# Implementing an Online Instrument to Measure Nurse Practitioner Workload: A Feasibility Study

## TL;DR

This study tested an online tool to measure nurse practitioner workload in community-based primary care settings.

## Contribution

The study introduces and validates an online workload measurement index specifically for nurse practitioners.

## Key findings

- The NP-WI was found to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate for measuring NP workload.
- Daily data entry took 5 to 7 minutes, and a 4-week period was sufficient for capturing workload samples.
- The tool captured patient, provider, and organizational characteristics related to NP workload.

## Abstract

Nurse practitioners (NPs) improve access to care in community-based primary care. Determining an appropriate workload for NPs is complex. The number of patients seen by NPs represents an important consideration. We sought to determine the feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of implementing the online NP workload measurement index (NP-WI).

Feasibility study supported by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, conducted across 3 health regions in Québec, Canada. Data were collected from January to July 2024 using the online NP-WI (n = 66), 8-item acceptability questionnaire (n = 47), weekly implementation team meetings with NPs and decision-makers (n = 11), field notes and interviews (n = 13). Data analysis completed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, with data integration using joint displays.

NPs indicated that the NP-WI was easy to use. Acceptability scores were positively rated. Daily data entry took 5 to 7 min to complete. NPs deemed a 4-week collection period sufficient to capture a representative workload sample. The NP-WI captured patient, provider and organizational characteristics and the number of patients seen by NPs.

NP-WI implementation was feasible. The instrument can support healthcare workforce planning with more adequate estimations of NP workload in community-based primary care, and provide greater equity in resource allocation and distribution of NP workload.