An exploration of the services provided by the clinical nurse specialist within one NHS trust.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the services provided by clinical nurse specialists within one acute and community NHS Trust.


BACKGROUND
The title 'clinical nurse specialist' (CNS) is used widely within health care services and describes a multitude of roles and service provision. Lack of role clarity impacts upon human resources, service delivery and the post holder.


METHODS
Patients, carers and health care professionals were invited to participate in focus groups. Groups sought information about the services provided by the CNS. The research adopted a grounded theory approach in order to generate a locally recognizable description of the services.


RESULTS
From the data analysis eight technical services carried out by the CNSs emerged. Analysis also identified three areas where the CNS provided added value. The findings are discussed in relation to relevant literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Recommendations are made concerning effective and efficient use of this important staff resource.
Martin
P J
PJ
Health and Social Services Institute, University of Essex, Colchester, UK.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom