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Abstract |
In 1997, Advanced Mental Health Nursing Programmes were funded nationally by the Clinical Training Agency using the funds made available subsequent to the 1996 Mason Report. The training leads to an award of either a post graduate certificate or diploma awarded by a tertiary education provider.A review was conducted with the aim to monitor the impact on service provision of advanced mental health nurse practitioner training. This was done by obtaining feedback through using an agreed standard questionnaire from course participants and mental health service providers.In seeking to learn more about the impact of these programmes, the CTA identified the following key issues:- what effect the courses may have had on mental health workforce make-up, skills and retention.- perceptions of programme delivery and content.- the impact on service delivery.Overall findings are shared which highlight that the course was seen as well organised and participants and service providers would recommend it to their colleagues. The greatest effect of the course appeared to be in developing more understanding of clinical supervision. Participating in the course had also led to positive changes in relationships with the clients and colleagues for more than three quarters of the group.The provision of an Advanced Mental Health Nursing Programme in 1997 has had many positive effects. The funding strategy and delivery models that have evolved may provide a useful template for other nursing specialty areas |
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