Bridging Levels of Influence: Insights on Policies for Integrating Nurse Practitioners Into Health Systems; Comment on “Development of a Taxonomy of Policy Interventions for Integrating Nurse Practitioners Into Health Systems”

Articles in Press

Document Type : Commentary

Authors

1 The Cheryl Spencer Dapartment of Nursing, The Azrieli Advanced Nursing Center, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

2 William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

Abstract

A taxonomy of policy interventions for integrating nurse practitioners (NPs) into health systems is a valuable tool for addressing implementation barriers across macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (clinical) levels. In this commentary we highlight how academic institutions serve as vital conduits between policy, education, and clinical implementation. We explore the role of universities in aligning NP workforce development with system needs through research, interprofessional training, and policy engagement. We highlight macro–meso mismatches, particularly when educational capacity outpaces organizational readiness to employ NPs. Advancing NP roles requires coordinated efforts across sectors, and academia, through evidence generation, cross-level engagement, and training innovation, plays a central role in operationalizing the taxonomy and strengthening the contribution of advanced nurses to healthcare systems. Nonetheless, we recognize that academic institutions can at times be inflexible and therefore suggest considering hybrid academic-professional training structures. We conclude with a set of recommendations for research and policy.

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 14 December 2025

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History

  • Received Date: 09 June 2025
  • Revised Date: 29 November 2025
  • Accepted Date: 02 December 2025
  • First Published Date: 14 December 2025
  • Published Date: 14 December 2025

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