Suzanne Greenleaf Martin, Meghan La Vigne
Twenty-three eligible participants received the survey, and 14 completed responses were analyzed (response rate 60.9%). Respondents were equally divided between nurse practitioners (n = 7, 50%) and physician assistants (n = 7, 50%). Seven respondents (50%) practiced exclusively in adult care, while 5 respondents (35.7%) practiced exclusively in pediatrics. The most common subspecialties were head and neck oncology (n = 5, 35.7%), followed by pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery (n = 3, 21.4%).
BACKGROUND: Advanced practice providers (APPs) are now eligible to become associate fellows of the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons (AACMFS) as of 2024. As APPs have joined the organization, there was recognition that APPs within oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) have a wide range of roles and responsibilities.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the roles, responsibilities, training, and practice patterns of APPs within OMS in the United States. A survey was utilized as the research methodology to collect data from APPs currently practicing within OMS.
STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: A cross-sectional descriptive study utilized a survey to assess APP roles, responsibilities, and practice patterns within OMS in the United States. Eligible participants included APPs currently practicing who were identified through the AACMFS membership network during the study period.
PREDICTOR VARIABLES: Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: These variables include demographics (state of practice, APP type, and years in practice), practice characteristics, scope of practice, practice productivity, and onboarding characteristics.
COVARIATES: None.
ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize survey responses.
RESULTS: Twenty-three eligible participants received the survey, and 14 completed responses were analyzed (response rate 60.9%). Respondents were equally divided between nurse practitioners (n = 7, 50%) and physician assistants (n = 7, 50%). Seven respondents (50%) practiced exclusively in adult care, while 5 respondents (35.7%) practiced exclusively in pediatrics. The most common subspecialties were head and neck oncology (n = 5, 35.7%), followed by pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery (n = 3, 21.4%).
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The role of the APP varies across specialties. Within OMS, particularly among AAMCFS affiliated practices, there is variability in APP roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice across institutions. Further studies evaluating APP roles beyond AACMFS and longitudinal assessment of role development are warranted.