Advanced practice role delineation within Hong Kong: A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• Hong Kong introduced a nursing career ladder with advanced practice roles in the early 21st century.
• Previous research has not distinguished the specific practices of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in Hong Kong.
• Understanding APN practice patterns is crucial for role optimization and support within healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and differentiate the practice patterns of advanced practice nurses in Hong Kong.
• To analyze the distribution of APN activities across key domains.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021.
• The Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool was used to collect data.
• A total of 191 responses from advanced practice nurses were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Three distinct advanced practice nursing roles were identified: nurse consultant, advanced practice nurse, and advanced practice nurse in management.
• Nurses reported the highest frequency of involvement in Education and Direct Comprehensive Care domains.
• Nurses reported the lowest frequency of involvement in Research and Publication and Professional Leadership domains.

Conclusions:

• The findings differentiate responsibilities among advanced practice nursing roles in Hong Kong.
• This research provides insights for optimizing the utilization and support of APN roles.
• Evidence on APN practice patterns can inform international discussions on role clarity and optimization.