Developing a new model of care for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of a nurse consultant in developing a new model of care for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.


BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain experience fragmented care and long waits to have their symptoms assessed [Clinical Standards Advisory Group (2000) Services for Patients with Pain. Department of Health, London]. A nurse consultant post was created to implement a chronic musculoskeletal pain service and prevent inappropriate referrals to other services.


METHODS
Seven peers participated in a semi-structured, qualitative, audio-taped interview to evaluate the impact of the nurse consultant's role. Data were analysed using content analysis. A retrospective audit of 60 patients was conducted to determine utilization of hospital services following attendance at the pain clinic.


RESULTS
Two main themes were identified from the interview data included: (1) the influence of the nurse consultant in implementing a chronic pain service and (2) the clinical leadership skills of the nurse consultant. The audit demonstrated that majority of patients (n = 53) were utilizing less hospital specialities.


CONCLUSIONS
The nurse consultant's role was pivotal in the implementation of the chronic pain service.
Ryan
Sarah
S
Rheumatology, Haywood Hospital, Stoke on Trent, UK. sarah@ryan1350.fsnet.co.uk
Hassell
Andrew
A
Thwaites
Catharine
C
Manley
Kim
K
Home
Diane
D
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000451:nursing*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D018710:Pain Clinics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires