title: Measuring the contribution and complexity of nurse and physiotherapy consultants: a feasibility study.
abstract: Advanced practice roles in nursing and other health professions have become integral to a range of healthcare services world-wide providing experienced practitioners with the opportunity to extend their roles and influence decision making whilst maintaining patient contact. However, there has been limited research to evaluate the impact on health services of these advanced practice roles.The aim of this feasibility study was to analyse Nurse and Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Consultant activity in the four functions of the role (education, expert practice, leadership, research). A structured diary assessed the activity of five Consultant Nurses and one Consultant Physiotherapist over a one week period. Detailed analysis of a clinic carried out by one of the Consultants was undertaken using a mapping procedure.Results suggest that the activity diary, combined with mapping of activities, illustrate the complexity and variety of the role and facilitate meaningful reflection on what advanced practitioners do.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ainsworth
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Humphreys
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stenhouse
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watkins