Research to Action: Nurse Practitioners in the Emergency Department, Emergency Department Transition Clinic and Intravenous Therapy Clinic at Strathcona Community Hospital

Abstract

This article is about nurse practitioners effectiveness working in the Strathcona emergency department (ED), as well as the efficacy of two NP led clinics that run parallel to the ED. Prior to opening Strathcona Community Hospital in 2014, site leadership were tasked with developing an innovative care model with the aim of improved patient safety and quality of care delivered, incorporating a nurse practitioner (NP) model. There are NPs in three areas at Strathcona Community Hospital. NPs work directly in the ED, assessing and treating patient autonomously and with emergency physician collaboration. They also complete diagnostic and microbiology review and perform triage liaison nurse practitioner (TLNP) duties. There is also an NP led Emergency Department Transition Clinic (EDT) for urgent or emergent follow up patients from the ED. Lastly, the NP led Intravenous Therapy Clinic was developed to see patients previously attended through the ED for IV antibiotic and other IV non-antibiotic treatments, while supporting increased community access to IV treatments. Evaluation of the 3 areas was completed using qualitative and quantitative methods over the period of 2015-2018. Statistical analysis was completed by the Alberta Health Services workforce team. Outcomes included reduced patient return visits, decreased wait times and patients leaving without treatment (LWOT), and high patient satisfaction. Other results included improved staff satisfaction, facilitation of continuity of care and avoiding unnecessary ED visits.