Effective nursing care of children and young people outside hospital

Abstract

AIM: To assess the preparation required to ensure a workforce of nurses who can provide high quality out-of-hospital services for children and young people. METHODS: Using mixed methods, questionnaires were sent to young people and community children's nursing teams, interviews were conducted with academic staff and clinical nurses, and focus groups were undertaken with pre-registration children's nursing students. FINDINGS: Nurses' communication skills and clinical abilities were most important to young people. There is a range of opinions about optimum out-of-hospital clinical experience. Pre- and post-qualification education and recruitment in this area, therefore, need attention. CONCLUSION: Out-of-hospital care presents problems, but is developing rapidly. Adequate, updated training, supervision and resources are needed.