Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
Utilization of Advanced Practice Providers (Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants) in the Emergency Department is a healthcare model that has evolved over the last 35 years.
The APPs provide healthcare in Grady’s ECC within an ethical framework, through assessment, diagnosis, and management of injury or illness. The role of the APP is multifaceted and includes:
- Diagnosing and managing acute episodic conditions and acute exacerbations of chronic illnesses;
- Counseling patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and injury prevention services;
- Engaging in effective interdisciplinary collaboration with other healthcare professionals;
- Acting as advocates, consultants, and researchers.
At Grady, the APPs are directly involved in patient care in the:
- Marcus Trauma Center (MTC)
- Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)
- High Medical Acuity Areas (Zones 2 and 3)
- Fast Track (Zone 1)
- APP First or Waiting room
- Grady Urgent Care Center
As emergency healthcare systems scramble to respond to the adverse effects of economic crises, staffing shortages, and high patient volumes, Emory University, and Grady continue to recognize Advanced Practice Providers as an essential component of the Emergency Department team in providing innovative, cost-effective and high-quality patient care in a dynamic environment.