Using a Parent Coordinator to Support the Role of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Care Coordination

Abstract

The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner is becoming more complex with time. Both patients and the health care system are becoming more intricate. Effective support of the PNP can consist of a nonclinical professional who is a parent of a chronically ill child. Support including data entry, preclinic planning, self-management support, appointment scheduling, research, and between-visit follow-up can be provided from the perspective of a parent. This article will describe the role of a parent coordinator who was hired in part to provide support for a pediatric nurse practitioner in a primary care clinic for patients with asthma.

Keywords: Non-clinical professional; care coordination; chronic illness; pediatric nurse practitioner.