A nurse practitioner in general practice: patient perceptions and expectations.

A study exploring the acceptability of a nurse practitioner to a random sample of 126 patients is reported. Sixty per cent of patients either approved of the concept and expressed willingness to consult the nurse or held no strong views. Fifty three per cent of the 61 patients who had seen her already were prepared to see her again. Fifty four per cent of patients had difficulty in differentiating between the role of the nurse practitioner and the doctor and the perceived differences included qualifications, ability to prescribe drugs and the severity of the condition dealt with. Women were nearly three times more likely than men to consult a nurse practitioner. Good communication skills were reported to be among the most sought after qualities of those whom patients consult about their health problems.