Understanding the practice patterns of nephrology nurse practitioners in Australia

Abstract

Background: Nurse practitioners (NP) have an expanded scope of practice beyond that of a registered nurse. In kidney care, nephrology NP can manage patients at various points along the chronic kidney disease (CKD) trajectory.

Scope, Myths and Misunderstandings of Medical Doctors Regarding the Advanced Nurse Practitioners: A Case Report

“…The argument that ANPs would contribute to the shortage of nurses dismisses their specialized training and capacity to provide comprehensive care. Contrary to this perception, studies [1] from various settings have shown that ANPs enhance healthcare access without depleting the nursing workforce. Their presence can address the diverse healthcare needs of a population while also enhancing the quality of care provided.…”

Nephrology nurse practitioner model of care for chronic kidney disease: Lessons learned and informing future healthcare delivery

“…They also provide education, support patients (and their informal carers) to engage in self-management, as well as support them to make informed health-care related decisions. 18,21 An additional role is outreach from hospitals into primary care practices to educate general practitioners and practice nurses to ensure diagnosis and early intervention, and timely referral to a nephrologist.…”

“…One reason for the positive outcomes seen in nurse practitioner services may be that a major focus is the provision of patient education and patient-centred care. 12 General practitioners and medical specialists have frequently been criticised for suboptimal outcomes. Previous research has shown general practitioners and specialists place significantly less value on information provision and person-centredness, [24][25][26] and often have a poor understanding of patients' health-related priorities.…”

“…These nurses have extensive knowledge, experience, and qualifications in nephrology, and spend most of their time providing direct patient care. 12 Internationally, the nurse practitioner role first began in America in the 1960s and has subsequently been adopted in numerous countries across the world. 13 Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who typically have an expanded scope of practice, such as undertaking comprehensive health assessments, instigating diagnostic investigations, planning and implementing a complete episode of care (including prescribing medication) and, in some countries, conducting admission and discharge of patients.…”

The role of advanced practice nurses in improving healthcare outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease: A scoping review protocol

“…In the early 2000s, some literature described the role of nephrology APNs and showed their practice [23][24][25]. Nowadays, nephrology APNs have contributed to improving the healthcare outcomes of patients with all CKD stages who are not yet on dialysis [26][27][28], are on dialysis [29,30], or are pre-or post-kidney transplant [31,32]. We believe it is worthwhile to identify and present such cumulative practice of nephrology APNs.…”