Mapping the range and scope of emergency nurse practitioner services in the Northern and Yorkshire Region: a telephone survey.

OBJECTIVE To map the range and scope of emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) services in the Northern and Yorkshire Region as part one of a three phased study investigating the developing role of the ENP on a multi-professional context. METHODS A telephone survey was conducted in the 48 hospital trusts within the region. Semi-structured interviews were arranged with the senior nurses responsible for accident and emergency services in responding departments. Data collection entailed completion of a form comprising 14 open-ended questions designed to elicit information about the range and scope of ENP services (as defined by the Royal College of Nursing). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Interviews were conducted at 35 (73%) of the sites, 22 (63%) of which had an ENP service as defined above. Wide variation was found in the range of services in relation to: hours/days of availability; age range and sources of referrals of patients accessing the service; clinical caseloads of ENPs and the referral pathways to other services. CONCLUSION The findings from the survey highlight the organic, context specific nature of ENP role developments in response to national government initiatives, professional agendas, and local service needs.