Hence, there is scant research that has attempted to define
the essential and generic nature of NP practice. To date most
research has focused on comparing the NP role with medicine
on cost, quality, patient satisfaction and safety issues and
some evaluation of the role from a health outcome
perspective (Brown & Grimes 1995, Jenkins & Torrisi
1995, Kinnersley et al. 2000, Mundinger et al. 2000, Venning
et al. 2000, Horricks et al. 2002). The current research makes
a significant contribution to understanding the role itself and
the actual and potential contribution of the NP to health
service models.