Contributory elements in the introduction of new health care delivery models to health care systems globally

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The purpose of this study was to describe influential factors in the introduction of expanded nursing roles to existing health-care systems for improving access to care in health workforce shortage areas globally.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> Comparative analysis of several studies and commentaries was made to summarize critical factors impacting the introduction of nurse practitioners, or nurses with expanded roles, into existing health-care systems globally.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Key contributory elements for consideration in the introduction of new health-care models to existing health-care systems include: 1) population health needs; 2) readiness of the profession; 3) innovation; 4) roles; 5) education/expertise; 6) environment 7) policies related to practice; 8)workforce; 9) collaboration; and 10) discovery of evidence and its dissemination.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Disparities in health persist worldwide. One contributing factor to these inequities is insufficient access to care. The literature supports that advanced practice nurses (APNs) make a vital contribution to expanding access to care for vulnerable populations. In an attempt to improve access to care and health outcomes globally, a sensitive and systematic process for introduction of an expanded nursing role into existing health-care systems must be established. Development of a theoretical framework to guide the process of introducing new sustainable health-care services reform must begin with further investigation of the influential factors in the process, such as those identified in this study.</p>