Transforming health care delivery: The role of primary health care nurses in rural and remote Australia.
Aust J Rural Health
; 32(3): 592-596, 2024 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38572893
ABSTRACT
AIM:
This paper describes the policy context and approaches taken to improve access to primary health care in Australia by supporting nurses to deliver improved integrated care meeting community needs. CONTEXT In Primary Health Care (PHC), the nursing workforce are predominantly employed in the general practice sector. Despite evidence that nurse-led models of care can bridge traditional treatment silos in the provision of specialised and coordinated care, PHC nurses' scope of practice varies dramatically. Nurse-led models of care are imperative for rural and remote populations that experience workforce shortages and barriers to accessing health care. Existing barriers include policy constraints, limited organisational structures, education and financing models.APPROACH:
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) received funding to implement nurse-led clinics as demonstration projects. The clinics enable PHC nurses to work to their full scope of practice, improve continuity of care and increase access to health care in under serviced locations. We reviewed a range of peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, grey literature and APNA provided sources, particularly those relevant to rural and remote populations. We argue more focus is needed on how to address variations in the scope of practice of the rural and remote PHC nursing workforce.CONCLUSION:
Despite growing evidence for the effectiveness of nurse-led models of care, significant policy and financial barriers continue to inhibit PHC nurses working to their full scope of practice. If their potential to transform health care and increase access to health services is to be realised these barriers must be addressed.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Atención Primaria de Salud
/
Servicios de Salud Rural
/
Rol de la Enfermera
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aust J Rural Health
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia