Navigating advanced nurse practitioner roles in UK mental health services: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: The advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) role is becoming increasingly prominent in the provision of mental health services, both in the UK and globally. Understanding the experiences associated with these roles is crucial for their effective implementation in practice. This article presents a scoping review that systematically searches and synthesises existing literature on the experiences of ANP roles in mental health services in the UK. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsychNet, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed publications and grey literature that had been published between 2010 and 2022. The Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for Practice, Research recommendations (PAGER) framework was employed to analyse the findings and identify key themes. Findings: The review findings reveal important insights into the experiences of ANP roles in mental health services, highlighting the significance of role understanding, opportunities and challenges. Key themes identified include the need for clear governance, role clarity, support from colleagues and managers, professional development opportunities, and the impact of role implementation on the provision of person-centred care and physical healthcare. Conclusion: ANP roles in mental health services offer opportunities to enhance the provision of person-centred care, improve physical healthcare delivery and provide professional development and career pathways for nurses. However, challenges such as role understanding, planning and support need to be addressed to ensure successful implementation. Further research examining patient experiences, measures to support improved planning and role clarity, and the professional development and career pathways of ANPs would contribute to advancing the field and facilitating the effective future implementation of ANP roles in mental health services in the UK and beyond.