The White-Coat Dilemma: Are Collaborative Practices the Answer to the Primary Care Shortage?

This study was a comprehensive literature review of the characteristics of collaborative practices that could best utilize the strengths and knowledge of the physician with the skills and experience of the nurse practitioner. The literature review was conducted using multiple databases for peer-reviewed articles, reports and nonscholarly reports between the years 1980-2011. Out of 91 articles reviewed, 30 were relevant. The study found that there were three main elements of collaborative practices - communication, teamwork, and professionalism. Implementing collaborative practices is difficult but can improve patient care and increase access. Implementation of collaborative practices, along with interprofessional education, creates synergy between nurse practitioners and physicians and provides a model for increasing patient quality and access.