An exploration of providing mental health skills in a generic advanced clinical practice programme

Chadwick, Angelina; Murphy, Neil

Abstract

Background: Advanced practitioners (ACPs) are expected to be competent in their holistic assessment and management of individuals, which includes those with physical and mental health problems. A mental health component was introduced within a generic advanced practitioner programme to support the development of mental health skills required by advanced clinical practitioners in training (ACPiT).

Aims: This research investigated the efficacy of mental health specific content within an MSc ACP generic programme.

Methods: Single case study approach was adopted using a purposive sample of 10 ACPiT to explore personal beliefs and experiences using semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcription was undertaken followed by content and thematic analysis.

Findings: Themes emerged included communication skills, emergence of competence and self-awareness.

Conclusion: Insights provided by ACPiT recognised the value of mental health teaching and exposure within their training programme for the advancement of knowledge, skill set and ultimately confidence in their clinical practice.

Key Points: Synthesising mental health skills in generic nurse Advanced Clinical Practice.
The conflation of communication and self-awareness with the improvement of clinical growth.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 30, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jul 13, 2019
• Publication Date: Jul 11, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jun 3, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 13, 2020
• Journal: British Journal of Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0966-0461
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 13
• Pages: 842-847
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.13.842
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.13.842
• Related Public URLs: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/journal/bjon
• Additional Information: Funders : Community Psychiatric Nursing Association