scholarly journals Financial viability, benefits and challenges of employing a nurse practitioner in general practice

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Helms ◽  
Jo Crookes ◽  
David Bailey
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Financial Viability ◽  
Practice Nurses

This case study examines the financial viability, benefits and challenges of employing a primary healthcare (PHC) nurse practitioner (NP) in a bulk-billing healthcare cooperative in the Australian Capital Territory. There are few empirical case reports in the Australian literature that demonstrate financial sustainability of this type of healthcare professional in primary healthcare. This case study demonstrates that the costs of employing a PHC-NP in general practice are offset by direct and indirect Medicare billings generated by the PHC-NP, resulting in a cost-neutral healthcare practitioner. The success of this model relies on bidirectional collaborative working relationships amongst general practitioners and NPs. PHC-NPs should have a generalist scope of practice and specialist expertise in order to maximise their utility within the general practice environment. What is known about the topic? NPs represent a growing workforce of highly trained and educated advanced practice nurses that aims to improve access to timely and affordable healthcare for underserviced populations. Recent legislation has allowed for greater exploration of innovative models of care using NPs in Australian primary healthcare. What does this paper add? This case study provides practical information on the financial and logistical implications of employing an NP in a bulk-billing general practice. It demonstrates the broad capability of this workforce in Australian primary healthcare, and gives an overview of the facilitators and barriers to their use in private practice. What are the implications for practitioners? Employment of a PHC NP in general practice requires careful consideration of the direct and indirect benefits associated with the complimentary care they offer. NP access to the Medicare Benefits Schedule is severely restricted, which impairs their ability to achieve a full scope of practice and may contribute to increased health system costs and inefficiencies. There are opportunities for integration and facilitation of this emerging role in general practice with existing nursing workforce. Further research into this evolving area would be of benefit.

scholarly journals Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Metusela ◽  
Tim Usherwood ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
Lisa Angus ◽  
Walter Kmet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstract Objectives Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches. Design We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. Setting and participants We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and type of engagement in practice transformation. Results Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care; and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported their perceptions of early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, describing enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and also noting fewer hospital admissions, as likely to reduce costs of care. Conclusions Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH models of care. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.

scholarly journals Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Metusela ◽  
Tim Usherwood ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
Lisa Angus ◽  
Walter Kmet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstract Objectives Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches. Design We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. Setting and participants We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and approaches to PCMH transitions. Results Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, in particular enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and fewer hospital admissions which were described as likely to reduce the costs of care. Conclusions Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH Primary Health Care approaches. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.

Outcomes and opportunities: a nurse-led model of chronic disease management in Australian general practice

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diann S. Eley ◽  
Elizabeth Patterson ◽  
Jacqui Young ◽  
Paul P. Fahey ◽  
Chris B. Del Mar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Australian General Practice ◽  
General Practices

The Australian government’s commitment to health service reform has placed general practice at the centre of its agenda to manage chronic disease. Concerns about the capacity of GPs to meet the growing chronic disease burden has stimulated the implementation and testing of new models of care that better utilise practice nurses (PN). This paper reports on a mixed-methods study nested within a larger study that trialled the feasibility and acceptability of a new model of nurse-led chronic disease management in three general practices. Patients over 18 years of age with type 2 diabetes, hypertension or stable ischaemic heart disease were randomised into PN-led or usual GP-led care. Primary outcomes were self-reported quality of life and perceptions of the model’s feasibility and acceptability from the perspective of patients and GPs. Over the 12-month study quality of life decreased but the trend between groups was not statistically different. Qualitative data indicate that the PN-led model was acceptable and feasible to GPs and patients. It is possible to extend the scope of PN care to lead the routine clinical management of patients’ stable chronic diseases. All GPs identified significant advantages to the model and elected to continue with the PN-led care after our study concluded.

Nurse-led supportive care management: a 6-month review of the role of a nurse practitioner in a chemotherapy unit

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Cox ◽  
Deme Karikios ◽  
Jessica K. Roydhouse ◽  
Kate White
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Presenting Problems ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Oncology Nurse ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Clinical Workload

Objectives This case study evaluates the oncology nurse practitioner (NP) role in a chemotherapy unit. Background The NP works in the cancer centre of a major metropolitan public hospital. The NP role was established in the chemotherapy unit in 2007. The NP reviews all patients that have an unscheduled presentation to the unit, with symptoms relating either to their disease or treatment. Methods All unscheduled occasions of service provided by the NP in the chemotherapy unit over 6 months were recorded. Data were collected on patient demographic characteristics, medical problems and reason for presentation. Data on duration of care, interventions and outcomes administered by the NP were captured. Results There were 87 occasions of service (72 patients) during the study period. Nausea, vomiting or dehydration were the most common presenting problems and most presenting problems were moderate or severe (n = 73, 84%). The median time to review for the NP was 5 min and nearly all consultations (n = 83, 96%) took 30 min or less. Following NP consultation, most occasions of service did not require subsequent hospital admission (n = 52, 60%), medical advice (n = 61, 70%) or medical review (n = 75, 86%). Conclusions The NP is a valuable asset to a busy department, increasing access to timely and appropriate healthcare for patients on chemotherapy. What is known about the topic? Models of care for oncology NP roles are being developed in Australia, but few published reports and descriptions of the work of oncology NP exist. What does this paper add? This paper presents a description and evaluation of occasions of service for an oncology NP in a chemotherapy unit and the impact of the NP’s role on the hospital and clinical workload. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper can inform the development of other oncology NP roles in Australian chemotherapy units, and highlights potential areas of evaluation for new NP roles in cancer care.

