Abstract
AIMS: This study aims to investigate the barriers encountered by specialised nurses working in nurse-led clinics at a tertiary hospital and to identify strategies for enhancing service delivery and operational management. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study, conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). METHODS: Purposeful sampling was employed to select 20 specialty nurses providing outpatient care at nurse-led clinics in a tertiary hospital in Fujian Province, China. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: The strategies and barriers identified in nurse-led clinics can be categorised into four main themes: (1) Challenges and Difficulties in Work, (2) Resource Support and Optimisation, (3) Advantages of Specialty Integration, and (4) Innovations and Development. CONCLUSIONS: The development of nurse-led clinics requires risk protection and robust support, underscoring the importance of managerial attention and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Additionally, enriching professional content and implementing innovative service models are essential for the long-term advancement of specialty nursing outpatient practice.