Program Evaluation

An evaluation of the Family Practice Nurse Program in the Capital Health district was conducted in 2009-10, examining the process and outcome measures (Phase 1). A further evaluation of this project was undertaken in 2010 that included a client survey and a chart audit (Phase 2).

Key program outcomes from this evaluation are below:

Phase 1:

  • On average, an additional two patients were scheduled each hour resulting in an increase of 40 per cent in capacity, including urgent care patients, which reduced wait times for each practice.

Phase 2:

  • FPNs saw 94 per cent of all patients in the practice within a two-year period and were able to enhance quality of care by providing health information on key topics such as smoking cessation and nutrition, recording height and weight, ensuring immunizations were current, and checking blood pressure on a more regular basis (chart audit).
  • Physicians reported an improvement in counselling, education, and screening of patients as well as improved chronic disease management and ability to deal with complex cases.
  • 60 per cent of physicians experienced improved satisfaction regarding how well care is coordinated with other parts of the health care system.
  • 80 per cent of practices reported improvements in standardized clinical protocols or assessment tools to coordinate patient care since hiring a family practice nurse.
  • 50 per cent of practices report more accurate and complete patient profiles.

Chart Audit Clinical Measures:

  • 80 per cent of patients had their blood pressure measured in the past 24 months.
  • 78 per cent of patients received at least one fasting lipid profile in the past 24 months.
  • 52 per cent of patients with a BMI over 25 received counselling for nutrition and exercise.
  • 21 per cent of patients who smoke were offered smoking cessation counselling.
  • 81 per cent of patients over 65 years of age were offered the influenza vaccine.
  • 29 per cent of female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 received a pap smear in the past 36 months.