Thirty-three advanced practice nurses (APNs) in 25 different primary care sites in one state participated in a study of the safety and effectiveness of APN prescriptive authority. Data were analyzed on 1,708 patients seen during a 2-month period. Outcomes of care were studied using three different measures as well as patient satisfaction. Evaluation of patient outcome by APN and physician indicated that in 76% of the cases, the patient's condition stabilized or improved. Patients evaluated their own outcomes positively. Participating physicians were unanimous in their evaluation of APN prescriptive authority as beneficial to their patients.
Address correspondence to Ann B. Hamric, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Graduate Nursing Program, Louisiana State University Medical Center, 1900 Gravier Street, New Orleans, IA 70112–2262.
© 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc
