Advanced nurse practitioner experiences of referrals

In recent years primary care services in Scotland have increasingly employed advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) to undertake roles that were traditionally fulfilled by GPs. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of ANPs in primary care settings making independent referrals following a holistic advanced clinical assessment. A focus group interview was undertaken with five ANPs from one health board area in April 2023. The findings were themed into three principal areas: preparation for the role, communication and gate keeping. These three key areas were reported to result in a number of negative feelings and emotions for the ANPs. Recommendations from this study include the need to ensure ANPs are prepared to make independent referral, have independent access to make referrals, that colleagues understand the skill and autonomy of the ANP and that ANPs are offered regular restorative clinical supervision.