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Turi E, McMenamin AL, Martsolf G, Hasin D, Han BH, Liu J, Poghosyan L. Primary care nurse practitioner work environments and emergency department utilization among older adults with substance use disorders in rural areas. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 157:209285. [PMID: 38159910 PMCID: PMC10922346 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) is growing among older adults, and older adults in rural areas face disparities in access to SUD care. Rural older adults with SUDs commonly have comorbid chronic conditions that puts them at risk for frequent acute healthcare utilization. In rural areas, primary care for patients with SUDs are increasingly provided by nurse practitioners (NPs), and quality primary care services may decrease ED visits in this population. Yet, NP-delivered primary care for rural older adults with SUDs may be limited by work environment barriers, which include lack of support, autonomy, and visibility. This study assessed the relationship between the NP work environment and ED utilization among rural older adults with SUDs. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a large survey of NPs in six U.S. states merged with Medicare claims. The study measured the NP work environment by the four subscales of the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire (NP-PCOCQ), which measure 1) independent practice and support, 2) NP-physician relations, 3) NP-administration, and 4) professional visibility. Multilevel logistic regression models, adjusted for practice and patient covariates, assess the relationship between the NP work environment and all-cause ED use. RESULTS The sample included 1152 older adults with SUDs who received care at 126 rural NP primary care practices. NP independent practice and support at the practice was associated with 49 % lower odds of all-cause ED visits among older adults with SUDs. There were no relationships between the other NP-PCOCQ subscales and all-cause ED visits. CONCLUSIONS Organizational support for NP independent practice is associated with lower odds of all-cause ED utilization among rural older adults with SUDs. Practice administrators should ensure that NPs have access to support and resources to enhance their ability to care for rural older adults with SUDs. Ultimately, these practice changes could reduce ED utilization and health disparities in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Turi
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Amy L McMenamin
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Grant Martsolf
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health; 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Benjamin H Han
- University of California San Diego Department of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Jianfang Liu
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Lusine Poghosyan
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health; 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
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Gigli KH, Calhoun J, Dierkes AM, Martsolf GR. The Perspectives of Advanced Practice Provider Directors on Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Alignment and Hiring. Policy Polit Nurs Pract 2024; 25:20-28. [PMID: 37880970 DOI: 10.1177/15271544231204879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Demand for acute care is forecasted to grow in the United States. To meet this demand, nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly employed in acute care settings. Yet, there is concern about an adequate supply of acute care NPs given demand. Further, professional nursing organizations recommend aligning an NP's role with their education, certification, licensure, and practice. Given workforce constraints and the policy environment, little is known about how hospitals approach hiring NPs for acute care roles. The purpose of this study was to explore advanced practice provider (APP) directors' approaches to hiring NPs within the context of alignment and describe factors that influence hiring decisions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 APP directors in hospitals and health systems. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using an iterative, hybrid inductive and deductive method. Two themes emerged: (1) local factors that inform aligned hiring and (2) adaptive hiring responses to changing environments. Practices around hiring NPs varied across institutions influenced by organization and state policies and regulations, workforce availability, and institutional culture. Most APP directors recognized trends towards hiring aligned NPs for acute care roles. However, they also identified barriers to fully aligning their NP workforce and described adaptive strategies including hiring physician assistants, building relationships with APP schools, and leveraging hospital resources to develop the APP workforce to meet care delivery demands given the current NP workforce supply. Future research is needed to assess widespread practices around acute care NP alignment and the implications of alignment for patient and organizational outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jackie Calhoun
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew M Dierkes
- Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Grant R Martsolf
- Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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White RD. Examining the Influence of Physician Assistant/Associate Scope of Practice Reforms and Individual Characteristics on Wages. Med Care Res Rev 2023; 80:386-395. [PMID: 37340800 DOI: 10.1177/10775587231165351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
