Recommendations for NP/Physician Collaborative Relationships in Long-Term Care Homes

Residents of long-term care (LTC) homes have complex medical and psychosocial care needs. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians possess the complementary skills required for responding to residents’ needs. Therefore, collaboration between NPs and physicians is crucial for achieving optimal resident outcomes. Despite the increasing number of NPs and physicians practicing in LTC homes, the recruitment and retention of both primary care providers in the LTC sector is difficult. In addition, establishing collaborative relationships remains challenging.