The added value of the nurse practitioner: An evolutionary concept analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Studies
• Health Policy

Background:

• The added value of nurse practitioners (NPs) is frequently discussed in literature.
• However, a clear consensus on the definition and scope of NP added value is lacking.
• This ambiguity hinders a comprehensive understanding of their contributions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the attributes, antecedents, and meaning of "added value" in the context of nurse practitioners.
• To establish a clearer conceptual understanding of the contributions of NPs.
• To provide a foundation for consistent evaluation of NP roles.

Main Methods:

• A rigorous concept analysis was performed.
• Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis framework was utilized.
• A systematic literature search was conducted across CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases, selecting 16 relevant studies.

Main Results:

• Key attributes of NP added value include skills, competencies, specific activities, positive patient outcomes, and positive role perceptions.
• Antecedents and consequences related to NP added value were identified.
• NP added value is context-dependent, often defined in comparison to pre-implementation states or other professional roles.

Conclusions:

• Nurse practitioners offer significant added value through their unique skills, outcomes, and role perceptions.
• Understanding NP added value requires considering the specific context and comparative benchmarks.
• Further research can build upon this clarified concept to optimize NP integration and impact.