Patients’ experiences with the advanced practice nurse role in Swiss family practices: a qualitative study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12912-020-00482-2
• Publication Date: 2020-09-23T11:03:39Z
• Authors: Nicole Schönenberger; Beat Sottas; Christoph Merlo; Stefan Essig; Stefan Gysin
• Keywords: Advanced nursing practice; RT1-120; Swiss primary care; Nursing; 3. Good health; Nurse practitioner; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Advanced practice nurse; Primary care nurse practitioner; General practice; 0305 other medical science; Research Article

Considering shortages of general practitioners (GP) and strategies for improving the quality health care provision, many countries have implemented interprofessional models with advanced practice nurses (APN). International evidence suggests that APN results in high patient satisfaction. In Switzerland, role is still new, perspective has not yet been researched. Our aim was therefore to explore patients' experiences Swiss family practices.We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews four different practices patients aged 18 97 suffering from minor acute multiple chronic diseases, who had at least one consultation an APN. All were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, analysed using qualitative content analysis.The analysis resulted five themes: Despite unfamiliarity, all willing be consulted by because it recommended their GP (1); after several encounters, most participants perceived differences between terms length style consultations as well complexity tasks (2); interviewees emphasised coaching, guidance, coordination, GP-assisting core competencies attributed characteristics empathetic, trustworthy, competent (3); especially valued home visits holistic approach APNs, but they also noticed certain cases supervision required (4); due close collaboration GP, felt safe, cared experienced improvements physical psychological well-being daily activities (5).Our suggested value APNs' competencies, despite initial lack knowledge. Trust seemed important factor receptiveness toward role. Overall, added enlargement scope offered APNs. The might provide valuable insights further implementation practices.