Prof. Jennifer Chipps (School of Nursing)

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https://hdl.handle.net/10566/1657

Prof. Jennifer Chipps
Position:	Associate Professor
Department:	School of Nursing
Faculty:	Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Qualifications:	BSc Nursing Hon (WITS, South Africa)
	BSc Psychology Hon (UNISA, South Africa)
	Grad Dip Nursing Administration (WITS, South Africa)
	Grad Dip Nursing Education (WITS, South Africa)
	Masters in Public Health (UNSW, Australia)
	Grad Dip Applied Epidemiology (VETAB, Australia)
	PhD (Telemedicine) (UKZN, South Africa)
	My publications in this repository
Tel:	+27 21 959 3923
Fax:	+27 21 959 2679
Email:	jchipps@uwc.ac.za

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 36

Technology-assisted communication in older persons in a residential care facility in South Africa
(SAGE Publications, 2017) Chipps, Jennifer; Jarvis, Mary Ann
Relocation to residential care facilities by older persons (60þ) can decrease their social connectedness with their primary networks. The purpose of the study was to identify the use and acceptance of technology-assisted communication to increase social connectedness in older persons (N = 103) in an urban residential care facility in South Africa. The research design was a non-experimental quantitative descriptive survey using self-administered questionnaires based on the Technology Acceptance Model. All residents were included in the study. Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness and Attitude scales were calculated and the Behavioural Intention for technology use was measured. Participants with the highest Behavioural Intention were residents in their first year of relocation, younger participants (60–74 years), divorced participants and participants with higher educational qualifications. Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness were low and were directly correlated. Perceived Ease of Use contributed significantly towards Attitudes concerning technology use. The overall Behavioural Intention for technology use was good (60/75) and the Technology Acceptance Model pathway was confirmed using Structural Equation Modelling. Video chat offered greatest appeal for future use.
Depression in older adults: prevalence and risk factors in a primary health care sample
(MedPharm Publications, NISC (Pty) Ltd and Informa UK Limited, 2017) Padayachey, U.; Ramlall, Suvira; Chipps, Jennifer
BACKGROUND: Depression in the geriatric population has been identified as a significant problem in view of the associated negative outcomes regarding poor functioning, increased perception of poor health and increased utilisation of medical services. Significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, depression has been found to be an independent cause of disability as well as adding to disability due to primary physical illnesses. Early identification and treatment of depression reduces medical costs and lessens caregiver burden. Epidemiological data and prevalence rates of geriatric depression in Africa are limited, although such data are vital to mobilise and plan government mental health initiatives aimed at screening and early intervention. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of depression and associated clinical and socio-demographic factors amongst older adult patients attending a primary health care clinic in the Ethekwini District in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. METHODS: The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and a socio-demographic questionnaire were administered in English to 255 geriatric outpatients, randomly selected, at a local community clinic in Durban. DATA ANALYSIS: Data were analysed using SPSS version 23®. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the sample demographics and response rate and non-parametric statistics were used to test for associations and differences. RESULTS: A Cronbach’s alpha for the GDS was calculated (p = 0.793). Some 40% of participants screened positive for depression. Female gender, widowhood and a negative subjective health status rating were significantly associated with depression and marriage appeared to be protective (p < 0.001). Participants with a poor subjective health rating were 21 times more likely to be depressed and widowhood conferred an almost fourfold increased risk of being depressed, with widows at greater risk than widowers. No association between depression and specific medical conditions was identified. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of undetected depression among the elderly attending a local primary health care clinic with widowhood and poor subjective health being strong predictors of mood disorders. The findings warrant replication in bigger samples.
