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Ending a nurse practitioner-patient relationship: uncovering patients' perceptions
L A Planavsky1, L C Mion, D G Litaker
1Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA. planavl@ccf.org
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
|April 5, 2002
Summary
Patient-provider relationship termination impacts health. Many patients experience anxiety and grief when their therapeutic relationship ends, highlighting the need for continuity of care. Awareness and counseling can mitigate negative effects.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Patient Experience
- Psychology
Background:
- Healthcare coverage changes can abruptly end patient-provider relationships.
- Involuntary termination negatively impacts patient physical and emotional health.
- Understanding patient reactions to relationship termination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore patient reactions to the end of a yearlong therapeutic relationship with a nurse practitioner (NP).
- To identify common themes and concerns expressed by patients upon relationship termination.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-nine patients in a clinical trial were interviewed.
- Qualitative analysis was used to review patient statements regarding relationship termination.
Main Results:
- 28% of patients spontaneously discussed their feelings about ending the relationship with the NP.
- Key themes included future concerns about continuity of care.
- Emotional responses ranged from gratitude and regret to anxiety and grief.
Conclusions:
- Abrupt termination of patient-provider relationships can have significant negative consequences.
- Anticipatory counseling and awareness may help mitigate adverse effects.
- Addressing patient concerns about continuity of care is essential.