Lay summary
Community urgent care/after-hours/Accident & Medical (A&M) clinics play an important role in Aotearoa through meeting the immediate accident and medical needs of our communities and reducing the pressure on emergency departments. With an increasingly stretched healthcare workforce and a predicted increase in acute care needs in the next 10 years, innovative models that can increase accessibility and equity are a clear priority. Nurse Practitioner (NP)-led urgent care is beginning to emerge in Aotearoa. This research aims to conduct qualitative research with existing providers to explore service models, including funding, workforce development, service usage, referrals and follow-up processes. A proposed framework for NP-led urgent care will be co-designed with the providers. Findings from this research will provide meaningful information for strategic planning and policy development for healthcare providers, funders, and stakeholders as they build capacity to meet the increasing needs of their communities.