A nursing historical perspective on the medical home: Impact on health care policy

Abstract

BackgroundThe idea of a “medical home” is rapidly gaining in popularity in health policy circles today. In the face of a shortage of primary care physicians, it has led to a national debate about who should lead the homes, who should deliver care, the kind of care that should be offered, and the location of that care. A historical examination of nurses' role in primary care can provide evidence to inform the current dialogue. PurposeThis article provides insight into nursing's role in primary health care during the early 20th century. MethodsTraditional historical methods were used. Discussion/ConclusionsThree historical case studies provide evidence of how nursing and medicine worked together in the past and informs the discussion about using nurses to deliver primary health care today. Policy makers should not overlook the central role nurses have long played in providing access to care for numerous underserved populations. Makers should not overlook the central role nurses have long played in providing access to care for numerous underserved populations.