Can nurse practitioners and physician assistants ease pressure on emergency rooms?

NCT ID NCT04770766

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Kingston University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study examined how using non-medical practitioners (like nurse practitioners and physician assistants) alongside doctors in English emergency departments and urgent treatment centres affects patient outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from 840 participants across multiple NHS trusts, looking at factors like return visits and waiting times. The goal was to recommend the best staff mix to improve care and efficiency.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help hospitals decide the best mix of staff to improve patient care and reduce waiting times in emergency departments.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a clinical trial testing a new treatment. It cannot prove cause and effect, and results may not apply to all hospitals.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergencies

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EMERGENCIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education

Kingston, Surrey, KT2 7LB, United Kingdom
St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

London, London, SW17 0QT, United Kingdom

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