Advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) in general practice
Advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) are registered nurses who have completed additional training and academic qualifications to assess, diagnose, refer, as well as treat patients with undiagnosed or undifferentiated problems.
They are highly trained healthcare professionals capable of conducting complex patient reviews, similar to general practitioners (GPs).
Services provided by ANPs
ANPs offer a wide range of services, including:
- Comprehensive patient assessments and reviews
- Diagnosing acute and chronic conditions
- Treating minor illnesses
- Prescribing and reviewing medications
- Advising on prescribed medications
- Evaluating and adjusting treatment plans
- Holistically managing patient conditions
- Ensuring coordinated care for all patients
Benefits for GP practices
The integration of ANPs into general practice teams:
- Improves patient satisfaction
- Alleviates pressure on GPs
- Enhances the provision of high-quality care
- Increases the skill mix in primary care
- Helps GPs focus on more complex cases
Differences from practice nurses
While ANPs and practice nurses are both registered nurses, ANPs have undergone advanced clinical training to:
- Manage and assess patients more expertly, similar to GPs
- Develop generalist skills across various clinical areas
- Specialize in areas of interest (e.g., long-term condition management)
ANPs can substitute for GPs, conducting comprehensive patient assessments, interpreting investigations, making diagnoses, and planning and delivering care.
They can also refer patients for follow-up consultations or specialist care when necessary.
Prescribing authority
Fully qualified ANPs can prescribe medications for any condition within their scope of competence. They can assess patients with undiagnosed conditions, make treatment decisions, and refer patients as needed, both within primary as well as secondary care settings.
Accessing ANP services
Patients can book appointments with an ANP through their GP practice, similar to scheduling appointments with GPs or practice nurses.
As practices increasingly collaborate to deliver services, patients may also have the option to see an ANP on weekends, together with the weekdays they are available on. Patients can consult with an ANP for both minor and in addition to long-term conditions, such as infections, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, COPD), and minor injuries.
Furthermore if further clinical expertise is required, patients can be referred to a GP within the practice.
Finally, by incorporating ANPs into primary care teams, practices can enhance patient access, improve care coordination, and provide high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to their communities.
For any further information please visit the NHS website, Advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) – Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ics.nhs.uk)