Abstract

Physician availability during the 2 0th century has waxed and waned. During periods of physician shortage and surplus, there have always been underserved segments of our society. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have provided care for these underserved populations. Unfortunately, 30 years after the first NPs began to practice there remain underserved populations and underutilized practitioners. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between physicians and practitioners. The research questions are the following: Is there a difference in patient's satisfaction between care provided by a physician and a nurse practitioner? Does care differ when initiated by a physician or a nurse practitioner? Does parent satisfaction correlate compliance to prescribed medications and other interventions? Pender's Health Promotion Model was selected to guide this research. A researcher-developed tool was used to collect demographic data and information indicating patient satisfaction and if the patient was compliant with this treatment. For both satisfaction and compliance there was no significant difference between the physician- and nurse practitionertreated group. In addition, there was no significant correlation between satisfaction and compliance in either group.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1997

Publication Number

27924633

First Advisor

Dr. Melinda Rush

Second Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Third Advisor

Dr. Lynn Chilton

Document Type

Thesis

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