Application of social science on cardiorespiratory specialist courses

This paper draws on experience of introducing social and behavioural science in the specialist curriculum in cardiorespiratory nursing. There is a tendency for some to see cardiorespiratory care as 'high-tech' with the focus on acute care in hospital. However, health promotion and education are key issues and with an increasing number of individuals with chronic cardiac/respiratory disorders, the nurse's enabling role in promoting self-management is essential. It is in these areas where social and behavioural science is particularly relevant. Such a perspective should not be relegated to pre-registration programmes and this paper will argue for the application of social and behavioural science on specialist clinical courses.