Patient Satisfaction with Nurse Practitioner and Physician Services in the Occupational Health Setting

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine if patient satisfaction differed when clinical services were provided by nurse practitioners versus physicians in the occupational health setting. This convenience sample included 129 patients visiting community-based occupational medicine clinics for evaluation of a new work-related injury. There was high satisfaction with both nurse practitioner and physician providers. There was no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction between provider types. Results of this study support a practice model using nurse practitioners as primary providers in the occupational health setting.

Practice Patterns and Characteristics of Nurse Practitioners in the United States: Results From the 2012 National Sample Survey of Nurse Practitioners

“…Research on the quality, safety, and effectiveness of NPs has consistently shown that they can perform many health care delivery services as well as or in some circumstances with greater satisfaction than physicians. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] However, a lack of current and accurate data, the NSSNP was undertaken to describe the NP workforce, identify where NPs are practicing and what services they are providing, and collect information on their practice characteristics and job satisfaction. These data were identified as critical to assist the HRSA in developing policy, and to ensure an adequate supply of this critical segment of health care workforce who provides vital services to both primary and specialty care populations of patients.…”

Mentoring Nurse Practitioners in a Hospital Setting

“…Levels of patient satisfaction with the care provided by NPs and physicians were similar in a survey of 129 patients visiting an occupational medicine clinic (Guzik et al, 2009). Besides the overall satisfaction with the provider, satisfaction regarding the time spent with patients, level of technical skills, and explanations given was also similar between the NPs and physicians.…”

“…These results are found in many areas of NP practice including hospital-based emergency departments, inpatient, and primary care settings (Bevis et al, 2008;Budzi et al, 2010;Cooper, Lindsay, Kinn, & Swan, 2002;Guzik et al, 2009;Kleinpell et al, 2008;Lin et al, 2002;Mundinger et al, 2000;Sakr et al, 1999). While studies exploring patient satisfaction with NPs in primary care abound, there is a limited number of studies evaluating patient satisfaction in the hospital setting.…”

“…The care provided by NPs for various patient populations seems to be equivalent to the quality of care provided by medical staff (Bevis et al, 2008;Budzi et al, 2010;Guzik et al, 2009;Kleinpell et al, 2008;Mundinger, et al, 2000;Pioro et al, 2001;Sakr et al, 1999). Nurse practitioners working in emergency departments provide care for a variety of patients and have to perform numerous procedures.…”

An Evidence Based Web Intervention to Facilitate Nurse Practitioner Participation in the Policy Making Process Related to Scope of Practice

“…Over forty years of research on the quality of care provided by, and patients' satisfaction with, NPs' practice has shown outcomes and satisfaction at least equivalent to that of physicians (Anderer, 2008;Bakerjian, 2008;Bevis, et al, 2008;Coddington, Sands, Edwards, Kirkpatrick, & Chen, 2011;Conlon, 2010;Dulisse & Cromwell, 2010;Guzik, Menzel, Fitzpatrick, & McNulty, 2009;Institute of Medicine, 2010;Laurant, et al, 2007;Lenz, Mundinger, Kane, & Hopkins, 2004;Mundinger, et al, 2000;National Governor's Association, 2012;Newhouse, 2011;Pinkerton & Bush, 2000;Wright, Romboli, DiTulio, Wogen, & Belletti, 2011). In fact, several studies have shown that patient outcomes related to chronic diseases such as diabetes are better when NPs are involved in care (Conlon, 2010;Jackson, Lee, Edelman, Weinberger, & Yano, 2010;Litaker, et al, 2003 ).…”