In recent years there has been a huge growth in nurse-led clinics within hospital outpatient departments, general practitioner surgeries and health centres. The government has endorsed the use of such clinics as a way for the public to access specialist health care and treatment more quickly and also as an effective way to manage chronic ill health. However, there is a lack of uniform structure in educational preparation for nurses interested in taking up nurse-led practice and a dearth of literature offering practical guidance. This text provides a much-needed overview of this new arena for nursing and includes case studies from practitioners running nurse-led clinics. Topics covered include:
* Setting up a clinic
* Public protection issues
* Nurse education
* Managing medicines
* Effectiveness and evaluation.
The text allows the reader to explore key practice issues which directly affect the quality of service provided. It will be an invaluable handbook for nurses directly involved in running clinics, for those responsible for the provision of nurse-led services and for nurse educators.
Biography
Richard Hatchett trained as a Registered General Nurse specialising in cardiac and intensive care nursing before taking up his current post as Principal Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at London South Bank University. His interest in nurse-led clinics stems from Masters level work at City University, London. He has published widely and is co-editor of Cardiac Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide.
