"Flight Nurses," or "Nurses Who Fly"? An International Perspective on the Role of Flight Nurses

Abstract

Objective: Discovering how transport nurses around the world are prepared and supported for a flight role may illuminate areas of best practice. This article reviews the flight nursing research, exploring what the international literature tells us about the role of flight nurses and discovering lessons from their experiences that may have particular relevance for the UK context.

Methods: The results of a literature search and thematic synthesis for flight nursing research are described.

Results: Thirteen research articles were obtained covering a broad range of countries. The scope of practice encompasses primary and secondary transport services and both civilian and military personnel. In an attempt to distill the role, work, and purpose of a flight nurse, a list of all the themes and categories that could be identified within the literature was assembled. These were inductively refined into 8 cluster themes, seeking to capture a broad description of the role of a nurse who flies. The definition of a "flight nurse" in the international context is debated. Thoughts related to training and education and, in particular, the nontechnical challenges of the role are discussed.

Conclusion: This reflection provides insights that will influence the ongoing conversation around future air medical service development.