Perceptions of the Utilization of Family Nurse Practitioners by Current Air Force Outpatient Physicians
Abstract
The United States Air Force is in the process of introducing family nurse practitioners (FNP's) in their medical treatment facilities worldwide. Acceptance of the nurse practitioner by the health care team is critical to their effective utilization. Therefore it is essential to take steps to investigate the out patient health care environment within the Air Force. In this descriptive study, information was collected regarding the attitudes of current Air Force outpatient physicians (N=131) at four Air Force medical treatment facilities regarding the utilization of the FNP. This study involved tool development and a pilot study. The questionnaire used consisted of 24 questions pertaining to utilization of NPs, physician experience, comfort with NPs, and demographic data. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate that physicians perceive the utilization of FNPs to increase the amount of education and counseling given to patients, to allow physicians to spend more time on complex cases, and to increase the number of patients seen in the clinic. Physicians surveyed believe that FNPs should be placed in the primary care or family practice clinics. The length of time since the physician graduated from medical school, and length of time a physician has worked with a NP was related to a greater level of comfort in working with NPs or under the care of an NP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 1996
- Accession Number
- AD1011481
Entities
People
- Patrick E. Bertz
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences