Abstract

Background: In 2005, nurse practitioners (NPs) were introduced into primary healthcare in British Columbia, Canada. However, no evaluation had been conducted to assess the integration of this new role.

Aim: To describe the impact of adding NPs to primary healthcare teams, one of several themes to emerge as part of a larger study.

Methods: This study used a multi-phase mixed methods design. This included surveying NPs about their practice patterns, and surveying and interviewing professionals who worked directly with NPs.

Results: Three themes related to collaboration emerged, including expectations for the role, interprofessional collaboration, and appropriateness of NP practice. Conclusion: Participants regarded the impact of adding an NP to primary healthcare teams as beneficial. This was demonstrated through the three emerging themes related to collaboration