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They Are Partners in Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Physicians’ Perceptions of Primary Care Advanced Practice Nurses
Author(s) -
Soh Barnabas Felix Jia Ren,
Ang Wei How Darryl,
De Roza Jacqueline Giovanna,
Quek Imm Pin,
Lim Pui San,
Lau Ying
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of nursing scholarship
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1547-5069
pISSN - 1527-6546
DOI - 10.1111/jnu.12665
Subject(s) - nursing , thematic analysis , medicine , qualitative research , health care , primary care , psychology , family medicine , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Abstract Purpose This study explores physicians’ perceptions of the advanced practice nurse (APN) role in the primary care setting in Singapore. Methods and Design 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. Findings 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. Conclusions 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. Clinical Relevance 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.