Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective:to examine advanced practice nursing (APN) roles internationally to inform role development in Latin America and the Caribbean to support universal health coverage and universal access to health. Method:we examined literature related to APN roles, their global deployment, and APN effectiveness in relation to universal health coverage and access to health. Results:given evidence of their effectiveness in many countries, APN roles are ideally suited as part of a primary health care workforce strategy in Latin America to enhance universal health coverage and access to health. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico are well positioned to build this workforce. Role implementation barriers include lack of role clarity, legislation/regulation, education, funding, and physician resistance. Strong nursing leadership to align APN roles with policy priorities, and to work in partnership with primary care providers and policy makers is needed for successful role implementation. Conclusions:given the diversity of contexts across nations, it is important to systematically assess country and population health needs to introduce the most appropriate complement and mix of APN roles and inform implementation. Successful APN role introduction in Latin America and the Caribbean could provide a roadmap for similar roles in other low/middle income countries.
Highlights
Along with the development of stronger health systems in which primary health care is paramount, improved access to health and universal health coverage are recognized priorities for improving global health[1,2]
Advanced practice nursing (APN) roles are at an early stage of development in Latin American countries[7]
We examined literature related to APN roles, their global deployment, and APN effectiveness in relation to universal health coverage and access to health
Summary
Along with the development of stronger health systems in which primary health care is paramount, improved access to health and universal health coverage are recognized priorities for improving global health[1,2]. Following 60 plus years of global development, there is heightened recognition of advanced practice nurses and their impact on increased access to primary health care and improved quality of care and health outcomes[3,4]. At the intersection of primary health care and advanced practice nurses as two global phenomena is the concept of human resources for health. An adequate supply and appropriate mix of health care providers is critical to achieve the global agenda for health and advanced practice nurses are an essential component of country level health human resources[5,6]. There is tremendous opportunity to leverage these roles to achieve goals for access to health, universal health coverage and primary health care reform in these countries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call