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Evaluation of the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner in an inpatient asthma program
Anne Borgmeyer1, Patricia M Gyr, Patricia A Jamerson
1St. Louis Children's Hospital, MO 63110, USA. ABorgmeyer@bjc.org
Insights
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) effectively manage and educate pediatric asthma patients during hospitalization. This program improved intern knowledge and confidence without impacting length of stay, readmission rates, or cost.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Respiratory Medicine
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) at St. Louis Children's Hospital initiated an Asthma Intervention Model in 1994.
- This model involves PNPs directly managing hospitalized pediatric asthma patients and leading hospital-wide education efforts.
- An evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this inpatient PNP role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) in managing and educating pediatric asthma patients during hospitalization.
- To assess the impact of the PNP role on healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence.
- To compare patient outcomes such as length of stay, readmission rates, and cost.
Main Methods:
- Surveys were administered to attending physicians, interns, nurses, and families to gather perceptions of PNPs' roles.
- A 16-item asthma knowledge test was given to interns pre- and post-internship.
- Analysis of length of stay, readmission rates, and cost associated with asthma patient care.
Main Results:
- All participants perceived PNPs as effective care managers and educators for inpatient asthma.
- Interns demonstrated significant improvements in asthma knowledge and confidence.
- No significant differences were found in length of stay, cost, or readmission rates between PNP-managed patients and others.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric nurse practitioners are effective in managing and educating pediatric asthma patients in an inpatient setting.
- The PNP role positively impacts healthcare professional education and confidence.
- The Asthma Intervention Model demonstrates a viable approach to improving pediatric asthma care.
Introduction:
In 1994, pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) at St. Louis Children's Hospital developed a program to improve the care of children admitted with asthma. In the Asthma Intervention Model, PNPs directly manage the care of children hospitalized with asthma and are instrumental in hospital-wide education. An evaluation study was conducted to measure effectiveness of this inpatient PNP role.
Methods:
Attending physicians, interns, nurses, and families were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the PNPs as care manager and educator. A 16-item asthma knowledge test was administered to interns at the start and conclusion of their intern year. Length of stay, readmission rate, and cost were evaluated.
Results:
PNPs were found to be effective in the inpatient asthma role by all participants. Significant gains were noted in intern knowledge and confidence in caring for asthma. Interns identified the PNPs as important contributors to their education. No significant differences occurred between interns and PNPs in length of stay, cost, readmissions, or severity of the condition of the asthma patients.
Discussion:
PNPs in the inpatient asthma setting are effective care managers and educators.
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