An evaluation of a multidisciplinary patient centred type 2 diabetes self-management education programme in Edo State, Nigeria
(UNISA Press, 2015) Afemikhe, Juliana A.; Chipps, Jennifer
Diabetes is on the increase globally, especially in African countries. Nigeria in particular has a high prevalence of diabetes type 2. There is evidence that improved type 2 diabetes outcomes are related to self-management and improved health education. The purpose of the research was to pretest whether a structured multidisciplinary patient centred self-management education programme for type 2 diabetes would improve selected primary and secondary diabetes outcome measures. The setting is diabetes outpatient clinics in one tertiary and one secondary health facility in Edo State, Nigeria. The study design is quasi-experimental, a two group before and after study. Two groups of participants (n=28) were selected using quota sampling from alternate day clinic attendances, 15 for the intervention group and 13 for the control group. A multidisciplinary patient centred diabetes self-management education programme was developed and implemented over 5 weeks in October 2014.
The use of synchronous videoconferencing teaching to increase access to specialist nurse education in rural Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
(KM&EL, 2010) Chipps, Jennifer
ABSTRACT: In KwaZulu-Natal more than 50% of the population lives in the rural area but most of the health workers are based in urban centres where teaching hospitals and high incomes are common. Nursing provides the backbone of health care in the public sector. Specialist nurses such as advanced midwives or specialist HIV nurses are in short supply. Teaching via live synchronous videoconference (VC) provides an opportunity to extend specialist education to nurses at rural hospitals. AIM: The aim of the study was to review and evaluate the current use of videoconference education for nurses in KwaZulu-Natal.METHODOLOGY: A review the literature on VC education in nursing using bibliometric review strategies was conducted and two nurses’ education courses conducted via videoconferencing was evaluated against a set of criteria developed and validated by the Department of TeleHealth at the University. RESULTS: 81 publications addressing videoconference nurse education were found, most being published after 2000. Over half were descriptive studies, but were still valuable for informing this study. Based on the evaluation of the two courses against the set of criteria, the two courses were aligned sufficiently well with the measurement criteria. Additionally, the delivery of the courses via videoconferencing allowed for the identification of potential cost savings.DISCUSSION: This evaluation indicates that these two courses have been successfully implemented using VC. In the light of the potential savings of time and money, VC can be used to teach specialist nursing courses to rural nurses. Recommendations to improve the VC courses included orientation training for presenters and encouraging more research regarding the effectiveness of VC as a teaching modality for clinical nurses in rural areas. CONCLUSION: More attention should be given to developing the infrastructure and skills to make this technology available and commonly used in health services in under-resourced public health services and hospitals. Additional research is also suggested.
Sensitivity and specificity of neuropsychological tests for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in a sample of residential elderly in South Africa
(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2014) Chipps, Jennifer; Ramlall, Suvira; Pillay, Basil; Bhigjee, Ahmed
BACKGROUND. Neuropsychological tests can successfully distinguish between healthy elderly persons and those with clinically significant cognitive impairment. Objectives. A battery of neuropsychological tests was evaluated for their discrimination validity of cognitive impairment in a group of elderly persons in Durban, South Africa. METHOD. A sample of 117 English-speaking participants of different race groups (9 with dementia, 30 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 78 controls) from a group of residential homes for the elderly was administered a battery of 11 neuropsychological tests. Kruskal-Wallis independent sample tests were used to compare performance of tests in the groups. Sensitivity and specificity of the tests for dementia and MCI were determined using random operating curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS. Most tests were able to discriminate between participants with dementia or MCI, and controls (p<0.05). Area under the curve (AUC) values for dementia v. non-dementia participants ranged from 0.519 for the digit span (forward) to 0.828 for the digit symbol (90 s), with 14 of the 29 test scores achieving significance (p<0.05). AUC values for MCI participants ranged from 0.754 for controlled oral word association test (COWAT) (Animal) to 0.507 for the Rey complex figure test copy, with 17 of the 29 scores achieving significance (p<0.05). CONCLUSION. Several measures from the neuropsychological battery had discrimination validity for the differential diagnosis of cognitive disturbances in the elderly. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of culture and language on the appropriateness of the tests for different populations.
Technology enhanced learning for remote nurses in KwaZulu-Natal.
