Establishing value from contemporary Nurse Practitioners’ perceptions of the role: A preliminary study into purpose, support and priorities

Abstract

ProblemTo establish greater understanding into nurse practitioners and their value within healthcare. HypothesisValue in healthcare, when used as a tool of healthcare economics, is a marker for effective service recognition. Value cannot be determined without understanding, the lack of descriptive properties about Australian nurse practitioners contributes to the gap in understanding the value of the nurse practitioner service. DesignIn this preliminary study we tested a concurrent triangulation design comprising of a three-part on-line questionnaire eliciting participating clinician's views of their nurse practitioner role. SettingNurse practitioners from one rural and one metropolitan Local Health District of New South Wales, Australia were surveyed. Thirty-five surveys were distributed to practitioners with an overall response rate of 77.5% (n=27). ResultsData analysis reveals that nurse practitioners primarily perceive they address healthcare access gaps. Most nurse practitioners reported it was easy to maintain their practice whilst reporting they found it difficult to attend education and consequently expand their practice. Nurse practitioners opinions were mixed when reporting the level of support from their employers. ConclusionNurse practitioners perceive their roles exist to meet shortfalls in health service delivery. Nurse practitioners identified the need for specialist nurse practitioner education and perceived varying support for their roles. Results qualify a more informed value judgement of the nurse practitioner role.