Advanced Practice Provider Perceptions of the Pediatric Work Environment in the Postpandemic Era

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare workforce research
• Advanced practice provider (APP) well-being
• Organizational psychology in healthcare

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the pediatric advanced practice provider (APP) workforce, increasing stress and emphasizing the need for supportive work environments.
• APP well-being and role satisfaction are critical for maintaining a stable pediatric healthcare workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the organizational climate, structural empowerment, and psychological empowerment of pediatric APPs.
• To examine the relationship between these factors and organizational commitment among pediatric APPs.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was employed.
• Data were collected from 145 pediatric APPs across three Midwestern pediatric health systems.
• Validated instruments measured organizational climate, structural empowerment, and psychological empowerment.

Main Results:

• Respondents reported high professional visibility, positive physician relations, and autonomy, but poor administrative relations.
• APPs perceived a deficit in formal power, information access, and support.
• Strong role meaning was reported, yet perceived impact was low. High organizational commitment was observed.

Conclusions:

• Improving administrative relationships and formal power structures is essential for pediatric APPs.
• Promoting APP leadership roles and policies that acknowledge their contributions can enhance health system functioning and patient outcomes.
• Addressing environmental stressors is key to supporting the pediatric APP workforce.