Conclusions
The dose of APN time and contacts was significantly related to patient outcomes and health
care costs. In this model of transitional care for vulnerable groups, surveillance was the
predominant APN function across groups, and treatments and procedures comprised less
than 1% of APN total functions. The predominant category of patient problems differed
across patient groups, reflecting the characteristics of the health care problem. To provide
care to high-risk, high-cost, vulnerable patient groups, APNs needed a battery of skills for
all groups. Common patient problems were identified across these vulnerable groups.
However, the differing profile of patients' problems underscores the importance of matching
APN clinical specialization with the group they care for wherever possible to have optimal
outcomes. APNs' in-depth knowledge in a specialty area likely allows them to make the most reasoned, effective, and appropriate decisions that result in improved patient outcomes
and reduced health care costs.