Perceived Benefits, Problem Situations, and Suggestions of Nurse Practitioners in Thailand
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Date
2010-04-01
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Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the perceived benefits, problem situation, and suggestions of nurse practitioners (NPs) in Thailand. There were 1,928 NPs, who graduated short course training program of general nurse practitioner in primary medical care certified by Thai Nursing Council. Each participant was asked to complete demographic and open ended questionnaire. Data analyses were used descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results revealed that participants perceived the usefulness of NPs to the health care system for primary medical care 47 times, to themselves in increased capability of effective practicing and screening 24 and 22 times, respectively, and to the profession related to the NPs production policy 47 times. However, they reported many problems in their workplace, especially working in place of the physicians beyond their legally allowed scope of practice at the community hospitals and primary care unit for 107 times. They also felt that they “worked alone” without support from the administrators. Nurse practitioner suggested that they should be provided suitable position, role, Number, and profit of NPs including continuously practical promotion and capable development in their organization and the professional organization. Thus, Thai Nursing Council should provide role, competency, welfare of NPs, develop a greater understanding of nursing role in general practice. Also continuing education to build capacity of NPs is very crucial to the quality of health care service at the primary care level.
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Thai Journal of Nursing Council; Vol.24 No.2 April-June 2009; 39-49