Advanced Practitioner Leadership in Times of Crisis

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Advanced practitioners (APs) played a critical role in maintaining patient care during the crisis.
• Leadership and support for APs were crucial for navigating the pandemic's demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and strategies of advanced practitioner leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify effective institutional emergency protocols and AP utilization during peak crisis periods.
• To understand the methods used to address the personal and psychological needs of AP colleagues.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on a panel discussion at JADPRO Live Virtual.
• Key themes included institutional emergency protocols, AP deployment, and colleague support.
• Qualitative insights were gathered from expert panelists.

Main Results:

• APs demonstrated adaptive leadership by implementing emergency protocols.
• Effective leveraging of APs was essential for providing care during the pandemic's peak.
• Proactive measures were taken to address the personal issues and anxieties of AP colleagues.

Conclusions:

• Advanced practitioner leadership was vital for healthcare system resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Flexible and supportive leadership approaches are necessary for APs in crisis situations.
• Sharing best practices in AP leadership can enhance future pandemic preparedness.