How does access to NPs impacts any healthcare disparities?  

Access to Nurse Practitioners (NPs) has been shown to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce disparities in access to care, especially in underserved and rural populations. NPs are able to provide a wide range of services, including primary care and preventive services, which can help patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment for their health concerns. NPs also have the ability to bridge gaps in access by providing culturally competent care that is tailored to the needs of diverse patient populations. Furthermore, research shows that NPs tend to spend more time with patients than physicians do, allowing them to develop strong relationships with their patients which leads to increased satisfaction levels among those receiving care. This can help build trust between providers and patients while encouraging continuity of care over time.

In addition, expanding access to NP-led teams has been found decrease wait times for appointments as well as lower costs associated with healthcare delivery due physical accessibility (e.g., travel distance). Therefore, providing greater access to NPs can contribute significantly toward addressing disparities in both quality and cost of health services across different patient populations.