Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a vital role in patient education and healthcare delivery. By having advanced practice nurses on staff, healthcare facilities can improve patient outcomes and provide more comprehensive care. One of the key benefits of having NPs in the healthcare team is the reduction of cursory patient-doctor interactions, which can lead to confusion and adverse drug reactions (Hurlock-Chorostecki et al., 2013). In an overstaffed environment, nurses and doctors often rush from one patient to another, leaving little time for thorough explanation of medication directions. With more highly educated nurses, such as NPs, on board, the staff can devote more time to patients, thereby improving medication education and ensuring better understanding of adverse side effects (Hurlock-Chorostecki et al., 2013).
A qualitative study conducted by Hurlock-Chorostecki et al. (2013) explored the impact of NPs on interpersonal roles among healthcare workers. The study found that the presence of an NP in the healthcare team had a significant effect on other staff members, as it eased their workload and allowed them to provide better quality care. This finding highlights the positive influence NPs have on the overall functioning of the healthcare team, suggesting that their presence can improve the quality of care delivered to patients (Hurlock-Chorostecki et al., 2013).
Moreover, another qualitative study by Hurlock-Chorostecki et al. (2014) focused on NPs’ attitudes towards their roles and responsibilities. The majority of participants in the study expressed a desire to fill gaps in existing healthcare programs and stressed the importance of direct patient care. This emphasizes the NPs’ commitment to using their knowledge and skills to enhance patient interactions and improve overall care (Hurlock-Chorostecki et al., 2014).
Direct patient interaction with staff members who are focused on quality outcomes and willing to spend more time with patients can lead to better understanding of medication instructions and adverse effects, potentially reducing instances of adverse drug reactions. The role of NPs in patient education has proven to be valuable in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes (Hurlock-Chorostecki et al., 2013).
In conclusion, NPs play a crucial role in patient education and healthcare delivery. Their presence in healthcare teams can improve medication education, reduce confusion, and decrease adverse drug reactions. Studies have shown that NPs contribute to easing the workload of other staff members and enhance the quality of care provided. Their dedication to filling gaps in existing healthcare programs and prioritizing direct patient care further demonstrates their commitment to improving overall patient outcomes. Through their expertise and focus on quality outcomes, NPs can enhance patient interactions and promote better understanding of medication instructions and adverse effects.