Quality care process metrics for nurses working in general practice, mapping the evidence: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Primary Healthcare
• Nursing Practice
• Health Services Research

Background:

• General practice nursing roles in Ireland have expanded significantly, mirroring international trends.
• Despite advancements, a comprehensive evaluation of the general practice nurse (GPN) role is lacking.
• Robust data collection methods are needed to assess GPN roles and guide service development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and map existing literature on the development and implementation of nursing quality care process metrics (QCP-Ms) in general practice settings.
• To inform the future development and implementation of QCP-Ms for Irish GPNs.
• To provide a foundation for enhancing primary healthcare nursing services.

Main Methods:

• A five-stage scoping review methodology (Arksey and O'Malley) will be employed.
• The review will adhere to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
• Literature search will focus on QCP-Ms within general practice and primary healthcare contexts.

Main Results:

• This scoping review is the initial phase of a project focused on GPNs in Ireland.
• It will synthesize international literature on nursing QCP-Ms and their application in primary care.
• The review will identify current practices and potential challenges in developing and implementing QCP-Ms.

Conclusions:

• The review specifically addresses QCP-Ms for measuring general practice nurse work.
• Findings will offer insights into the development and use of nursing metrics in primary care.
• The anticipated results will guide policymakers and healthcare professionals in strengthening primary healthcare delivery.