EVALUATING THE CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST ROLE IN CHILD HEALTH

This is a summary: the full paper can be accessed atnursingtimes.net

McArthur, Liz MSc, BSc, RSCN
Flynn, Alison BA, RN (child), RGN

Liz McArthur, MSc, BSc, RSCN, is clinical nurse specialist in paediatric pain and sedation; Alison Flynn, BA, RN (child), RGN, is clinical nurse specialist in ENT; both at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool.

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 104(33):p 28-29, August 19, 2008.

ABSTRACT

McArthur, L., Flynn, A. (2008) Evaluating the clinical nurse specialist role in child health. Nursing Times; 104: 33, 28-29.

The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role aims to improve patient care and develop services. Gaining the views of service users is a vital part of the role. This study aimed to evaluate CNS services provided to children and their families in a paediatric trust. A group of CNSs in a surgical directorate undertook an audit.

Parents, children and young people reported high levels of satisfaction with the nurses. Parents highlighted their good communication skills and high level of professionalism. Those areas identified less positively by parents and children included accessibility, equity of service provision and variable information resources. This audit showed that one-to-one contact between children, families and the nurses was considered by service users to be the most valuable part of CNS work.