Methodological procedures for priority setting mental health research: a systematic review summarising the methods, designs and frameworks involved with priority setting.

BACKGROUND: Research priority setting aims to identify research gaps within particular health fields. Given the global burden of mental illness and underfunding of mental health research compared to other health topics, knowledge of methodological procedures may raise the quality of priority setting to identify research with value and impact. However, to date there has been no comprehensive review on the approaches adopted with priority setting projects that identify mental health research, despite viewed as essential knowledge to address research gaps. Hence, the paper presents a summary of the methods, designs, and existing frameworks that can be adopted for prioritising mental health research to inform future prioritising projects. METHOD: A systematic review of electronic databases located prioritisation literature, while a critical interpretive synthesis was adopted whereby the appraisal of methodological procedures was integrated into the synthesis of the findings. The synthesis was shaped using the good practice checklist for priority setting by Viergever and colleagues drawing on their following categories to identify and appraise methodological procedures: (1) Comprehensive Approach-frameworks/designs guiding the entire priority setting; (2) Inclusiveness -participation methods to aid the equal contribution of stakeholders; (3) Information Gathering-data collecting methods to identify research gaps, and (4) Deciding Priorities-methods to finalise priorities. RESULTS: In total 903 papers were located with 889 papers removed as either duplicates or not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 14 papers were identified, describing 13 separate priority setting projects. Participatory approaches were the dominant method adopted but existing prioritisation frameworks were modified with little explanation regarding the rationale, processes for adaptation and theoretical foundation. Processes were predominately researcher led, although with some patient involvement. Surveys and consensus building methods gathered information while ranking systems and thematic analysis tend to generate finalised priorities. However, limited evidence found about transforming priorities into actual research projects and few described plans for implementation to promote translation into user-informed research. CONCLUSION: Prioritisation projects may benefit from justifying the methodological approaches taken to identify mental health research, stating reasons for adapting frameworks alongside reasons for adopting particular methods, while finalised priorities should be worded in such a way as to facilitate their easy translation into research projects.

Analysis of changes in the national mental health nursing workforce in England, 2011-2021.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Nurses work in mental health services around the world, constituting the largest professional group. Nurses have been identified as being potentially able to carry out a much wider range of functions than are typically allowed in practice, when provided with suitable training. There are long-term concerns regarding shortages of mental health nurses in England and many other countries. Workforce data is rarely subject to analysis in peer-reviewed journals. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper provides a case study of the workforce patterns of a national mental health nurse (MHN) workforce overtime allowing comparison with other countries and specialities. MHN numbers reduced from 2011 to 2017, then increased to near the 2011 level by 2021, not meeting ambitious national plans for increasing numbers. The mental health nursing proportion of the total NHS nursing workforce decreased through this period. Advanced practice roles and skills are widely, but unevenly, distributed and are provided by a small proportion of nurses. The proportion of nurses working in community settings has increased to constitute more than half of all nurses for the first time. The ratio of support workers to nurses increased in inpatient settings and will continue to change. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Historical challenges in recruiting MHNs suggest that future plans to expand the profession are overly optimistic. To support the development of advanced practice roles and new skill sets, clearer research evidence of impact is required and clearer national guidance regarding best practice models. Good workforce data are essential to inform good workforce planning. ABSTRACT: Introduction Data regarding changes in characteristics of the MHN workforce is commonly cited in governmental publications, but is rarely analysed in peer-reviewed journals, despite ongoing concerns regarding high vacancy rates within mental health services. Aim The aim of the study was to characterize changes in the MHN workforce, implementation of new nursing roles/skills and alignment with national policy. Method Analysis of nationally published workforce data, peer-reviewed publications and governmental policy/planning documents. Results Nurse numbers declined from 2011 to 2017, subsequently returning to near 2011 levels, but remaining below national targets. Nurses in community settings increased to constitute more than half of all nurses, whilst inpatient numbers declined, although more slowly than bed numbers. The ratio between nurses and support workers changed due to more support workers in inpatient settings. New advanced skills and roles for nurses have increased, but are unevenly distributed, constituting a small proportion of the total workforce. Implications for Practice This paper provides a case study against which comparisons may be made with the nursing workforce in other countries and specialities. Even clear policy commitment to nursing growth may not deliver planned changes in numbers and introducing new roles may have uneven impact, especially in the absence of a robust evidence base.

The development of nurse prescribing in mental health services: Outcomes from five national surveys 2004-2019.

