Challenging conventional roles in palliative care

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Service Development

Background:

• The establishment of an in-patient palliative care service in North Humberside in October 1991.
• This service represented a progression from the established Macmillan Nurse Service and hospice day centre.
• The context of developing specialized palliative care within a regional health authority.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the evolution and development of the nurse practitioner role.
• To analyze the integration of advanced nursing roles within an in-patient palliative care setting.
• To provide insights into the professional growth of nurses in specialized care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of the nurse practitioner role.
• Review of service development documentation and nursing practice evolution.
• Case study approach focusing on the North Humberside palliative care service.

Main Results:

• The nurse practitioner role expanded significantly with the introduction of the in-patient service.
• Key responsibilities and skills required for the role were identified and refined.
• The development demonstrated a successful integration of advanced nursing practice in palliative care.

Conclusions:

• The nurse practitioner role is crucial for the effective delivery of in-patient palliative care.
• The development in North Humberside serves as a model for other regions.
• Continued professional development is essential for nurse practitioners in palliative care.