scholarly journals The Nursing Presence in General Practice: Revealing Dimensions of Day-to-day Experience of Practice Nurses in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Katrina Fyers
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Nursing Leaders ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
General Practices

<p>This study makes visible and gives value to the day-to-day experience of practice nurses who work in New Zealand general practices. Nursing leaders internationally and locally have highlighted the importance of the Primary Health Care nurse to improving health outcomes, addressing inequalities and implementing new models of care. As one of the largest groups of Primary Health Care nurses, practice nurses have a significant part to play. There is however, no consensus and limited research related to the day-to-day experience of practice nurses. Therefore, the nature, extent, and contribution of nursing in general practice may be overlooked or misunderstood. Furthermore as an autonomous self-regulating profession, nursing has a responsibility to the public to provide understanding of nursing in the present and in the future, particularly when this relates to the care of families and the structure of health systems. Located within the qualitative research paradigm and utilising a narrative inquiry methodology, this study applies a 'supportive voice' to highlight the experience of five practice nurses, and in the process makes visible the dimensions of nursing work in New Zealand general practices. The five constructed narratives particularly draw attention to the complex nature of nursing work that practice nurses engage in daily, the importance of nurse-patient relationships and continuity of care and the significance of autonomous and specialty aspects of nursing practice. Ultimately, the value of the practice nurse in the day-to-day operation of general practice is brought to the fore.</p>

General practice nurses and physicians and end of life: a systematic review of models of care

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2019-002114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Mitchell ◽  
Michèle Aubin ◽  
Hugh Senior ◽  
Claire Johnson ◽  
Julia Fallon-Ferguson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Health System ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Case Conference ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Primary Care Practitioners ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundGeneral practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs) face increasing demands to provide palliative care (PC) or end-of-life care (EoLC) as the population ages. In order to maximise the impact of GPs and GPNs, the impact of different models of care that have been developed to support their practice of EoLC needs to be understood.ObjectiveTo examine published models of EoLC that incorporate or support GP and GPN practice, and their impact on patients, families and the health system.MethodSystematic literature review. Data included papers (2000 to 2017) sought from Medline, Psychinfo, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane databases.ResultsFrom 6209 journal articles, 13 papers reported models of care supporting the GP and GPN’s role in EoLC or PC practice. Services and guidelines for clinical issues have mixed impact on improving symptoms, but improved adherence to clinical guidelines. National Frameworks facilitated patients being able to die in their preferred place. A single specialist PC-GP case conference reduced hospitalisations, better maintained functional capacity and improved quality of life parameters in both patients with cancer and without cancer. No studies examined models of care aimed at supporting GPNs.ConclusionsPrimary care practitioners have a natural role to play in EoLC, and most patient and health system outcomes are substantially improved with their involvement. Successful integrative models need to be tested, particularly in non-malignant diseases. Such models need to be explored further. More work is required on the role of GPNs and how to support them in this role.

scholarly journals Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Metusela ◽  
Tim Usherwood ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
Lisa Angus ◽  
Walter Kmet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstract Background Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches. Methods We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and type of engagement in practice transformation. Results Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care; and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported their perceptions of early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, describing enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and also noting fewer hospital admissions, as likely to reduce costs of care. Conclusions Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH models of care. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.

scholarly journals Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Metusela ◽  
Tim Usherwood ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
Lisa Angus ◽  
Walter Kmet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstract Objectives Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches. Design We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. Setting and participants We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and type of engagement in practice transformation. Results Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care; and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported their perceptions of early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, describing enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and also noting fewer hospital admissions, as likely to reduce costs of care. Conclusions Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH models of care. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.

scholarly journals Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Metusela ◽  
Tim Usherwood ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
Lisa Angus ◽  
Walter Kmet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstract Objectives Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches. Design We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. Setting and participants We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and type of engagement in practice transformation. Results Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care; and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported their perceptions of early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, describing enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and also noting fewer hospital admissions, as likely to reduce costs of care. Conclusions Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH models of care. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.

scholarly journals The Nursing Presence in General Practice: Revealing Dimensions of Day-to-day Experience of Practice Nurses in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Katrina Fyers
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Nursing Leaders ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
General Practices

<p>This study makes visible and gives value to the day-to-day experience of practice nurses who work in New Zealand general practices. Nursing leaders internationally and locally have highlighted the importance of the Primary Health Care nurse to improving health outcomes, addressing inequalities and implementing new models of care. As one of the largest groups of Primary Health Care nurses, practice nurses have a significant part to play. There is however, no consensus and limited research related to the day-to-day experience of practice nurses. Therefore, the nature, extent, and contribution of nursing in general practice may be overlooked or misunderstood. Furthermore as an autonomous self-regulating profession, nursing has a responsibility to the public to provide understanding of nursing in the present and in the future, particularly when this relates to the care of families and the structure of health systems. Located within the qualitative research paradigm and utilising a narrative inquiry methodology, this study applies a 'supportive voice' to highlight the experience of five practice nurses, and in the process makes visible the dimensions of nursing work in New Zealand general practices. The five constructed narratives particularly draw attention to the complex nature of nursing work that practice nurses engage in daily, the importance of nurse-patient relationships and continuity of care and the significance of autonomous and specialty aspects of nursing practice. Ultimately, the value of the practice nurse in the day-to-day operation of general practice is brought to the fore.</p>

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