title: A reflective case for valuing nurse practitioners in ophthalmology clinics.
abstract: Following recent publicity regarding the downgrading of specialist nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) in an effort to balance the books, a reflective article has been compiled using Driscoll's reflective model in order to assess the value of using NPs in medical-retinal ophthalmology clinics. From reflection on a case study and review of the literature, it appears that nurses trained in this speciality with sufficient cognitive and practical knowledge and experience could positively affect both the smooth running of eye clinics and the psychological outcome for patients long-term. Strategies are currently being considered to restructure skill mix within the clinics to facilitate this change in traditional working practice.
authors.affiliation: Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, Wales.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hartry
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011787:Quality of Health Care