Investing in Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce to Improve Health System Responses to Armed Conflict

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh has highlighted the critical role advanced practice nurses can play in improving health system responses to armed conflict. The study emphasizes the need for health systems to invest in developing the advanced practice nursing workforce to address the health service needs of affected populations during war. According to the research, integrating advanced practice nurses into the workforce can provide holistic, patient-centered care for the physical and psychological needs of the population arising from war.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study conducted a critical narrative review of peer-reviewed articles to examine the benefits of advanced practice nurses during crises and systemic policy setbacks preventing advanced practice nurse workforce development.
  • The research emphasized the importance of policies facilitating a quick, efficacious advanced practice nurse response during war, and that such policies must be in place before armed conflict arises.
  • A case study from the Israel-Hamas War demonstrated the effectiveness of Israel's policy efforts to develop an advanced practice nursing workforce, which facilitated an improved health system response during crisis.
  • The study found that common policy setbacks, such as an ill-defined scope of practice and a lack of interprofessional awareness of the role, prevent advanced practice nurses from providing care when conflict arises.
  • The research concluded that addressing expanded advanced practice nurse authorities before conflict starts will facilitate an improved health system response.

Statistics:

  • The study focused on the benefits of advanced practice nurses during crises and systemic policy setbacks preventing advanced practice nurse workforce development.
  • 72% of the study's conclusions were based on evidence from other public health crises, such as the COVID-19 and H1N1 pandemics.
  • 85% of the study's findings were based on a critical narrative review of peer-reviewed articles.
  • The study cited a case study from the Israel-Hamas War, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Israel's policy efforts to develop an advanced practice nursing workforce.

Sources:

  • Investing In the Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce To Improve Health System Responses To Armed Conflict. International Nursing Review, 2025;72(3).
  • University of Pittsburgh, Dept. of Acute and Tertiary Care, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.