Julia Kneale

Do orthopaedic nurses have an effect on the quality of patient care

There is pressure within the profession, and from government, for nurses to be able to demonstrate that they make a difference to care. In relation to orthopaedic nursing, the challenge is to decide how this can be achieved through issues such as patient outcome measurements, clinical effectiveness, evidence-based practice and the impact of an orthopaedic qualification on the quality of patient care delivered. This article offers a contribution to the discussion.