From Task Shifting to Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care: A Contextualized Framework for LMICs Informed by Evidence From The Philippines

ABSTRACT

Introduction

As healthcare systems confront rising demands and workforce shortages, advanced practice nursing (APN) has emerged globally as a vital strategy to improve care delivery and address systemic gaps, particularly in primary care facilities in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines.

Design

Qualitative case study.

Methods

This study was conducted in a rural setting in the Philippines and draws on a preceding mixed-methods case study that explored task shifting and advanced nursing practice in primary care facilities. Using purposeful sampling, 41 nurses, physicians, academics, policymakers, and recipients of care participated in interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed in ATLAS.ti, and quantitative data were descriptively analyzed in JASP. Findings were integrated into the APN framework tailored to primary care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Results

Although the Philippines lacks a formal APN policy, nurses informally fulfill many advanced practice roles aligned with Hamric's model, particularly in direct patient care, leadership, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Key enabling competencies include health promotion, systems thinking, and policy implementation—environmental barriers such as a lack of regulatory frameworks, educational pathways, and financing limit APN institutionalization.

Conclusion

This study proposes a contextualized advanced practice nursing (APN) model, which is relevant for LMICs, particularly in primary care facilities facing workforce shortages and rising NCD burdens. To institutionalize APN roles, key reforms should include investments in education, certification, financing, and regulation. Settings implementing initiatives to attain universal health coverage can serve as entry points for recognizing APN functions through competency-based systems.

Clinical Relevance

The study proposes a contextualized APN framework for low-resource settings, showing that formalizing expanded nursing roles through education and certification can enhance access to quality care and advance UHC in underserved areas.