What is it about?
Children’s hospices are caring for increasing numbers of children and young people with complex, life-limiting conditions. This study explored the role and impact of independent nurse prescribers and advanced nurse practitioners working in children’s hospices across the UK. A survey of UK children’s hospices found that advanced nursing roles enable nurses to respond more quickly to changing needs, increase professional autonomy and improve the flexibility of care provided to children and families. The study also examined the challenges faced by nurses working in these specialist roles and the support required to sustain advanced practice.
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Why is it important?
Families receiving hospice care often require timely symptom management and rapid clinical decision-making. Advanced nursing roles, including independent prescribing, enable nurses to act more quickly and reduce delays in care. This can improve family choice, responsiveness and continuity of support. As the complexity of children's palliative care continues to increase, understanding how specialist and advanced nursing practice contributes to service delivery is important for workforce planning, professional development and ensuring families receive high-quality care.
Perspectives
The findings demonstrate that advanced nursing practice is becoming an increasingly important component of children's hospice services. Independent nurse prescribing allows nurses to work more autonomously and provide responsive, family-centred care, while maintaining strong collaborative relationships within multidisciplinary teams. However, advanced practice requires ongoing investment in education, clinical supervision and professional development. Supporting nurses to develop and maintain advanced skills is essential if children's hospices are to continue meeting the complex and evolving needs of children, young people and their families.
Prof Michael J Tatterton
University of Bradford
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Role, Contribution and Impact of Independent Nurse Prescribers and Advanced Nurse Practitioners to the Children's Hospice Workforce, Illness Crisis & Loss, October 2024, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/10541373241282086.
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