PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Anne Marie Russell
AU  - Sandra Olive
AU  - Sarah Lines
AU  - Anna Murphy
AU  - Julie Hocking
AU  - Karen Newell
AU  - Helen Morris
AU  - Emma Harris
AU  - Catherine Dixon
AU  - Sarah Agnew
AU  - Geraldine Burge
TI  - Contemporary challenges for specialist nursing in interstitial lung disease
AID  - 10.1183/20734735.014917
DP  - 2018 Mar 01
TA  - Breathe
PG  - 36--41
VI  - 14
IP  - 1
4099  - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/14/1/36.short
4100  - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/14/1/36.full
SO  - Breathe2018 Mar 01; 14
AB  - The role of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in interstitial lung disease (ILD) is evolving in response to clinical guidelines and the growth of clinical research. The role is well established in the UK, although more ILD posts are needed to ensure supply meets clinical demand. This phenomenon is also happening across Europe. An appreciation of the similarities and differences between CNS and advanced nurse practitioners is important given the challenges in defining, developing and supporting this nursing specialisation. Globally, different models exist. In some countries charitable organisations take a leading role in supporting patients. Many European centres look to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines and quality standards as a template to develop and evaluate the role of the ILD CNS. We present a UK perspective in the context of a government subsidised healthcare system to promote professional discussion and debate regarding the future of nursing practice in the ILD specialty.Key pointsILDs are often complex and associated with significant mortality, morbidity and co-morbid conditions that require a technical healthcare skill setThere is worldwide shortage of nurses, low retention rates and retirement of many skilled nursesCollaboration across the ILD interdisciplinary community is needed to safeguard the future of our professions and high-quality patient careThe ILD interdisciplinary and nurse network has identified key priorities to help secure the future of the ILD clinical and academic nurse specialismEducational aimsTo explain the similarities and differences between clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) in the context of ILD specialismTo review contemporary nursing specialism in the UK’s government subsidised healthcare systemTo stimulate discussion and debate across the European/international respiratory community regarding the clinical and academic development of the ILD CNSTo identify key priorities that will support collaboration across the ILD interdisciplinary workforce in clinical practice and researchSpecialist nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals are fundamental to the care of patients diagnosed with ILD. ILD specific clinical and academic standards are needed to sustain and develop a dedicated ILD workforce http://ow.ly/toee30h1UkW