Demonstrating the value of the advanced practice nurse: an evaluation model

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Health Economics

Background:

• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) face challenges in quantifying their role's value and impact.
• Value in healthcare is increasingly defined as the ratio of quality to cost.
• Assessing APN impact requires understanding the links between care structure, process, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive evaluation model for assessing the impact of advanced practice nurses.
• To demonstrate how this model can validate the quality and financial contributions of APNs.
• To provide a framework for APNs to measure their value in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes an evaluation model correlating structure, process (care strategies), and outcomes.
• The model focuses on measuring the impact of APN interventions on patients and families.
• An example application of the model is presented to illustrate its use.

Main Results:

• The proposed model allows for a comprehensive assessment of APN value.
• It establishes a link between APN practice and both quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Demonstrates APNs' ability to provide high-quality care at a competitive cost.

Conclusions:

• The evaluation model provides credibility and validity to the positive impact of APNs.
• It enables a robust measurement of APN contributions to patient and population health outcomes.
• Implementing this model supports the financial and quality justification of APN roles.