Nurse specialist care for bronchiectasis.
BACKGROUND
Nurses have expanded and developed their roles to meet the needs of patients. This review evaluates the safety, effectiveness and health outcomes of nurses practising in autonomous roles, using advanced practice skills, within the context of a dedicated bronchiectasis clinic.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of nurse-led care in the management of bronchiectasis.


METHODS
The Cochrane Airways Group specialised register was searched on 12/06/02.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the review.


METHODS
Two reviewers extracted and entered data from included studies.


RESULTS
One study was included in the review. No statistically significant changes were observed in infective exacerbations, lung function, exercise capacity, quality of life and hospital admissions. More healthcare resources were utilised by nurse-treated participants during the first arm of the study.


CONCLUSIONS
This review has found one trial that does not demonstrate significant differences in clinical outcomes between nurse led care and doctor led care within the setting of a specialist clinic is, but there may be increased cost implications. Further research is required to review whether nurse led care provides the same outcomes in the community or secondary care setting.
French
J
J
Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK, CB3 8RE.
Bilton
D
D
Campbell
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000451:nursing*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic