The Intensive Care Unit liaison nurse: towards a clear role description

In Australia, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) liaison nurses, have recently emerged as a group of nurse practitioners whose goal is to enhance the transition from the ICU to the ward. Internationally, there has been little uniformity in the roles or functions undertaken by these specialist nurses, a factor that has made evaluation of the role difficult. In order to develop a clearer role description that could be used to test for effectiveness, this paper reports on a qualitative study of the context, and activities undertaken by the six known ICU liaison nurses in Australia. Using a naturalistic inquiry approach, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with six ICU liaison nurses by one interviewer. Thematic analysis was undertaken. System demands and professional interest were the two categories that emerged within the domain of historical development. The structure of the role included its focus, practice guidelines and professional relations and reporting mechanisms. The activities of the liaison nurse role included staff education and support; ward assessment and liaison; patient care and support; and family education and support. By clearly articulating new roles as they emerge, opportunities arise for all professional groups to work together to assimilate, test and further develop the directions and activities of the new roles.