Feasibility and acceptability of advanced practice nursing in Lebanon: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Policy
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Lebanon faces a critical health system crisis, including nurse emigration and fragmented care.
• Advanced practice nursing (APN) offers potential solutions for improving access, continuity, and quality of care.
• Formal APN roles are currently absent in Lebanon's healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of introducing APN roles in Lebanon.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for APN implementation.
• To inform policy and planning for APN integration.

Main Methods:

• A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted.
• Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from health professionals and service users.
• Qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews and focus groups.

Main Results:

• High support for APN roles among health professionals (87.7%) and willingness to receive care from APNs among service users (97.1%).
• Anticipated benefits include improved chronic disease management, care coordination, and access in underserved areas.
• Key barriers identified: lack of legal framework, scope-of-practice and reimbursement issues, limited awareness, and insufficient education.

Conclusions:

• Advanced nursing practices are viewed as acceptable and beneficial in Lebanon, especially for chronic disease care and access.
• Successful implementation necessitates regulatory clarity, investment in education, interprofessional collaboration, and tailored policy.
• Addressing identified barriers is crucial for integrating APN roles effectively into the Lebanese healthcare system.