A new framework presents a series of 10 commitments for nurses, midwives and care staff to 'help transform the health and care sector'.
Launched by chief nursing officer Jane Cummings, the framework will follow on from the current framework, Compassion in Practice, which concludes this year.
The new framework, Leading Change and Adding Value, is said to encourage nursing, midwifery and care staff to identify where and why there is variation in preventing ill health, care and efficiency across all settings.
'We asked nurses and midwives across the country what they wanted from a new strategy and if they wanted a new strategy at all and we developed the commitments from that. We initially determined five key things and 21 priorities which we then tested on social media and at the CNO Summit. From there the 10 commitments were articulated,' Ms Cummings told IN.
The framework identified unwarranted variation in the NHS and tackling this is crucial to delivering the NHS Five Year Forward View. Central to the framework to tackle this variation are these 10 commitments:
1. We will promote a culture where improving the population’s health is a core component of the practice of all nursing, midwifery and care staff.
2. We will increase the visibility of nursing and midwifery leadership and input in prevention
3. We will work with individuals, families and communities to equip them to make informed choices and manage their own health
4. We will be centred on individuals experiencing high value care
5. We will work in partnership with individuals, their families, carers and others important to them
6. We will actively respond to what matters most to our staff and colleagues
7. We will lead and drive research to evidence the impact of what we do
8. We will have the right education, training and development to enhance our skills, knowledge and understanding.
9. We will have the right staff in the right places and at the right time
10. We will champion the use of technology and informatics to improve practice, address unwarranted variations and enhance outcomes.
'There is a section within the framework on how to measure the impact of these commitments. There are different levels of implementation, first on a local level for nurses at the frontline where we can obtain baseline measurements. National measurements will also be taken through national bodies. Academic colleagues have created an impact measurement tool that will be used to take continuing measurements. We want to focus on a shift to measure and improve rather than just having this as a tickboxing excercise,' said Ms Cummings.
Janet Davies, the chief executive of the RCN, said that the framework has the potential to help nurses shape the future of the NHS. 'As this framework makes clear, a lack of resources is not just evident in cuts to public health budgets, but is the biggest challenge facing staff across the NHS. As well as making better, more efficient use of resources, the NHS will need more investment to adapt and cope with increasing demands.
This framework sets an excellent example to staff that they can make a difference in the health service. They now need investment in their education and support to get the best value from their skills.'
The framework was developed based on 11,000 pieces of evidence from frontline staff, the public, academics and nurse leaders across the health and care system. Feedback from an extensive consultation and engagement process led to development of the commitments.