EverCare nurse practitioner practice activities: similarities and differences across five sites

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Care
• Nurse Practitioner Practice
• Healthcare Delivery Models

Background:

• The EverCare Nurse Practitioner Role and Activity Scale (ENPRAS) was developed and tested in a prior study.
• This study examines the performance and frequency of nurse practitioner (NP) activities within the EverCare model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance and frequency of EverCare NP practice activities across demonstration sites in five states.
• To identify similarities and differences in NP roles and activities.

Main Methods:

• 127 EverCare NPs completed the 99-item ENPRAS and a Background Data Sheet.
• Data were collected from demonstration sites in Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Florida.
• The ENPRAS includes six subscales: Collaborator, Clinician, Care Manager/Coordinator, Counselor, Communicator/Cheerleader, and Coach/Educator.

Main Results:

• NP activities were generally consistent across all demonstration sites.
• Significant differences were observed in time spent on Collaborator and Coach/Educator roles.
• EverCare NPs dedicated more time to Clinician and Communicator/Cheerleader activities.
• Higher patient caseloads correlated positively with Clinician and Care Manager/Coordinator role performance.

Conclusions:

• The consistency in NP activities suggests a strong, centrally directed practice model.
• EverCare NP roles align with existing literature on NPs in nursing home care.
• Findings inform policy considerations for national models of care for long-term residents.
• Future research should investigate the impact of activity variations on resident and setting outcomes.