The effectiveness of nurse practitioner care for patients with mental health conditions in primary care settings: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: The nurse practitioner (NP) workforce is key to meeting the demand for mental health services in primary care settings.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to synthesize the evidence focused on the effectiveness of NP care for patients with mental health conditions in primary care settings, particularly focused on primary care NPs and psychiatric mental health NPs and patients with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

Methods: Studies published since 2014 in the United States studying NP care of patients with anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders in primary care settings were included.

Findings: Seventeen studies were included. Four high-quality studies showed that NP evidence-based care and prescribing were comparable to that of physicians. Seven low-quality studies suggest that NP-led collaborative care is associated with reduced symptoms.

Discussion: More high-quality evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of NP care for patients with mental health conditions in primary care settings.

Keywords: Effectiveness; Mental health; Nurse Practitioners; Primary care.