Case study: the development of specialist nurse roles in Malta

Specialist nurses play a significant role in healthcare. This study investigated and evaluated the primary and extended roles and the development of specialist nurses in Malta. Methods: A qualitative case study design and purposive sampling techniques were used to gain a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding specialist nurses from multiple data sets. A survey of the total specialist nurse population in 2013 (n=27), in-depth interviews with a group of specialist nurses (n=9) and four focus groups with key professionals and policy stakeholders (total n=28) were carried out. Data were collected between 2013 and 2015 and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes emerged: the roles and attributes of specialist nurses in Malta; the development of specialist nurses; and the influences on the advancement of specialist nursing practice in Malta. Although these data are nearly a decade old, no further research has been carried out. Conclusions: A legally accepted set of definitions as well as preparation and evaluation of the specialist nurse role from a national policy perspective is needed. Attitudes and systems that limit specialist nurses need to be challenged.