How can scope of practice be described and conceptualised in medical and health professions? A systematic review for scoping and content analysis

BACKGROUND

The term scope of practice (SOP) refers to the limits of a health professional's knowledge, skills and experience and reflects all tasks and activities they undertake within the context of their professional role. Inconsistency in definitions of SOP contributes to uncertainty and confusion regarding professional practice boundaries and potentially impacts societal access to safe, effective and efficient healthcare options. The aim of this paper is to understand the conceptual diversity that may exist in terminology used to describe medical, nursing/midwifery and allied health SOP within an Australian practice context exemplar.

METHODS

A systematic review for scoping and content analysis of SOP definitions and concepts, involving inductive thematic analysis and synthesis of published and grey literature.

RESULTS

The initial search strategy yielded 11,863 hits, of which 379 were suitable for inclusion. Data coding identified various SOP terms and definitions and the emergence of six, conceptual elements underpinning the theoretical construct. These were subsequently proposed as a preliminary conceptual model ('Solar') to explain how the six conceptual elements may be applied across various professions, clinical settings and jurisdictions to better understand and address current and evolving SOP issues.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study highlight limited consistency in SOP definitions and terminology within a single jurisdiction, and the conceptual complexity of the underlying theoretical construct. Further research is required to build on the proposed 'Solar' conceptual model and create a universal SOP definition across jurisdictions, to enhance understanding of the importance of SOP to workforce policy, clinical governance, service models and patient outcomes.

Exploring the role of the second-level regulated nurse in the Australian nursing workforce: An integrative review

BACKGROUND

The enrolled nurse is the second-level regulated nursing role in Australia, with similar roles in other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. A plethora of reports and research papers indicate that this role is seen as integral but under scrutiny by the nursing profession and government bodies. Despite changes such as national accreditation and registration requirements there is a lack of role clarity and delineation, especially between the registered nurse and enrolled nurse roles. As a key nursing role there is the need to ensure it is understood and used to its potential in the nursing workforce.

AIM

To explore key issues that may impact the role of the EN in the Australian nursing workforce.

DESIGN

An integrative review.

METHODS

A seven-step framework was used to review peer-reviewed research papers, scholarly and published government documents, grey literature and government data.

RESULTS

The review identified three themes from 24 documents: understanding the enrolled nurses' scope of practice, standardised practice, and career development.

DISCUSSION

It is posited that a lack of understanding of the enrolled nurses' scope of practice creates confusion between the nursing roles and a lack of standardised practice. There is also an expectation that the enrolled nurses' career progression is to become a registered nurse, which is supported by the high dual registrations. Collectively these factors contribute to the enrolled nurse not feeling valued. Similar challenges to the equivalent role are found internationally.

CONCLUSION

The literature demonstrates a lack of understanding of the enrolled nurse role by the nursing profession. Further work is required to better understand the role and its place in the Australian nursing workforce.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Better understanding of the enrolled nurses' role and its place in the nursing workforce is needed to progress this role.