Realising their potential? Exploring interprofessional perceptions and potential of the advanced practitioner role: a...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare workforce development
• Advanced practice in the UK
• Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare

Background:

• Advanced practitioners (APs) play a vital role in modern healthcare systems.
• Understanding stakeholder perceptions is key to optimizing AP roles.
• The Welsh healthcare context presents unique challenges and opportunities for APs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore perceptions of current advanced practitioner (AP) practice and future potential.
• To gather insights from diverse professional groups in Wales, UK.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for AP role development.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing nine focus group interviews.
• Thematic analysis of verbatim interview transcriptions.
• Involved 67 stakeholders, including APs, managers, educators, and medical staff.

Main Results:

• Key themes included demand, policy context, role clarity, standardization, and interprofessional working.
• Healthcare demands and policy priorities significantly influence AP roles.
• Lack of shared understanding and 'joined-up' working between professional groups currently hinders AP role development.

Conclusions:

• 'Joined-up' thinking, support, and development are essential for AP roles to flourish.
• Collaboration between APs, managers, clinicians, commissioners, and educators is paramount.
• Effective collaboration will ensure APs are prepared to meet complex health needs and drive innovation.