How NPs Can Fill the Gap in Elderly Care

Article Review

Poghosyan, L., Brooks, J. M., Hovsepian, V., Pollifrone, M., Schlak, A. E., & Sadak, T. (2021).

The growing primary care nurse practitioner workforce: A solution for the aging population living with dementia. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(6), 517-526.

The authors conducted a systematic review using 14 studies relating to the utilization of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the care of persons living with dementia (PLWD) in primary care settings. Their research showed that NPs can play a crucial role in providing care for PLWD based on quality care outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the need to fill a gap in care for this particular population. The findings also indicated that currently most NPs are often involved in only co-management roles; however, the review suggested that there is evidence that NPs can also serve as primary care providers for PLWD. The authors conclude that NPs can help increase the capacity of primary care providers in delivering dementia-capable care, which is essential given the growing number of PLWD and the shortage of adequately trained providers.

The results of this review have important implications for NPs, who can use this information to advocate for their role in caring for PLWD. It also highlights the importance of investing in training and education for NPs so that they can effectively care for PLWD and bridge the gap in primary care.

Overall, the findings indicate that the utilization of NPs in primary care for PLWD can have a positive impact on the health system, PLWD, and their caregivers. This research study is useful in highlighting the need for continued efforts to increase the capacity of the primary care system to meet the needs of PLWD, and the role that NPs in particular can play in achieving this goal (Hickman et al., 2016).

References

Hickman, L. D., Neville, S., Fischer, T., Davidson, P. M., & Phillips, J. L. (2016). Call to action: