Clinical academic careers for general practice nurses: a rapid evidence assessment

2020 ◽  
pp. 174498712095426
Author(s):  
Andrew Bradbury ◽  
Sue Shortland ◽  
Sarahjane Jones ◽  
Fraser Hewett ◽  
and Karen Storey
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Academic Careers ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Organisational Research ◽  
The Uk

Background Clinical academics are health professionals who provide direct patient care alongside engaging in health research. Despite the generally agreed consensus that such roles enhance evidence-based care, availability and uptake has been sporadic in non-medical professions. With no data readily available regarding general practice nurses undertaking clinical academic roles, there is a need to understand the barriers and enabling factors that impact general practice nurses considering or pursuing a clinical academic career. Aims This review aims to address the question ‘What are the barriers and enablers relevant to general practice nurses in the UK pursuing clinical academic careers?’ by providing an overview of the relevant existing literature and drawing out the implications for policy and practice. Methods Literature published in the past 10 years was systematically searched. Using agreed inclusion criteria, papers were first screened on titles and abstracts, with papers included at this stage reviewed as full texts. Results Thirteen papers met the criteria for inclusion. The extraction and synthesis of findings allowed for the development of three themes: roles and responsibilities; embarking on a clinical academic career; and organisational research culture. Conclusions Findings suggest that infrastructure developments are required across higher education institutions and general practice organisations to bring about a cultural change to equip and empower general practice nurses to consider and pursue clinical academic careers.

scholarly journals Clinical Academic Careers for General Practice Nurses: A qualitative exploration of associated barriers and enablers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarahjane Jones ◽  
Andrew Bradbury ◽  
Sue Shortland ◽  
Fraser Hewett ◽  
Karen Storey
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Academic Careers ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Career Pathway ◽  
Professional Attributes ◽  
Organisational Factors

Abstract Background: The delivery of research in healthcare is dependent on a sub-group of clinicians – clinical academics – who concurrently engage in clinical practice and academic activities. The need to increase access to such roles for general practice nurses (GPNs) has been identified, though the need for a robust career framework remains. In order to generate evidence needed to contribute to the development of a career framework, this study aimed to explore the concept of clinical academic careers for GPNs by identifying barriers and enablers associated with pursuing and performing such roles. Methods: GPNs ( n =18) and general practitioners (GPs) ( n =5) engaged in either an audio recorded interview or focus group. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, with transcripts subject to a process of thematic analysis.Results: Four main themes were identified: awareness and understanding; career pathway; personal and professional attributes; and organisational factors. Awareness and understanding of clinical academic careers for GPNs was generally poor. Participants suggested that the career pathway for GPN clinical academics was unclear, though it was generally assumed that such roles were “out of reach” and would require a minimum of Master’s level education. Personal and professional attributes were reported as an interest in research and the confidence to perform such activities, though it was noted these elements should be encouraged during pre-registration training. Organisational factors included the needed for GPN employers to understand the value and benefit of GPN clinical academic roles, along with ensuring that the inevitable competing demands of such a role were appropriately managed. Conclusions: This study highlights the difficulties faced by GPNs wishing to pursue a clinical academic career. Academia is seemingly placed upon a pedestal, emphasising the need to embed research training early on in nursing education in order to alter GPN perceptions that clinical academic roles are unobtainable. Moreover, the development of a robust career pathway for GPN clinical academic roles may have a positive impact on the retention of experienced GPNs and attract newly qualified nurses.

