| Learning Objective #1: Describe indicators of the extent to which academic nursing practice programs increase access to care for underserved populations | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify health policy tools that can build on the outcomes of care provided by academic nursing practices to increase access to care for underserved populations |
Objectives: This presentation describes the results of two studies that examine the extent to which academic nursing practices influence access to care for underserved populations.
Design: Both studies used a cross-sectional survey design.
Population: 564 baccalaureate and higher degree schools of nursing in the United States were included in the initial study. The second study included only those schools with nurse-managed centers.
Methods: For the first study, funded by the RWJ Foundation, surveys were distributed to the deans of the 564 schools of nursing in Summer, 2002. Univariate and bivariate analyses were completed as appropriate for the level of measurement. For the second study, funded by the Michigan Academic Nursing Consortium, print and online surveys are being distributed to schools with nurse-managed centers. Geographic information system mapping will be used to map clinic locations against Medically Underserved Areas to assess the extent to which these clinics increase access to care for underserved populations.
Findings:
In the first study, 363 of 564 schools responded, for a response rate of 64%. Of 56 schools that reported operating academic nursing practices, 32 of these schools operate nurse-managed centers. Respondents indicated that the average payer mix among their clients was 22.2% Medicaid, 9.9% commercial insurance, 7.8% Medicare, 7.2% SCHIP, and 25.0% self pay. Data collection for the second study will be completed by May, 2003.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that academic nurse-managed centers provide a disproportionate amount of care to underserved populations. Geographic data on the locations of nurse-managed centers and their clientele will illuminate the extent to which these centers care for underserved populations.
Implications: Academic nursing programs rely on sources of funding that differ significantly from and are less stable than those in mainstream healthcare. Further examination of funding streams for these innovative forms of nursing care delivery is warranted.
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