Practice nurse support and task suitability in a general practice: a cross-sectional survey in Belgium

ABSTRACT

Single-handed general practices and group practices are the two predominant modes of primary care provision across European countries. In Belgium, single-handed practices have been the main form of primary care provision for years, but recently a trend is emerging towards introducing more group practices where a number of primary care physicians collaborate with other health professionals such as primary care nurses. The aim of this study was to measure the current support in general practices, and to gain insight in the general practitioner attitudes towards being supported by a practice nurse. A cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners who were currently working in a general practice in Flanders (Belgium). 271 general practitioners filled out an online questionnaire. 30% declared to be supported by a practice nurse. The majority (>80%) of general practitioners showed positive attitudes towards collaboration with practice nurses, however the job profile and ethical framework of practice nurses remain insufficiently clear. Nurses are found most suitable to take on tasks concerning patient education and technical nursing skills. Despite the lack of governmental incentives in Belgium, general practitioners have taken the initiative to employ practice nurses – possibly – based upon an experienced necessity.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional collaboration
• primary care
• general practitioner
• practice nurse
• task suitability

Acknowledgments

We thank Stephanie De Wever for her support in the development of the survey and its distribution. Also, a special thanks goes out to the home care organization ‘Wit-Gele Kruis van Antwerpen vzw’, for its financial support.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in “Figshare” at http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.6106274.

Disclosure Statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. ‘Wit-Gele Kruis van Antwerpen vzw’ has no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in writing the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The first author, Evi Matthys, received a scholarship from the home care organization ‘Wit-Gele Kruis van Antwerpen vzw’, to perform a part time PhD.