Healthcare practitioners work in multiple clinical settings with varying roles and work demands. To perform effectively and efficiently, healthcare practitioners should embrace teamwork and work with clear roles (Costello et al., 2021). The conversation between Todd Unger and Kai Sternstein highlights issues related to the scope of practice. Broadly, the issues raised are challenges hampering collaboration between physicians and non-physicians. If not effectively addressed, these issues are detrimental to patient care and a team-based approach.
Discussion Points
One of the main points raised in the conversation is the failure of independent practice to increase access to care. In the current practice, most non-physicians push for independent practice arguing that it would increase access to care for rural and underserved populations (Ortiz et al., 2018). However, the podcast presents a different perspective. Kai Sternstein notes that physicians and non-physicians usually practice alongside each other rather than independently, as generally believed in states that allow independent practice (American Medical Association, 2021). This point is interesting to note since it underscores the importance of physician-led practice.
The other major discussion point raised in the conversation is a name change and how it can hamper patient experiences. Kai exemplifies this point by using nurse anesthetists’ name change to nurse anesthesiologists (American Medical Association, 2021). From a practice dimension, such a name change alters the practice expectations of nurse anesthetists. Furthermore, patients’ confidence in the healthcare process depends on their relationship with providers. Hence, patients must understand the job description of their providers and qualifications.
Analysis
Healthcare organizations should do everything within their capacity to support physician-led practice. Although independent practice for non-physicians is crucial during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, better clinical outcomes are achieved when physicians lead care teams. Physicians’ in-depth training, experience, and skills bring the uniqueness and leadership needed for a collaborative practice and healthcare environments that protect patients’ health and well-being (Hermon, 2022; Robezknieks, 2020). As a result, care quality should be prioritized as non-physicians continue pushing for independent practice. Regarding name change, all practitioners must work with consistent and discernible professional designations (Giaimo & Klauer, 2021). This denotes intellectual honesty since it enables patients to understand their healthcare providers’ qualifications and roles.
Leadership is crucial for team-based care and positive patient experiences. Although independent practice helps to address some of the problems stemming from a nursing shortage, care quality should guide decision-making in practice and legislation. As highlighted in the conversation between Todd Unger and Kai Sternstein, independent practice may not necessarily solve access to care challenges. Besides, the physician-led practice has better clinical outcomes since physicians are the most skilled and cost-effective team leaders in healthcare delivery.
References
American Medical Association. (2021). Michaela Sternstein, JD, on scope of practice and patient safety| moving medicine for Nov. 11, 2021. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JzSm7PnIic
Costello, M., Rusell, K., & Coventry, T. (2021). Examining the average scores of nursing teamwork subscales in an acute private medical ward. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00609-z
Ortiz, J., Hofler, R., Bushy, A., Lin, Y. L., Khanijahani, A., &
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