A qualitative study of perceptions of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of Advanced Clinical Practice roles in mental health services

4.1 Introduction- Advanced clinical practice (ACP) roles are increasingly being developed internationally. Identifying factors perceived as affecting the development of ACP can support effective implementation. 4.2 Aim- To understand the views of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of ACP roles in mental health services. 4.3 Method- Focus group and semi-structured interviews. Participants were directors of nursing (n = 10) and other senior staff from roles important to workforce development (n = 10). 4.4 Results- Content analysis suggested seven categories: understanding the role and national guidelines, attitudes to the role, learning from implementing other roles, understanding prerequisites for development, challenges, opportunities and future support/actions. Prerequisites for success would include early engagement with stakeholders. Medical attitudes towards ACP roles were perceived as generally more positive than previously. 4.5 Discussion- The study provides unique information regarding perspectives of senior staff regarding the implementation of ACP roles in mental health services. A wide range of mental health services were perceived as potentially benefiting from ACPs, with the importance of role clarity being highlighted and long-term developmental pathways for staff. 4.6 Implications for practice- Successful Implementation of ACP roles may require clear role definition, early engagement with stakeholders and processes to evaluate role outcomes.