Role of nurse practitioners within health system in India

Abstract

Nurses form the pillar of India's healthcare system representing 30.5% of the entire health workforce in India. Amidst a significant shortage in the provision of effective primary care, jeopardizing millions of Indians’ access to basic healthcare services, especially the poorest, it is very evident that nurse practitioners are the need of the hour in India. The current scenario of nursing in India warrants policy reforms to facilitate nurses as valuable primary care providers. It also shows the path towards making the Health and Wellness Centre operational by creating a pivotal role for the cadre in such centres, and it will also be important for the nurse practitioner to have a public health leadership role in a country like India. With additional training and qualification and also recognition of nurse practitioners as essential healthcare providers, a complete quality healthcare could be provided. In this research paper we assess the need for nurse practitioners as primary contact providers; reflect on the global evidence on nurse practitioners linking to health outcomes, effective coverage and access to services. We also try to contemplate on the training needs, their role in home-based care and as enablers of the referral mechanism, their untapped potential, and a plan for evaluating their effectiveness. This policy research paper focuses to build an argument for a policy towards making nurse practitioners the first contact providers.

Profile of Indian adults consulting nurses/midwives for healthcare

“…Nurse shortages and their influence on India's healthcare delivery system are still a serious concern. In addition to the aforementioned issue, there is a shortage of qualified nurses/midwives (Nanda & Anilkumar, 2021).…”

Healthcare in India: Nurses’ Contribution

“…They are an integral part of the groups of people that formulate health policies and take part in research projects. [11,12] The nursing profession came into being as a response to the persistent demand for the highest possible level of medical attention to be provided to individuals of all ages, particularly the elderly and children. To merely, attend to the requirements of the patient's illness is insufficient.…”

Perception, perceived scope, and potential barriers towards developing nurse practitioners cadre among health care providers and beneficiaries: A pilot study from Northern India

“…Similar were steps taken by the state governments of Telangana, Kerala, West Bengal, and other states to train registered nurses in NPM. [ 22 ] However, it was unsuccessful in attracting applicants due to the lack of clarity about the registration process with the nursing council, the scope of practice, and employment.…”

“…Nursing is considered inferior in many developing countries and receives little recognition and no authority or power. [ 4 21 22 ] Globally, NPs encountered several barriers to implementation and practice related to policy, certification, licensing, and perception. This had negative implications for the entire practice.…”

“…This had negative implications for the entire practice. [ 22 23 ] Numerous systematic reviews confirm the complexity of implementation from a multilevel perspective requiring consideration of individual, organizational, practical, and systemic factors. [ 24 25 ]…”