Air Force family nurse practitioner and Air Force family physician perception of the family nurse practitioner role in military operations other than war

World events and defense requirements have forced the military paradigm to shift. The inevitable result is that the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) will take on a more active role in the deployed setting, especially in missions involving civilians with primary care needs as seen in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). What is the perception of the FNP of their role in these missions? What is the perception of the Family Physician (FP) of the FNP role in these missions? Because of the collaborative role the FNP will have with the family physician it is important to compare these perceptions to assure quality collaborative care. Biddles Role theory was the framework used using a questionnaire as a strategy for studying behavior roles. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the perceptions of the two provider groups and examine the differences and similarities for statistical significance. A 65-item survey utilizing a 5 point Likert-type scale in which the FNPs and FPs were requested to rate their perceptions of the ability of the FNP to treat a variety of patients was used. The survey population consisted of all CONUS active duty Air Force FNPs practicing in the role of FNP, and CONUS active duty Air Force FPs currently or previously working with, an AF FNP. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data provided by the FNP/FP responses. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed through content analysis. This analysis determined that there were several areas with significant differences in perception between the two provider groups regarding the preparation and utilization of the FNP in MOOTW.