Judgement and decision making in advanced orthopaedic nursing practice related to chronic knee pain

SummaryA key element of advanced nursing is clinical practice using skills and knowledge beyond that of initial registration. The paper explores judgement and decision making in one aspect of advanced orthopaedic nursing practice. A brief outline of some of the issues surrounding advanced nursing practice is followed by an examination of judgement, decision making and knowledge used in practice when assessing patients with chronic knee pain. The complexity of judgement and decision making in this area of clinical practice is highlighted and ways in which these may be improved considered. The implications for nursing practice are made clear.