What practice nurses need to know about the NICE chronic kidney disease guidelines

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 468-472
Author(s):  
Peter Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Function ◽  
Practice Nurse ◽  
Nice Guidelines ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Uk

Chronic kidney disease is highly prevalent in the community. Peter Ellis looks at the role of the practice nurse in diagnosing and managing chronic kidney disease in general practice Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as a reduction in kidney function, or damage to kidney structure, which has persisted for greater than 3 months and which is associated with other health-related issues. While there are many causes of CKD, the most prevalent in western societies, including the UK, are diabetes and hypertension. This article identifies the role of the practice nurse in applying the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for CKD.

scholarly journals Why do GPs leave direct patient care and what might help to retain them? A qualitative study of GPs in South West England

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e019849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sansom ◽  
Rohini Terry ◽  
Emily Fletcher ◽  
Chris Salisbury ◽  
Linda Long ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Early Retirement ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
South West ◽  
Career Break ◽  
Medical Litigation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
South West England

ObjectiveTo identify factors influencing general practitioners' (GPs’) decisions about whether or not to remain in direct patient care in general practice and what might help to retain them in that role.DesignQualitative, in-depth, individual interviews exploring factors related to GPs leaving, remaining in and returning to direct patient care.SettingSouth West England, UK.Participants41 GPs: 7 retired; 8 intending to take early retirement; 11 who were on or intending to take a career break; 9 aged under 50 years who had left or were intending to leave direct patient care and 6 who were not intending to leave or to take a career break. Plus 19 stakeholders from a range of primary care-related professional organisations and roles.ResultsReasons for leaving direct patient care were complex and based on a range of job-related and individual factors. Three key themes underpinned the interviewed GPs’ thinking and rationale: issues relating to their personal and professional identity and the perceived value of general practice-based care within the healthcare system; concerns regarding fear and risk, for example, in respect of medical litigation and managing administrative challenges within the context of increasingly complex care pathways and environments; and issues around choice and volition in respect of personal social, financial, domestic and professional considerations. These themes provide increased understanding of the lived experiences of working in today’s National Health Service for this group of GPs.ConclusionFuture policies and strategies aimed at retaining GPs in direct patient care should clarify the role and expectations of general practice and align with GPs’ perception of their own roles and identity; demonstrate to GPs that they are valued and listened to in planning delivery of the UK healthcare; target GPs’ concerns regarding fear and risk, seeking to reduce these to manageable levels and give GPs viable options to support them to remain in direct patient care.

Understanding primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 278-281
Author(s):  
Beverley Bostock
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Primary Prevention ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Risk Reduction Strategies

Cardiovascular disease causes significant morbidity and mortality across the UK. Beverley Bostock looks at the role practice nurses can play in the primary prevention of this condition Nurses working in general practice play an important role in identifying those at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and implementing person-focused risk reduction strategies. The NHS Health Check programme was designed to identify people between the age of 40 and 74 years with risk factors for CVD. Nurses in general practice have a key role to play in encouraging people to attend Health Checks and helping people to understand the potential benefits of CVD risk assessment and reduction strategies. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacological management allow modifiable risk factors to be managed in an evidence-based and person-focused way.

New conversations between old players? The relationship between general practice and social care

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Glasby ◽  
Robin Miller
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
New Research ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – With the advent of Clinical Commissioning Groups, the English health system has abolished more managerially led Primary Care Trusts and given greater responsibilities to groups of local general practitioners (GPs). As with all major changes, this brings both opportunities and risks, and the authors know relatively little about what impact this might have on relationships between the NHS and local government. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to report key findings from a scoping review commissioned by the National Institute of Health Research School for Social Care Research in order to summarise learning from recent literature. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a review of the literature on older people’s services and the relationship between general practice and adult social care, published in the UK from 2000 onwards. Findings – Despite the longstanding nature of the issues at stake, the review identified only nine relevant studies. These were of mixed quality, and tended to focus on lessons learned from the late 1990s/early 2000s rather than more recent reforms. Overall, these studies suggest similar barriers to those identified in previous policy contexts, and there is a strong sense of relationships starting from a low base (hence the title of our title of “new conversations between old players”). Research limitations/implications – This review is based on literature on older people’s services published since 2000 – so only provides a snapshot of the issues at stake. However, it confirms the relatively limited nature of the evidence base and the need for new research to help shape future policy and practice. Originality/value – Despite the central contribution of GPs, the authors still know relatively little about the relationship between general practice and adult social care. Reviewing previous literature (however, limited) is crucial to current attempts to develop more effective joint working at local level.

