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An evaluation of the implementation of Advanced Nurse Practitioner ( ANP ) roles in an acute hospital setting
Author(s) -
McDonnell Ann,
Goodwin Emma,
Kennedy Fiona,
Hawley Kay,
Gerrish Kate,
Smith Christine
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/jan.12558
Subject(s) - workload , nursing , medicine , competence (human resources) , acute care , health care , patient safety , psychology , social psychology , computer science , economics , economic growth , operating system
Aim To evaluate the impact of implementing Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles on patients, staff members and organizational outcomes in an acute hospital. Background The worldwide development of advanced practice roles in nursing has been influenced by increasing demands and costs of health care. A key issue in the UK has been the reduction in hours junior doctors can work. While there is evidence these roles can have a positive impact in a variety of clinical specialties, little is known about the impact advanced nurses substituting for junior doctors can have on patients, staff members and organizational outcomes in general hospital care settings. Design Collective case study. Methods A collective case study in a district general hospital in England was undertaken in 2011–2012. Interviews with strategic stakeholders ( n = 13) were followed by three individual case studies. Each case study represented the clinical area in which the roles had been introduced: medicine, surgery and orthopaedics and included interviews ( n = 32) and non‐participant observation of practice. Findings The ANP s had a positive impact on patient experience, outcomes and safety. They improved staff knowledge, skills and competence and enhanced quality of working life, distribution of workload and team‐working. ANP s contributed to the achievement of organizational priorities and targets and development of policy. Conclusion ANP s undertaking duties traditionally performed by junior doctors in acute hospital settings can have a positive impact on a range of indicators relating to patients, staff members and organizational outcomes which are highly relevant to nursing.