Gap Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to promote interprofessional education and collaboration among healthcare providers by identifying gaps in knowledge regarding NP scope of practice among medical doctors (MDs), osteopathic physicians (DOs), and physician assistants (PAs) in Florida. Methods: This quasi-experimental, gap analysis utilized a repeated measures design wherein the study participants served as their own controls. Surveys were delivered via Qualtrics, an online survey platform, at two points in time: (1) before an online educational intervention and (2) four to six weeks after an online educational intervention to all actively practicing, Florida-licensed MDs, DOs, and PAs registered with the Florida Department of Health.Results: The Pre-Intervention Survey was started by 1,515 respondents, representing a response rate of 1.96%. Of the respondents: (1) 881 met inclusion criteria, and (2) completed the Pre- and Post-Intervention Surveys. Approximately 36.8% of PAs answered the question, “Can nurse practitioners in Florida prescribe schedule II drugs independently?” incorrectly. Approximately 27.1% of PAs answered the question, “Can nurse practitioners in Florida practice autonomously?” incorrectly. NP knowledge-based questions related to signing disabled person placard forms, autonomous practice, and prescribing schedule II drugs independently were incorrectly responded to by most participants. Discussion: PAs incorrectly perceive that NPs in Florida can practice autonomously and can prescribe schedule II drugs independently. MDs, DOs, and PAs have the greatest knowledge deficit in topics related to whether NPs can sign disabled person placard forms, practice autonomously, and prescribe schedule II drugs independently.Conclusion: Interprofessional education can mitigate confusion related to NP scope of practice, however, for interprofessional educational opportunities to be successful, knowledge deficits among collaborative healthcare providers must first be identified. Responses to knowledge-based questions in the Pre-Intervention Survey identified specific deficits among healthcare providers. Identifying deficiencies facilitate the development of effective interprofessional educational training materials and programs.