An infection control link nurse network in the care home setting

Link nurse groups or networks are used to enhance practice at clinical level (Cooper, 2001), improve the collaboration and education of nursing staff (MacArthur, 1998) and, therefore, have an effect on patient care. The use of link nurse networks is widespread and applied to a range of nursing specialties, particularly in acute settings. Reference in the literature to link nurse networks in nursing homes is very limited, despite their existence. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of link nurse networks and the link nurse role as described in the literature. In addition, comparisons are made with an established infection control link nurse network in North Wales nursing homes. The article describes the assessment of the North Wales network using an audit cycle. The efficacy of link nurse networks is rarely considered; however, the process of audit can enable the evaluation of the link nurse network in relation to staff education, monitoring of infection control practice and dissemination of information.