Developing a model for success
Based on the results of these surveys and our practice experience, we present seven recommendations to optimize the APP/physician relationship:
1. Create a clear job description that ensures your APP works to the top of their license and training. This key principle can have a great impact on practice revenue and APP job satisfaction.
2. Develop a plan to train the APP to your standards, whether it be through a dedicated content curriculum or a mentored preceptorship. Most APPs finish formal training with very little gastroenterology specialty expertise, and would benefit from content-based learning in the area of gastroenterology in which they will work. The AGA publishes on-demand webcasts in different content areas, geared toward advanced practice providers (https://www.gastro.org/aga-leadership/initiatives-and-programs/nurse-practitioner-and-physician-assistant-resource-center). The AGA also hosts an annual conference to review GI content and prepare APPs to deliver optimal patient care (https://nppa.gastro.org/).
3. Designate objective criteria by which you will measure competency. Share this model with your APP up front to establish transparent expectations, and meet to review competencies and plans for further training at least annually. This structure presents a model for clinical growth and transparent expectations may enhance APP retention.
4. Establish APP mentorship. Just as for physicians, both clinical and career mentorship are an important part of job satisfaction and retention for APPs.
• Meet regularly. We recommend that mentors schedule weekly meetings with their APPs to review cases, questions/concerns, outstanding clinical work, quality-improvement initiatives and/or research. These regular meetings will keep lines of communication open and may enhance APP retention.
• Provide feedback. Both APPs and physicians benefit from constructive feedback. An annual review should not bring any surprises. Keeping feedback honest and constructive will further strengthen the relationship.
5. Introduce the APP as an integral member of the care team during the initial patient encounter. Whether working in a dedicated subspecialty team (inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology, motility, or hepatobiliary) or as part of a general gastroenterology practice, APPs should be introduced during the initial encounter as a key member of the team to establish rapport. The APP’s name should also be listed in the after-visit summary, on business cards, and on stationary to strengthen the team image. Once a patient is established with an APP and a therapeutic relationship is built, patients often report positive outcomes and maintain follow-up with the APP/physician team. We recommend that the physician see the patient at least every other visit (alternating with the APP) to reinforce the team dynamic and dedication of all members of the team to the patient’s health.
6. Provide a sense of community. Depending on the size of your practice, you can connect APPs within your practice, institution, or at a professional organization level. Belonging to a larger group that understands APP practice provides strong support and APP career satisfaction.
7. Create growth opportunities. In addition to clinical growth, APPs can provide value in leading quality-improvement and research initiatives. Establish goals and timelines for achieving goals up front, and be prepared to protect the APP’s time to achieve these goals. Successful APP growth and development may enhance job satisfaction and lead to reduced turnover. In addition, establishment of APP leaders provides candidates to help design and implement an effective APP program as a practice grows.
The authors wish to recognize research coordinators Casey Silvernale and April Mendez, and Dr. Kyle Staller who assisted with the coordination of the surveys that contributed to this work. Dr. Burke is a gastroenterolgist affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Dr. Thurler is the Ambulatory Director of advanced practice providers and nursing at Massachusetts General Hospital. The authors had no disclosures.
This story was updated on June 26, 2019.
