NHS doctors have expressed concerns that some hospital patients may be put at risk when they are treated by “advanced practitioners” instead of doctors. Reporting across outlets says that many hospitals use advanced practitioners to help cover doctors’ shifts, with coverage indicating that almost half of NHS hospitals are using them. Advanced practitioners are typically nurses who have additional training and qualifications, and they may carry out clinical roles that overlap with those traditionally performed by doctors in areas such as assessment and ongoing patient care. The criticism from doctors centers on patient safety and the appropriateness of who provides care, particularly when advanced practitioners are used to fill staffing gaps. Supporters of the approach argue that advanced practice can help maintain service delivery and provide skilled care, especially in settings where recruitment and rota pressures affect doctor availability. The issue is presented as part of a broader debate in the NHS over workforce models, staffing levels, and how responsibilities are allocated between doctors and other clinically trained professionals.
NHS doctors raise concerns as many hospitals use advanced practitioners for doctor cover
NHS doctors have expressed concerns that some hospital patients may be put at risk when they are treated by “advanced practitioners” instead of doctors. Reporting across outlets says that many hospita...
- Doctors express concerns about patient safety when advanced practitioners treat patients instead of doctors.
- Almost half of NHS hospitals are reported to use advanced practitioners.
- Advanced practitioners are typically nurses with additional training and qualifications.
- Advanced practitioners are used, at least in part, to cover doctors’ shifts.
- The issue is linked to wider NHS staffing and workforce debates.
It emerged separately almost half of NHS hospitals are using advance practitioners, who are usually nurses with additional training, to cover doctors' shifts.
3 months agoIt emerged separately almost half of NHS hospitals are using advance practitioners, who are usually nurses with additional training, to cover doctors' shifts.
3 months ago
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