Duke’s practice redesign fully utilizes NPs, PAs

To care effectively for a larger number of sicker patients with fewer physicians, Duke University Health System redesigned its ambulatory specialty practices by hiring more nurse practitioners and physician assistants. All clinical team members practice at the top of their education and training. Evidence shows NPs and PAs can do 85% of what a physician does, enabling the physician to focus on the most complex patient cases. Patient satisfaction improved at the Durham, N.C.-based system because interprofessional teams enable patients to see a provider sooner, according to Allison Dimsdale, DNP, APRN, associate vice president for advanced practice for the private diagnostic clinic at Duke University Health System. Hiring more NPs and PAs also is cost-effective without sacrificing quality, she said. (HealthLeaders Media article, 4/10/23)