A theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain

Co-management of patients by more than one primary care clinician is among new models of care designed to meet the demand for high quality patient care.

A new co-management model lays the groundwork for potential care partnerships between nurse practitioners and physicians.

It finds that effective nurse practitioner-physician co-management requires three core attributes: effective communication, mutual respect and trust, and a shared philosophy of care.

These attributes must be supported by a practice environment and policies that recognize nurse practitioners as autonomous primary care clinicians, as well as the willingness of nurse practitioners and physicians to co-manage patients.

The authors find that effective nurse practitioner-physician co-management can reduce the primary care clinician’s workload, including both clinical care and administrative tasks, thus reducing burnout and fatigue.

Source: Read Full Article