High labor demand for physician assistants/associates (PA) has led to substantial PA workforce and wage growth. During this growth period, states have adopted reforms to reduce PA scope of practice restrictions and reports of significant gender and race wage disparities have emerged. This study examined data from the American Community Survey to investigate the influence of demographic characteristics, human capital, and scope of practice reforms on PA wages from 2008 to 2017. Using an ordinary least squares two-way fixed effects estimator, a significant association between reforms and PA wages could not be established. Rather, wages were found to be strongly associated with human capital and demographic characteristics. Gender and race wage disparities persist, with female PAs earning 7.5% lower wages than male PAs and White PAs earning 9.1% to 14.5% higher wages than racial and ethnic minority PAs. These findings suggest a minimal influence of prior scope of practice reforms on PA wages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D White
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Dresser SC, Elgin KW. Hospital-Based Credentialing and Privileging: Overview and Implications for the Clinical Nurse Specialist. CLIN NURSE SPEC 2023; 37:133-138. [PMID: 37058704 DOI: 10.1097/nur.0000000000000742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of hospital-based credentialing and privileging processes for clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), describe barriers to success, and share lessons learned from CNSs who have successfully navigated the credentialing and privileging process. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT This article shares knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned from an initiative to achieve hospital credentialing and privileging for CNSs at 1 academic medical center. OUTCOME Policies and procedures for credentialing and privileging CNSs are now consistent with other advanced practice providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Dresser
- Author Affiliations: Assistant Professor and Director of the Adult-Gerontology CNS Program (Dr Dresser), Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City; Advanced Practice Provider Supervisor/Clinical Nurse Specialist (Dr Elgin), University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, Virginia; and Assistant Clinical Professor (Dr Elgin), University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia
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O'Reilly-Jacob M, Zwilling J, Perloff J, Freeman P, Brown E, Donelan K. Early implementation of full-practice authority: A survey of Massachusetts nurse practitioners. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2023; 35:235-241. [PMID: 36927709 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In January 2021, Massachusetts granted nurse practitioners (NPs) full-practice authority (FPA). Little is known about how FPA changes the day-to-day work of NPs. PURPOSE To examine changes in practice barriers and care delivery in the early stages of FPA. METHODOLOGY Descriptive analysis of a web-based survey of clinically active NPs in Massachusetts from October to December 2021, using Fisher exact tests to examine the associations between the perception that FPA improved work and other variables. RESULTS Survey response rate was 50.3% ( N = 147). Overall, 79% of NPs believe that clinical work is unchanged by FPA. Practicing outside institutions is a significant predictor of FPA improving work ( p < .05). Larger proportions of respondents feel that efficiency (22%), patient centeredness (20%), and timeliness (20%) are improved by FPA compared with effectiveness (16%), equity (14%), and safety (10%). Almost half of those reporting that FPA improves overall care also report improved efficiency (50%, p < .0001), but only 22% report improved safety ( p < .05). Of those believing that FPA improved work, a minority no longer need physician review of new controlled substance prescriptions (29%, p < .01), a practice agreement (32%, p < .05), or physician signature on clinical documentation (22%, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Almost 1 year after FPA was passed in Massachusetts, the large majority of NPs report no changes in their day-to-day work, suggesting that FPA implementation is slow. IMPLICATIONS Concerted efforts by regulators, employers, and individual NPs are needed to ensure that legislated FPA is effectively implemented inside organizations and among payers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana Zwilling
- College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
| | - Jennifer Perloff
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia Freeman
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Emily Brown
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Karen Donelan
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
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Poghosyan L, Stein JH, Liu J, Spetz J, Osakwe ZT, Martsolf G. State-level scope of practice regulations for nurse practitioners impact work environments: Six state investigation. Res Nurs Health 2022; 45:516-524. [PMID: 35852444 PMCID: PMC9534177 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Nurse practitioner (NP) scope of practice (SOP) policies are different across the United States. Little is known about their impact on NP work environment in healthcare organizations. We investigated the association between SOP policies and organizational-level work environment of NPs. Through a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 1244 NPs in six states with variable SOP regulations (Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California) in 2018-2019. Arizona and Washington had full SOP-NPs had full authority to deliver care. New Jersey and Pennsylvania had reduced SOP with physician collaboration requirement; California and Texas had restricted SOP with physician supervision requirement. NPs completed mail or online surveys containing the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire, which has these subscales: NP-Administration Relations (NP-AR), NP-Physician Relations (NP-PR), Independent Practice and Support (IPS), and Professional Visibility (PV). Regression models assessed the relationship between state-level SOP and practice-level NP work environment. NP-AR scores were higher in full SOP states compared to reduced (β = 0.22, p < 0.01) and restricted (β = 0.15, p < 0.01) SOP states. Similarly, IPS scores were higher in full SOP states. The PV scores were also higher in full SOP states compared to reduced (β = 0.16, p < 0.001) and restricted (β = 0.12, p < 0.05) SOP states. There was no relationship between SOP and NP-PR score. State-level policies affect NP work environment. In states with more favorable policies, NPs have better relationships with administration and report more role visibility and support. Efforts should be made to remove unnecessary SOP restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan H. Stein
