12. An evaluation of the lecturer practitioner (LP) role (385)

Irene Hartigan, Lecturer, School of Nursign & Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Co authors: Elizabeth O'Connell, Mary Hughes, Claire Hayes, Ann Cummins, Brendan Noonan, Patricia Fehin
i.hartigan@ucc.ie

Abstract:

In the U.K. in 1980’s LP’s were introduced as joint appointments to assist organisations to develop creative ways of expanding and sharing specific nursing and midwifery knowledge and skills.

Roles undertaken by LPs were:
• complex and multifaceted 1 but context specific
• LPs have a positive effect on the integration of theory to practice and facilitate enhancing staff knowledge
• The concept of the LPs is new in Irish hospitals. Although not jointly appointed, seven LPs with both academic and clinical responsibilities are employed at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in UCC.

Method:

To examine the impact and scope of the Lecturer Practitioner role in Irish Hospitals. A descriptive design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed to conduct this study. Non-probability purposive sampling allowed the recruitment of 150 participants which included student nurses, staff nurse and clinical nurse managers working in clinical areas where LPs engaged in practice. All participants received a questionnaire to evaluate the LPs role in 3 large teaching hospitals.

Results:

Non parametric data analysis using SPSS continues. Preliminary results from clinical staff yield valuable insight to the role of the LPs. 40% of staff regard LPs as effective in assisting newly appointed staff become competent practitioners and 39% of staff consider LPs as effective in assisting staff apply knowledge to practice. 45% of staff agree that LPs are always available when needed. 58% of staff highlighted that LPs do not spend enough time on the ward yet 56% note that LPs are easy to contact. 87% of staff consider LPs part of the nursing team when in clinical practice. Chi-squared analysis allowed comparison between staff and students opinions.