Barriers to developing the nurse practitioner role in primary care-the GP perspective

Opportunities exist to develop an advanced nursing role in general practice and there is growing evidence that appropriately trained nurses can reduce cost and GP workload without compromising quality of care or patient satisfaction. Despite the shortfall of doctors entering British general practice and the difficulties doctors report in managing an increasing workload in primary care, few British practices have chosen to adopt this potential solution. An exploration of the barriers to the development of a nurse practitioner role is therefore timely.

To explore the views of British GPs regarding their attitudes towards developing an advanced nursing role in general practice.

A focus group study of GPs from four general practices in Yorkshire selected purposefully to represent a spectrum of experience in working with different nursing roles in general practice. Each focus group consisted of between 6 and 8 participants. A structured framework was used to elicit views, the group meetings were recorded and subjected to content analysis by two independent assessors. Inter-rater reliability was high (K = 0.921; 95% confidence limits 0.86-0.98).

The study highlighted significant concerns by GPs with regard to the nurse practitioner role in general practice. Four themes were identified that may be impeding the development of advanced nursing roles in general practice. These are concerned with threats to GP status, including job and financial security, nursing capabilities, including training and scope of responsibility, and structural and organizational barriers.

There is a need to acknowledge GP concerns and encourage a more widespread debate about the appropriate mix of skills required in primary care. Joint educational events and the development of GP preceptorship may help to develop a greater understanding of the potential value of advanced nursing roles in general practice.