Population-focused care: a new rubric in the role definition for geriatric nurse practitioners in primary care practice?

Abstract

Traditionally, geriatric nurse practitioners (GNPs) provide care to individual older adults and their families in a primary care practice. Although the goal is to provide high-quality, cost-effective care, GNPs may be providing ineffective care by narrowly focusing on individuals and their families. Given today's health care climate, it is essential that GNPs practice with a wider perspective. This is done by noting health issue trends among the specific older adult population that are targeted for care and planning that care with a population focus delineated by either health issues or characteristics of the older adult population.