Ending A Nurse Practitioner‐Patient Relationship: Uncovering Patients' Perceptions

DATA SOURCES Seventy-nine patients assigned to the care of a nurse practitioner (NP) were interviewed to explore reactions to ending a yearlong therapeutic relationship at the conclusion of a clinical trial. Three researchers identified, reviewed and CONCLUSIONS Of the total 79 patients, 22 (28%) spontaneously discussed perceptions and feelings about the termination of their relationship with the NP, Qualitative analysis of their statements identified future concerns about continuity of care and emotional themes ranging from gratitude, regret, and anxiety to grief. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Changes in health care coverage often result in abrupt termination of patient-provider relationships. The involuntary termination of a patient-provider relationship may have significant negative consequences on patients with substantial influence on physical and emotional health. Awareness and anticipatory counseling may be useful in stemming these effects.