Evaluation of Policies on Advanced Practice Nursing in the Philippines

Abstract

Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) is a field of nursing that performs specialty function with role expansion. In the Philippines, a form of APN is stipulated in 4 major policies in nursing. This study aimed to evaluate coherence and outcomes of such policies in relation to both environmental and actual practice of nurses. Policy reviews of local and international literatures were done. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct clinical observations were performed among specialty area nurses (n=95) and hospital administrators selected via purposive sampling. Data triangulation to validate findings was performed. Results were as follows: (1) nurses function with specialized practice but with limited role expansion; (2) there has been fragmented educational preparation towards advanced practice; (3) there is an absence of a standard of advanced practice recognized across institutions; and (4) there have been notable similarities but there exist foundational gaps when compared with international frameworks. APN is perceived to widen career options and optimize nurses’ contribution to the health care system.

Key words: Advanced Practice Nursing (APN), specialty nursing, expanded roles, practice environments