Impact of Advanced Access Scheduling on Patient Care Choices and Health Behaviours in a Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic

Abstract

The Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (NPLC) is a new model of primary healthcare. The wholistic approach of nurse practitioner (NP) led care in an NPLC that implements Advanced Access scheduling has the potential to enhance timely access to care and improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the experience of patients in one NPLC as well as their healthcare behaviours related to Advanced Access scheduling. A previously developed survey with items related to appointment access, health behaviours and satisfaction was mailed once to patients at a NPLC in northern Ontario. 535 patients replied for a response rate of 29%. A majority (85.4%) were able to access same-day appointments. Access to same-day appointments was associated with less likelihood of attending a walk-in-clinic or emergency department in addition to selfreports of improvements in lifestyle and better control of medical condition(s). Advanced access scheduling contributes to optimal patient care in an NPLC setting. The NP role in lifestyle counselling and wholistic care in the NPLC model contributes to improved selfreported health. Access to an appointment at a point of 'readiness' may positively contribute to lifestyle changes and overall health of patients.