Describe three barriers that have slowed down the progress of advanced practice nursing and strategies to help overcome these barriers. (Saunders, 2014)
Based on Saunders (2014) and considering the context of advanced practice nursing (APN) which has global relevance even if the specific healthcare landscape differs in Kenya, here are three key barriers that have historically slowed down the progress of APNs, along with strategies to overcome them:
1. Restrictive Scope of Practice Regulations and Legislation:
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Barrier: One of the most significant impediments to the advancement of APNs is the presence of laws, regulations, and institutional policies that limit their scope of practice. This can include restrictions on independent prescribing authority, the ability to diagnose and treat certain conditions without physician oversight, limitations on admitting patients to hospitals, and requirements for collaborative practice agreements that may be overly burdensome or unnecessary based on the APN’s education and competency. These restrictions often stem from lobbying efforts by other healthcare professional groups, outdated perceptions of APN capabilities, and legal uncertainties. In Kenya, while the role of advanced practice nurses is evolving, similar limitations might exist regarding independent practice and prescriptive authority compared to physicians.
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Strategies to Overcome:
- Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy: APN organizations (nationally and regionally, if they exist in Kenya) must actively engage in lobbying efforts to advocate for legislative and regulatory changes that reflect the full scope of APN education, training, and expertise. This includes providing evidence-based data on APN safety, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. Collaborating with consumer advocacy groups and highlighting the benefits of expanded APN roles in improving access to care can strengthen these efforts.
Based on Saunders (2014) and considering the context of advanced practice nursing (APN) which has global relevance even if the specific healthcare landscape differs in Kenya, here are three key barriers that have historically slowed down the progress of APNs, along with strategies to overcome them:
1. Restrictive Scope of Practice Regulations and Legislation:
-
Barrier: One of the most significant impediments to the advancement of APNs is the presence of laws, regulations, and institutional policies that limit their scope of practice. This can include restrictions on independent prescribing authority, the ability to diagnose and treat certain conditions without physician oversight, limitations on admitting patients to hospitals, and requirements for collaborative practice agreements that may be overly burdensome or unnecessary based on the APN’s education and competency. These restrictions often stem from lobbying efforts by other healthcare professional groups, outdated perceptions of APN capabilities, and legal uncertainties. In Kenya, while the role of advanced practice nurses is evolving, similar limitations might exist regarding independent practice and prescriptive authority compared to physicians.
-
Strategies to Overcome:
- Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy: APN organizations (nationally and regionally, if they exist in Kenya) must actively engage in lobbying efforts to advocate for legislative and regulatory changes that reflect the full scope of APN education, training, and expertise. This includes providing evidence-based data on APN safety, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. Collaborating with consumer advocacy groups and highlighting the benefits of expanded APN roles in improving access to care can strengthen these efforts.