Advanced practice providers and children's hospital-based pediatric otolarynology practices

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Advanced Practice Providers

Background:

• Advanced practice providers (APPs) have long been part of children's hospital academic pediatric otolaryngology practices.
• Previous examination of their prevalence, roles, financial impact, and satisfaction in this setting has been limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of APPs on healthcare delivery within academic pediatric otolaryngology practices.
• To understand the prevalence, roles, financial implications, and satisfaction associated with APP utilization.

Main Methods:

• Electronic surveys were distributed to pediatric otolaryngology chiefs at all academic children's hospitals in the U.S.
• The survey focused on the clinical and financial integration of APPs within these practices.

Main Results:

• 90% of surveyed practices (26 out of 29) utilized APPs, with significant correlations between APP numbers, faculty size, and patient visits.
• APPs often performed undifferentiated roles, were present across most practice sites, and in 19% of cases, in the operating room.
• While salaries varied by tenure, 46% of practices saw APPs generate revenue exceeding 75% of their salary, with 23% reporting profitability. 81% of chiefs rated APP effectiveness as high.

Conclusions:

• The majority of academic pediatric otolaryngology practices employ APPs.
• Despite diverse practice complexities and APP roles, the APP model is largely viewed as beneficial for enhancing patient care, access, and faculty productivity.