Part One (graded) WEEK 7
You are attending a large continuing education
conference for primary care providers. In the audience are physicians, nurse
practitioners, and physician assistants from all over the country. Seated at
your table are physicians and nurse practitioners. Following the lecture on
teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, a debate ensues at your table.
One physician stated:
I am against nurse practitioners who want
to take my job. There is a huge difference in the two professions. Primary-care
physicians receive extensive and diverse medical education and clinical
experience. The nurse practitioner should not function as an independent
healthcare provider…they should only function in an integrated practice
arrangement under the direction and responsible supervision of a practicing,
licensed physician.
Discussion Question:
How would you respond to the physician’s statements? Use logical reasoning and
evidence from the literature to support your response.
Part Two (graded)
A fellow NP at the table
responded: An increasing number of practices are scrapping the traditional
one-on-one doctor-patient relationship. Instead, patients are receiving care
from a group of health professionals who divide up responsibilities that once
would have largely been handled by the doctor in charge. While the supervising
physician still directly oversees patient care, other medical professionals—nurse
practitioners, physician assistants and clinical pharmacists—are performing
more functions. These include adjusting medication dosage, ensuring that
patients receive tests and helping them to manage chronic diseases.
Discussion Question:
What are your thoughts on inter professional collaboration? Provide evidence to
support your response.
Part Three (graded)
The Federal Trade
Commission has weighed in on several state battles over scope of practice,
arguing that physician groups have no valid reason for blocking such laws other
than to thwart competition.
Discussion Question: How
does “restraint of trade” apply to NP practice limitations? Provide evidence
for your response.