(International information management corporation, 2010) Chipps, Jennifer; Mars, Maurice
The paper describes a project at the School of Nursing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban South Africa to increase access to university based education through the use of videoconference specialist education for nurses in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Objectives: To evaluate the perceptions of lecturers and participants on the use of video-conferencing for nurse education. METHODOLOGY: Two surveys were conducted: a perceptions survey with lecturers of the School of Nursing and an initial and second survey with participants of a pilot advanced midwifery education programme conducted by video-conferencing. RESULTS: Both participants and lecturers had very little prior experience of video-conferencing, but felt that it would increase access for rural nurses to high quality specialist education. Concerns were mainly about technical issues in running and conducting the sessions and the application of progressive education strategies using this technology CONCLUSION: Videoconferenced academic specialist nursing programs would provide technology enhanced learning for remote nurses in KwaZulu-Natal, but for optimal use, the presenters need to be trained in the use of VC.
Fluid use in mountain bikers – self-reported practices.
(Health medical publishing group (HMPG), 2007) Rose, S; Chipps, Jennifer; Peters, E
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES. Little is known of the fluid replacement habits of participants in mountain bike (MTB)endurance events. This survey set out to determine the current perceptions and practices of this group of endurance athletes. Method. Four hundred and twelve participants in the 3-day 2006 Sani2C (MTB) race completed questionnaires that elicited information regarding their regular fluid intake practices during competitive MTB endurance events. This included their general approach to fluid replacement, their fluid intake practices (type, amount and frequency), urine output and hydration status. RESULTS. While 70% (N = 290) reported that they based their fluid intake practices on personal past experiences, less than half the group (N = 177, 43%) were aware of official sport-specific guidelines. Although 86% (N = 354) reported making use of commercially available sport-specific drinks, consumption of water alone was reported by 34% of respondents (N = 140). The majority (N = 225, 55%) of the mountain bikers reported drinking every 16 - 30 minutes during an endurance ride, while 35% (N =144) reported drinking every 0 - 15 minutes. Fifty-three per cent (N = 182) of the male respondents and 45% (N= 23) of female respondents reported a routine intake of ≥ 750 ml per hour during endurance rides. This included 2 women who reported regular intakes of between 1 500 and 2 000 ml/hr. Only 7 (2%) reported receiving medical care for dehydration following their participation in previous MTB rides. CONCLUSIONS. This survey indicates that although more than half of the mountain bikers did not acknowledge specific awareness of the official fluid replacement guidelines, over 80% reported drinking regularly during a race, and 52% (N = 212) reported a usual intake of ≥ 750 ml/hr during endurance races. Until scientific studies have carefully examined the hydration status and fluid replacement needs of mountain bikers, MTB cyclists are cautioned against the practice of over-hydrating.
A survey of university students' perceptions of learning management systems in a low-resource setting using a technology acceptance model
(Wolters Kluwer Health Inc, 2015) Chipps, Jennifer; Kerr, Jane; Brysiewicz, Petra; Walters, Fiona
Learning management systems have been widely advocated for the support of distance learning. In low-resource settings, the uptake of these systems by students has been mixed. This study aimed to identify, through the use of the Technology Acceptance Model, the individual, organizational, and technological factors that could be influencing the use of learning management systems. A simple quantitative descriptive survey was conducted of nursing and health science students at a university in South Africa as part of their first exposure to a learning management system. A total of 274 respondents (56.7%) completed the survey questionnaire, made up of 213 nursing respondents (87.7%) and 61 health sciences respondents (25%). Overall, the respondents found the learning management system easy to use and useful for learning. There were significant differences between the two groups of respondents, with the respondents from health sciences being both younger and more computer literate. The nursing respondents, who received more support and orientations, reported finding the learning management system more useful. Recommendations are made for training and support to ensure uptake.
