Futures

The Growing Role of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in U.S. Healthcare, (from page 20231105.)

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Summary

A recent study published in the BMJ reveals that from 2013 to 2019, the share of healthcare visits in the U.S. conducted by nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) surged from 14% to 26%. This growth highlights the rising importance of advanced practice providers within the healthcare system, particularly in light of physician shortages. The study, which analyzed 276 million Medicare visits, found that NPs and PAs are increasingly utilized for conditions like respiratory infections and anxiety disorders, especially among lower-income and rural patients. Despite concerns regarding care quality, the research indicates that NPs and PAs are effective in delivering care, often working alongside physicians. With projections estimating an 80% increase in NPs and nearly 50% in PAs by 2031, the evolving landscape suggests a need for better integration and training within healthcare teams to optimize patient care.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rising Role of Non-Physicians in Healthcare Non-physician providers are increasingly delivering healthcare services in the U.S. Shift from physician-centered care to a more collaborative model including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. In 10 years, non-physicians may handle an even larger share of healthcare visits, improving access and efficiency. The growing physician shortage and increasing healthcare demands are driving the need for more non-physician providers. 5
Increased Access for Underserved Populations Lower-income, rural residents, and people with disabilities are more likely to see nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Improving access for underserved populations through increased utilization of non-physician providers. In a decade, there may be better healthcare access for underserved groups, reducing health disparities. The need to address healthcare access challenges for vulnerable populations is a key motivation. 4
Team-Based Healthcare Delivery Models Healthcare teams increasingly include nurse practitioners and physician assistants along with physicians. Transitioning from traditional solo physician practices to collaborative healthcare teams. In 10 years, team-based care may become the standard, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction. The complexity of patient needs and the need for comprehensive care is promoting team-based approaches. 4
Growing Demand for Mental Health Services Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are stepping in to address psychiatric care shortages. Shift from psychiatrist-centered mental health care to broader access via non-physician providers. In a decade, non-physician providers may significantly alleviate mental health service shortages. The rising prevalence of mental health issues and insufficient psychiatrist numbers are driving this change. 5
Telemedicine and Remote Supervision in Healthcare There’s an emerging trend towards telemedicine for complex psychiatric services. From in-person care to telehealth supervision for specialized treatment. In 10 years, telemedicine may be a primary method for accessing mental health services. The need for accessible and efficient healthcare solutions is propelling telehealth adoption. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Quality of Care Potential differences in quality of care between physician-led and nurse practitioner/physician assistant-led visits could impact patient outcomes. 4
Healthcare Access Disparities Lower-income, rural residents, and people with disabilities may face challenges in receiving care depending on the availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. 5
Workforce Management The rapid growth in the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants necessitates effective workforce management and training. 4
Team Coordination As roles evolve, there may be challenges in coordinating care among diverse healthcare providers, affecting team dynamics and patient care. 3
Telemedicine Integration Dependence on telemedicine for complex cases may lead to inadequate care if not properly structured and supervised. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Increased reliance on non-physician providers The growing share of health care visits conducted by nurse practitioners and physician assistants reflects a shift in care delivery models. 5
Team-based care models Health care is increasingly structured around teams of various providers working collaboratively to deliver care. 5
Focus on access for underserved populations Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are crucial for improving access to care for lower income, rural residents, and individuals with disabilities. 4
Adaptation to workforce shortages The rise of non-physician providers addresses the physician shortage and growing demand for health care services. 5
Emphasis on specific care delivery Identifying which clinical conditions are best suited for care by nurse practitioners and physician assistants to optimize resource allocation. 4
Telemedicine integration Proactive planning for remote supervision and specialist consultations indicates a trend towards incorporating telehealth in care delivery. 4
Evidence-based treatment accessibility Highlighting effective treatments for mental health that do not require direct physician involvement showcases expanding care options. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Increased utilization of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in healthcare, addressing physician shortages and improving access to care. 5 f838ecf97c3451612325c6a706f16eed
Use of telecommunication technology to provide clinical health care from a distance, improving access and efficiency. 4 f838ecf97c3451612325c6a706f16eed
Proactive planning for remote supervision in complex psychiatric services allows for effective care delivery without physician presence. 4 f838ecf97c3451612325c6a706f16eed
Utilization of effective treatments for mental health that can be delivered by non-physician providers, addressing psychiatrists’ shortages. 5 f838ecf97c3451612325c6a706f16eed

Issues

name description relevancy
Increasing Role of Non-Physician Providers The rising share of healthcare visits conducted by nurse practitioners and physician assistants is reshaping care delivery. 5
Healthcare Workforce Shortages The growing gap between the number of physicians and the demand for care highlights workforce shortages in the U.S. healthcare system. 5
Access to Care for Vulnerable Populations Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are critical in providing care access to lower-income, rural, and disabled patients. 4
Team-Based Care Models The need for effective team structures in healthcare as non-physician providers become more prominent in care delivery. 5
Mental Health Care Capacity Increased reliance on nurse practitioners and physician assistants for mental health care due to psychiatrist shortages. 4
Telemedicine and Remote Supervision The potential for telemedicine to enhance the training and service delivery of allied health professionals. 4