3.2.2 Service users’ views of the nursing contribution to chronic disease management (266)
Alison While, Professor of Community Nursing, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, United Kingdom Co authors: Billie Coomber & Freda Mold
Abstract:
Background:
Government policy is increasing the role of the nurse in chronic disease management. Most users’ views are represented in service satisfaction surveys rather than an examination of the user’s experience of the nursing contribution to their care despite the Government’s emphasis upon the centrality of users’ views regarding all aspects of healthcare.
Aims:
To describe users’ views of the nursing contribution to chronic disease management; and to identify examples of the nursing contribution as recalled by users.
Method:
Four geographically spread participative conferences (Bristol, London, Manchester, Newcastle) were held in 2007. Structured table top discussions were conducted to collect data from users who had diabetes mellitus (n=12); multiple sclerosis (n=9); COPD (n=18) and user representatives (n=2). The users represented various stages of the disease trajectories.
Results:
The users reported variable contributions at diagnosis reflecting the length of their diagnosis when the role of nurses may have been different from today. The nurse role in information giving and psycho-social support was reported across the disease trajectory both with users and their care. Some users identified nurses as providing signposting to other sources of help. The nurse role in providing practical support and advice was acknowledged as enabling self-care. Some users described clinical activities undertaken by nurses such as clinical assessments, undertaking investigations and prescribing. The nursing contribution was viewed positively in terms of improving access to care both through speed of response and sensitivity to individual need, providing reassurance and providing continuity of care. A range of views were expressed regarding what nurses should give up and what nurses should do that they are currently not doing. Specialist nurses were more frequently identified than other nurses.
Conclusions:
The nurse role is highly valued by users. Users’ views also provide important ideas regarding the development of nursing.
Source of Funding: UK - Health Service (National)
Level of funding: 100,001 - 500,000
Biography:
Alison While is Professor of Community Nursing at King’s College London. Over the last 20 years she has undertaken an extensive portfolio of research related to nursing roles. Most recently she has been focusing her research on new nursing roles and chronic illness care. She has also supervised a large of nursing PhDs.