Perception and Experience of Independent Consultations in Primary Healthcare among Registered Nurses in Kazakhstan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

(1) Background: The nursing profession has undergone a significant transformation not only in a formal context but also in terms of the increased educational competencies required of nurses and their preparedness to adapt to evolving roles and statuses. The aim of our study was to examine the experience of advanced practice nurses who conduct independent consultations on patients and to identify the main challenges they face in their practice. (2) Methods: We carried out 22 semi-structured interviews with nurses responsible for conducting independent consultations across three urban polyclinics located in Aktobe, Almaty, and Astana. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to qualitative content analysis. (3) Results: The content analysis revealed three main themes: “People awareness of the role of an independent nursing appointment”, “Adaptation of the work environment”, and “Confidence of nurses to provide independent services”. (4) Conclusions: Limited competency among nurses and the absence of quality metrics for autonomous nursing consultations present substantial obstacles to assessing and enhancing the quality of care delivered by nurses in their independent roles. Developing and implementing quality indicators for independent nursing appointment, as well as additional training within the framework of interprofessional continuous education for nurses, are important steps toward enhancing the effectiveness, safety, and accessibility of nursing care.