The development of ANP Led PICU retrieval service, 15 years on

Kirsteen McCulloch

doi:10.21767/2574-2825-C4-012

The development of ANP Led PICU retrieval service, 15 years on

EuroSciCon Event on Nursing Diagnosis & Midwifery
September 10-11,2018 Prague,Czech Republic

Kirsteen McCulloch

Evelina London Childrenâ�?�?s Hospital, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Health Stud

DOI: 10.21767/2574-2825-C4-012

Abstract

The first Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Led Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC) programme started in Europe in 2003 at Evelina London Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC), which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation Trust. Experienced PICU nurses are trained to become independent ANPs in the management of critically ill children, both in PICU and on retrieval. Training includes advanced clinical assessment, advanced procedural skills, communication and leadership skills. Since training commenced, 14 ANPs have qualified at Evelina London, four are currently in training. Over 50 nurses across the UK have completed this programme. On average, training takes between two and three years. At Evelina London, ANPs undertake approximately 50% of all retrievals, this is largest percentage of ANP led PIC retrievals in the UK. ANP stabilisation times have reduced since commencement of this service, Doctor led (Fellow) stabilisation times remain unchanged. ANP led retrievals have the lowest rate of critical incidents. The investment in developing ANP led PIC retrievals has resulted in a high quality and resilient service. The ANP role has been further developed since its inception, areas such as skills assessment and maintenance have been refined as well as the role structure within the senior nursing team. The ANP role has also added value both in Evelina London and the regional network. PIC ANPs lead the Clinical Outreach Service at Evelina London and provide outreach to the network hospitals within South Thames region. They also teach locally, regionally and nationally. Each ANP is linked to a District General Hospital and works with the Link PIC Consultant to provide multidisciplinary training. As a result, consistent high level quality care is provided to critically ill children within the region, wherever they are managed.