Creating the evidence base: the journey from practice to research

Impact of formal educational level on clinical specialist role activity

AIMS

This study, set in Ireland, aimed to explore demographics of the clinical nurse specialist and clinical midwife specialist population and their role activity, particularly in the educational role.

BACKGROUND

The clinical nurse/midwife specialist is recognised as an important part of nursing today. In Ireland, formal recognition of the specialist role occurred as recently as 2001.

METHODS

Following ethical approval, a questionnaire was circulated to the total population of specialist nurses and midwives in Ireland. The questionnaire captured the formal educational level held and individual educational role activity.

RESULTS

The study articulates the individual educational role elements (e.g. patient education, peer education) and captures the level of activity but the level varies between different educational role elements. Formal education level held has an impact on role activity, with higher education levels resulting in greater activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical specialist has tremendous potential for a positive impact on patient care in his or her education role. The majority are active in this role but the analysis shows there is room for growth. Combined with the finding that the level of activity rises with the level of formal education, this gives a strong reason why there should be continuing focus on further education and life-long learning.