WASHINGTON, United States (CMC)–The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Tuesday called on Caribbean countries to take decisive action to strengthen and expand the area of advanced practice nursing, which is a key strategy to improve access to health services and build stronger, more people-centred health systems.

In a message marking International Nurses Day, PAHO said with nearly 7.4 million professionals, nurses represent the largest group in the health workforce of the Americas, including the Caribbean.

It said that they are on the front lines promoting health, preventing disease, managing chronic conditions and supporting communities, especially in rural and remote areas where physicians are scarce.

“Promoting advanced practice nursing, strengthening its role in primary health care, incorporating innovation and digital technologies, and increasing nurses’ participation in public policymaking are essential actions to improve access, quality and sustainability of care,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, director of PAHO.

PAHO said advanced practice nurses are professionals with specialised training able to take on greater clinical responsibilities with autonomy, including assessing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients and communities.

“Worldwide, over 100 countries have incorporated these expanded roles. In the Americas, Canada and the United States have established advanced practice nursing models, while several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are moving forward with the development of regulatory frameworks, training programs and new models of care.”

PAHO said evidence shows that when given greater autonomy and support, advanced practice nurses help improve access to services, strengthen continuity of care, and increase patient satisfaction through a more people-centred and compassionate approach.

Implementation challenges include outdated regulatory frameworks, limited availability of specialised training, and resistance to adapting traditional models of care delivery.

PAHO said it is working with countries across the region to address these barriers by supporting health workforce planning, interprofessional health teams, and the development of modern regulatory frameworks centred on individuals, families and communities.

“Expanding the role of nursing is a matter of efficiency and a strategic opportunity to advance toward universal health coverage in the Americas while improving the response to the population’s real health needs,” it added.