Development of a Nurse Practitioner Role in Heart Failure Management: An Australian Experience

Abstract

This paper describes the history of nurse practitioners and outlines the Australian experience in developing and implementing such a role. The legislative process and changes in introducing a nurse practitioner role are noted, and a trial to develop a framework for the nurse practitioner role in acute care in South Australia is highlighted.

Mortality and Readmission Following Hospitalisation for Heart Failure in Australia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…M. Al-Omary 1,2, * , A. Davies 1 , A. Boyle 1,2,3 1 John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia 2 The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia 3 Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia Background: Heart failure (HF) is a common, costly condition with an increasing burden on Australian health care system resources. Knowledge of the burden of HF on patients and on the health system is important for resource allocation.…”

How much responsibility should heart failure nurses take?

“…This legislation allows select nurses in New South Wales to practice independently and deems it an offence to practice as a nurse practitioner without accreditation. The accredited nurse practitioner has limited prescribing rights, the ability to order tests and make referrals within specified clinical guidelines [20].…”

Orthotopic Cardiac Transplantation for Chagas Cardiomyopathy in Australia

“…The HF nurse practitioner (NP) initiated a NP gym clinic aiming to provide clinical support and prompt solutions to presenting problems combined with medication management. NPs have been proven to improve outcomes for HF patients [2]. Management of HF includes optimisation of angiotension receptor antagonists and betablockers [1] Design: The NP is onsite at the cardiac gym 1 day per week.…”