Implementation of Advanced practice nurses in Gabon: What is needed?
Résumé
Chronic diseases (CDs) kill 31 million people each year in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These deaths occur particularly in Africa, linked to low medical demographics and poor access to care. The International Council of Nurses recommends that nurses be used to manage CDs because of their clinical skills and existing expertise in the management of communicable diseases. Implementing advanced practice nurses (APNs) in Africa, and particularly in Gabon, would, as international definitions and models suggest, improve access to and quality of care, promote a person-centered approach, reduce costs for users, and promote innovative care pathways and extensive territorial coverage. To prepare for this implementation and to adapt the training to the specific needs of LMICs and Gabon, it is necessary to identify the needs and issues related to it.