Enhancing accessibility through nurse-led clinics in primary care: An integrative review of models of care

Abstract

Objectives This integrative review aimed to examine and synthesize existing empirical evidence on nurse-led clinics (NLCs) in primary care settings, with a focus on models of care implemented globally. Methods The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, with rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. A systematic search was conducted across the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline via EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and bibliographic databases for studies published between 2014 and 2024. Eligible studies included original, peer-reviewed research focused on nurse-led or nurse-managed clinics. A convergent integrated synthesis approach and thematic analysis were employed to identify key models of care. Results The search yielded 1,651 records; 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis revealed six distinct models of care implemented in community-based nurse-led clinics: Innovative Cognitive Care, Integrated Multidisciplinary Care, Community-Driven Underserved Population Care, Reproductive and Women's Health Innovation, Palliative Care Model, and Behavioral Health Integration. Conclusions Nurse-led models of care are crucial for strengthening primary healthcare, particularly in underserved settings. Further research and policy support are needed to expand nurses' roles, enhance their competencies, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration for the delivery of sustainable and equitable health services.