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Requesting Diagnostic Imaging in Nurse Practitioner Practice: Results of a National Survey
Mary Kearns1, Patrick Brennan2, Christopher Helms3
1Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Aim:
To examine how nurse practitioners in Australia request diagnostic imaging and identify educational and system-level barriers that influence this practice.
Design:
Cross-sectional national survey.
Methods:
An online survey of nurse practitioners in Australia.
Results:
Survey responses from 119 nurse practitioners demonstrate that diagnostic imaging is widely used and viewed as integral to nurse practitioner practice, yet educational preparation is inconsistent. Although most felt confident and well-prepared to request imaging, insufficient imaging content in nurse practitioner programs and knowledge gaps related to radiation exposure and rebate processes were highlighted. Systemic barriers, including restricted patient rebates, organisational constraints and resistance from radiology providers were frequently cited as barriers to practice.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic imaging is integral to nurse practitioner practice, yet inconsistent educational preparation and significant structural barriers hinder full utilisation.
Implications For The Profession And/Or Patient Care:
Reducing structural barriers and enhancing diagnostic imaging education would enable nurse practitioners to work to full scope, reduce duplication in practice and ultimately improve patient access.
Impact:
Findings inform an under-examined component of nurse practitioner practice and highlight priorities for future healthcare policy and education.
Reporting Method:
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross-sectional studies. No patient or public contribution.
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