The contribution of advanced nurses in the UK to the public health agenda : the case of nurse consultants working in safeguarding children roles

Franks, H

Abstract

Aims of the paper
This paper examines the skills, competencies and effectiveness of advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) in relation to the promotion of health and implementation of the public health agenda in the UK. Contrasting the UK Skills for Health (2006), Public Health Careers Frameworks (2008), and the recent position statement on ANP (DH 2010) with the findings from a recent study looking at the role and function of a group of nurse consultants, the paper highlights how ANP contribute to both health promotion and public health outcomes.
Background
ANPs work at a local level but also contribute to research, knowledge and policy creation regionally, nationally and internationally. Because of their seniority, ANPs have the opportunity not only to promote health at an expert level clinically, but also to contribute to wider public health focused health objectives (at organizational and strategic levels) within the public health framework, through their work with individual clients, healthcare organizations and by influencing policy and practice in wider arenas.
Method
A literature search was conducted which identified three main themes underpinning ANP and public health practice: skills, competencies and evidence of outcomes and effectiveness of ANP roles. Data detailing the perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the role were collected from four nurse consultants working in safeguarding children roles in England and six associated stakeholders. This was contrasted with data from the nursing and public health career frameworks (2006, 2008) outlining the competencies of ANPs both in nursing and public health roles.
Findings
The nurse consultants and stakeholders placed emphasis on leading and supervising clinical practice, using their clinical expertise to facilitate change and monitor effectiveness. Within their healthcare organizations they also contributed service-wide to the implementation of public health policy, knowledge, service development and delivery, as well as to wider policy and knowledge development, suggesting that their roles mirror the competencies expected of them and that they generate improved public health outcomes.
Conclusion
ANPs can influence public health practice on many levels and should be supported to enable them to contribute to develop needs led and evidence based local, national and international public health practice and policy development.

Citation

Franks, H. The contribution of advanced nurses in the UK to the public health agenda : the case of nurse consultants working in safeguarding children roles. Manuscript submitted for publication

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Oct 25, 2011
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed