Should the development of orthopaedic trauma nursing be a priority in low to middle income countries? A scoping...

Traumatic orthopaedic injuries are responsible for 5.8 million deaths every year, with 90% occurring in low to middle income countries. Nursing is an under-utilised resource in global trauma care and little research exists into the availability or training of skilled orthopaedic nurses in low to middle income countries.

This scoping review aimed to summarise and critique the existing body of research to identify if the development and, in some cases establishment, of trauma and orthopaedic nursing should be a priority in low resource settings. The review also aimed to identify any barriers to the advancement of the speciality, and any existing solutions to support nurses' training and development.

A scoping literature search was conducted, searching four databases (ProQuest, Medline, CINHAL and SOLAR) with key words and phrases to identify current literature.

Eleven papers were identified. Key themes included the need to upskill and utilise the existing nursing workforce to provide care to trauma patients.

Significant investment in the development of orthopaedic nursing is needed in low to middle income countries to reduce morbidity and mortality and retain the local nursing workforce.