Do differences in physician and NP training affect patient care?

As more states expand the scope of practice for nurse practitioners (NPs) in an effort to combat the growing physician shortage, news website Remapping Debate explores the differences in training between the providers and whether those differences impact patient care. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia currently allow NPs to practice independently rather than under the supervision of a physician. However, many physicians object to expanding NPs’ scope of practice, claiming it jeopardizes team-based care and that NPs don't have the depth of education and training necessary for complex medical decision-making.

A 2013 survey by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners found that a large number of respondents believe that NPs should have greater freedom to provide healthcare services. In contrast, physicians interviewed by Remapping Debate said that while NPs are able to treat common conditions, doctors are better able to manage patients with multiple, complex conditions and act as mediators between a patient and specialists.

Source: Fierce Healthcare