They Are Partners in Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Physicians' Perceptions of Primary Care Advanced Practice Nurses.

Abstract

This study explores physicians' perceptions of the advanced practice nurse (APN) role in the primary care setting in Singapore. A descriptive qualitative design utilizing face-to-face semistructured interviews was conducted on a purposive sample of 16 primary care physicians from six primary care clinics. Thematic analysis and constant comparative analysis were used. Three themes were identified: a collaborative partner in primary care, a conduit for specialist care and information, and a leader in community care. Physicians generally reported positivity about the clinical role of APNs and their potential in leading community care. However, they verbalized role ambiguity beyond clinical practice. Physicians viewed primary care APNs as competent healthcare professionals. They viewed APNs as specialists in their fields, with the potential for expanding their services into the community. However, there remains gaps in physicians' understanding of the primary care APNs' nonclinical roles. The findings from this study indicate a need for nursing schools and nurse leaders to increase awareness of the complete APN role among physicians. APNs' roles in educating healthcare professionals and delivering care to the community can be further developed. APNs are at the forefront in leading nursing care. There is a need to develop greater collaborative partnerships while delineating their respective roles in patient care.