Aims1. To explore the perceptions of physicians, registered nurses (RN) and allied health professionals (AHP) towards the role of ward‐based advanced practice nurse (APN). 2. To examine healthcare professionals' perception of APN role expansion in inpatient care.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA 43‐item survey comprising of five domains was conducted on healthcare professionals' perceptions towards ward‐based APNs in five medical wards of a tertiary hospital from November 2022 to February 2023. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling via email and cross‐platform messaging service.ResultsA total of 181 completed respondents including 26 physicians, 102 nurses and 45 AHPs. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Version 28.0. APNs were perceived to be spending a great extent of time across all five domains, namely, ‘direct comprehensive care’, ‘support of systems’, ‘research’, ‘education’ and ‘publication and professional leadership’. Significant differences were noted in perceptions based on prior experience with APNs and between different healthcare professions. The majority recognized APNs' positive impact on patient safety, efficiency and patient‐centeredness.ConclusionThis study offers valuable insights into ward‐based APNs' practice patterns, roles and impact, revealing a positive shift in their acceptance and expanding roles within inpatient general wards. It also highlights the valuable roles and impact of ward‐based APNs in direct patient care, system support, research, education and leadership, despite ongoing challenges in role clarity, particularly in treatment planning and ward rounds.Implications for the ProfessionAPNs are highly regarded as competent and a consistent personnel in the wards. However, there are divided views on clinical activities that APNs undertake.Impact (Addressing) What problem did the study address? Role ambiguity for ward‐based APNs. Healthcare professionals' readiness and acceptance of APNs. What were the main findings? APNs are perceived to have a strong involvement in direct patient care, support of system, research, education and leadership. APNs are recognized for their significant impact on patient safety, efficiency and patient‐centredness, but there were varied perceptions on the extent of time they spend in different practice domains. The critical roles of APNs participating in daily ward rounds and initiating discharge plans were highlighted, emphasizing their importance in timeliness and continuity of care. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? It will affect healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare administrators by providing insights into the roles and contributions of ward‐based APNs. The findings will guide policymakers and nurse leaders in making informed decisions about the implementation and development of APN roles, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. Patient or Public ContributionNo Patient or Public Contribution.

中文翻译：

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医疗保健专业人员对病房高级执业护士角色的看法：一项横断面研究


目标1.探讨医生、注册护士 (RN) 和专职医疗专业人员 (AHP) 对病房高级执业护士 (APN) 角色的看法。 2. 调查医疗保健专业人员对住院护理中 APN 角色扩展的看法。设计横断面研究。方法对某三级医院的 5 个内科病房的医疗保健专业人员对基于病房的 APN 的看法进行了 5 个领域的 43 项调查。从 2022 年 11 月到 2023 年 2 月。通过电子邮件和跨平台消息服务使用便利抽样招募参与者。结果共有 181 名完整的受访者，其中包括 26 名医生、102 名护士和 45 名 AHP。使用 IBM SPSS 28.0 版进行统计分析。 APNs被认为在所有五个领域花费了大量时间，即“直接综合护理”、“系统支持”、“研究”、“教育”以及“出版和专业领导”。根据 APN 的先前经验以及不同医疗保健专业之间的看法存在显着差异。大多数人认识到 APN 对患者安全、效率和以患者为中心的积极影响。结论 这项研究为病房 APN 的实践模式、作用和影响提供了宝贵的见解，揭示了它们在住院普通病房中的接受度和扩大作用的积极转变。它还强调了基于病房的 APN 在直接患者护理、系统支持、研究、教育和领导方面的宝贵作用和影响，尽管在角色明确性方面持续存在挑战，特别是在治疗计划和查房方面。对专业 APN 的影响受到高度重视病房内有称职且一致的人员。 然而，对于 APN 所开展的临床活动存在不同的看法。影响（解决） 该研究解决了哪些问题？基于病房的 APN 的角色模糊性。医疗保健专业人员对 APN 的准备程度和接受程度。主要发现是什么？ APN 被认为积极参与直接患者护理、系统支持、研究、教育和领导。 APN 因其对患者安全、效率和以患者为中心的重大影响而受到认可，但对其在不同实践领域花费的时间程度存在不同的看法。强调了 APN 参与每日查房和启动出院计划的关键作用，强调了它们在护理的及时性和连续性方面的重要性。研究将在哪里以及对谁产生影响？通过深入了解基于病房的 APN 的作用和贡献，它将影响医疗保健专业人员，包括医生、护士、专职医疗专业人员和医疗保健管理人员。研究结果将指导政策制定者和护士领导就 APN 角色的实施和发展做出明智的决策，最终改善患者护理和结果。患者或公众贡献没有患者或公众贡献。