Optimizing Licensed Practical Nurses in Home Care: Their Role, Scope and Opportunities.

Abstract

This research examined the role and scope of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in home care (HC) and case management. Case management is relatively new to LPNs in Alberta having been added to their list of competencies in 2015. The extent to which LPNs are performing functions and the circumstances or criteria that shape their reported case management functions and role are not clear. Our research questions were: a) What roles do LPNs play within HC and case management? and b) What roles could LPNs play within HC and case management given their scope of practice to achieve optimal client outcomes and system efficiencies? We used a mixed methods multiple case study design to engage LPNs in case management practice, their managers and HC leaders from rural, urban and suburban HC offices. Approaches for data collection included semi-structured interviews, participant observation, focus groups, document review and survey.