Using focus groups to identify characteristics of an ideal work environment for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Workforce Studies
• Professional Collaboration

Background:

• Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) are crucial for addressing physician shortages.
• Effective collaborative practice is essential for healthcare networks.
• Identifying and mitigating barriers to APC job satisfaction is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the attributes and barriers to an ideal work environment for APCs.
• To explore factors influencing collaborative relationships among APCs.
• To inform strategies for improving APC retention and satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Focus group sessions were conducted with network APCs.
• Qualitative data analysis was used to identify key themes.
• Participants included nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: compensation, network representation, employment structure, and workplace culture.
• Compensation and representation were significant concerns.
• Relationships and communication emerged as vital components of workplace culture.

Conclusions:

• Addressing structural factors (compensation, representation, employment) and behavioral factors (workplace culture) is necessary for successful APC collaboration.
• Improving job satisfaction through these themes can reduce clinician turnover.
• Healthcare leaders must bridge the gap between current and ideal APC work environments.