Hilary Piercy

Dr. Hilary Piercy


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

19Years (2008-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 July 2018 in Health & Social Care in the Community
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Hilary PiercyHilary Piercy
Hilary Piercy
SDSally Fowler Davis
Sally Fowler Davis
MDMargaret Dunham
Margaret Dunham
CCCarol Cooper
Carol Cooper
Greater integration of health and social care services is considered vital to ensure sustainable long‐term quality provision for the growing numbers of people living with dementia and their families. Integration of services is at the heart of government policy in England. We evaluated a new integrated service for post diagnostic dementia care, funded as a pilot and delivered through a partnership of statutory and voluntary sector health and social care organisations. The service used an adapted Admiral Nursing service model with a workforce of Admiral Nurses (ANs) and Dementia Advisers (DAs). A mixed method approach was used to assess implementation and outcomes. It involved collection of service activity data, carer reported experience survey data, focus group discussions and interviews with the service delivery team, and the management group. Qualitative data was analysed using a framework approach. About 37.8% of the eligible population registered with the service over the 14‐month pilot period. The self‐referral route accounted for the majority of referrals, and had enabled those not currently receiving specialist dementia care to engage with the service. Carer satisfaction surveys indicated high levels of satisfaction with the service. The caseload management system offered specific benefits. Individual caseloads ensured continuity of care while the integrated structure facilitated seamless transfer between or shared working across AN and DA caseloads. The skill mix facilitated development of the DA role increasing their potential contribution to dementia care. Challenges included managing large workloads and agreeing responsibilities across the skill mix of staff. This model of fully integrated service offers a novel approach to address the problems of fragmented provision by enabling joined‐up working across health and social care.

27 September 2024 in Journal of Clinical Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HBHatice Bulut
Hatice Bulut
SHSharron Hinchliff
Sharron Hinchliff
PAParveen Ali
Parveen Ali
Hilary PiercyHilary Piercy
Hilary Piercy
Aim: The aim of this literature review was to explore women's experiences of their intimate and sexual relationships during menopause.Background: Evidence shows that the menopause transition can be a difficult time for women due to symptoms of menopause. There is little research evidence about how menopause‐related symptoms impact women's intimate and sexual relationships.Method: A qualitative synthesis was carried out on research published between May 2005 and July 2023 using five electronic databases: ASSIA, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science. We also searched Google Scholar and used backward and forward chaining methods to identify results not listed in the databases and ensure that no relevant literature was omitted.Results: Eighteen qualitative studies were included in this review. Six main themes were identified: the meaning of menopause to women in different cultures; factors affecting women's sexual lives; changes in sexual desire and orgasm; talking about sexual issues; women's attempts to overcome the impact of ageing and menopause on their sexual lives; and concerns about partner sexual satisfaction during the menopause.Conclusion: During the menopause transition, women can experience sexual difficulties that have an impact on their lives and intimate relationships. Qualitative studies showed that sexual changes associated with menopause can be difficult to manage and must be viewed in the social and cultural contexts of the women's lives.Relevance to Clinical Practice: The results of this review will be of interest to nurses to assess patient needs while offering health services to women in menopause. In addition, the results can be used to inform education and support programmes for women.Reporting Method: We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the PRISMA‐ScR reporting method. No patient or public contribution was required for this study.

