Improvement of resident perceptions of nurse practitioners after the introduction of a collaborative care model: A benefit of work hour reform?

Background: Nurse practitioners (NPs) are assuming larger roles in many residency programs as a result of work hour reform. which is creating the potential for collaboration with interns and residents. Purpose: To assess housestaff perceptions of NPs. Methods: We used a 17-item survey before and after the implementation of a collaborative care model in a university-based medicine residency. Results: The majority of residents held favorable attitudes about NPs before the introduction of the collaborative care model. After 1 year more interns and residents appreciated NPs' clinical judgment (effect size [ES] =.26. p =.02). thought they should be able to order laboratory tests (ES =.23,. p =.05) and perform basic procedures (ES =.67, p <.0001). and viewed them as colleagues (ES =.25. p=.04). Only a minority felt NPs contributed to their education. Conclusions: The promotion of collaborative care can be tan unintended consequence of work hour reform. Educators are encouraged to think about how changes in the curriculum structure can provide opportunities for positive collaborative care experiences.