Nurse Practitioners Match Doctors in Patient Satisfaction for Endoscopy Procedures, Study

In recent years, the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) has evolved significantly, with many states expanding their scope of practice to improve healthcare accessibility. This shift aims to improve patient access to care, especially in underserved areas. 

​A recent Australian pilot study exploring patient satisfaction in direct-access endoscopy clinics found that patients reported high satisfaction levels in both NP-led and doctor-led clinics.

The study also found no significant differences in procedure times between NPs and doctors.

Additional studies reinforce these findings:​

• Quality of Care: A systematic review in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners analyzed 37 studies and concluded that NPs provide care equivalent to physicians across various outcomes, including patient satisfaction and health status.
  
  
• Patient Satisfaction: A 2019 national survey published in Nursing Outlook reported that patients under NP care had higher satisfaction levels than any other provider type.
  
  

The expanding role of nurse practitioners continues to reshape healthcare, with research showing their outcomes comparable to those of physicians. As more states and countries grant NPs greater autonomy, their contributions will be crucial in addressing provider shortages, reducing wait times, and improving patient access to care.

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