RE: Education Research: Neurologic Education in Physician Assistant Programs
Christopher B.Reeves, Nurse Practitioner, University of Massachusetts Boston
Submitted January 26, 2023
I’m writing to comment on the importance of the precise use of terminology in this growing area of research. The authors describe a survey-based research design that targeted directors of PA programs across the United States.1 Given the title, it’s clear the researchers understand that their findings reflect this specific population, however, the terms Advanced Practice Provider (APP) and PA are used interchangeably within both the abstract and the discussion.
The term APP describes a heterogeneous group of non-physician providers, most often the combination of PAs and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), although there’s no consensus definition.2 Additionally, this term can include Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), among others.
As the body of literature grows related to APP educational needs, it’s imperative that findings of singular professions not be conflated with those of the larger heterogenous group (unless of course the research question and study sample support this). Conclusions made from one profession may not be appropriately generalizable to another group or to the larger, mixed population.
With that said, I’m grateful for the work of Dr. Harrison and his colleagues within this important and necessary area of research. I look forward to future work investigating this research question in the NP population.
References
1) Harrison DS, Naclerio M, et al. Education research: Neurologic education in physician assistant programs. Neurol Edu 2023;2:1-7.
2) Sarzynski E, Barry H. Current evidence and controversies: advanced practice providers in healthcare. Am J Manag Care. 2019;25:366-368.
I’m writing to comment on the importance of the precise use of terminology in this growing area of research. The authors describe a survey-based research design that targeted directors of PA programs across the United States.1 Given the title, it’s clear the researchers understand that their findings reflect this specific population, however, the terms Advanced Practice Provider (APP) and PA are used interchangeably within both the abstract and the discussion.
The term APP describes a heterogeneous group of non-physician providers, most often the combination of PAs and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), although there’s no consensus definition.2 Additionally, this term can include Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), among others.
As the body of literature grows related to APP educational needs, it’s imperative that findings of singular professions not be conflated with those of the larger heterogenous group (unless of course the research question and study sample support this). Conclusions made from one profession may not be appropriately generalizable to another group or to the larger, mixed population.
With that said, I’m grateful for the work of Dr. Harrison and his colleagues within this important and necessary area of research. I look forward to future work investigating this research question in the NP population.
References
1) Harrison DS, Naclerio M, et al. Education research: Neurologic education in physician assistant programs. Neurol Edu 2023;2:1-7.
2) Sarzynski E, Barry H. Current evidence and controversies: advanced practice providers in healthcare. Am J Manag Care. 2019;25:366-368.