The development of a framework for evaluating the impact of nurse consultant roles in the UK

Abstract

Aim To develop a framework to evaluate the impact of nurse consultants on patient, professional and organizational outcomes and identify associated indicators of impact. Background Since nurse consultants were introduced into the UK in 2000, there has been growing interest in demonstrating their impact, although robust evidence of impact is lacking. Existing frameworks for evaluating the impact of advanced practice roles do not cover the four dimensions of the nurse consultant role sufficiently. Design Multiple case study. Method Individual case studies of six nurse consultants in England were undertaken between December 2009–October 2010. Each case study involved interviews with the nurse consultant, healthcare staff, managers, patients and carers. Interviews explored participants' perceptions of the impact of the nurse consultant and indicators of actual and/or potential impact. Data were analysed using framework approach. Findings Three domains of impact of nurse consultant roles were identified: clinical significance, professional significance and organizational significance. Each domain included three to four indicators of impact. All nurse consultants showed some evidence of impact in all three domains although the primary focus varied across the different nurse consultants. Due to the wide diversity in nurse consultant roles there was little commonality in the specific indicators of impact across all nurse consultants. Conclusion The framework for capturing the impact of nurse consultants could be used by researchers and by nurse consultants to demonstrate their impact. Further research is required to assess the suitability of the framework for capturing the impact of other advanced practice roles.

O Estudo De Caso Como Método De Pesquisa Em Enfermagem: Uma Revisão Integrativa

“…46 The single case studies in the field of nursing care / assistance which used the method proposed by Stake were used with groups of nurses and with a multi-professional team. 32,38,45 In multiple cases, 2 they consisted of nurses evaluating the impact of its performance on patients, professionals and the organization, 42 other health professionals and patients and their families. 40 Finally, nursing research in the administration / management field has only used the referential described by Yin, in single or multiple cases.…”

Nurses' consultative role to health promotion in patients with chronic diseases

“…[12] In Gerrish et al 's article, it is stated that nursing consultation is effective in the physical and psychological outcomes of patients. [19] In Chiu and Wong and Dedoncker et al 's study, the experimental group had a significant decrease in blood pressure, and also follow-up program, self-care, healthier life style, and awareness of risk factors had been improved. [3334] Studies show that reduced readmissions, reduced length of hospitalization, and increased communication with community services are the results of nursing consultation, that leads to health promotion and saving costs.…”

“…[3334] Studies show that reduced readmissions, reduced length of hospitalization, and increased communication with community services are the results of nursing consultation, that leads to health promotion and saving costs. [1935]…”

“…[121718] The results of nursing consultation include improving quality of life, satisfaction, awareness, and adherence in patients; preventing and reducing distress, stress, anxiety, and complications; reducing costs and readmission; and also preventing worsening of the disease and mortality. [1219202122] Unfortunately, in Iran, patients do not receive nursing consultation services and this role does not have a real status. Moreover, some nurses in Iran are not familiar with this critical and necessary role.…”

Facilitation skills: the catalyst for increased effectiveness in consultant practice and clinical systems leadership

“…Subsequent studies completed by Kennedy et al (2011) andGerrish et al (2013) have led to the development of an impact framework for consultant nurses through a comprehensive programme of work with in depth case studies. Three domains of impact have been identified -clinical, professional and organisational domains.…”