Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
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J Am Assoc Nurse Pract · Jun 2016
ReviewCan the use of urgent care clinics improve access to care without undermining continuity in primary care?
There is a niche for urgent care clinics as an alternate source of health care in the United States. This systematic review examines whether the use of urgent care clinics can improve access to care or if these facilities undermine continuity of primary care. ⋯ NPs are frontline healthcare providers essential to developing and maintaining successful communication and collaboration among providers across healthcare settings. In both primary care and urgent care facilities, NPs can ensure continuity of care, decreased healthcare costs, and optimized health outcomes for patients.