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jianfang Liu
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joanne Spetz
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zainab T. Osakwe
- College of Nursing and Public Health, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA
| | - Grant Martsolf
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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McMichael BJ, Markowitz S. Toward a Uniform Classification of Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Laws. Med Care Res Rev 2022:10775587221126777. [PMID: 36172783 DOI: 10.1177/10775587221126777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many states' scope of practice laws limits the ability of nurse practitioners to deliver care by requiring physician supervision of their practices and prescribing activities. A robust literature has evolved around examining the role of these scope of practice laws in various contexts, including labor market outcomes, health care access, health care prices, and the delivery of care for specific diseases. Unfortunately, these studies use different, and sometimes conflicting, measures of scope of practice laws, limiting their comparability and overall usefulness to policymakers and future researchers. We address this salient problem by providing a recommended coding of nurse practitioner scope of practice laws over a 24-year period based on actual statutory and regulatory language. Our classification of scope of practice laws solves an important problem within this growing literature and provides a solid legal foundation for researchers as they continue to investigate the effects of these laws.
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Mafi JN, Chen A, Guo R, Choi K, Smulowitz P, Tseng CH, Ladapo JA, Landon BE. US emergency care patterns among nurse practitioners and physician assistants compared with physicians: a cross-sectional analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055138. [PMID: 35443951 PMCID: PMC9021799 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPs/PAs) increasingly practice in emergency departments (EDs), yet limited research has compared their practice patterns with those of physicians. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Using nationally representative data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), we analysed ED visits among NPs/PAs and physicians between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2017. To compare NP/PA and physician utilisation, we estimated propensity score-weighted multivariable regressions adjusted for clinical/sociodemographic variables, including triage acuity score (1=sickest/5=healthiest). Because NPs/PAs may preferentially consult physicians for more complex patients, we performed sensitivity analyses restricting to EDs with >95% of visits including the NP/PA-physician combination. EXPOSURES NPs/PAs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Use of hospitalisations, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures and six low-value services, for example, CT/MRI for uncomplicated headache, based on Choosing Wisely and other practice guidelines. RESULTS Before propensity weighting, we studied visits to 12 410 NPs/PAs-alone, 21 560 to the NP/PA-physician combination and 143 687 to physicians-alone who saw patients with increasing age (41, 45 and 47 years, p<0.001) and worsening triage acuity scores (3.03, 2.85 and 2.67, p<0.001), respectively. After weighting, NPs/PAs-alone used fewer medications (2.62 vs 2.80, p=0.002), diagnostic tests (3.77 vs 4.66, p<0.001), procedures (0.67 vs 0.77, p<0.001), hospitalisations (OR 0.35 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.46)) and low-value CT/MRI studies (OR 0.65 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.80)) than physicians. Contrastingly, the NP/PA-physician combination used more medications (3.08 vs 2.80, p<0.001), diagnostic tests (5.07 vs 4.66, p<0.001), procedures (0.86 vs 0.77, p<0.001), hospitalisations OR 1.33 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.51) and low-value CT/MRI studies (OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.43)) than physicians-results were similar among EDs with >95% of NP/PA visits including the NP/PA-physician combination. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE While U.S. NPs/PAs-alone used less care and low-value advanced diagnostic imaging, the NP/PA-physician combination used more care and low-value advanced diagnostic imaging than physicians alone. Findings were reproduced among EDs where nearly all NP/PA visits were collaborative with physicians, suggesting that NPs/PAs seeing more complex patients used more services than physicians alone, but the converse might be true for more straightforward patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Mafi
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- RAND Health, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Alexander Chen
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rong Guo
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kristen Choi
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Peter Smulowitz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joseph A Ladapo
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bruce E Landon
