The nurses who ran the clinics were very experienced, and resources were
available to support their work. Over 80% of their work was independent or
interdependent, involving skills such as adjusting medications, and initiating
therapies and diagnostic tests according to protocols. The principal interventions
were assessments and evaluations, and health counselling. The nurses rated
‘management of symptoms’, ‘prevention of complications’, and ‘client satisfaction’
as the top three key indicators of their success. All patients studied showed
improvement after the nurse clinic consultation, but the best rates were found in
wound and continence clinics. Satisfaction scores for both nurses and clients were
high. Physicians valued their partnership in care with the nurses, but were
concerned about possible legal liability resulting from the advanced roles assumed
by these nurses