References
The credentials identify the required learning outcomes , which includes advanced practice within specialist areas , for example mental health . The intention is for the credentials to be adopted into master ’ s programmes within Higher Educations Institutions and further work aimed at developing credentials is ongoing to ensure continued expansion of the workforce skills and knowledge to meet service need ( HEE , 2022 ).
To help ensure the development of advanced practitioners , funding has traditionally been supported by commissioned places from HEE , the employer or more recently through the apprenticeship schemes . The Degree Apprenticeship Advanced Clinical Practitioner , agreed through the Institute for Apprenticeships ( IFA ) in 2018 ( IFA , 2018 ), requires collaboration between Higher Education Institutions ( HEI ) and the employers of trainee advanced clinical practitioners to develop a programme of study that facilitates development of knowledge , skills and behaviours required for advanced clinical practice , with the addition of regulated and monitored supervision within the workplace . In addition to the development of an apprenticeship for Advanced Clinical Practice , there are further developments from HEE including the addition of an e-portfolio route ( supported route ) ( HEE 2021 ). This route recognises that many practitioners may be working at an advanced practice level that aligns with the multi-professional framework ( HEE 2017 ) but may not have completed a recognised master ' s degree . The e-portfolio route allows practitioners to develop a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates that they meet the multi-professional requirements across the four pillars of practice mapped to the capabilities . This is supported by an accredited education provider and allows those without a recognised master ' s degree to evidence educational equivalence of the multi-professional framework , providing further standardisation of those working at an advanced level of practice ( HEE 2021 ). Further standardisation of master ' s programmes has emerged , which is supported by ( HEE , 2020 ), requiring programmes to evidence how they meet the requirements set out in the Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice in England ( HEE , 2017 ). Once approved , the programme is accredited through the Centre for Advancing Practice , helping ensure education quality ( HEE ,
2020 ).
Although significant developments have been made towards the definition , education and training of advanced clinical practitioners challenges remain . These concerns may be addressed by recognising the priority status for the NHS of an advanced level workforce . To this end , Health Education England has established the Centre for Advancing Practice to oversee the workforce transformation of advanced level practice through the establishment and monitoring of standards of education , provision of programme accreditation and supporting the recognition of education and training equivalence .
References
Barton , T . D ., Allan , D . ( 2015 ) Advanced Nursing Practice , changing healthcare in a changing world . London : Palgrave .
British Medical Association ( 2020 ) Employing clinical pharmacists in GP practices . Available at www . bma . org . uk / employing-clinical-pharmacistsin-gp-practices
Castledine , G . ( 2002 ) Higher Level Practice is in fact advanced practice , British Journal of Nursing , Vol 11 , No 17 , pp . 1166 .
Council of Deans ( 2018 ) An Overview of Advanced Practice Policy Across the UK , Available at : www . councilofdeans . org . uk / wp-contnet / uploads / 2018 / 09 / 170918-Anoverview-of-advanced-practice-policy-acrossthe-UK . pdf
Council for Health Regulatory Excellence ( 2009 ) Advanced Practice : Report to the four UK Health Departments , Available at : www . professional standards . org . uk
Department of Health ( 2002 ) European Working Time Directive . HMSO . London . Available at : www . gov . uk
Department of Health ( 2010 ) Advanced Level Nursing : A Position Statement . Available at : www . dh . gov . uk