Videoconference-based education for psychiatry registrars at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(OMICS group, 2012) Chipps, Jennifer; Ramlall, Suvira; Mars, Maurice
Objective: Psychiatry registrars form the backbone of specialized psychiatric service provision in South Africa. Medical schools are centralized while clinical services need to be widespread and accessible. Video-conferencing has the potential to link registrars at satellite hospitals with academic centers. The study thus evaluated of the use of videoconferencing in a Psychiatry Education Program delivered via videoconferencing. Method: To evaluate the implementation of the videoconference-based psychiatry registrar program, a pre- and post evaluative design was used. This involved all registrars in the 2008 and 2009 academic education program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Access to education, satisfaction, suitability and costs of the psychiatry registrar education were studied. Results: In the evaluation of the Registrar Program, general satisfaction with the videoconferencing program was reported, though concerns were expressed about the level of interaction using this mode, the quality of the transmitted pictures of the anatomy specimens and the quality of the sound. Access to education was improved with potential cost savings identified. Conclusion: Well supported and planned videoconference-based teaching is a feasible, cost-effective and acceptable method of supporting registrars at sites distant from academic centers.
Suicide mortality in NSW: an introduction to clinical audits.
(CSIRO, 1996) Stewart, Gavin; Chipps, Jennifer; Sayer, Geoffrey
This article is an introduction to the use of clinical audit to identify possible preventive approaches to suicide. We examine the ethical issues, techniques and feasibility of this method for collecting information on suicides. A more detailed report on the practicalities of clinical audit is being prepared3. For more than three decades psychological autopsies and modified psychological autopsies have been employed worldwide to study risk factors for suicide. The term psychological autopsy most commonly refers to interviews with family and friends of the victim to reconstruct the circumstances of the suicide'. Sometimes the term is limited to the determination of the mental state of the individual, and at other times the modified psychological autopsy or clinical audit includes all the investigations relevant to the suicide, including the review of medical records and the physical autopsy4. Clinical audit in this article encompasses both the psychological autopsy and the physical autopsy, and any other relevant investigations. We prefer to use the term clinical audit to stress that interviewing bereaved people requires clinical skills and because attention should be given to the potential role clinical services may play in prevention.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of videoconference-based tele-education for medical and nursing education.
(Wiley, 2012) Chipps, Jennifer; Brysiewicz, Petra; Mars, Maurice
BACKGROUND: Rural nurses and doctors typically have little opportunity to further their education and training. Studies have shown high participant satisfaction with the use of educational technology, such as videoconferencing, for education. A review of effectiveness of videoconference-based tele-education for medical and nursing education was conducted. AIMS The aims of this study were to: (1) systematically review the literature and critique the research methods on studies addressing the review question: “How effective is videoconference-based education for the education of doctors and nurses?” (2) summarize the existing evidence on the effectiveness of videoconference education for medical and nursing staff; and (3) apply the findings to South Africa and other countries across the globe. Methods: Research citations from 1990 to 2011 from cumulative index of nursing and allied health literature, Medline, Pubmed, PsycInfo, EBSCOhost, SABINET, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Registry, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, unpublished abstracts through NEXUS and Internet search engines (Google/Google scholar) were searched. Review methods included searching, sifting, abstraction, and quality assessment of relevant studies by two reviewers. Studies were evaluated for sample, design, intervention, threats to validity, and outcomes. No meta-analysis was conducted as the studies provided heterogeneous outcome data. RESULTS: Five studies were reviewed. Videoconference and face-to-face education is at least equivalent and one study reported an increase in knowledge and knowledge integration. Recommendations: Despite the methodological limitations and heterogeneity of the reviewed studies, there appears to be sufficient evidence of effectiveness to provide a rigorous Grade B evidence-based recommendation of moderate support. Conclusions: The use of videoconferencing for nursing and medical education should be encouraged along with guidelines for the use of videoconferencing. The paucity of studies and the lack of empirical precision in evaluating effectiveness of these interventions necessitate future rigorously designed experimental studies.
