Developing an advanced nurse practitioner approach to clinical assessments.

Emergency departments (EDs) often experience reduced patient flow, which results in low capacity, increased congestion and delays in patient care. Advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) possess the skills required to relieve these pressures and enhance care delivery. This article describes how introducing ANP-led rapid assessment triage in an ED has enabled these practitioners to use advanced practice skills in assessment and intervention, and to request early diagnostic processes to improve patient flow. The system enables the ANPs to identify high-acuity patients who can be cared for in the ED without the need for admission, while ensuring their safety, rapid assessment and timely interventions.