The UKCC's Scope of Professional Practice--some implications for health care delivery.
OBJECTIVE
The research reported here is part of a larger study commissioned by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) to analyse and understand the impact of the Scope of Professional Practice (Scope) on the practice of nursing, midwifery and health visiting. The data in this paper relate to attitudes about, and perceptions of Scope among a variety of stakeholders.


BACKGROUND
This research provided a valuable opportunity to explore the essence of Scope and the ways in which it can enable nurses, midwives and health visitors to adapt to growing or changing health care needs. The findings contribute to this debate, by drawing on the knowledge and experience of the key groups involved in the change process.


METHODS
The study utilized several approaches, tailored to meet the requirements of each phase. In this (the final) phase a structured questionnaire was sent to different groups of stakeholders.


CONCLUSIONS
The stakeholders displayed considerable interest in the development of innovative systems for delivering nursing and midwifery care, provided that the necessary safeguards and support were in place. Scope was seen as a valuable way of optimizing the skills and contribution of nurses, midwives and health visitors.
Jowett
S
S
Institute for Health Services Research, University of Luton, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas House, 15-17 George Street, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 2AF, UK.
Peters
M
M
Reynolds
H
H
Wilson-Barnett
J
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D015401:Nursing Administration Research / Q000379:methods; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom