The phase 1 data were organized according to the following
three dimensions: structure, process, and outcome. Table 1
displays the results under the dimension of structure. Many of
the nurses had attained postgraduate qualifications and all
had a bachelor’s degree. Most had obtained their specialty
training locally. These nurses were very experienced, with a
mean of 15Æ3–21Æ0 years in general nursing, and 5Æ0–
13Æ6 years in specialty nursing. Seven (20Æ6%) of these nurses
held the rank of RN, while the rest were nurse specialists or
nursing officers. The size of the population served varied,
with diabetes care having the largest clientele and pulmonary
and renal care the smallest. Arrangements for charging for
the services varied, with none of the pulmonary clinics
levying charges to 71Æ4% of the continence clinics charging
fees. Most of the nurses did not have their own budget, but
could request supplies if needed from their respective
supervisors. Over 50% of the nurses received some kind of
help, ranging from clerical support to full-time nursing
support. As for designated clinic space, most of the diabetes
and continence nurses had their own space, and others had to
use whatever clinics were free. For referrals, except for
diabetes (26Æ7%) and continence (14Æ3%) nurses, over 50%
of the incoming referrals were open, meaning that they could
come from all healthcare professionals and even from clients
themselves. However, in referring out, nurses could only refer
clients to services within their own team