Commentary: Investing in advance practice nurses is a global health system solution

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Nursing workforce development
• Global health equity

Background:

• Universal health coverage (UHC) requires robust primary healthcare systems.
• Advance practice nurses (APNs) are underutilized globally.
• Health workforce capacity and leadership are critical for UHC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the global need for investment in APNs.
• To advocate for the full utilization of APNs in healthcare systems.
• To emphasize the role of APNs in achieving UHC and strengthening primary care.

Main Methods:

• This study is a policy and advocacy review.
• It synthesizes global health workforce recommendations.
• It analyzes the impact of APN integration on healthcare access and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant global demand exists for APN integration.
• Investment in APN education and leadership is essential.
• Optimizing APN roles enhances primary care access and UHC.

Conclusions:

• Strategic investment in APNs is a vital solution for global health challenges.
• Funding APN programs, leadership, and service delivery yields substantial community and national benefits.
• Empowering APNs strengthens the nursing profession and advances healthcare systems worldwide.