Facilitating the Integration of Nurse Practitioners in Primary Healthcare ND.
1 Oelke ,
D.
2 Mendel ,
1University
Introduction and Background
K.
2 Plamondon ,
of British Columbia,
L.
1 Sawchenko , D.
2 Okanagan; Interior
2 Arsenault ,
& H.
2 Buhler
Health Authority
Calls for Action
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) were introduced in 2005 in Interior Health • Impact of NPs on patient outcomes is well documented • Despite the positive impact of NPs in healthcare integration of NPs, particularly in primary healthcare, remains challenging
Goal/Objective • To accelerate NP integration in primary healthcare in the Interior Health geographic region
Methods • Comprehensive literature review • Interviews with 30 key stakeholders (providers and decision-makers) to understand current state of NP integration • Deliberative dialogue (May 2013) with invited stakeholders to develop actions and strategies to facilitate change • Follow-up dialogue (December 2013) to share successes and identify further actions to advance NP integration
Discussion/Implications • Over study period, greater openness to collaborative practice observed • Documentation issues and identification of NPs as a primary care provider are being addressed • Diverse NP collaborative practice models are being funded • Ongoing focus on collaboration is required • Ongoing education about the NP role and evaluation of collaborative models are needed to inform current and future approaches
Knowledge Translation • Integrated knowledge translation included involvement of decision-makers and providers in all research components • Short summaries of results were distributed to decision/policy-makers • Three short videos on collaborative practice and NP role awareness are under development Funding for this study was provided by Interior Health. We would also like to acknowledge the participation of the Nurse Practitioner Community of Practice, Interior Health and others who participated in the study.