Ten-Year Update of Nurse Practitioner Service Impact on Patient and Health Service Outcomes in Emergency Care Settings-A Systematic Review.
Amanda Fox, Suzanne Williams, Natasha Jennings et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review updated evidence from 2014–2024 on nurse practitioner services in emergency and urgent care settings, examining costs, waiting times, patient satisfaction, representation rates and length of stay. Of 2,329 records screened, 17 studies underwent critical appraisal and data extraction. Narrative synthesis found mixed results, with favourable and unfavourable findings across outcomes. The review reports evidence of positive effects on waiting times and patient satisfaction, while evidence concerning costs and broader health outcomes remains limited and variable.
Key findings
- The review screened 2,329 records; 17 studies were critically appraised and included in the narrative synthesis.
- Findings across outcomes were mixed, with both favourable and unfavourable results for nurse practitioner services.
- Evidence suggests positive effects on patient waiting times and satisfaction, but cost and health-outcome evidence was limited and variable.
Why it matters
Emergency and urgent care services need to assess both patient-centred outcomes and operational effects when integrating nurse practitioners. The review indicates potential benefits for waiting times and satisfaction, but inconsistent findings make it difficult to draw firm conclusions across settings. Consistent evaluation benchmarks could improve comparisons and inform workforce planning and service policy.
What to keep in mind
The evidence was heterogeneous and produced mixed findings; the review identifies a need for consistent professional benchmarks and evaluation frameworks.