Implementation of advanced practice nursing for orthopaedic patients in the emergency care context - A study protocol for outcome studies.

Aim: To evaluate the implementation of advanced practice nursing in emergency care in Norway for patients with orthopaedic injuries, including hip fractures. The outcomes relate to quality of care and patient trust.

Design: A non-inferiority study comparing an advanced practice nursing care model with a standard (physician-led) care model.

Methods: Data will be collected from patient records and through the Patient Trust Questionnaire, completed by patients. The data will be analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Funding for the research was granted in 2015 and the regional ethical committee approved the current study in February 2019.

Discussion: In Norway and the other Nordic countries, advanced practice nursing is still in its infancy, especially in the emergency care context. This study will evaluate advanced practice nursing in this new context.

Impact: The study will add to knowledge on the quality of care provided for orthopaedic patients with minor orthopaedic injuries or hip fractures as delivered by advanced practice nurses and physicians, respectively. It will also evaluate how well-advanced practice nursing is accepted by patients in this new context.