scholarly journals Patient and practitioner views on cancer risk discussions in primary care: a qualitative study

BJGP Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0108
Author(s):  
David N Blane ◽  
Sara MacDonald ◽  
Catherine A O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
It Use ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Primary Care Practitioners ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundIt is estimated that nearly 600,000 cancer cases in the UK could have been avoided in the last five years if people had healthier lifestyles, with the principle modifiable risk factors being smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption and inactivity. There is growing interest in the use of cancer risk information in general practice to encourage lifestyle modification.AimTo explore the views and experiences of patients and practitioners in relation to cancer prevention and cancer risk discussions in general practice.Design & settingQualitative study among patient and practitioners in general practices in Glasgow, UK.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with nine practitioners (5 GPs and four practice nurses, recruited purposively from practices based on list size and deprivation status) and 13 patients (aged 30–60, with two or more specified co-morbidities).ResultsCurrently, cancer risk discussions focus on smoking and cancer, with links between alcohol/obesity and cancer rarely made. There was support for the use of the personalised cancer risk tool as an additional resource in primary care. Practitioners felt practice nurses were best placed to use it. Use in planned appointments (eg, chronic disease reviews) was preferred over opportunistic use. Concerns were expressed, however, about generating anxiety, time constraints, and widening inequalities.ConclusionsHealth behaviour change is complex and the provision of information alone is unlikely to have significant effects. Personalised risk tools may have a role, but important concerns about their use – particularly in areas of socio-economic disadvantage – remain.

Tick-borne diseases: an update for general practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-117
Author(s):  
Sharon Graham
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Avoidance Measures ◽  
The Uk

Practice nurses offering pre-travel consultations should be aware of tick-borne diseases. Sharon Graham outlines how to help prevent these diseases in travellers Ticks are the vectors for a number of bacterial and viral infections that can affect humans. This article will outline the general transmission, risk and prevention of tick-borne diseases. Many of these diseases are associated with travel outside of the UK. Where a vaccine for a disease is available in the UK, information will be provided, but not all tick-borne disease is vaccine preventable and people should be aware of personal protection and bite avoidance measures.

scholarly journals Clinical academic careers for general practice nurses: a qualitative exploration of associated barriers and enablers

2021 ◽  
pp. 174498712110243
Author(s):  
Sarahjane Jones ◽  
Andrew Bradbury ◽  
Sue Shortland ◽  
Fraser Hewett ◽  
Karen Storey
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Practice Nurse ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Academic Careers ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Career Pathway ◽  
Professional Attributes ◽  
Organisational Factors

Background The delivery of research in healthcare in the UK is dependent on a subgroup of clinicians – clinical academics – who concurrently engage in clinical practice and academic activities. The need to increase access to such roles for general practice nurses has been identified, although the need for a robust career framework remains. Aims This study, with a qualitative interview and focus group design, aimed to explore the concept of clinical academic careers for general practice nurses by identifying barriers and enablers associated with pursuing and performing such roles. Methods General practice nurses ( n = 18) and general practitioners ( n = 5) engaged in either an audio -recorded interview or focus group. Verbatim transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified: awareness and understanding; career pathway; personal and professional attributes; and organisational factors. Awareness and understanding were generally poor. Participants suggested that the career pathway was unclear, although it was generally assumed that such roles were ‘out of reach’ and require a minimum of Master’s level education. An interest in research and the confidence to perform such duties were reported as the required personal and professional attributes. Organisational factors included the need for employers to understand the value and benefit of general practice nurse clinical academic roles, along with ensuring that the inevitable competing demands of such a role were appropriately managed. Conclusions This study highlights the difficulties faced by general practice nurses wishing to pursue a clinical academic career. Academia is seemingly placed on a pedestal, emphasising the need to embed research training early in nursing education to alter general practice nurse perceptions that clinical academic roles are unobtainable. The development of a robust career pathway for general practice nurse clinical academic roles may have a positive impact on the retention of experienced general practice nurses and attract newly qualified nurses. This research provides evidence as to the need for one.

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