Hayes, E. (2007). Nurse Practitioners and Managed Care: Patient Satisfaction and Intention to Adhere to Nurse Practitioner Plan of Care. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 19 (2): 418-26.
Personal Response: At the heart of healthcare as an institution is, of course, the need to care for the sick and the injured. However, in the contemporary model of healthcare, effective communication during a crisis is not only important, but also vital. Communication by healthcare professionals takes the concern and worry out of the situation; offers a quicker resolution, makes better control of information possible, earns the trust of the public and individual families; and keeps the flow of information consistent and accurate, thus averting potential external problems. This is particularly important in the managed care situation, and even more relevant when dealing with APN (Advanced Practice Nurses) and NP (Nurse Practitioners).
Increased levels of diversity and change management are so rife in the modern healthcare culture that the idea of hope, optimism and finding relationship building opportunities are more than strategic plans -- they are tactical necessities. The healthcare profession is at a critical juncture- healthcare costs, policies, patient needs, governmental oversight, patient expectations, changing demographics, and a more diverse population have all contributed to a more complex paradigm of care. We now have multiple horizontal priorities and challenges: to the work environment, the fiscal needs of the institution, patient advocacy, and balancing human needs with resources. . Acting both ethically and responsibly cultivates public trust and confidence, and allows a patient to put their faith in the profession. This very idea of beneficence -- to balance the benefits of treatment against the risk and costs, and to find the appropriate level of care, is really the central notion of modern medical philosophy, and therefore healthcare. What better way to encourage the ideas of ethics, advocacy and communication than teaching and reaching out to the next generation of nurses and medical professionals at all levels?
This is particularly true when managed care priorities of cost and efficiencies sometimes overrun the necessary patient expectations, particularly that with a Nurse Practitioner. Finally, it appears that the public needs to be educated better regarding the roles of the NP and APN so that there is an increased level of confidence in the expertise and advice given.
