Public health education by emergency nurses: A scoping review and narrative synthesis

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2022-05, Vol.105 (5), p.1181-1187
• Main Authors: Coombs, Nicole M., Porter, Joanne E., Barbagallo, Michael, Plummer, Virginia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Emergency Department; Emergency Nurse; Patient Education; Public health education; Scoping
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.08.036

•Patients are receptive to preventative advice from trusted ED health professionals.•‘Teachable moments’ are effective for public health education by emergency nurses.•ED nurses want time, preparation, and support to provide public health education. To identify the extent, range, and nature of the evidence on public health education provided by emergency nurses. A scoping review, using the methodological guidance of Joanna Briggs Institute, was conducted to scope and map the literature and research activity. Using predetermined criteria, databases, grey literature, and reference lists were searched for eligible sources. At least two authors reviewed each article. A narrative synthesis methodology was utilised to analyse and report the findings. There was significant methodological heterogeneity between sources (n = 6). Three themes were identified: 1) Benefits of the system: An opportunity to inform the public, 2) The barriers: Time pressures and being prepared and 3) The strategies: Plan for structured and created teachable moments Limited research is being conducted in this area. Further research is needed to understand emergency nurse’s practice and attitudes towards providing public health messages. Emergency nurses need to utilise the ‘teachable moment‘ for every emergency admission, providing opportunistic preventative education to improve health outcomes and reduce demand on the healthcare system.