A competency framework for nurses and allied health professionals working in Deep Brain Stimulation (1st edition)
This first edition standards of practice and competency framework outlines the competencies required by specialist nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) working in the field of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
- Access to multi-disciplinary teams
- Care strategies
- Service improvement
- Standardising assessments
- Treatments and medication
- Tools
- Dietitian
- Nurse (other)
- Nurse (Parkinson's nurse)
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Speech and language therapist
- Complex
- Diagnosis
- End of life
- Maintenance
The framework highlights a range of areas of competency at different levels of practice that reflect both the core aspects of professional nursing practice and the aspects specific to working in the field of DBS. Additionally, the standards of practice serve as a guide for organisations aiming to develop DBS services.
Importantly, this document will also help to benchmark the standards of care for patients implanted with DBS throughout their journey in the DBS care pathway.
This framework has been developed by the Deep Brain Stimulation Nursing Association in collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing and the Excellence Network.
It is based on the principles of Agenda for Change, and is in line with the Advanced Nursing Practice Standards and the NHS Knowledge Skills Framework (KSF). It can be used as a continuing development tool for developing a role as an advanced practitioner in DBS, and to support the revalidation process with professional bodies.