A Model for Telepsychiatry for South Africa
(2012) Chipps, Jennifer; Ramlall, Suvira; Mars, Maurice
The access of rural Mental Health Care Users in South Africa to specialist psychiatrists and quality mental health care is currently sub-optimal. Health professionals and planners working in psychiatry lack a well-defined and feasible outreach model to facilitate the delivery of services to remote and rural areas. In response to this challenge, a three-year action research telepsychiatry study was undertaken by the Departments of Psychiatry and TeleHealth at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, to develop a telepsychiatry outreach model based on local research and international evidence. The Model draws on needs and infrastructure assessments of the designated psychiatric hospitals in the province, a review of the published international evidence on telepsychiatry and videoconference-based education, and an evaluation of local clinical and educational telepsychiatry implementations in KwaZulu-Natal. The Model proposed is “virtual”, i.e. not bound to provincial or district referral patterns, aims not to add to the burden on the current workforce and is intended to be integrated into psychiatry outreach services and policy. The Model should be subjected to in situ testing for validation and implementation. It is hoped that an implementation of this Model will improve the access of Mental Health Care Users to specialist psychiatry care.
A survey of cultural competence of critical care nurses in KwaZulu-Natal.
(Health medical publishing group (HMPG), 2014) De Beer, Jennifer; Chipps, Jennifer
BACKGROUND. Nurses are primary caregivers and have a key role in providing care in a culturally diverse healthcare system, such as in South Africa (SA). Nurses need cultural competence in the management of patients within this cultural context. A healthcare system staffed by a culturally competent workforce can provide high-quality care to diverse population groups, contributing to the elimination of health disparities. OBJECTIVE. To describe the self-rated levels of cultural competence of nurses working in critical care settings in a selected public hospital in SA. METHODS. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted with nurses from eight critical care units in a selected public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, using the Inventory to Access the Process of Cultural Competency - Revised (IAPCC-R) cultural competence questionnaire. RESULTS. Nearly three quarters of the critical care nurses scored highest in the cultural awareness range of the cultural competence scale, with nurses from non-English-speaking backgrounds scoring significantly higher in cultural competence than English-speaking nurses. CONCLUSION. In addressing the many faces of cultural diversity, healthcare professionals must realise that these faces share a common vision: to obtain quality healthcare services that are culturally responsive and culturally relevant to the specific cultural group.
Readiness of health-care institutions in KwaZulu-Natal to implement telespsychiatry
(2012) Chipps, Jennifer; Mars, Maurice
We assessed the preparedness of health districts and designated hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province for proposed telepsychiatry services. An e-health readiness questionnaire for developing countries was administered to managers of health districts and managers of designated psychiatric hospitals by telephone interview. Ten of the 11 district managers and managers/medical officers of 45 of 58 designated hospitals were interviewed. Notwithstanding some concerns regarding the tool, low levels of e-health readiness were found. District managers recorded e-health readiness scores of 137–217 out of 300. This was similar to the hospital managers, who recorded readiness scores of 121–260 out of 300. For telepsychiatry to succeed in KZN, an awareness programme will be required to facilitate the necessary change management.
Research in lower middle income countries – recommendations for a national mental health research agenda in South Africa.
(2012) Chipps, Jennifer; Ramlall, Suvira
In the current mental health environment in South Africa, the development of a relevant mental health research agenda poses several challenges. This paper provides a brief overview of the current state of published research in mental health and, using a translation research framework, makes recommendations for five strategic directions to be considered in the development to be considered in the development of a national mental health research agenda.
Role analysis of the nurse/midwives in the health services in Sub-Saharan Africa.
(John Wiley & Sons, 2013) Uys, Leana; Chipps, Jennifer; Kohi, Thekla; Makoka, Dickson; Libetwa, Miriam
AIM : The aim of this paper is to describe the actual current roles and tasks of nurses in Sub- Saharan African health services. BACKGROUND: The current roles of nurses and midwives in the African region of the World Health Organization have not been empirically established, with only two country studies found (South Africa and Mozambique). This makes it difficult to establish whether current nursing education programmes and nursing regulations adequately address the needs in the health services. METHODS: This was a descriptive quantitative study using two survey questionnaires, a 120 task Hospital Questionnaire and a 153 Primary Health Care task questionnaire. Nurses from nine African countries (five Anglophone and four Francophone) completed a hospital or Primary Health Care task questionnaire - a total of 927 respondents from both hospital and Primary Health Care settings. Data was collected between June and December 2010. Results: The highest role functioning in both settings was found in the role “General Care”. The lowest role functioning in both settings was found in the role “Maternal and Child Health” and in “The Provision of Mental Health Care”. The role performance in Anglophone countries was significantly higher than in Francophone countries and this was also reflected in regional comparisons. CONCLUSION: The development of competency in nursing roles other than medical surgical roles (general assessment and care) should receive more attention in curricula. Special attention needs to be given to Francophone countries, where the professions of nursing and midwifery are poorly developed.
