Using action research to develop a thoracic support nurse role to enhance quality of care.
OBJECTIVE
The project aimed to develop a new nurse role to support thoracic patients with complex needs.


METHODS
An action research approach enabled frontline staff, called co-researchers, to systematically explore the change and development process of the new role. The 60 participants were the co-researchers, patients, ward nurses, and the multidisciplinary team.


CONCLUSIONS
Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: it is the need to improve patient care; bringing research to life; a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences; process is as important as outcome; and we did it ourselves and learnt so much.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients and staff recognised howthe new role significantly improved the quality of thoracic nursing care. However, there were many challenges to address, including role conflict and funding.
Bellman
Loretta
L
University Colege London Hospitals Foundation Trust.
Corrigan
Philomena
P
D017144:Focus Groups; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015401:Nursing Administration Research / Q000379:methods*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing*; D006113:United Kingdom