Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Characteristics of patient visits to nurse practitioners and physician assistants in hospital outpatient departments.
Many authors have described differences between nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Most studies have compared physician with nonphysician providers' practice. Few studies have compared nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and none has used a national data base. ⋯ Results of multivariate logistic regression suggest that nurse practitioners were the most likely nonphysician provider for outpatients receiving more health promotion and counseling (therapeutic) services and for those needing women's and children's services. Outpatients in rural areas predicted visits to physician assistants. As more nonphysician providers enter the work force, the results of this research may assist with understanding the utilization of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary care.