Collaboration and autonomy: Perceptions among nurse practitioners

Purpose: This descriptive study was designed to investigate the relationship between nurse practitioners' (NPs) perceptions of collaboration with physician colleagues and level of autonomy NP practice. Data sources: A convenience sample of 99 NPs attending a national clinical conference completed the Dempster Practice Behavior Scale (DPBS) and the Collaborative Practice Scale modified for advanced practice nurses. Conclusions: NPs rated both their perceptions of collaboration with physician colleagues and levels of autonomy as high. Yet, there was no significant correlation between these variables. Implications for practice: Collaboration between NPs and physician colleagues is said to improve the quality and cost of health outcomes and also leads to professional satisfaction. Further research into the relationships between collaboration and autonomy are necessary to understand these complex concepts.