Scoping the role and education needs of practice nurses in London

Proctor, Susan, Griffiths, Lauren, Fanning, Agnes, Wallman, Lizzie and Loveday, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2259-8149 (2017) Scoping the role and education needs of practice nurses in London. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 18 (4). pp. 316-332. ISSN 1463-4236

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Abstract

Aims: To identify education priorities for practice nursing across eight London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs); to identify the education, training, development and support needs of practice nurses in undertaking current and future roles. Background: The education needs of practice nurses have long been recognised but their employment status means that accessing education requires the support of their GP employer. This study scopes the educational requirements of the practice nurse workforce and working with educational providers and commissioners describes a coherent educational pathway for practice nurses. Method: A survey of practice nurses to scope their educational attainment needs was undertaken. Focus groups were carried out which identified the education, training, development and support needs of practice nurses to fulfil current and future roles. Findings: 272 respondents completed the survey. Practice nurses took part in three focus groups (n=34) and one workshop (n=39). Findings from this research indicate a practice nurse workforce which lacked career progression, role autonomy or a coherent educational framework. Practice nurses recognised the strength of their role in building relationship- centred care with patients over an extended period of time. They valued this aspect of their role and would welcome opportunities to develop this to benefit patients. Conclusion: This paper demonstrates an appetite for more advanced education among practice nurses, a leadership role by the CCGs in working across the whole system to address the education needs of practice nurses, and a willingness on the part of NHS education commissioners to commission education which meets the education needs of the practice nurse workforce. Evidence is still required, however, to inform the scope of the practice nurse role within an integrated system of care and to identify the impact of practice nursing on improving health outcomes and care of local populations.

Item Type: Article
Identifier: 10.1017/S1463423617000093
Additional Information: This article has been published in a revised form in Primary Health Care Research and Development (https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423617000093). This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Cambridge University Press 2017.
Keywords: commissioning, education, focus groups, practice nursing, role, survey
Subjects: Medicine and health > Nursing > Nursing practice
Education > Teaching and learning
Medicine and health
Medicine and health > Primary health
Depositing User: Heather Loveday
Date Deposited: 08 Jun 2017 09:08
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2024 15:52
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/3405

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