Exploring the role of advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) and their contribution to health services in England: A qualitative exploratory study

Mann, Claire; Timmons, Stephen; Evans, Catrin; Pearce, Ruth; Overton, Charlotte; Hinsliff-Smith, Kathryn; Conway, Joy

doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103546

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…This qualitative study1 collected data from 63 participants in online semistructured interviews throughout 2020. Participants all worked within England and included trainee ACPs (n=13), educators (n=21) and 9 qualified ACPs of various professions.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) have a significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare services

Wood

Hyde

2023

Evid Based Nurs

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) have a significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare services

Wood

Hyde

2023

Evid Based Nurs

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…Their integration into the workforce has been shown to enhance patient care by providing timely access to high-quality services while also fostering interdisciplinary collaboration [ 1 ]. Studies have shown that ACPs contribute to improved patient outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and cost-effective healthcare delivery [ 2 , 3 ]. Additionally, their presence supports the development of junior staff by providing mentorship and guidance, thus ensuring a sustainable healthcare workforce for the future [ 1 , 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring advanced clinical practitioner perspectives on training, role identity and competence: a qualitative study

Kuczawski,

Ablard,

Sampson

et al. 2024

BMC Nurs

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Background Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are a new role that have been established to address gaps and support the existing medical workforce in an effort to help reduce increasing pressures on NHS services. ACPs have the potential to practice at a similar level to mid-grade medical staff, for example independently undertaking assessments, requesting and interpreting investigations, and diagnosing and discharging patients. These roles have been shown to improve both service outcomes and quality of patient care. However, there is currently no widespread formalised standard of training within the UK resulting in variations in the training experiences and clinical capabilities of ACPs. We sought to explore the training experiences of ACPs as well as their views on role identity and future development of the role. Methods Five online focus groups were conducted between March and May 2021 with trainee and qualified advanced clinical practitioners working in a range of healthcare settings, in the North of England. The focus groups aimed to explore the experiences of undertaking ACP training including supervision, gaining competence, role identity and career progression. Thematic analysis of the focus group transcripts was performed, informed by grounded theory principles. Results Fourteen advanced clinical practitioners participated. Analysis revealed that training was influenced by internal and external perceptions of the role, often acting as barriers, with structural aspects being significant contributory factors. Key themes identified (1) clinical training lacked structure and support, negatively impacting progress, (2) existing knowledge and experience acted as both an enabler and inhibitor, with implications for confidence, (3) the role and responsibilities are poorly understood by both advanced clinical practitioners and the wider medical profession and (4) advanced clinical practitioners recognised the value and importance of the role but felt changes were necessary, to provide security and sustainability. Conclusions Appropriate structure and support are crucial throughout the training process to enable staff to have a smooth transition to advanced level, ensuring they obtain the necessary confidence and competence. Structural changes and knowledge brokering are essential, particularly in relation to role clarity and its responsibilities, sufficient allocated time to learn and practice, role accreditation and continuous appropriate supervision.

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Advanced practice in radiotherapy across Europe: stakeholders’ perceptions of implementation and evolution

Oliveira,

Barbosa,

Couto

et al. 2024

Radiography

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Exploring the role of advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) and their contribution to health services in England: A qualitative exploratory study

Cited by 8 publications

References 21 publications

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) have a significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare services

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) have a significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare services

Exploring advanced clinical practitioner perspectives on training, role identity and competence: a qualitative study

Advanced practice in radiotherapy across Europe: stakeholders’ perceptions of implementation and evolution

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