Ending a nurse practitioner-patient relationship: uncovering patients' perceptions.
METHODS
Seventy-nine patients assigned to the care of a nurse practitioner (NP) were interviewed to explore reactions to ending a yearlong therapeutic relationship at the conclusion of a clinical trial. Three researchers identified, reviewed and


CONCLUSIONS
Of the total 79 patients, 22 (28%) spontaneously discussed perceptions and feelings about the termination of their relationship with the NP, Qualitative analysis of their statements identified future concerns about continuity of care and emotional themes ranging from gratitude, regret, and anxiety to grief.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in health care coverage often result in abrupt termination of patient-provider relationships. The involuntary termination of a patient-provider relationship may have significant negative consequences on patients with substantial influence on physical and emotional health. Awareness and anticipatory counseling may be useful in stemming these effects.
Planavsky
L A
LA
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA. planavl@ccf.org
Mion
L C
LC
Litaker
D G
DG
Kippes
C M
CM
Mehta
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*