[Prospects for advanced practice in psychosocial rehabilitation]

Introduced in 1954, the terms of "advanced nursing practice" take into account advances and newly developed practices. They are based on care, prevention and health education missions, as well as research and the defence of the rights of users and their family. In a context where the first advanced practice nurses (APNs) in mental health in France are coming to the end of their training and where the health care directorate is recommending that psychosocial rehabilitation is integrated into all psychiatric teams, the role of APNs in this field could include the provision of support to area teams in the gradual setting up of these practices and their direct implementation with users. The establishment of the function of case manager appears to be key to providing the support required to meet the specific needs of each patient.