Families’ perceptions of the contribution of intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists in Ireland
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To explore families' perceptions of the contribution of clinical nurse specialists in intellectual disability nursing in Ireland. BACKGROUND: Clinical nurse specialists roles have developed over the years and are seen as complex and multifaceted, causing confusion, frustration and controversy. 2001 saw the formal introduction of clinical nurse specialists roles in Ireland across nursing including intellectual disability. DESIGN: A exploratory qualitative approach using semistructured one-to-one interviews with 10 family members regarding their perceptions of the clinical nurse specialists in intellectual disability. METHODS: Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Burnard's framework. Ethical approval was gained and access granted by service providers. FINDINGS: The study highlights that intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists contribute and support care deliver across a range of areas, including personal caring, supporting and empowering families, liaison, education and leadership. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical nurse specialists have an important role and contribution in supporting families and clients, and Ireland is in a unique position to develop knowledge regarding specialist care for people with intellectual disability that can be shared nationally and internationally. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Ireland is in a unique position to develop knowledge regarding specialist care for people with intellectual disability that can be shared and adapted by other healthcare professionals in other countries that do not have a specialised intellectual disability nurses.
Source: Journal of Clinical Nursing
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13873
Authors: Owen Doody, Eamonn Slevin, Laurence Taggart
Institutions: University of Limerick, Autism Initiatives, University of Ulster
Language: English
Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2613711580