Implementation of a nurse practitioner service in a rural setting: a qualitative analysis of healthcare practitioners’ experiences

Abstract

Background: Nurse Practitioners work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to fill unmet service delivery needs. Despite strong evidence of the benefits of the nurse practitioner service model, organisational support for nurse practitioners varies in terms of resources and support from leadership and other healthcare professionals. Aims: The study aimed to explore healthcare practitioners’ experiences of implementation of a NP service in a rural setting. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten healthcare practitioners to investigate their perspectives of a recently implemented NP service. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Findings: Themes emerged related to facilitating collaborative practice, person-centred continuity of care and positive health outcomes for the community. Challenges and limitations related to operational role clarity, scopes of practice and leadership. Conclusion: Healthcare practitioners were mostly satisfied with the service however challenges caused tension. Change management principles provide a framework to strengthen the effective clinical alignment of the service.