AIM: This study aimed to explore data from national surveys of nurse prescribing in England's National Health Service mental health services. BACKGROUND: Nurse prescribing is increasing worldwide. Reports describing long-term developments after implementation are rare. METHODS: Five surveys were distributed to all mental health organisations between 2004 and 2019. RESULTS: Response rates increased from 54% (n = 45/83) in 2004 to 79% (n = 42/53) in 2019. The estimated proportion of mental health nurses who were prescribers increased to 4.3% by 2019. Distribution between clinical practice areas did not change significantly over time, with the largest numbers in community mental health teams. The proportion of nurse prescribers actively prescribing increased from 76.4% in 2014 to 87.8% in 2019. Independent prescribing became the predominant approach, with supplementary prescribing rarely used as the sole model within organisations. The scale of implementation varied markedly between organisations. CONCLUSIONS: Although nurse prescribing in mental health services has grown over time, growth has slowed and is variable at local level. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Organisations considering the introduction or growth of nurse prescribing should note the evidenced preference for an independent prescribing model to date and consider how to avoid unwarranted variation in nurse prescriber role distribution.

Are advanced clinical practice roles in England's National Health Service a remedy for workforce problems? A qualitative study of senior staff perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: A major issue facing all health systems is improving population health while at the same time responding to both growing patient numbers and needs and developing and retaining the health care workforce. One policy response to workforce shortages has been the development of advanced clinical practice roles. In the context of an English national policy promoting such roles in the health service, we explored senior managers' and senior clinicians' perceptions of factors at the organization level that support or inhibit the introduction of advanced clinical practice roles. The investigation was framed by theories of the diffusion of innovation and the system of professions. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative interview study of 39 senior manager and clinicians in 19 National Health Service acute, community, mental health and ambulance organizations across a metropolitan area in 2019. RESULTS: Small numbers of advanced clinical practice roles were reported, often in single services. Four main influences were identified in the development of advanced clinical practice roles: staff shortages (particularly of doctors in training grades) combined with rising patient demand, the desire to retain individual experienced staff, external commissioners or purchasers of services looking to shape services in line with national policy, and commissioner-funded new roles in new ambulatory care services and primary care. Three factors were reported as enabling the roles: finance for substantive posts, evidence of value of the posts, and structural support within the organization. Three factors were perceived as inhibiting developing the roles: confusion and lack of knowledge amongst clinicians and managers, the availability of finance for the roles, and a nervousness (sometimes resistance) to introducing the new roles. CONCLUSIONS: While the national policy was to promote advanced clinical practice roles, the evidence suggested there was and would continue to be limited implementation at the operational level. Development scenarios that introduced new monies for such roles reduced some of the inhibiting factors. However, where the introduction of roles required funding to move from one part of a service to another, and potentially from one staff group to another, the growth of these roles was and is likely to be contested. In such scenarios, research and business evidence of relative advantage will be important, as too will be supporters in powerful positions. The paucity of publicly available evidence on the effectiveness of advanced clinical practice roles across the specialties and professions in different contexts requires urgent attention.

A qualitative study of perceptions of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of Advanced Clinical Practice roles in mental health services.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) are, typically, non-medical healthcare professionals, who possess advanced clinical skills, a master's level qualification and evidence of leadership, management and research abilities. Most ACPs are nurses and new ACP roles are increasingly being established around the world. The views of senior staff towards new mental health nursing roles in organizations are likely to influence their introduction and sustainability Research on mental health nursing ACP roles is sparse. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The paper uniquely provides specific information as to factors perceived by senior staff as affecting the implementation of ACP roles in mental health services. A wide range of mental health services were perceived as potentially benefiting from ACPs. Establishing role clarity for MHN ACPs is perceived as being as essential to successful introduction of the role, as has been found for other specialities. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Participants identified a need for early engagement with service users and professions about new ACP roles and for processes that can evaluate ACP roles once they established. Some mental health nurses may require long-term developmental pathways to help prepare them to take on a master's level course and then the ACP role. ABSTRACT: Introduction Advanced clinical practice (ACP) roles are increasingly being developed internationally. Identifying factors perceived as affecting the development of ACP can support effective implementation. Aim To understand the views of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of ACP roles in mental health services. Method Focus group and semi-structured interviews. Participants were directors of nursing (n = 10) and other senior staff from roles important to workforce development (n = 10). Results Content analysis suggested seven categories: understanding the role and national guidelines, attitudes to the role, learning from implementing other roles, understanding prerequisites for development, challenges, opportunities and future support/actions. Prerequisites for success would include early engagement with stakeholders. Medical attitudes towards ACP roles were perceived as generally more positive than previously. Discussion The study provides unique information regarding perspectives of senior staff regarding the implementation of ACP roles in mental health services. A wide range of mental health services were perceived as potentially benefiting from ACPs, with the importance of role clarity being highlighted and long-term developmental pathways for staff. Implications for practice Successful Implementation of ACP roles may require clear role definition, early engagement with stakeholders and processes to evaluate role outcomes.

