Publication Date
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Lisa Walker-Vischer
Keywords
Nurse practitioner, Autonomous practice, Scope of practice
Abstract
This project investigates patients' perceptions of nurse practitioner (NP) care versus physician (MD) care, the factors influencing these perceptions, and patients' understanding of NP scope of practice. A cross-sectional design was used, gathering quantitative data through an anonymous one-time survey distributed via Qualtrics, open for three months. Questions were based on The Watson Caritas Patient Score (WCPS) and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (HCAHPS). Data were analyzed using Intellectus Statistics software™, with descriptive statistics summarizing the findings. A two-tailed paired samples t-test revealed statistically significant differences in favor of patients' perceptions of NP care versus MD care (p=.009). However, the multiple linear regression model did not find significant predictors for provider choice. Another key finding was patients’ limited understanding of NP scope of practice. These results suggest that while patient perceptions of NP care are more favorable than MD care, other factors beyond the variables assessed may influence provider selection. This project provides valuable insights into how patients perceive different care providers and how these perceptions influence their provider choice.
Recommended Citation
Hemp, Naomi, "Patient Perception of Nurse Practitioner Care, Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice and How That Influences Provider Choice" (2025). Doctoral Projects. 186.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.m7kp-s2aa
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/186
Included in
Family Practice Nursing Commons, Geriatric Nursing Commons, Nursing Administration Commons, Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons
