrity of digital evidence. This research employs a comprehensive methodology, encompassing literature review, analysis of DF measures, and the development of an extended conceptual model. By considering factors such as the security implications of virtual currencies, incident response capabilities, and proactive DF measures, the study seeks to provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of this augmented reward model. The proposed model acknowledges the significance of balancing motivation and engagement with the imperative need for robust DFR. It explores potential synergies between these seemingly different elements, aiming to create a reward system that not only motivates employees but also ensures the resilience and security of the organizational digital infrastructure. This study's findings hold promise for organizations navigating the complex terrain of modern work paradigms, offering a strategic approach to bolstering employee motivation, engagement, and DFR. The conclusion reflects on the implications of the proposed integration and outlines avenues for further research in the dynamic intersection of virtual currencies, reward systems, and DF.

InnoVATIVeneSS OF THE UKRAINIAN EConoMY on THE WAY to THE EU

The article is devoted to the assessment of the level of innovativeness of the Ukrainian economy in comparison with the innovativeness of the economies of the European Union countries based on the Global Innovation Index 2023 and the justification of ways to increase it in the course of advancing to full membership in the EU. In the course of the study, the hypothesis that there is a close connection between the level of the country’s development, which is measured by the GDP per capita indicator in the model, and the absolute value of the global innovation index was confirmed (correlation coefficient is 0.868). However, Ukraine, which belongs to the group with a below-average GDP per capita indicator, is ahead of more than 30 countries with high and above-average GDP per capita indicators according to the Global innovation index. This strengthens the hope that the creation of the necessary conditions for the realization of innovative potential will be able to accelerate economic growth and lead to a significant increase in GDP in the post-war period. The comparison of the global index of innovativeness of Ukraine with the similar indicator of the EU countries carried out in the article showed a certain lag of our country, which arose in recent years, which can be explained by Russian aggression. However, this lag is not fundamental and can be overcome in a short time. Moreover, among the candidate countries for joining the EU, Ukraine ranks among the top three in terms of innovativeness. Therefore, such a lag should not become an obstacle on the way to the EU. A more detailed analysis of individual indicators that form the global index of innovativeness revealed significant heterogeneity of the innovative environment of the Ukrainian economy, because its rating according to these indicators ranges from 1 to 130. Ukraine’s achievements in performance indicators, which are calculated in relation to GDP, are quite good, which once again confirmed the conclusion that there is a disproportion between the potential and actual volumes of production. The biggest lag is recorded in the indicators related to the business environment, its stability and the legal norms that regulate it. A serious problem for Ukraine is the lack of market and organizational infrastructure. These issues should become the object of special attention of the state on the way to the EU.

Analisis Manajemen Sarana dan Sarana pada SMAS Pertiwi Medan

In the field of education or within the scope of school facilities and infrastructure management is an important factor in creating an ideal and effective learning environment for students at school. With the planning, procurement, organization, use, and elimination of educational facilities and infrastructure, all these aspects are interrelated and affect each other. This procedure needs to be done carefully and precisely in order to create efficient and effective conditions within the school environment. Facilities and infrastructure in its implementation will be a good resource for students and teachers if managed properly will have a positive impact on both parties to create an attractive learning environment and increase student success. This study aims to determine how the management of facilities and infrastructure carried out by the school in SMAS Pertiwi Medan, whether the facilities and infrastructure in the school meet the criteria for good management of educational facilities and infrastructure. The method in this study uses qualitative research methods. From the results of the study, researchers found that in the management of facilities and infrastructure at SMAS Pertiwi Medan school has been adequate to be categorized as a school that has effective and good management of facilities and infrastructure for students in the school.This can be seen from the results of observations made by researchers in terms of existing buildings in the school, complete classrooms, libraries, laboratories, sports halls, and can be seen in areas outside the school such as vehicle parking facilities and also school canteens, this can increase student learning motivation by having adequate facilities and infrastructure for learning in SMAS Pertiwi Medan.

Sarbecovirus disease susceptibility is conserved across viral and host models

BackgroundThe introduction of nursing associates in England (UK) in 2017 as a professional ‘bridging’ role aimed to mitigate chronic staffing shortages, enable career progression of healthcare assistants and release registered nurses to provide more complex care. Limited evidence exists about the alignment between the identity and purpose of nursing associate roles described by the UK independent regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and the expectations, obligations and team dynamics encountered in practice. PurposeInvestigate the perceptions of nursing associate roles through the views and experiences of role holders, registered nurses and healthcare assistants. SettingTwo National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trusts in London, England (UK). MethodsFor this registered service evaluation, data were collected via in-person, semi structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were coded inductively. An adapted framework analysis method, suitable for use with Excel, was applied to support the identification of cross cutting themes. We used the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist for this study. ResultsEleven registered nurses, five nursing associates and five healthcare assistants participated. Their experiences seldom reflected the policy vision of the nursing associate role in practice. Several likened the nursing associate role to the fable of the ‘Emperor's New Clothes’ in which expectations and reality diverge. With this defined as the over-arching theme, four sub-themes were identified: (1) preparedness of organisational infrastructure to support this role; (2) credibility of the role in practice; (3) perceived organisational “blindness” to the ambiguities of the role and (4) increasing task orientation and segmentation in care delivery. ConclusionThere is a discrepancy between the identity of the nursing associate role as imagined in the policy agenda and its reality in practice. There is a need for more protected and well-defined training, clear role boundaries and accessible career progression pathways. Moreover, honest dialogue at an organisational and policy level must continue, so that the challenges and opportunities of the NA role are properly realised

‘The Emperor's new clothes?’ Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the nursing associate role in two UK National Health Service hospitals: A qualitative interview study

BackgroundThe introduction of nursing associates in England in 2017 as a professional ‘bridging’ role aimed to mitigate chronic staffing shortages, enable career progression of healthcare assistants and release registered nurses to provide more complex care. Limited evidence exists about the alignment between the identity and purpose of nursing associate roles described by the UK independent regulator, the Nursing & Midwifery Council, and the expectations, obligations, and team dynamics encountered in practice. PurposeInvestigate the perceptions of nursing associate roles through the views and experiences of role holders, registered nurses, and healthcare assistants. SettingTwo British National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trusts in London, England (UK). MethodsFor this registered service evaluation, data were collected via in-person, semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were coded inductively. An adapted framework analysis method, suitable for use with Excel, was applied to support the identification of cross cutting themes. We used the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist for reporting this study. ResultsEleven registered nurses, five nursing associates, and five healthcare assistants participated. Their experiences seldom reflected the policy vision of the nursing associate role in practice. Several participants likened the nursing associate role to the fable of the ‘Emperor's New Clothes’ in which expectations and reality diverge. With this over-arching theme, four sub-themes were identified: (1) preparedness of organisational infrastructure to support this role; (2) credibility of the role in practice; (3) perceived organisational “blindness” to the ambiguities of the role and (4) increasing task orientation and segmentation in care delivery. ConclusionThere is a discrepancy between the identity of the nursing associate role as imagined in the policy agenda and its reality in practice. There is a need for more protected and well-defined training, clear role boundaries, and accessible career progression pathways for nursing associates. Moreover, honest dialogue at an organisational and policy level must continue, so that the challenges and opportunities of the nursing associate role are properly realised. Tweetable abstractEmperor's new clothes! Experiences and views of new nursing associate roles in NHS (UK) acute hospitals @CarolynSpring3.