Physicians’ Perception About Primary Care Nurse Practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore physicians’ perception about the supply and demand of nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care settings. We used a cross-sectional design and the National Survey of Primary Care Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to recruit physicians working in Saudi Arabia. Most participants agreed that the numbers of primary care physicians and NPs are less than the demand and increasing the NP supply would improve health care access and quality. Statistically significant differences were found between physicians based on demographic characteristics. Physicians support the development of the primary care NP role in Saudi Arabia to optimize health care access and quality.