Velka Lukic Ms Macedonian Association of Nurses and Midwives , Dame Gruev St . 28 , MK velka . lukic @ gmail . com Valentina Goricanec , Ms Nursing Association Macedonian Association of Nurses and Midwives Skopje , MK v _ goricanec @ yahoo . com Natalija Dechovski PhD Nursing Association Macedonian Association of Nurses and Midwives , Skopje , MK n _ decovski @ yahoo . com
STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF PATRONAGE NURSES IN DETECTION , EARLY RECOGNITION AND INTERVENTION OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFICULTIES
Each year in Macedonia , around 4,500 babies are likely to be born at risk of developmental difficulties and up to 1,000 could have severe problems . Children with developmental disabilities are cared for by families with little support from services , since ัhere is a scarcity of trained professionals with appropriate knowledge or skills . The patronage nursing services are responsible for public health programmes in communities , but have no additional training . Objective : To improve readiness of health system and services provided by the patronage nurses to deliver timely , affordable , accessible and quality care to children with risks and developmental delays and support families . The project is based on holistic approach in care ; fighting stigmatization ; social inclusion ; fostering partnerships . It intervenes in : Legal environment ( development of primary and the secondary legislative framework ); Knowledge and skills , awareness of nurses ' crucial role as service provider , supporter and advocate of the children and families ; Provision of information and guidance to parents Results : - Practice Guidebook for Patronage Nurses is developed - Cascade trainings of all patronage nursesin the country - Education materials for parents are developed - Facilitating national dialogue in development of the draft secondary nurses legislation in the health sector , regulating the scope of work and professional qualifications of patronage nurses Conclusions : The collaboration with local gynecologists , pediatrics and social services is improved . Networks are established with local NGOs and parents ' associations . Knowledge , awareness , skills and confidence of the nurses is increased , providing base for improved care and support to children and their families .
Keywords : Leadership , Children , Community Nursing , Families
Congress Topics : Leading in Complex Originations
66 |