Landscape of Advanced Practice Provider Responsibilities in Pediatric Neurology

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Healthcare Access
• Advanced Practice Providers

Background:

• Global shortage of pediatric neurologists leads to access limitations.
• Increased demand and clinician burnout exacerbate wait times.
• Effective utilization of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current roles and responsibilities of APPs in pediatric neurology.
• To provide a framework for optimizing APP integration in pediatric neurology practices.
• To identify opportunities for expanding APP independence to improve patient access.

Main Methods:

• Electronic survey distributed via neurology academic organizations and professional contacts.
• Survey included 31 questions on demographics, supervision, clinical processes, procedures, and scholarly activities.
• Data collected from 29 pediatric neurology practice sites across the US.

Main Results:

• 55% of sites reported no demographic restrictions for APPs in outpatient settings.
• APPs frequently subspecialize and perform procedures like lumbar punctures.
• Variable models of APP independence and collaboration with neurologists exist in inpatient settings.

Conclusions:

• US-based APPs in pediatric neurology largely practice autonomously and perform procedures.
• Expanding APP independence in inpatient settings can further enhance care access.
• Understanding APP clinical responsibilities is key to evolving pediatric neurology practices.