Updating the UK competence framework for orthopaedic and trauma nurses 2019

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
• Nursing Professional Development

Background:

• The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) framework for orthopaedic and trauma practitioners has undergone revisions in 2005, 2012, and most recently in 2019.
• The development of the 2019 framework involved a two-year project with a working group representing all UK nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update and restructure the RCN Competence Framework for orthopaedic and trauma practitioners.
• To create a contemporary document, easily cross-referenced with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2018).
• To provide a practical tool for professional development and revalidation.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative effort by expert musculoskeletal practitioners from across the UK.
• Inclusion of allied health professionals and practitioners working across the lifespan.
• Reformatting existing content and integrating new evidence.

Main Results:

• Publication of the updated RCN Competence Framework in 2019.
• The framework is applicable to all UK National Health Service (NHS) pay bands.
• Inclusion of a learning contract example for practical application.

Conclusions:

• The 2019 framework is a contemporary, evidence-based resource for orthopaedic and trauma practitioners.
• It supports self-learning and the revalidation process.
• The paper reflects on the development process and outlines future evaluation plans.