Advanced Clinical Practice Framework published

Published: 06 December 2017 Ezine

A new framework has been published to help guide service providers as they develop advanced clinical practice (ACP) roles to meet greater healthcare demands and intensifying pressure on the workforce.

Written to define and set that standard for the level of ACP, The Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in Englanddocument establishes capabiliies and sets out a clear standard of education.

It follows on from the recent joint professions statement from professional bodies (including the CoR) and the royal colleges showing a 'commitment to work together in the interests of the health of the nation to build effective multi-professional teams."

The framework "requires that health and care professionals working at the level of advanced clinical practice should have developed and can evidence the underpinning competencies applicable to the specialty or subject area, ie the knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to the health and care professional’s setting and job role.

"The core capabilities across the four pillars - clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research - are then applied to these specialist competencies. These may be manifested/demonstrated in different ways depending on the profession, role, population group, setting and sector in which an individual is practising."

Charlotte Beardmore, the SCoR's director of professional policy, who is the co-chair of the Advanced Clinical Practice Steering Group, said,"The framework offers a positive opportunity to harmonise ACP across the diversity of roles, settings and sectors in which allied health professionals practise." 

Charlotte continued, "It should enable and strengthen support for advanced clinical practice development across the nonmedical workforce, thereby enhancing experience and outcomes for patients and progressing new models of care.

"The framework aligns closely with the Society's policy on advanced clinical practice."

The document defines ACP as being "delivered by experienced, registered health and care practitioners. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making. This is underpinned by a master’s level award or equivalent that encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice... with demonstration of core capabilities and area specific clinical competence.

"ACP embodies the ability to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers. It includes the analysis and synthesis of complex problems across a range of settings, enabling innovative solutions to enhance people’s experience and improve outcomes."

The framework can be downloaded from the Health Education England website.