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The scope of professional practice in specialist practice
1Department of Nursing and Midwifery, De Montfort University, Leicester.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|September 12, 1996
Summary
The Scope of Professional Practice framework enables nurses, midwives, and health visitors to expand their clinical roles. Evaluating these new roles is crucial for holistic healthcare and reducing junior doctor hours.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- The Scope of Professional Practice (UKCC, 1994a) introduced new opportunities for nurses, midwives, and health visitors.
- Role expansion is a central topic in healthcare, with trusts experimenting with combined medical and nursing roles for holistic care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evolving roles of practitioners in specialist practice.
- To consider the ethical, professional, and legal implications of these role changes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the Scope of Professional Practice initiatives.
- Analysis of the impact of new roles on healthcare delivery and junior doctor hours.
Main Results:
- New roles offer opportunities for professional development and holistic care.
- Innovative practices aim to reduce junior doctor working hours.
- Foundations for role expansion include education, experience, and clinical competency.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for national evaluation of initiatives underpinning the Scope of Professional Practice.
- Ethical, professional, and legal considerations are paramount for developing new practitioner roles.