McDonald, T. A. & McLaughlin, K., 2014
National Conference, Sydney
ABSTRACT
Background: The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) led a major project funded under the Australian Department of Health and Ageing Aged Care Models of Practice Program. The project’s focus was the establishment and sustainability of a nurse practitioner private practice delivering aged care services. The project commenced in 2011 and involved ACN working with a newly established Nurse Practitioner service and a Steering Committee of experienced representatives of key healthcare stakeholders until June 2014.
Objective: This presentation will draw on the project experiences to identify a number of key areas that impact the establishment of a nurse practitioner service in private practice as an effective, economically viable and sustainable model of practice and strategies necessary to support such a practice.
Methods and results: The project incorporated a range of models of collaboration, service delivery and fee structures across the various settings of general practice, residential care facilities and the Medicare Local in the region. A range of services provided by the Nurse Practitioner practice included the provision of direct care, client assessment, education, and mentoring. Various strategies were used to develop a model of service that integrates the range of collaborations, services and payment methods to work towards achieving sustainability. Strategies focussed on business development, clinical excellence and marketing. It is not enough to focus on clinical excellence but strong business support with a comprehensive business plan is vital in establishing a nurse practitioner service.
Conclusions: A number of challenges to developing an effective, economically viable and sustainable model of practice exist. It is only through innovative approaches to business development that a private nurse practitioner service can achieve sustainability in the current health care environment. A focus on clinical excellence is not enough.
Delegates will:
CITATION McLaughlin, K. & McDonald, T. ' Key Strategies for developing a Nurse Practitioner Service in the private sector.' Australian College of Nurse Practitioners 1-4 September 2014 Sydney.
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