Abstract
Purpose/Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the contribution of Irish intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists (ID CNSs) to service delivery.
Design: A non-experimental descriptive design was selected to survey ID CNSs presently working in Ireland. The questionnaire was developed based on focus group interviews, available literature, and expert panel views.
Methods: Ethical approval and access were granted to all ID CNSs in Ireland. Thirty-two responded (33.68%response rate) from all work areas (voluntary organizations or health service executive) practicing within residential, community, or school services. Respondents were surveyed across a range of areas (demographic details and support to client, staff, family, organization, community, other agencies, and professional development).
Results: Findings identify that ID CNSs are active in all aspects of their roles as clinical specialist, educator, communicator, researcher, change agent, and leader, thus supporting person-centered care and improving service delivery.
Conclusions: To meet changing healthcare demands, promote person-centered care, and improve service delivery, the CNS role in ID should be developed and supported. The findingsmerit a further study on ID CNS role activity, possible variables influencing role activity, and team members’ views.
Design: A non-experimental descriptive design was selected to survey ID CNSs presently working in Ireland. The questionnaire was developed based on focus group interviews, available literature, and expert panel views.
Methods: Ethical approval and access were granted to all ID CNSs in Ireland. Thirty-two responded (33.68%response rate) from all work areas (voluntary organizations or health service executive) practicing within residential, community, or school services. Respondents were surveyed across a range of areas (demographic details and support to client, staff, family, organization, community, other agencies, and professional development).
Results: Findings identify that ID CNSs are active in all aspects of their roles as clinical specialist, educator, communicator, researcher, change agent, and leader, thus supporting person-centered care and improving service delivery.
Conclusions: To meet changing healthcare demands, promote person-centered care, and improve service delivery, the CNS role in ID should be developed and supported. The findingsmerit a further study on ID CNS role activity, possible variables influencing role activity, and team members’ views.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 89-96 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Clinical Nurse Specialist |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 01 Mar 2017 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- intellectual disability
- nurses
- specialists