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Interprofessional practice and learning disability nursing
1Portsmouth Institute of Medicine, Health and Social Care, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|December 23, 2003
Summary
Registered learning disability nurses (RLDNs) facilitate interprofessional collaboration in long-term support for individuals with learning disabilities. Their practice involves navigating complex health and social care boundaries amid economic pressures.
Area of Science:
- Health Sciences
- Social Care
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Recent policy shifts have redefined health and social care boundaries for learning disability services.
- Interprofessional and interagency collaboration is now central to professional working relationships.
- Economic pressures can lead to resource-led rather than needs-led services, causing fragmentation and professional tension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives of registered learning disability nurses (RLDNs) on interprofessional practice.
- To investigate the role of RLDNs in the long-term support of people with learning disabilities.
- To identify key roles and practice knowledge within learning disability nursing.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed for the research.
- A small-scale research study was conducted.
- Descriptive analysis focused on individual practitioners' experiences.
Main Results:
- The study identified key roles performed by RLDNs.
- Significant practice knowledge held by learning disability nurses was documented.
- Practitioners' accounts provided insights into interprofessional practice.
Conclusions:
- RLDNs play a crucial facilitative role in meeting healthcare needs across health and social care boundaries.
- Understanding RLDN experiences is vital for effective interprofessional practice in learning disability support.
- The findings highlight the unique knowledge and skills of learning disability nurses.