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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O'Reilly-Jacob M, Perloff J, Sherafat-Kazemzadeh R, Flanagan J. Nurse practitioners' perception of temporary full practice authority during a COVID-19 surge: A qualitative study. Int J Nurs Stud 2022; 126:104141. [PMID: 34923317 PMCID: PMC8609748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, 22 state governors temporarily waived physician supervision of nurse practitioners to expand access to health care during the state of emergency. OBJECTIVE We examined the nurse practitioner perception of the simultaneous scope of practice changes and the exigent pandemic demands during the initial COVID-19 surge in Massachusetts. METHODS Qualitative descriptive design using content analysis of open-ended responses to a web-based survey of Massachusetts nurse practitioners conducted in May & June 2020. RESULTS Survey response rate was 40.6 percent (N = 389). Content analysis identified four themes including: 1) State waivers enabled more control over practice and more expedited care, 2) State waiver did not change practice either because of pre-established independence or employers not changing policy, 3) Perception of nurse practitioner role as both versatile and disposable and 4) Telehealth increased access to care and created an autonomous setting. CONCLUSIONS Although findings suggest fewer barriers in some areas, the temporary removal of state-level restrictions alone is not sufficient to achieve immediate full scope of practice for nurse practitioners. There is a need for regulatory frameworks that optimize the capacity of the advanced practice nursing workforce to respond to global health emergencies. US-based policymakers and healthcare organizations should revise outdated scope of practice policies and capitalize on telehealth technology to utilize the full extent of nurse practitioners. Likewise, nursing leaders should be a voice for nurse practitioners to more effectively and safely maximize the nurse practitioner contribution during emergency responses. In countries where the role is under development, regulators can leverage these findings to establish modernized nurse practitioner scope of practice policies from the outset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica O'Reilly-Jacob
- Boston College, Connell School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Jennifer Perloff
- Brandeis University, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, 02454, USA
| | - Roya Sherafat-Kazemzadeh
- Brandeis University, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, 02454, USA
| | - Jane Flanagan
- Boston College, Connell School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
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Bowman AF, Goreth MB, Armstrong AB, Gigli KH. Hospital Regulation of Pediatric-Focused Nurse Practitioners: A Multistate Survey. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Everett CM, Docherty SL, Matheson E, Morgan PA, Price A, Christy J, Michener L, Smith VA, Anderson JB, Viera A, Jackson GL. Teaming up in primary care: Membership boundaries, interdependence, and coordination. JAAPA 2022; 35:1-10. [PMID: 34985006 PMCID: PMC9869344 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000805840.00477.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased demand for quality primary care and value-based payment has prompted interest in implementing primary care teams. Evidence-based recommendations for implementing teams will be critical to successful PA participation. This study sought to describe how primary care providers (PCPs) define team membership boundaries and coordinate tasks. METHODS This mixed-methods study included 28 PCPs from a primary care network. We analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics and interview data using content analysis. RESULTS Ninety-six percent of PCPs reported team membership. Team models fell into one of five categories. The predominant coordination mechanism differed by whether coordination was required in a visit or between visits. CONCLUSIONS Team-based primary care is a strategy for improving access to quality primary care. Most PCPs define team membership based on within-visit task interdependencies. Our findings suggest that team-based interventions can focus on clarifying team membership, increasing interaction between clinicians, and enhancing the electronic health record to facilitate between-visit coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Everett
- At Duke University in Durham, N.C., Christine M. Everett is an associate professor in the Division of PA Studies in the School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and the Department of Population Health Sciences, and Sharron L. Docherty is a professor in the School of Nursing. Elaine Matheson is advanced practice provider medical director at Duke Primary Care in Durham. Perri A. Morgan is a professor in the Division of PA Studies in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and the Department of Population Health. In the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Ashley Price is a research program lead, Jacob Christy is a clinical research coordinator, and Lloyd Michener is a professor emeritus. Valerie A. Smith is an associate professor in the Department of Population Health and in the Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT) at the Durham VA Health Care System. John B. Anderson, Jr., is an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and chief medical officer at Duke Primary Care. Anthony Viera is a professor and chair in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. George L. Jackson is a professor in the Department of Population Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and at ADAPT. The authors disclose that this research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Aging (K01AG53378). The grant funding source had no role in the design, conduct, collection, management, analysis, or interpretation of the data; or in the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript. The authors have disclosed no other potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the position or policy of Duke University, Duke Health System, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the US government
