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

Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) roles are increasingly being developed internationally. Identifying factors perceived as affecting the development of ACP can support effective implementation. To understand the views of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of ACP roles in mental health services. 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). Content analysis suggested 7 categories: understanding the role and national guidelines, attitudes to the role, learning from implementing other roles, understanding pre-requisites 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. 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. Successful Implementation of ACP roles may require clear role definition, early engagement with stakeholders and processes to evaluate role outcomes. [Abstract copyright: This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.]