Collaboration between GPs and nurse practitioners. The overseas experience and lessons for Australia.

BACKGROUND: Recent government reports promote the idea of collaboration between general practitioners and nurse practitioners.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines two important developments in primary care nursing practice: practice nurses moving into advanced practice roles and the nurse practitioner movement. The article explores the meaning of collaboration between GPs and nurse practitioners, how it has occurred overseas and how it might apply in Australia.

DISCUSSION: Collaboration occurs when nurse practitioners and GPs work together to achieve a mutual goal. Benefits of collaboration include better primary care for under doctored areas, and reduced GP workload. Medicolegal and funding implications need to be clarified if nurse practitioners are to work in general practice.