UK advanced practice nurses’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to understand the experiences of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the UK during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to safety, shortages and retention.DesignA cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey.SettingAPNs in any UK setting.ParticipantsThe surv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ open 2021-03, Vol.11 (3), p.e044139-e044139
Main Authors: Wood, Emily, King, Rachel, Senek, Michaela, Robertson, Steve, Taylor, Bethany, Tod, Angela, Ryan, Anthony
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advanced practice nurses
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
COVID-19 - epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
health & safety
health policy
Health Services Research
Humans
Life Sciences
Mental Health
Mixed methods research
Nurses - psychology
Nurses - supply & distribution
Pandemics
Personal protective equipment
Personal Protective Equipment - supply & distribution
rationing
United Kingdom - epidemiology
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Summary:ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to understand the experiences of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the UK during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to safety, shortages and retention.DesignA cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey.SettingAPNs in any UK setting.ParticipantsThe survey was sent to an existing UK-wide cohort of APNs. 124 APNs responded (51%).ResultsUK-based APNs in this study reported shortages of staff (51%) and personal protective equipment (PPE) (68%) during the first 3 months of the coronavirus outbreak. Almost half (47%) had considered leaving their job over the same 3 months. Despite difficulties, there were reports of positive changes to working practice that have enhanced care.ConclusionUK APNs report COVID-19-related shortages in staff and equipment across primary and secondary care and all regions of the UK. Shortages of PPE during a pandemic are known to be a factor in the development of mental health sequelae as well as a risk factor for increased turnover and retention issues. Half of APNs surveyed were considering a change in job. The UK risks a further crisis in staff morale and retention if this is not acknowledged and addressed. APNs also expressed concern about patients not receiving routine care as many specialties closed or reduced working during the crisis. However, there were also many examples of good practice, positive changes and innovation.
ISSN:2044-6055
2044-6055
DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044139