Evaluation of a newly established nurse‐led urodynamics clinic: Has it added value?

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate patient experience of a newly established nurse‐led urodynamics clinic, in comparison to the established consultant‐led urodynamics clinic. The secondary aim was to analyse the impact upon waiting times, cost reduction and creating more consultant time, to enable a greater capacity for more complex patients to be seen. A retrospective cross‐sectional mixed method postal survey was utilized and sent to all patients who attended a urodynamics outpatient appointment between July 2013 and July 2014. The survey was posted to all patients who attended either the nurse‐led clinic or the consultant clinic. This totalled of 97 patients. A text reminder was sent 3 weeks later, with a final repeat postal survey sent 6 weeks later inviting patients to participate, and thanking those who had already. The response rate was 57·7%. The median age was 69 years. Whilst the sample demographics for ethnicity were equal across both groups, the nurse‐led clinic saw more females. Overall, 87·5% of patients who responded were male. The secondary aim regarding the impact upon waiting time revealed a median reduction in waiting time of 50 d, resulting in improved access to the procedure. Survey measurable outcomes included communication, patient experience, involvement in care and patient safety and quality of life. The development of the nurse‐led urodynamics clinic has proven to be as effective as a consultant clinic measured by patient experience, whilst also reducing waiting times significantly and remaining cost‐effective. This evaluation has enabled the identification of areas in the service delivery that can benefit from further refinement. In summary, collaborative practice and supported development of nursing practice is essential not only for the future of nursing but also as a way to address the growing demand for service provision in a financially intelligent way.