5 December 2014 in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
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Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NRNeelamani Rajapaksa-Hewageegana
Neelamani Rajapaksa-Hewageegana
SSSarah Maria Salway
Sarah Maria Salway
Hilary PiercyHilary Piercy
Hilary Piercy
SSSarath Samarage
Sarath Samarage
In common with other countries, teenage pregnancy is attracting policy attention in Sri Lanka because of the risks it poses to maternal and infant health and social and economic well-being. This study aimed to increase understanding of the context of teenage pregnancy, by (1) describing the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of pregnant teenagers and their partners; (2) exploring whether teenage pregnancies are planned and how they are received; and (3) exploring factors associated with unplanned teenage pregnancy. A population health-register based sample survey was conducted in Badulla District, Sri Lanka. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were administered to two samples: 450 pregnant women aged less than 20 years; and 150 male partners of pregnant women aged less than 20 years. Bivariate statistics described the characteristics and context of teenage pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression explored correlates of unplanned pregnancy. Over 60% of pregnant teenagers and male partners indicated that the current pregnancy was planned; while 79% of pregnant teenagers and 85% of male partners welcomed the pregnancy. Most pregnant teenagers were living within stable and supportive family environments, with 94% reporting that they felt ‘very well supported’. Nevertheless, a sub-group of pregnant teenagers appeared to be vulnerable, reporting unplanned and unhappy pregnancy; factors that were also associated with first intercourse being reported as not wanted. Levels of reproductive and contraceptive knowledge were poor among both pregnant teenagers and male partners. Just 46% of teenagers and 64% of male partners knew that pregnancy was possible at first intercourse. Mothers appear to be an important source of information and support for young women, with peers being reported far less often. Intervention to reduce teenage pregnancy must recognise the normative nature of early childbearing for the majority of girls who currently conceive and their families. Avoiding such pregnancies will require a fundamental shift in life chances such that delaying pregnancy offers significant socioeconomic advantages. Meanwhile, improved provision of contraceptive information and services is needed to support the delay of second pregnancies for young mothers. In addition, strategies to identify and protect those girls who are vulnerable to unwanted sexual activity are needed.

1 December 2017 in Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MGMelanie Gee
Melanie Gee
Hilary PiercyHilary Piercy
Hilary Piercy
KMKatarzyna Machaczek
Katarzyna Machaczek

13 October 2019 in BMC Pediatrics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Hilary PiercyHilary Piercy
Hilary Piercy
MYMildrid Yeo
Mildrid Yeo
SYSufin Yap
Sufin Yap
AHAnthony R. Hart
Anthony R. Hart
Background: Newborn screening has enabled the early diagnosis of Glutaric aciduria type 1, with the possibility of improving neurological outcomes in affected children. Achieving those outcomes requires parents to effectively manage their child’s condition by adherence to a strict dietary regime and responding to situations that may trigger decompensation. The specific information and support needs of this group of parents are unknown. Methods: A focus group with five parents was conducted to gain insights into the information that parents needed and the ways in which they accessed and used information to manage their child’s condition. A topic guide was used to direct the discussion which was recorded and fully transcribed. All participants gave informed consent. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, a structured approach that contributes to transparency and validity of results while allowing the integration of predetermined and emerging themes. To ensure rigour, two researchers were involved in initial coding of data and key analytic decisions. Results: Two main themes were identified. ‘Understanding the condition’ explored parent’s needs to understand the scientific complexity of the condition and to be aware of the worst case scenario associated with loss of metabolic control. ‘Managing the condition’ explained how parents co-ordinated and controlled the involvement of other carers and parents’ need to be active partners in medical management to feel in control of the situation. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of addressing parents’ initial and ongoing informational needs so they can fulfil their role and protect their child from metabolic harm.

1 January 2017 in Global Qualitative Nursing Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Hilary PiercyHilary Piercy
Hilary Piercy
KMKatarzyna Machaczek
Katarzyna Machaczek
PAParveen Ali
Parveen Ali
SYSufin Yap
Sufin Yap
Newborn screening enabling early diagnosis of medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) has dramatically improved health outcomes in children with MCADD. Achieving those outcomes depends on effective management by parents. Understanding parental management strategies and associated anxieties and concerns is needed to inform provision of appropriate care and support. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of parents of children aged 2 to 12 years. Thematic analysis identified two main themes. Managing dietary intake examined how parents managed day-to-day dietary intake to ensure adequate intake and protection of safe fasting intervals. Managing and preventing illness events explored parental experiences of managing illness events and their approach to preventing these events. Management strategies were characterized by caution and vigilance and influenced by a lack of confidence in others to manage the condition. The study identifies the need for increased awareness of the condition, particularly in relation to emergency treatment.