Australian Nephrology Nurse Practitioners 2021: Professional and Practice Profile, has received approval from Griffith University (reference number: 2021/593).

Who is conducting the research:

Professor Ann Bonner (CI), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Email: a.bonner@griffith.edu.au

Dr Leanne Brown (AI), Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service

Ms Bettina Douglas (AI), School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Queensland

Ms Barbara Harvie (AI), School of Nursing, University of Tasmania

Ms Melinda Tomlins (AI), Hunter and New England Local Health District

Mr Anthony Luca (AI), Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service

Ms Kerri Gillespie (RA), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Email: K.gillespie@griffith.edu.au  |  P: 0405 302 321

Why is the research being conducted?

Nephrology Nurse Practitioners (NNP) are a substantial and growing workforce in the specialty of kidney healthcare. We understand that NNP perform a wide range of services in a number of areas in chronic kidney disease (CKD). To better understand the services provided by NNP, and the benefits of those services, we are conducting an online audit to profile the current NNP working across Australia, and to explore their current roles, scope of practice, and activities. This audit will also gather evidence on whether health-service delivery roles and activities of NNP are evaluated and will seek to understand which factors contribute to the sustainability of these advanced practice roles.

What you will be asked to do?

You are invited to complete a 10 - 20 minute online survey. Questions asked will refer to the extent to which you engage in specific activities each week, such as direct patient care, education, research, and leadership activities. There will also be questions about clinical services, evaluation activities, barriers and enablers to services, and some non-identifying demographic questions, such as qualifications, age, location, and work experience.

The expected benefits of the research

The findings of this study will help us better understand of nephrology nurse practitioners’ roles, practices and processes. The findings will reveal details of service provision, including evaluations and performance targets, to provide an understanding of the factors contributing to improved efficacy and sustainability of NNP services.

Survey results may inform future service development and evaluation practices. Proven sustainability and consistency in a medical-dominated policy environment would provide support for the expansion of nurse-led services.