The scope of practice of nurses and allied health professionals in primary care in Ontario, Canada: a scoping review

The authors conducted a scoping review to explore the scope of practice of nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) within interprofessional primary care teams in Ontario, Canada, particularly in the context of addressing the shortage of primary care physicians. They found that while nurse practitioners and registered nurses play significant roles in direct patient care, other AHPs like pharmacists, dieticians, and social workers have specific focuses that can enhance team functionality. The study highlights the need for clearer role definitions to improve collaboration and the overall quality of primary care services.