Patients’ assessments of consulting a nurse practitioner: the time factor

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Abstract
Aim. This paper reports a study exploring patients’ views about consulting with a primary care nurse practitioner. Background. United Kingdom based randomized controlled trials comparing the work of doctors and nurse practitioners add considerable weight to the view that patients tend to be more satisfied with primary care nurse practitioner consultations. However, there is a need for qualitative research to explore issues raised by the trials. Methods. A judgement sample of 10 patients consulting with a primary care nurse practitioner was drawn. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. The data were collected in 2000–2001. Findings. The following themes were identified in the data: time spent in the consultation; and time as a commodity in patients’ lives. Time matters to patients when they consult on their health, whether it is time to discuss problems or time saved as a result of having issues resolved, thus minimizing further visits. Factors associated with the style and emphasis of consultations are also important. Conclusions. Understanding the relationship between time, and style and emphasis of consultation may help to explain patients’ satisfaction with primary care nurse practitioners.