General practice nursing: the views and experience of practice nurses and GPs in one county

Slaintecare, the Irish government's plan for the coming decade, relies heavily on integrated, team-based care in the community to achieve its goals. General practice nursing is a key component of that care, both now and in the future, but little is known about the experience and views of those providing this service. This preliminary study is part of a wider national project on teamworking in primary care.

To document the experiences and views of practice nurses (PNs) and general practices in a single county of Ireland, in relation to current and future roles.

Confidential questionnaires sent to all practices and all practice nurses in the county.

Overall, 28/35 (80%) practices and 36/59 (61%) PNs responded; most PNs work part-time. Almost all practices have PNs; in 93% of practices, patients can see the PN without referral by the GP and there is very good concordance between practices and PNs about the wide range of tasks undertaken. Ninety-four percent of practices and 81% of PNs rated an expanded role for PNs as high or highest priority; barriers identified by both groups were financial and indemnity issues.

Practice nursing contributes extensively to general practice, and an expansion of the role is advocated by PNs and practices.