Academic Nursing and Advanced Nursing Practice in Residential Long-Term Care

Promoting and Supporting the Deployment of Academically Qualified Nursing Professionals (AqP)

The growing complexity of residential long-term care demands a diverse range of qualifications within nursing teams. Academically qualified nursing professionals (AqP) contribute valuable, advanced competencies that can improve care quality. However, there is currently a lack of clear structures and frameworks to facilitate their targeted deployment.
The current research project, building on the predecessor project (AP)² - Caritas, addresses these questions. In collaboration with Furtwangen University, the Catholic University of Applied Sciences Freiburg (KHF) examines the integration and benefits of academic nursing competencies in residential long-term care. The project is funded by the Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, and Integration of Baden-Württemberg.

As part of the project, the number of academically qualified nursing professionals working in residential long-term care in Baden-Württemberg will be assessed. Additionally, two selected long-term care facilities will be accompanied throughout the project period to evaluate and optimize the process of implementing AqP. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, the study investigates the extent to which AqP can enhance care quality, the tasks and responsibilities they assume, and the structural conditions required for the effective integration.
The aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive implementation framework that provides practical guidance for long-term care facilities to integrate the qualifications and competencies of AqP into their specific care structures.