The Value of Nurses as Partners in General Practice: An Australian City Perspective

<p dir="ltr">This thesis explores how General Practice Nurses (GPNs) in Australian metropolitan areas perceive their professional value and the extent to which their skills and knowledge are effectively utilised. A scoping review of 26 peer-reviewed articles informed the development of a cross-sectional online survey, distributed via metropolitan Primary Health Networks and professional networks, and a subsequent qualitative interview phase. The survey, completed by 28 registered nurses, collected demographic data, utilisation scores, Likert-scale responses, and free-text reflections. Participants could then volunteer for semi-structured interviews, of which one transcribed and de-identified interview was retained for thematic analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, supported by thematic coding. The scoping review identified six themes related to collaboration, trust, shared responsibility, role clarity, recognition, and systemic enablers and barriers. Survey participants reported high levels of perceived utilisation, with a median score of 80/100. Value was strongly correlated with perceptions of contributions, skills, and knowledge (r > 0.8). Time and autonomy were significant predictors of feeling utilised (R2 = 0.45). Qualitative findings reinforced these results, with “care,” “knowledge,” and “skills” emerging as the most salient elements of perceived value. Although only one interview (the other three rescinded consent) was retained for analysis, the themes aligned with survey results. Overall, the findings highlight that autonomy, role clarity, workplace culture, and supportive funding structures are critical to enhancing the integration and recognition of GPNs in interdisciplinary general practice teams. Barriers remain in the form of hierarchical structures, restrictive funding models, and limited leadership opportunities. These results support the need for value-based funding reform and targeted workforce development to optimise the contributions of GPNs and strengthen primary health care delivery in metropolitan Australia.</p>