Nursing ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-18-2018

Abstract

Healthcare that includes high performing interprofessional clinical teams (IPTs) is one recommended strategy to provide optimal quality and cost-effective care delivery. Highly functional IPTs are characterized by effective communication, trust, respect, collaboration, information-sharing, and conflict resolution and are more efficient than individual providers working alone. Internally, IPT members’ relationships and understanding of both one’s own professional identity and others’ role and responsibilities are crucial to team functionality and effectiveness. Externally, factors including regulatory practice environments might influence the effectiveness and performance of both individual team members and the team overall. Inconsistencies between states’ practice authority (SPA) for advanced practice nurses (APRNs) provides an opportunity to study the effects on IPT function. This study examined relationships between APRN SPA, with perceived autonomy, professionalism, and IPT function in a national sample APRNs (N =222) from across the U.S who worked in IPTs within the past year for at least six months. APRNs in this study perceived a high level of autonomy and moderate level of professionalism and IPT function. Significant relationships were found between SPA and autonomy. No relationship was found between SPA and IPT function and SPA did not moderate between professionalism and IPT function. However, the direct relationship between SPA and autonomy implies that an indirect relationship could exist that might affect how IPT function is perceived. This study adds to the body of nursing science and informs on strategies for future inquiry regarding team function and APRN policy and regulation.

Degree Name

Nursing

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

College of Nursing

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Elizabeth Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP-BC

Second Committee Member

Dr. Mark Parshall, PhD, RN, FAAN

Third Committee Member

Dr. Kim Cox, PhD, RN, CNM

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Sally Cohen, PhD, RN, FAAN

Keywords

Advanced Practice Authority, Interprofessional Team Function, APRN Autonomy, Professionalism, Health Policy, Advanced Practice Nursing

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Included in

Other Nursing Commons

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