Educational preparation of primary care nurse practitioners and outcomes for patients with dementia

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) enrollment has grown substantially over the past decade. However, there is limited evidence on whether DNP preparation for nurse practitioners (NPs), compared to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preparation, leads to improved patient outcomes.

To examine differences in emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among persons living with dementia receiving care from DNP- and MSN-prepared NPs in primary care practices.

The sample included 603 NPs (509 MSN-prepared, 94 DNP-prepared) and 17,229 patients. Multilevel generalized linear regressions assessed associations between NP educational preparation and odds of ED use and hospitalization.

Patients receiving care directly from DNP-prepared vs. MSN-prepared NPs did not have lower odds of ED use and hospitalization, but patients receiving care at practices employing DNP-prepared NPs had lower odds of ED use.

DNP-prepared NPs in primary care may reduce ED use at the practice level. Further research among other populations is needed.

The DNP may have a positive impact on primary care practices through an educational emphasis on skills such as leadership and quality improvement.