Keywords

advanced practice nurse, case management, ethics, managed care

 

Authors

  1. Donagrandi, Martha A. M.S.N., R.N.,C
  2. Eddy, Mary Ph.D., R.N

Abstract

The healthcare system is under pressure to provide quality care with less money for a growing and aging populace, and the resulting changes in the system could pose ethical problems for advanced practice nurses. Expanding healthcare needs, the increased use of technology, and dwindling resources all place burdens on advanced practice nurses, who have taken on the role of case manager in an attempt to reduce costs, meet patient outcomes, and provide improved, personalized, high-quality care. This paper explores the ethical concerns that can arise from managed care delivery systems and discusses the role of advanced practice nurses as case managers and the possible implications for nursing practice and research.