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NHS Direct: issues for education, management and research.
E A Glasper1, F Thompson, D Wray
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southampton.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|September 25, 2002
Summary
NHS Direct, a new nurse-led telephone service, faces criticism despite its patient-centered goals. This article examines its impact on nursing education, skill development, and future healthcare pathways.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Education
- Telehealth Services
Background:
- The NHS Plan (2000) emphasizes patient-centered care, highlighting NHS Direct.
- NHS Direct, a nurse-led telephone service, has encountered significant criticism.
- The service is actively developing an evidence base to support its clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the implications of NHS Direct for nursing curriculum development and evaluation.
- To discuss factors influencing NHS Direct, including skill mix and career pathways.
- To examine the broader impact of NHS Direct on nursing practice and research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NHS Direct initiatives and related healthcare policies.
- Analysis of the role of telephone management and interpersonal skills in telehealth.
- Discussion of factors affecting workforce development within NHS Direct.
Main Results:
- Telephone management and interpersonal skills are crucial for effective telehealth nursing.
- Decision support software aids in client history but cannot replace essential communication skills.
- Curriculum development and evaluation must adapt to the evolving needs of nurse-led telehealth services.
Conclusions:
- NHS Direct necessitates a review of nursing education to incorporate specialized telehealth skills.
- Addressing skill mix, career pathways, recruitment, and research is vital for NHS Direct's success.
- The integration of telehealth services like NHS Direct requires a strategic approach to workforce planning and professional development.