Table 2 Comparison of nurse practitioner and medical practitioner views

Important elements of collaboration

Respect as a health professional,

Working together

Complementary practice style

Reciprocal relationship

Consultations

Similar vision

Trust & mutual respect

Shared goals

Communication

Competence

Coordination

NP autonomy

Personality

Shared philosophy

Sharing

Sharing

Exchange of knowledge and ideas about patient management

Important for collaboration

Shared offices, shared patients

Working together

Reciprocal discussion

Important for collaboration

Providing advice to NPs

Practice reality

Collaboration can be hierarchical and one-sided; only initiated by NPs for consultation

Perceived level of communication is high Perceived level of collaboration is collegial

Collaboration can be an interdependent and a hierarchical relationship

Competence

Defined by MP, pressure to demonstrate competence

Important for collaboration

Important that NP recognises limits

Autonomy

NP is autonomous health professional

Important for collaboration

NP is assistant, limited autonomy of NPs

NP has full responsibility for patient care, consultations with MP when required

NP is autonomous when no MP consultation is required

Supervision

Some NPs valued MP input, others felt controlled through supervision

MP is available on site for NP

MPs prefer that NP practices under MP supervision for complex cases