How do healthcare professionals and managers view the role of the advanced practice nurse?

BACKGROUND: Advanced practice nurses (APN) growth depends on the implementation and acceptance of APNs in each country. INTRODUCTION: Given the diversity of the different contexts and varying population health needs where APNs are developing, this study focuses on exploring the viewpoints of the multidisciplinary and management team who have worked with APNs in public hospitals in Catalonia, Spain. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with previously identified APNs, health professionals, and health managers. EVOHIPA, a valid and reliable scale, was used. The STROBE checklist was followed. FINDINGS: The results showed high levels of agreement among the 746 participants (predominantly physicians and nurses), with statements relating to the APN's contribution in enhancing care continuity and processes, resulting in safer and more patient-centered care. The results showed low levels of agreement with statements relating to legal support for the APN position, regulation, and practice scope. DISCUSSION: The study provides discussion elements and reflection to determine the axes on which it will be necessary to act to promote APNs and their conditions of service in the context of practice within hospital teams. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the differences in opinion on APN roles among health professionals and managers who have worked with APNs and allows exploring expectations about current changes in workflows and clinical activities among healthcare team members. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Results highlight the importance of fostering a common understanding among healthcare teams to maximize the benefits of collaborative work and recognize the significant contributions of APNs within the multidisciplinary team. Health policy plays a crucial role in recognizing and promoting the contribution of APNs within hospital healthcare teams, acknowledging their autonomy and expertise in improving patient outcomes.

Nurse-led clinical activity in kidney transplantation care in Spain: A cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the presence of specialist outpatient nursing activity in care for kidney transplant recipients in Spain and to determine the level of competence development of this activity according to the Advanced Practice Nurse model. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: All outpatient nurses specialising in renal transplantation in the 39 transplant hospitals in Spain were included. To fulfil the study objectives, an ad hoc questionnaire and the 'Advanced Practice Nurse Role Definition Instrument (IDREPA)' were administered to assess the nurses' level of competence development. RESULTS: Of the facilities included in the study, 25 (64.1%) had posttransplant nursing activity, 13 (33.3%) had pretransplant nursing activity and 11 (28.2%) had nursing activity involving kidney donor candidates. Twenty-seven specialist nurse's offices were identified. The results of the IDREPA reflect the presence of advanced practice in the domains of 'expert care planning' and 'comprehensive care'. Three (11.1%) nurses met all criteria for advanced nursing practice. CONCLUSION: The results on specialised outpatient nursing activity at the 39 transplantation facilities in Spain indicate a low presence of this type of activity, with an even lower presence of advanced practice nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Management teams should consider investing in the quality of care provided by advanced nurse practice to ensure that suitable treatment is provided and better clinical outcomes are obtained.