Adaptation of the Nurse Practitioner Integration Model for older adult primary care models

To reap positive outcomes associated with nurse practitioner care, nurse practitioners must be integrated efficaciously into the care team. However, the process has been described inconsistently, creating a lack of clarity for research and applied use in practice. The Nurse Practitioner Integration Model was developed to provide a consistent conceptualization and description of the process of implementing and incorporating nurse practitioners into care teams in any setting. The model needs to be honed for use in older adult primary care settings. This study aimed to adapt the Nurse Practitioner Integration Model for older adult primary care settings. A qualitative, nominal group consensus technique was used. Experts discussed, debated, and reached consensus on an adapted model. The model consists of a revised definition of nurse practitioner integration, an illustrative model, precursors, outcomes, and attributes. Integration mediates introducing nurse practitioners and care outcomes. Empirical research is needed to validate the model.