https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63362 2026-04-23T16:02:13Z 2026-04-23T16:02:13Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/44706 2020-11-04T09:11:05Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Factors affecting assertiveness among nurses. Abstract: In Malta, the demand for state health care services is on the increase and expectations are becoming higher than ever. Moreover, nowadays all nurses are qualified with a university degree or diploma, and this in itself explains that the profession of nursing has changed over the past decade. Therefore, as nurses are assuming an increasingly professional role, it is widely recognised that they need to behave in an assertive manner to be more effective. Nursing is the largest workforce at the state-funded hospital in Malta, therefore it is of benefit that this study sought to identify the factors affecting assertiveness among nurses in the local context. This study sought to assess the factors that affect the level of assertiveness among nurses. A mixed method approach was used. This included a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to staff and enrolled nurses (n=300) with a response rate of 73%; two focus group sessions which included nursing officers and deputy nursing officers (n=10); and four interview sessions with top level managers (n=4). Through quantitative research, nursing staff at ward level answered questions about factors affecting their assertiveness with their nursing colleagues, nursing management, medical personnel and ancillary staff. Several statistically significant associations between assertiveness in nurses and demographic factors, as well as with previous qualifications and experiences were found. Moreover, through qualitative inquiry, Ward Managers and Top Level Managers gave their opinion about the assertive behaviour of nurses. Different opinions about the assertive behaviour of nurses emerged. Additionally, nurses highlighted the main obstacles to which they prohibit themselves from using assertive behaviour. Executive Summary The main recommendations were to enhance communication skills and the implementation of training and education programmes on assertiveness with ongoing monitoring so as to further enhance assertiveness among nurses. Description: M.SC.HEALTH SERVICES MANGT.

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/44040 2020-11-04T08:33:59Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The importance of information technology in nursing practice and management of care. Abstract: The use of Information Technology in Health Care has increased drastically especially in the last decade. However, it has been observed that Health Care Providers including nurses are not prepared enough for this evolution. Since nurses are the largest group of Health Care Workers at the local general hospital, they have been selected for this study to try to investigate their current access and use of Information Technology for work-related purposes. This study sought to assess the level of computer use in nurses working at the local general hospital. A quantitative design was used to collect data through a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed amongst nurses working in all units of the local general hospital. A sample of nurses (n=300) were chosen randomly to participate in the study and the response rate was that of 85%. The quantitative survey have made the researcher discover the current level of confidence in Information Technology nurses acquired; the frequency of its use; and also made discover those barriers that prevent nurses from using Information Technology in their everyday working duties. Moreover, current training in Information Technology was discovered together with training needs nurses might have. Data analysis has shown that nurses younger in age are more confident in the use of Information Technology, however in general level of confidence is quite low. Apart from this a relationship between age and access and use of computers have also been discovered, again with younger nurses accessing and using computers more frequently than older nurses. The barriers that have been discovered hindering the use of Information Technology include "other work demands" as the top barrier, indicating that nurses have many other things to do during their daily duties that find little time to use Information Technology. With regards to training, all nurses indicated that they required training in Information Technology, showing that some form of training should be offered to them enhance their confidence in use. This study suggests that nurses need to improve their confidence in the use of Information Technology for work-related purposes and to achieve this they require training. This can be offered to them through a Continuous Professional Development Training Program in Information Technology. To aid nurses further a reduction in workload and improvement of current computer systems is highly suggested. Description: M.SC.HEALTH SERVICES MANGT.

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z