Mental health legislation: does it protect the rights of people with mental health problems?
(SU LIS, 2012) Simpson, Barbara; Chipps, Jennifer
The International Federation of Social Work places a concern with human rights and social justice at the core of its definition of social work. Social work values are based on “respect for the equality, dignity and worth of all people” (IFSW, 2000), and social work practice has a special concern for vulnerable and oppressed people. People with mental health problems are amongst the most vulnerable members of society and in South Africa they comprise a considerable proportion of our society. According to the South African Stress and Health Survey (Herman, Steyn, Seedat, Heeringa, Moonal & Williams, 2009), the lifetime prevalence for any mental health problems in South Africa is 30.3% and neuropsychiatric disorders rank third in their contribution to the burden of disease in South Africa (Bradshaw, Norman & Schneider, 2007).
The effectiveness of in-hospital psychosocial intervention programmes for families of critically ill patients - a systematic review.
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2006) Brysiewicz, Petra; Chipps, Jennifer
Background. A review of in-hospital psychosocial intervention studies for families with a relative in a critical care unit was conducted. Purpose of review. To review the literature on studies addressing the topic, discuss research methods critically, describe clinical outcomes and make recommendations for future research efforts. In doing so, empirically tested interventions producing positive outcomes may be applied to support families who have a relative in a critical care unit. Data sources. Research citations from 1991 to 2006 from CINAHL, Medline, Pubmed, PsycInfo, SABINET, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases, Internet search engines and unpublished abstracts through NEXUS were searched. Review methods. Citations were reviewed and evaluated for sample, design, intervention, threats to validity and outcomes. Review studies were limited to those that evaluated in-hospital interventions in family members of patients in a critical care unit. Results. Six studies were reviewed. Positive outcomes were reported for all of the intervention strategies. All but one of the studies reviewed studied small samples and single critical care units, and were poor in design. Conclusions. The paucity of interventional studies and the lack of systemic empirical precision to evaluate effectiveness of these interventions necessitate that future studies be methodologically rigorous.
The effectiveness of cultural competence training for health professionals in community based rehabilitation: a systematic review of the literature.
(Wiley, 2008) Chipps, Jennifer; Brysiewicz, Petra; Simpson, Barbara
Aims: To find and review studies in which investigators evaluated cultural-competence training in community-based rehabilitation settings; critique study methods, describe clinical outcomes, and make recommendations for future research. Background: A review of the effectiveness of cultural-competence training for health professionals in community-based rehabilitation settings was conducted. Data Sources: Research citations from 1991–2006 in CINAHL, Medline, Pubmed, PsycInfo, SABINET, Cochrane, Google, NEXUS, and unpublished abstracts were searched. Methods: Searching, sifting, abstracting, and assessing quality of relevant studies by three reviewers. Studies were evaluated for sample, design, intervention, threats to validity, and outcomes. A meta-analysis was not conducted because the studies did not address the same research question. Results: Five studies and one systematic review were evaluated. Positive outcomes were reported for most training programs. Reviewed studies generally had small samples and poor design. Conclusions/Implications: The paucity of studies and lack of empirical precision in evaluating effectiveness necessitate future studies that are methodologically rigorous to allow confident recommendations for practice.
Suicide mortality in NSW: geographic variation.
(CSIRO, 1995) Stewart, Gavin; Chipps, Jennifer; Sayer, Geoffrey
This is the first of a series of articles on the epidemiology of suicide in NSW. We examine pooled suicide mortality data for Area and District Health Services from the time of the introduction of the ICD9-CM cause of death coding in 1979 to the most current complete year for which death data are available (1992).

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