Innovative approach in rehabilitation nursing: providing primary care to tertiary care patients

In 1998 health care legislation in Ontario changed and allowed Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners the possibility to expand their practice. At a rehabilitation centre, where spinal cord injured patients would seek primary health care services, a new amalgamated role was implemented to meet those needs. This article will described the advanced practice role that was developed, define the scope of practice, and demonstrate an innovative approach to service delivery. The role serves as a concrete link between primary health care services and tertiary care patients needs.