The Impact of Nurse Practitioners on Hospitalizations and Discharges from Long-term Nursing Facilities: A Systematic Review
Date
2020-05
Authors
Mileski, Michael
Pannu, Upwinder
Payne, Bobbi
Sterling, Erica
McClay, Rebecca
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Abstract
The objective of this study was to increase the understanding of the role a nurse practitioner (NP) has in reducing the risk of hospitalizations and improving quality outcomes among nursing facility residents. This was explored by the research team conducting a systematic literature review via Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed (MEDLINE), and Academic Search Ultimate. This is of concern because of the increased rate of hospital readmissions from skilled nursing facilities. The study found that utilization of NPs as primary care providers resulted in decreased unnecessary hospitalizations, increased access to healthcare, and improved health outcomes. NPs are fundamental in building relationships with residents and families and providing them information for decision making. The utilization of NPs in a long-term care setting should be encouraged to improve access to care, decrease hospitalizations, and enhance quality of care. States with reduced or restrictive scope of practice for NPs should revisit the regulations to provide unrestricted scope of practice for NPs.
Description
Keywords
nurse practitioner, hospitalization, long-term care, skilled nursing facility, nursing home, resident care, quality of care, quality outcomes, Health Administration
Citation
Mileski, M., Pannu, U., Payne, B., Sterling, E., & McClay, R. (2020). The impact of nurse practitioners on hospitalizations and discharges from long-term nursing facilities: A systematic review. Healthcare, 8(2), 114.
Rights
Rights Holder
© 2020 The Authors.
Rights License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.