Building the future of UK primary care: expanding roles of general practice nurses and patient perspectives

Background

General practice nurses’ (GPNs) in UK primary care have undergone significant role expansion over the past decade, encompassing chronic disease management, independent prescribing, preventive care and patient education. Despite this growth, evidence on patient experiences, satisfaction, and organisational factors supporting these roles remains fragmented.

Aim

This scoping review synthesises evidence on the roles and responsibilities of practice nurses in primary care, patients’ perspectives on their care and the organisational and leadership factors that support effective practice within multidisciplinary teams.

Methods

Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework with Levac et al. enhancements and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search of major databases and grey literature sources. English-language studies published between 2010 and 2025, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs, were included if they focused on UK general practice nurses and patient experiences. Data were extracted and synthesised thematically to identify patterns related to nursing roles, patient perceptions, and organisational influences.

Results

General practice nurses deliver a wide range of clinical services and are highly valued by patients for their accessibility, approachability, and continuity. Patient satisfaction is highest when nurses demonstrate person-centred communication, clinical competence, professional autonomy, and strong therapeutic alliances. Effective integration within primary care teams is supported by formal leadership, structured professional development, role clarity, and organisational infrastructure. Persistent barriers include variability in employment conditions and the lack of standardised leadership pathways.

Conclusions

General practice nurses are central to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in the UK. Strengthening formal leadership, enhancing professional development, clarifying roles through supportive policy frameworks and addressing employment variability are essential to maximise their contributions. Investment in these areas will improve patient outcomes, workforce satisfaction and the long-term sustainability of primary care services.