This paper reports the evaluation of a nursing role development based on assessment/treatment protocols for minor injuries. The initiative evolved in an integrated way across nine community hospital casualty units, presenting an interesting opportunity to research its impact. A primarily descriptive, developmental evaluation approach was adopted which surveyed the perceptions of the main stakeholders and collated existing data. The development was found to have impacted very positively for the main professional groups involved, and patient waiting times appear to have been reduced. The educational course which underpinned the initiative was an important factor in its success. A number of other influential factors were identified during the research and these are discussed in relation to role development in nursing and evaluation methodology for nursing.
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