Activities of Intellectual Disability Clinical Nurse Specialists in Ireland. Issue 2 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doody, Owen; Slevin, Eamonn; Taggart, Laurence
• Is Part Of: Clinical nurse specialist. Volume 31:Issue 2(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: activities -- clinical nurse specialist -- contribution -- intellectual disability -- Ireland -- survey; Nurse practitioners -- United States -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Practice -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/NUR.0000000000000278
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6274

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose/Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the contribution of Irish intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists (ID CNSs) to service delivery. Design: A nonexperimental descriptive design was selected to survey ID CNSs presently working in Ireland. The questionnaire was developed based on focus group interviews, available literature, and expert panel views. Methods: Ethical approval and access were granted to all ID CNSs in Ireland. Thirty-two responded (33.68% response rate) from all work areas (voluntary organizations or health service executive) practicing within residential, community, or school services. Respondents were surveyed across a range of areas (demographic details and support to client, staff, family, organization, community, other agencies, and professional development). Results: Findings identify that ID CNSs are active in all aspects of their roles as clinical specialist, educator, communicator, researcher, change agent, and leader, thus supporting person-centered care and improving service delivery. Conclusions: To meet changing healthcare demands, promote person-centered care, and improve service delivery, the CNS role in ID should be developed and supported. The findings merit a further study on ID CNS role activity, possible variables influencing role activity, and team members' views.