The healthcare industry has undergone significant changes in the past 20 years, and these changes continue today. Technological advancements have played a role in the transformation along with the country’s aging population. Patient needs have changed, and healthcare has had to adapt.
Advanced practice providers (APPs) are taking a larger role in healthcare because of these changes. Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants are just a few of the APPs one might encounter in the healthcare system. These highly skilled clinicians improve patient outcomes while enhancing operational efficiency. With their help, healthcare is being revolutionized.
Finding practitioners to fill these positions can be challenging. Healthcare organizations often struggle to do so because they lack the time and resources to complete this task. Locating these individuals becomes easier when an organization uses advanced practice staffing services.
Why Advanced Practice Providers Are in High Demand
As America’s population ages, the number of chronic health conditions has increased. Most healthcare workers are needed to help these men and women, as primary care physicians cannot keep up with the growing demand for comprehensive, personalized care. APPs work alongside physicians to provide this care. The Affordable Care Act increased the number of insured individuals, and this surge in patient volume has overwhelmed the system. APPs help ensure patients have access to care when needed.
How APPs are Revolutionizing Healthcare
APPs improve patient outcomes. They deliver care equal to that of their physician counterparts, particularly when they work with patients suffering from chronic health conditions. Patient satisfaction improves when a practice employs APPs. These healthcare professionals bring unique skill sets to the table and organizations need to leverage these skills.
Patients often find they have shorter wait times when seeing an APP. Patient throughput increases when these practitioners can be seen alongside doctors, as APPs provide care more efficiently. They fill gaps in healthcare access, particularly for those who have faced significant barriers to care. More patients receive care promptly when APPs are deployed.
Collaborative care models benefit patients because they leverage the strengths of each provider. Providers find it easier to grow professionally when this model is used and they are more satisfied in their jobs. This also enhances patient care.
The Challenges of Advanced Practice Staffing
Advanced practice staffing comes with some drawbacks, as well. When APPs are deployed, healthcare organizations must comply with all regulations. Doing so can be challenging because each state has laws regarding APPs, their scope of practice, and the level of autonomy permitted. Another concern is reimbursement disparities, as they can be significant.
APPs and physicians must learn to work together to ensure seamless collaboration and effective communication. This can become an issue due to power dynamics and differing professional cultures. Organizations must find ways to ensure the introduction of APPs doesn’t lead to new problems rather than solving existing ones.
The demand for advanced practice providers continues to grow so healthcare organizations must compete to attract top talent. An organization needs recruitment and retention practices to onboard these professionals. In addition, professional development strategies should be employed to build a sustainable workforce.
Advanced practice providers are a wonderful addition to the healthcare industry. They come with many benefits. When a healthcare organization learns to overcome the challenges associated with bringing in APPs, it will be ready to deliver outstanding healthcare now and in the foreseeable future.
