New Survey Reveals What Drives PA and NP Clinical Decision-Making
A structured nationwide survey conducted by POCN Group, covering 368 actively practicing PAs and NPs, found that clinical decision-making, professional experience, and educational preferences are shaped by several key factors:
89% cite efficacy and safety among top decision drivers | 83% value both disease-state education and in-depth clinical information | 78% have practiced across multiple specialties
These clinicians play a significant role in managing chronic conditions, supporting patient care, and contributing to treatment decisions across a wide range of practice settings.
Survey findings highlight the collaborative nature of many care settings. Sixty percent of respondents reported sharing treatment information with colleagues, including physicians, reinforcing the value of clinically relevant educational resources that support the broader healthcare team.
66% practices allow pharma rep visits | 60% actively share Rx info with colleagues including physicians | 78% practiced in 2+ specialties
What drives their decisions?
• Efficacy and safety: cited by 89% as a top three decision driver
• Patient clinical profile: 66%
• Mechanism of action: 40%
• 83% value both broad disease-state education AND in-depth clinical information
These priorities match physician decision-making frameworks exactly. Engagement strategies that treat PAs and NPs as a secondary or simplified audience are misaligned with how these clinicians practice.
The full AAPA and POCN Group report, 'Healthcare Game Changers: PA & NP Trends You Need to Know,' is available now.
