Advice nursing practice: on the quality of the evidence

The primary objective was to review the research regarding advice nursing practice to determine the content areas investigated and the quality of the evidence.

A systematic review of advice nursing research was done in electronic databases, reference lists, and the literature identified by experts (N = 527). After deletion of duplicates and clinical and theoretical articles, full text reviews were done on 62 studies.

Eight thematic content areas were identified: delivery and continuity of care to populations, appropriateness of advice given, patient/provider satisfaction, disposition/utilization after calls, reason for calling, cost analysis, process of decision-making, and documentation. The most frequently investigated subject was delivery/continuity of care (n = 16).

For certain chronic disease populations, interventions using telephone advice for social support, education, and symptom management improve clinical outcomes. Availability and use of protocols and guidelines do not guarantee standardized care or ensure that appropriate advice will be given. Consumer satisfaction with advice nursing is high, and appears to be related to the intervention component of the nursing process. The priority for future research should be given to those studies that describe the character and suitable dose of the nursing intervention that is advice nursing.