Nursing coordination in chronic diseases: The situation of activities in the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris adult medicine units

Introduction: The transformation of nurse's profession can be an opportunity for the organization of personalized care pathways for patients with chronic diseases. Objective: Our objective was to identify and describe the activities of the coordinating nurses (IDEC) working with patients with chronic diseases in adult medicine services at the Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP). Method: An e-mail survey of department heads identified the IDEC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with IDEC and referring physicians in order to know IDEC's activities "in practice". Results: Forty-eight IDEC were identified in 115 adult medicine departments contacted at AP-HP. IDEC mainly engaged in expertise and coordination activities. IDEC help to free up medical time, patients are satisfied to have a dedicated contact to whom to turn in case of problems. Discussion: IDEC are involved in many chronic diseases. Their expertise serves primarily patients but also health professionals who intervene in the course of care. This work will feed reflection on the transformation of nursing professions, especially since the recognition of nursing practice in advanced practice.