Importance, Satisfaction and Contribution of Advanced Practice Nurses' Role Recognized by Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify level of recognition of the importance, satisfaction and cont ribution of APNs' role by physicians, nurses, and advanced practice nurses. Method: Perceived importance and satisfaction were measured with a 23-item questio nnaire on APN role with 5 subcategories. APNs' contribution was investigated using a 13-item outcome questionnaire developed by the researchers. Between August 15 and October 31, 2009, the researchers collected data from 68 physicians, 265 nurses, and 23 APNs all working in a single tertiary hospital. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis Test with Bonferroni's Correction and scatter plot. Result: The importance (3.24~3.39, 4 point scale), satisfaction (3.02~3.13, 4 point scale), and contribution of APNs' role (3.39~4.12, 5 point scale) were well recognized by the health care professionals. All the three health care professional groups rated APNs' contribution high in medical service management, continuity of care, patient accessibility, improvement in patie nt satisfaction, and patient and family education. 'Importance-Satisfaction Analysis' showed that patient data management by APNs needed greater effort. Conclusions: The findings show that the importance, satisfaction, contribution of APNs' role are recognized, and indicate a need for further development of APNs' role through efforts to overco me the gaps identified through this research.