Mid-level providers in gastroenterology.
One response to the challenges of modern day clinical practice has been to employ "mid-level providers" (MLPs), such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. MLPs may complement physicians by supporting patient self-management and performing routine, protocol-guided management. In turn, MLPs may improve health outcomes and simultaneously lower costs. Within gastroenterology, the prevalence of MLPs remains unknown, though it appears to be significant and increasing. Additionally, professional organizations predict that in the future, MLPs will play a central role in digestive disease care. Although incorporating MLPs into gastroenterology has great potential, numerous challenges exist, and their specific roles must first be defined and evaluated.
Dorn
Spencer D
SD
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7080, USA. sdorn@med.unc.edu
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000193:education; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D014481:United States