The role of the emergency nurse practitioner : views of Maltese nurse and doctors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore nurses' and doctors' perceptions regarding the ENP role in the A&E department in Malta. Since this topic has never been studied locally, an exploratory approach was adopted. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, consisting of closed and open-ended questions. Fifteen nurses and 15 doctors were selected using stratified random sampling. This study yielded a response rate of 93.3%. The participants associated the term ANP with a mixture of medical and nursing issues, concurring with the current literature debate. Findings suggest that both nurses and doctors approved of the introduction of the ENP's role locally, the main reason being the reduction of waiting times in the A&E. The majority of the sample group felt that this new role would not affect patient care negatively. The majority of the nurses thought that the dominance from the medical profession would hinder the implementation of this role. Yet, the majority of the doctors identified the lack of training for such a post. The ENP's role in taking on specific tasks showed great disagreement between nurses and doctors, which centred around the areas which have traditionally been within the exclusive domain of medicine. The level of experience that an ENP should have, varied ranging from two to five years. The results showed that the post of the ENP should be filled by someone who has a specialist qualification in Emergency Practice or qualification at a post graduate level. In addition, suggestions and recommendations for further research, practice and education have been made.