Project 457370

As the long-term care (LTC) sector is moving towards recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to address exposed gaps. Current models of care limit timely access to primary care providers, which is of concern considering many older adults residing in LTC homes are living with more complex chronic conditions. Novel models of primary care provision in LTC homes are needed. Increasing the presence of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), who are advance practice nurses and can independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication, is a potential solution. NPs have been demonstrated to contribute to positive resident outcomes, including throughout the pandemic when some assumed the role of the most responsible providers. Benefits of NP care can be further enhanced through efficient collaboration with Physicians. Gaps in knowledge related to attributes of NP/Physician collaborative models of care contributing to resident and health system outcomes remain. This study aims to generate a framework that can promote collaboration between these professionals, enhance quality of care provided, and inform practice and policy initiative and their evaluation. The study will have two phases. The results of phase 1, a literature review, will report on NP/Physician collaborative models of care developed in the context of LTC, a synthesis of their respective strengths and weaknesses, and associated resident and health system outcomes. Phase 2 will consist of interviews with stakeholders and knowledgeable of the LTC sector with the goal of identifying collaborative models most feasible and applicable to the context of Ontario. The ultimate goal of this study is to provide Ontario Health, our Primary Knowledge User, with high-quality, timely, accessible, and relevant evidence of implementable, system-scalable innovations needed to transform the LTC sector and ensure health equity for all residents.