Defining the Role of Nurses in Performance Sport: A Domain Based Framework
The International Network of Nurses in Sport (INNS) has released a consensus statement titled The Role of Nurses within Performance Sport, outlining a comprehensive framework for nursing practice in elite and professional sporting environments. This document aims to support the formal recognition and integration of nurses as essential members of multidisciplinary sport healthcare teams.
Nurses represent the largest segment of the global health workforce and possess a broad scope of practice, robust education, and established governance structures. Within performance sport, their contributions span clinical care, health promotion, emergency response, and policy development. The consensus statement identifies seven key domains of nursing practice relevant to this context.
Nursing Practice Domains within Performance Sport Nursing:
Primary Health Care
Emergency Care
Injury Prevention, Management and Recovery within a Multidisciplinary Team.
Mental Health and Welfare
Infection Control
Logistics and Travel
Governance
Education
The domain based framework outlined in the consensus statement provides a structured and evidence informed approach to understanding the multifaceted role of nurses in performance sport. By clearly articulating the scope of nursing practice across primary care, emergency response, mental health, infection control, logistics, governance, and education, the framework supports the development of consistent standards, targeted training, and integrated models of care. As the demands of high performance sport continue to evolve, this framework offers a foundation for enhancing athlete health and wellbeing through the strategic inclusion of nursing expertise
Read the compelte list of Nursing Practice Domains within Performance Sport Nursing
