title: Using a Delphi approach to develop a strategy for A&E in defence nursing.
abstract: The Armed Forces has seen an increase in the number of operational deployments overseas and a greater demand for Accident and Emergency (A&E) trained nurses. This article describes a modified Delphi study used to contribute to the development of a strategy for emergency nursing in the Defence Nursing Services. Twenty-eight A&E specialists took part and the key issues raised were recruitment and retention, staff development, new roles, research priorities, increased internal recruitment of A&E nurses to meet operational demands, and the need for a structured career pathway to help retention. The most pressing areas requiring research were evaluation of the nurse practitioner role, clinical competencies and managing heat injuries in the operational setting. The modified Delphi study provided a valuable and detailed insight into the challenges and aspirations of the military A&E nursing cadre and has assisted in developing a strategy for emergency nursing.
authors.affiliation: University of Birmingham, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kenward
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Despres
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McLeod
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D032921:Consensus; D003479:Curriculum; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009731:Nursing Audit / Q000458:organization & administration; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010934:Planning Techniques; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom