Nursing specialization is a growing need and an international trend

04th April 2018

According to this report, there is a growing need of having specialized human resources in the area of health. The conclusions of the report also indicate an extensive international evidence that specialist nurses produce health gains and that they also make a positive contribution to the professional enhancement.

When it comes to the residency specialization, the report states that it is an adequate instrument for the development and professional enhancement of the nurses despite the budgetary impact of the residency in nursing specialization. This impact, however, is largely mitigated by the benefits of its implementation.

"It is estimated that the budgetary impact of this action, considering the scenario in which 1500 positions for specialist nurses are made available annually, nets an average benefit of about € 18 million / year. This amount results from the difference between an estimated cost of EUR 63 million / year, which includes the wage increase and the costs of the residency, and an estimated benefit of EUR 81 million/ year, resulting from expected savings of 5% in hospital admissions”, states the report.

The report points a very positive economic and social impact as it allows health gains and management efficiency. The specialized nursing care also contributes largely to the professional enhancement, as it gives nurses the opportunity to build a professional career and encourages them to continue their training.

These and other conclusions can be found in the report “Specialized nursing care as a response to the evolution of health care needs”.

For more information:

Joana Desport Coelho

Serviço de Comunicação                                                                                                                              

INESC TEC

Campus da FEUP

Rua Dr Roberto Frias

4200-465 Porto

Portugal

T +351 22 209 42 97

M +351 91 911 97 21

joana.d.coelho@inesctec.pt