Integrating Advanced Practice Providers in an Academic Department of Neurology

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Healthcare Professional Training
• Advanced Practice Providers

Background:

• Advanced practice providers (APPs) integration into neurology can enhance patient access, education, and cost-effectiveness.
• Formal neurology education for APPs is often limited, necessitating robust on-the-job training.
• This study addresses the need for effective onboarding and training strategies for APPs in neurologic practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify common challenges and best practices for onboarding, training, and integrating APPs into neurologic practice.
• Explore APP roles, training needs, and factors influencing job satisfaction.
• Inform the development of a formal curriculum for neurology APP training.

Main Methods:

• A survey and focus group were conducted with 8 APPs in an academic neurology department.
• Qualitative thematic analysis explored APP roles, onboarding challenges, and success strategies.
• Investigated multidisciplinary team integration and factors affecting job satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Neurology APPs perform diverse clinical and research roles.
• Participants identified significant knowledge gaps in neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, and differential diagnosis.
• Key success factors included graded responsibility, clinical mentorship, and peer support.
• Challenges included limited formal training and a need for APP-tailored educational resources.

Conclusions:

• Identified challenges and strategies can guide the creation of a formal neurology APP onboarding curriculum.
• Optimal APP training involves graded responsibility, self-directed learning support, peer mentorship, and multidisciplinary education.
• Findings offer insights for institutions on recruiting, hiring, and training APPs in neurology.