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Poghosyan L, Pulcini J, Chan GK, Dunphy L, Martsolf GR, Greco K, Todd BA, Brown SC, Fitzgerald M, McMenamin AL, Solari-Twadell PA. State responses to COVID-19: Potential benefits of continuing full practice authority for primary care nurse practitioners. Nurs Outlook 2022; 70:28-35. [PMID: 34763899 PMCID: PMC8346350 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state governments removed the scope of practice restrictions on nurse practitioners (NPs), allowing them to deliver care to patients without restrictions. PURPOSE To support policy makers' efforts to grant full practice authority to NPs beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, this manuscript summarizes the existing evidence on the benefits of permanently removing state-level scope of practice barriers and outline recommendations for policy, practice, and research. METHODS We have conducted a thorough review of the existing literature. FINDINGS NP full scope of practice improves access and quality of care and leads to better patient outcomes. It also has the potential to reduce health care cost. DISCUSSION The changes to support full practice authority enacted to address COVID-19 are temporary. NP full practice authority could be part of a longer-term plan to address healthcare inequities and deficiencies rather than merely a crisis measure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joyce Pulcini
- George Washington University School of Nursing, Ashburn, VA
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Gigli KH, Martsolf GR. Implications of State Scope-of-Practice Regulations for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Practitioner Roles. Policy Polit Nurs Pract 2021; 22:221-229. [PMID: 34129414 PMCID: PMC10024928 DOI: 10.1177/15271544211021049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nurse practitioner (NP) advocacy efforts often focus on attaining full practice authority. While the effects of full practice authority in primary care are well described, implications for hospital-based NPs are less clear and may differ because of hospitals' team-based care and administrative structure. This study examines associations between state scope-of-practice (SSOP) and clinical roles of hospital-based pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) NPs. We conducted a national survey to assess clinical roles of PICU NPs including daily patient care, procedural, and consultation responsibilities as well as hospital-level administrative oversight practices. We classified SSOP as full or limited (reduced or restricted SSOP) practice. We present descriptive statistics and evaluate differences in clinical roles and hospital-level administrative oversight based on SSOP. The final sample included 55 medical directors and 58 lead (senior or supervisory) NPs from 93 of the 140 (66.4%) PICUs with NPs. There were no significant differences in daily patient care, procedural, or consultation responsibilities based on SSOP (p > .05). However, NPs in full practice authority states were more likely to bill for care than those in limited practice states (66.7% vs. 31.8%, p = .003), while those in limited practice states were more likely to report to advanced practice managers (36.7% vs. 13%, p = .03). For PICU NPs, SSOP was not associated with variation in clinical responsibilities; conversely, there were differences in billing and reporting practices. Future work is needed to understand implications of variation in hospital-level administrative oversight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin H. Gigli
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, United States
- CRISMA Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Grant R. Martsolf
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Gigli KH, Davis BS, Martsolf GR, Kahn JM. Advanced Practice Provider-inclusive Staffing Models and Patient Outcomes in Pediatric Critical Care. Med Care 2021; 59:597-603. [PMID: 34100461 PMCID: PMC8187846 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are increasingly staffed with advanced practice providers (APPs), supplementing traditional physician staffing models. OBJECTIVES We evaluate the effect of APP-inclusive staffing models on clinical outcomes and resource utilization in US PICUs. RESEARCH DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of children admitted to PICUs in 9 states in 2016 using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's State Inpatient Databases. PICU staffing models were assessed using a contemporaneous staffing survey. We used multivariate regression to examine associations between staffing models with and without APPs and outcomes. MEASURES The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included odds of hospital acquired conditions and ICU and hospital lengths of stay. RESULTS The sample included 38,788 children in 40 PICUs. Patients admitted to PICUs with APP-inclusive staffing were younger (6.1±5.9 vs. 7.1±6.2 y) and more likely to have complex chronic conditions (64% vs. 43%) and organ failure on admission (25% vs. 22%), compared with patients in PICUs with physician-only staffing. There was no difference in mortality between PICU types [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-1.81, P=0.30]. Patients in PICUs with APP-inclusive staffing had lower odds of central line-associated blood stream infections (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98, P=0.03) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.61-0.86, P<0.001). There were no differences in lengths of stay. CONCLUSIONS Despite being younger and sicker, children admitted to PICUs with APP-inclusive staffing had no increased odds of mortality and lower odds of some hospital acquired conditions compared with those in PICUs with physician-only staffing. Further research can inform APP integration strategies which optimize outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin H. Gigli
