Nurse Practitioners' Practice Patterns in Primary Care in Finland: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Primary Care Nursing
• Advanced Practice Nursing

Background:

• Global healthcare demands are rising, necessitating innovative solutions for care access and quality.
• Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), particularly Nurse Practitioners (NPs), are crucial for meeting these demands.
• NPs are currently underrepresented in the Finnish healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the practice patterns of NPs in Finnish primary care.
• To identify common visit types and patient populations managed by NPs.
• To understand the scope of NP practice within the Finnish context.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study utilizing open-ended questions and interviews.
• Data collected from 16 NPs working in primary care settings.
• Inductive content analysis applied to qualitative data.

Main Results:

• NPs manage patients with both acute and chronic health conditions.
• Core NP practice elements include health assessments, counselling, coaching, collaborative care, and prescribing.
• Ambiguities exist regarding specific aspects of NP roles and practice.

Conclusions:

• Finnish NPs utilize a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills in primary care.
• NPs effectively address diverse patient health needs, from acute issues to long-term management.
• Further clarification of NP roles may enhance their integration and impact in Finland.