Examining the critical role of advanced practice providers on a multidisciplinary transplant team. Issue 12 (10th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chambers, Heather E.; Reinschmidt, Kristi; Smith, Georgeine; Agudelo, Eliana; Brodahl, Katherine; Herriman, Emily; Hoy, Haley; Pont, Kylie; Seawright, Ashley; Stearns, Elizabeth; Torres, Ana‐Marie; Weldon, Elaina; Blackstock, Daryle M.
• Is Part Of: American journal of transplantation. Volume 21:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 3840
• Page End: 3846
• Publication Date: 2021-07-10
• Subjects: allied health / nursing -- editorial / personal viewpoint -- employment -- growth and development -- outpatient care -- quality of care / care delivery; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1600-6135

Abstract

Abstract : It is well documented that Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), collectively known as Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), have a beneficial role beyond the field of primary care. APPs broad spectrum of knowledge make them particularly well suited for specializing in complex fields such as transplant. Variations in practice across transplant centers lead to questions regarding optimal use of APPs. Using job descriptions from transplant centers currently employing APPs, we sought to examine the critical role of transplant APPs beyond clinical care alone. In this review, we explore not only the general training of APPs and current utilization of APPs in transplant, but also safety, cost effectiveness, and comparison of APPs to other transplant providers. We aimed to highlight the importance of recruitment and retention of transplant specific trained APPs to provide continuity in transplant programs. Additionally, APPs expansion into transplant research, quality improvement, leadership, and management must be considered. We challenge transplant centers utilizing APPs to consider these important aspects when seeking ways to expand and optimize the critical role APPs provide on the transplant team. Abstract : Advanced Practice Providers are safe and cost‐effective while being utilized in multiple roles on a transplant team to optimize patient care and satisfaction.