Bridging Levels of Influence: Insights on Policies for Integrating Nurse Practitioners Into Health Systems Comment on "Development of a Taxonomy of Policy Interventions for Integrating Nurse Practitioners Into Health Systems"
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A taxonomy of policy interventions for integrating nurse practitioners (NPs) into health systems is a valuable tool for addressing implementation barriers across macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (clinical) levels. In this commentary we highlight how academic institutions serve as vital conduits between policy, education, and clinical implementation. We explore the role of universities in aligning NP workforce development with system needs through research, interprofessional training, and policy engagement. We highlight macro–meso mismatches, particularly when educational capacity outpaces organizational readiness to employ NPs. Advancing NP roles requires coordinated efforts across sectors, and academia, through evidence generation, cross-level engagement, and training innovation, plays a central role in operationalizing the taxonomy and strengthening the contribution of advanced nurses to healthcare systems. Nonetheless, we recognize that academic institutions can at times be inflexible and therefore suggest considering hybrid academic-professional training structures. We conclude with a set of recommendations for research and policy.
DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.9270
Authors: Efrat Shadmi, Ruth Palan Lopez
Institutions: University of Haifa, Boston College
Language: English
Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7117574939