- CRISMA Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Billie S. Davis
- CRISMA Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Grant R. Martsolf
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeremy M. Kahn
- CRISMA Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Health Policy & Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined if the variation in physician assistant (PA) state scope of practice (SOP) laws across states are associated with number of employed PAs, PA demographics and PA/population ratio per state. The hypothesis was that less restrictive SOP laws will increase the demand for PAs and the number of PAs in a state. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional analysis at three time points: 1998, 2008, 2017. SETTING Fifty states and the District of Columbia. PARTICIPANTS Employed PAs in 1998, 2008, 2017. METHODS SOP laws were categorised as permissive, average and restrictive. Three national datasets were combined to allow for descriptive analysis of employed PAs by year and SOP categories. We used linear predictive models to generate and compare PA/population ratio least square means by SOP categories for each year. Models were adjusted for percent female PA and PAs mean age. RESULTS There was a median PA/population ratio of 23 per 100 000 population in 1998 and 33 in 2017. A heterogeneous expansion of SOP laws was seen with 17 states defined as super expanders while 15 were never adopters. In 2017, comparing restrictive to permissive states showed that in adjusted models permissive SOP laws were associated with 11.7 (p .03) increase in ratio of employed PAs per 100 000 population, demonstrating that states with permissive SOP laws have an increased PA density. CONCLUSIONS There has been steady growth in the mean PA/population ratio since the turn of the century. At the same time, PA SOP laws in the USA have expanded, with just 10 states remaining in the restrictive category. Permissive SOP laws are associated with an increase in the ratio of employed PAs per state population. As states work to meet the projected physician need, SOP expansion may be an important policy consideration to increase the PA workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia L Valentin
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Shahpar Najmabadi
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - C Everett
- Community and Family Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Curran SP, Boyette M, Callison-Burch A, Hagloch J, Walsh R, Van Tassell C, Valentin VL. Physician Assistant Utilization in Inpatient Psychiatry: A Qualitative Study. Cureus 2020; 12:e11900. [PMID: 33415052 PMCID: PMC7781880 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There is a national shortage of psychiatric care providers, with approximately 1% of physician assistants (PAs) working in psychiatry. The study aimed to understand the utilization of PAs in inpatient psychiatry. Methods A qualitative study was performed utilizing semi-structured interviews focusing on PA autonomy, reimbursement, specialized certifications, training structure, and overall satisfaction with PAs in inpatient psychiatric care. Results Of the nine locations interviewed, four are currently using PAs, and five have never utilized PAs. All facilities utilizing PAs reported a decrease in physician workload with varying structures for training and billing, and required specialized certifications. Conclusion Most facilities surveyed do not utilize PAs and either preferred physicians or were unaware of the qualifications of PAs. Of the facilities utilizing PAs, there is wide variation in their utilization and reimbursement models; however, they reported a high level of satisfaction, reinforcing that PAs can provide high-quality care in inpatient psychiatric settings.
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Characteristics and perceptions of the US nurse practitioner hospitalist workforce. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2020; 33:1173-1179. [PMID: 33208607 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of nurse practitioners (NPs) as hospitalists has grown over the last two decades. Based on current educational preparation, certification, and scope of practice, the acute care NP is considered by professional standards the best prepared to care for the needs of acutely and critically ill patients. Little is known about this sector of the NP workforce. PURPOSE The study was designed to identify the NP hospitalist workforce's characteristics and describe the NP hospitalist workforce's perception of the work environment. METHODS We deployed five questions in the 2019 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National NP Sample Survey. Of 880 respondents working in an eligible inpatient setting, 366 responded that they work as hospitalists caring for adult patients. RESULTS Most respondents (n = 275, 74.7%) were certified in primary care. On-the-job training was the most common qualification to be an NP hospitalist (n = 274, 75%). The majority (n = 252, 68.9%) had a collaborative relationship with a physician at their site. Job satisfaction was significantly correlated with full utilization of one's education and practicing to the fullest extent of the state's scope of practice with an r(360) = .719, p = .00 (two-tailed). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The prevalence of on-the-job training as the most common preparation for the hospitalist role suggests a need to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of NPs not initially educated as acute care NPs who work as hospitalists. Nurse practitioner educators should address the evolving workforce needs of both primary and acute care practice when planning and implementing educational programs.
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Hiring and Credentialing of Nurse Practitioners as Hospitalists: A National Workforce Analysis. JOURNAL OF NURSING REGULATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2155-8256(20)30132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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