Staff perspectives of a nurse practitioner-led orthogeriatric model of care in a large academic hospital: A mixed methods study

Abstract

BackgroundResearch has shown that models of care involving geriatric care in orthopedics decrease hospitalizations, mortality, length of stay and post-operative complications. This article presents an example of a nurse practitioner-led orthogeriatric model of care in a large academic hospital in Ontario. The overall goal was to explore staff perspectives regarding the nurse practitioner-led orthogeriatric model of care. MethodsWe conducted a mixed methods approach consisting of an online questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group with staff. ResultsQuestionnaire of staff showed overall support for functions of the NP within the model. Interviews with healthcare providers, and leadership as well as one focus group with orthopedic surgeons showed that despite the lack of formal awareness of the NP-led orthogeriatric model of care, staff felt that the model provided better care for the geriatric hip fracture population. ConclusionIn the current context of geriatricians’ shortages to provide post-surgical care to geriatric patients, the staff described that geriatric care of hip fracture patients can be well accomplished by a NP. Further improvement efforts to create better awareness of the NP-led orthogeriatric model among the care team is needed.