Nicola Boyle

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Country: Ireland
Background: Nursing
Research Project: Advanced nursing practice in HIV, international experiences and lessons for an Irish context

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to explore the literature and previous experiences and challenges of ANPs specialising in HIV/Sexual Health in order to facilitate future HIV ANPS in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: The role of HIV ANPs has been identified as result of health care reforms and an increase in service demands. This has been augmented by the changing disease pattern of HIV, from being a life threatening illness to a chronic disease. However the intricacies of the role need to be clarified and defined.

METHODOLOGY: A review of the literature was carried out to explore past experiences of this role. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to interview ANPs specialising in HIV/Sexual Health in Australia, Ireland, the UK and the USA.

RESULTS: The role of the HIVANP is diverse and multi-faceted. The array of titles and scope of practice at national and international levels are confusing. ANPs experience high levels of job satisfaction however also experience many challenges to their role. These challenges were primarily driven by the ambiguity that still surrounds the role.

CONCLUSION: The role of the ANP is complex, diverse, demanding and evolving. The importance of a clearly defined role is the key to the success of future HIV ANPs. Setting up of a framework to support current and future ANPs specialising in HIV on a national and international level with policies to inform ANPs and lead to a harmonised structured approach to the role.