The case for prioritising the improvement of orthopaedic trauma nursing skills in low to middle income countries : a scoping review

Klunder-Rosser, JA

Abstract

Background: Traumatic orthopaedic injuries are responsible for 5.8 million deaths every year,
with 90% occurring in Low to Middle Income Countries. Approximately 6 times as many
people are injured due to trauma than those who die of it, and these injuries are associated
with significant morbidity and disability. The economic impact for individuals and the
countries can be devastating, and skilled nursing care is required to manage and reduce risks
of injuries such as open fractures. Nursing is an under-utilised resource in global health, but
little research exists into the availability of skilled orthopaedic nurses in Low to Middle
Income Countries, or what training in available to support development.
Objectives: This scoping review aims to build upon the scarce body of existing research by
critically discussing existing work and identifying key areas for future research
Methodology: A structured literature search was conducted, searching 3 databases (Medline,
CINHAL and SOLAR) with key words and phrases to identify current literature.
Results: 11 papers identified to meet the search criteria, but only 4 papers specifically on
nursing care. Key themes identified include the need to prioritise nursing education in Low
to Middle Income Countries and upskill and utilise the nursing workforce to competently
provide care to patients with traumatic injuries within their existing capacity.
Conclusions: Significant investment in orthopaedic nursing is needed in Low to Middle
Income Countries to reduce morbidity and mortality from traumatic injuries and retain the
local workforce, but there is considerable need for more research due to a paucity of existing
work.

Citation

Klunder-Rosser, J. (2019, September). The case for prioritising the improvement of orthopaedic trauma nursing skills in low to middle income countries : a scoping review. Poster presented at Royal College of Nursing 2019 International Research Conference, Sheffield

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Royal College of Nursing 2019 International Research Conference
• Conference Location: Sheffield
• Start Date: Sep 3, 2019
• End Date: Sep 5, 2019
• Acceptance Date: May 13, 2019
• Publication Date: Sep 5, 2019
• Deposit Date: Dec 10, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 10, 2019
• Publisher URL: https://www.rcn.org.uk/professional-development/research-and-innovation/research-events/rcn-2019-research-conference
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference