The Impact of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) on Healthcare Quality and Cost Effectiveness in Advanced Countries

South Korea is one of the fastest-aging countries in the world, leading to a growing prevalence of chronic diseases and an increasing demand for healthcare services.These changes have exacerbated the shortage of healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for a sustainable healthcare workforce.In response, the Nursing Act was passed by the South Korean National Assembly in August 2024, which defines the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) and provides a legal foundation to enhance their expertise.The Ministry of Health and Welfare, in collaboration with the Korean Nurses Association, is now working to establish role definitions, practice standards, and institutional preparations for implementing NP and PA systems.To effectively introduce and operate these roles, examining successful cases from advanced countries and defining appropriate roles and scopes tailored to Korea's healthcare system and patient needs is essential.This review explores cases where NP and PA systems in developed countries have contributed to high-quality, cost-effective patient care.Research findings indicate that healthcare services provided by NPs and PAs yield outcomes equal to or better than physician-led models in chronic disease management, hospital admission reduction, patient satisfaction, and healthcare cost savings.Their role is particularly significant in medically underserved areas, where they help mitigate physician shortages, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen healthcare systems.While directly applying foreign models to South Korea's present challenges could be limited, they can serve as a valuable foundation for the effective introduction of the NP and PA system.Further research is needed to assess the impact of expanding NP and PA roles on healthcare quality and cost efficiency in South Korea.A well-structured NP and PA system improves public health outcomes and ensures more significant healthcare equity nationwide.