We’re excited to share two newly published, open-access studies that offer complementary insights into improving primary care, both by supporting the clinicians who deliver it and by expanding access to specialty expertise for underserved patients. Together, these articles provide a forward-looking view of how policy, training, and technology can help rebuild and sustain a strong primary care foundation.
Policy Solutions to Strengthen NP Retention in Primary Care
As primary care shortages worsen across the country, nurse practitioners (NPs) are stepping in to fill critical gaps. However, high turnover, especially among early-career NPs, continues to threaten workforce stability. This timely policy analysis explores strategies to improve NP preparedness and long-term retention through targeted federal and state reforms.
Key insights include:
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Post-graduate NP residencies and fellowships are among the most promising solutions for building provider confidence, competence, and job satisfaction.
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Government investment in NP training, whether through post-graduate support or enhanced pre-graduate education, could boost retention and improve care quality.
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Structured transition-to-practice programs help address long-standing challenges such as role ambiguity, lack of mentorship, and productivity pressures.
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Policymakers must navigate diverse stakeholder perspectives while prioritizing models that support high-quality, sustainable primary care delivery.
This analysis underscores that investing in NP training is not only feasible—it’s essential for maintaining a strong primary care workforce in the years ahead.
Improving Dermatology Access Through Technology: DermLoop eConsult Outcomes
Access to dermatology care remains limited for Medicaid and uninsured patients, often resulting in long delays and missed diagnoses. This study evaluates DermLoop, a dermoscopy-enabled eConsult application deployed across a statewide Federally Qualified Health Center system to help bridge that gap.
Highlights from the study include:
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Nearly 80% of dermatology cases submitted through DermLoop were managed entirely in primary care, reducing the need for in-person specialist visits.
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Image quality improved drastically, with 99.6% of images rated “good” after implementation.
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The proportion of dermatology referrals initiated as eConsults rose from 17.3% to 28.6%, increasing specialist access for high-need populations.
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Primary care providers reported high satisfaction, noting faster workflows, intuitive technology, and better diagnostic clarity.
This work demonstrates how thoughtfully designed digital tools can expand specialty access, reduce disparities, and empower primary care teams to manage more conditions effectively at the point of care.
Why These Studies Matter—Together
Though focused on different challenges, both studies share a unifying message: primary care improves when clinicians are supported and equipped to practice at their highest capability.
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The NP policy analysis highlights the importance of training, mentorship, and structured role transition in sustaining a strong primary care workforce.
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The DermLoop study shows how technology-driven collaboration with specialists can extend that workforce’s reach and reduce barriers to timely care.
Investing in both people and tools is key to building a resilient, equitable primary care system, especially for underserved communities who depend on it most.
