Advanced practice nursing and nurse-led models in systemic lupus erythematosus: A patient organisation-informed narrative review
Alessio Conti, Chiara Lioce, Sofia Magrin, Rosa Pelissero, Silvia Aguilera, Sara CampagnaObjective
To synthesise how nurse-led models and advanced nursing practice are described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) care and to interpret reported outcomes in light of priorities identified through consultation with patient organisations.
Methods
We conducted a patient organisation-informed narrative review. Two patient organisations contributed via targeted consultations to refine the review question, identify priority outcomes, and support interpretation. We searched three databases from inception to January 2026 for peer-reviewed articles describing nurse-led interventions, service models, or advanced nursing roles involving people with SLE. Two reviewers screened records, extracted data, and synthesized findings using thematic analysis.
Results
Of 376 records, nine articles published between 2016 and 2025 were included; none originated from Africa or Latin America, and only one addressed pediatric care. Nurse-led activity was most often delivered in outpatient and hybrid (in-person/telephone) formats. Five main themes were synthesised: (i) Care coordination and continuity as the “backbone”; (ii) Education and counselling to strengthen self-management and self-efficacy; (iii) Symptom and lifestyle management as central outcomes; (iv) Psychosocial needs and social determinants as part of care; and (v) Advanced competence, training, and variable “visibility” of nursing roles.
Conclusion
SLE services should formalise advanced rheumatology nursing roles and nurse-led models as part of routine care, with clear governance and escalation processes. Future research should standardise role descriptions and outcomes and evaluate scalable nurse-led models on patient-centred, service, and equity endpoints.