Integration of nurses in general practice: A thematic synthesis of the perspectives of general practitioners, practice nurses and patients living with chronic illness

Abstract Aims and objectives To explore the views of general practitioners, practice nurses and patients on interprofessional collaboration in general practice and to understand to what extent the nurse–doctor relationship meets their needs and expectations. Background To address future challenges of primary health care, there is a need for integrated interprofessional collaboration care systems with a patient‐centred focus. Worldwide, there is an integration of nurses in general practice. However, in a transitioning Belgian context little is known about the perspectives of three key stakeholder groups. Design The results of four qualitative descriptive primary studies were triangulated and a secondary analysis resulted in a thematic synthesis within a pragmatic research paradigm. Methods Primary data were collected through individual, semi‐structured interviews with 7 general practitioners, 19 practice nurses and 21 patients living with chronic illness in 26 primary care centres with different nurse integration levels. We conducted a secondary analysis for the thematic synthesis of the different stakeholders’ perspectives. This study was reported in accordance with the COREQ checklist. Results Four overarching themes were found as follows: vision and mission at general practice level, patient‐centred care, practice nurse role development and interprofessional collaboration. Interprofessional collaboration within general practice ensures better response to patient needs. Evolution of the practice nurse role to autonomous decision‐making can be facilitated by clear vision and mission, team communication, complementarity of responsibilities and trust‐based professional relationships. Conclusions The key for patient‐centred care in a well‐organised practice is a clear vision and mission and well‐defined task description for interprofessional collaboration. General practice is urging for systematic guidance for the sustainable integration of a practice nurse. Relevance to clinical practice Our study highlights opportunities and challenges to nurse integration in general practice from key stakeholders’ perspectives, which can inform other transitioning contexts.