Journal of nursing management
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This paper begins by identifying the principles of equity and fairness on which the British National Health Service (NHS) was founded in 1948. It then goes on to summarize the viewpoints of those who more recently have argued that equity is an out-moded, utopian and unachievable concept that should not be applied to the delivery of health care services. A brief review is conducted of the definitions of equity and inequity as these apply to health care. ⋯ The inseparable relationship between equity and the rationing of resources is identified as central to the just distribution of health care. The paper presents evidence that the quasimarket solutions to improved economic efficiency and cost-containment are often in direct conflict with the equity doctrine on which the NHS was created. A brief conclusion how equity principles might be restored to health policy is proffered.
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The morale of nurses is a phenomenon often open to public comment without substantiated evidence. This study objectively explored the morale of nurses in a large district general hospital preparing for transition to National Health (NHS) Trust status. ⋯ The notion of morale being a construct synthesized of nine dimensions adds to the uniqueness of the study. Other studies fail to differentiate between the dynamic morale construct and the more complacent attitudes of job satisfaction.
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An initiative to develop a standard for professional development is outlined. The standard takes a structure, process, outcome format. ⋯ The initiatives may be viewed in the context of PREP, United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (1990) and the Higher Award, English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (1991). The audit of the standard may be a tool to measure 'value for money' used in professional development.
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Nursing care provision has become increasingly complex with the growth of health care systems in recent years. This has resulted in a greater emphasis upon the use of team approaches to providing care. ⋯ The membership of nursing teams and the differences between the type of teams is also examined. The process of team building in nursing teams and the way that induction programmes can play a part in this team building process is also discussed.