The nurse consultant in mental health services: A national, mixed methods study of an advanced practice role.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Internationally, systematic reviews have identified evidence of equal or improved clinical outcomes comparing advanced practitioner treatment with medical treatment as usual, across a range of specialities. Studies of nurse consultants in the United Kingdom have largely been non-empirical. Most studies specifically related to nurse consultant roles in mental health services are case studies or reports of views on this role. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The study demonstrates that nurse consultant numbers vary over time and by clinical specialty. This is influenced by the value invested in the role by local nursing leadership and by national policy change. A lack of role clarity affects the uptake and sustainability of advanced practice roles internationally and is also an issue for the nurse consultant role in England's mental health services. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Successfully introducing advanced practice nursing roles in mental health services requires role clarity and support from local nurse directors. The continued absence of robust evidence as to the clinical/cost-effectiveness of nurse consultant roles in mental health settings places an onus on individual posts to generate data to justify the role at a time of financial constraint. Detailed post holder characteristics reported in this paper provide a basis for future comparison with other advanced practice roles in mental health services and other specialties nationally and internationally. Abstract Introduction The nurse consultant is an advanced practice role providing expert clinical practice, consultancy and professional leadership. To date, few studies have examined this role within mental health services and none have described the professional characteristics of post holders. Aims The main aims of the study were to identify changes in nurse consultant numbers in mental health services, identify post holder characteristics and factors influencing number of posts. Method We used a triangulated mixed methods approach comprised of a longitudinal examination of national workforce data, a national cross-sectional survey of post holder characteristics and semi-structured interviews with directors of nursing. Results Of 58 mental health organizations, 51 (88%) responded, identifying 123 nurse consultant posts, and a range of 0-12 posts per organization. One in 229 mental health nurses and 1 in 186 learning disability nurses were nurse consultant. An average of 40% of nurse consultants' work time was reported as being in clinical practice. Themes identified as important in relation to role sustainability were cost and value, contribution of individual post holders, role clarity and domains of work. Discussion Nurse consultants are represented to a greater extent in the mental health service workforce than in nursing generally, but their roles often lack clarity. Attitudes of local professional leaders and national policies are likely to affect post numbers. Implications for practice Developing and sustaining nurse consultant roles requires role clarity and active support from nurse leaders. Roles need to demonstrate their value to the clinical systems in which they work.

A mixed-methods survey to explore views of staff and patients from mental health wards prior to introduction of a digital early warning system for physical deterioration.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The potential benefits of introducing technological innovation into all types of health services are recognized internationally. There are few studies exploring the use of technology in inpatient mental health settings, or the views of staff and patients regarding such developments. "Early warning systems" are increasingly used in inpatient mental health services to detect physical deterioration in patients and prompt staff to take appropriate action. We have identified no peer-reviewed publications concerning this development. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Using a questionnaire survey, this project gathered views from staff and patients on a planned change from a paper-based "early warning system" to one using handheld electronic devices (tablets). This study adds to the existing evidence by reporting specific staff and patient concerns about a technological development in an inpatient mental health setting. Some patients were concerned about confidentiality of data entered onto tablets. Whilst were either positive or neutral in attitude to the planned change some staff raised concerns that electronic devices could be used as weapons, and also that patients or visitors might misinterpret their use. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Views of staff and patients must be considered when introducing new technology into clinical practice, in order to make the change successful and sustainable. Inadequate or unclear information about the use and purpose of electronic devices may lead to misunderstandings as to their purpose and the security of their data, particularly in mental health settings. Further exploration across a range of services and countries would be useful in determining whether attitudes towards implementing similar technological change in mental health practice are commonly shared. ABSTRACT: Introduction Technological innovation offers opportunities to improve mental health care; however, little evidence exists regarding attitudes of inpatient staff and patients to such changes. We present a survey of staff and patients prior to introduction of a digital version of the National Early Warning Score (eNEWS) system for identifying physical deterioration. Aim To collate views of staff and inpatients related to prospective use of eNEWS, to inform the plan for implementation. Method Paper questionnaires were distributed to both groups in six wards prior to eNEWS implementation. Two discussion groups were then held. Results Eighty-two staff and 26 inpatients completed questionnaires. Some inpatients expressed concerns about data confidentiality. Most staff were neutral or positive about the planned change, but raised possible safety risks and the risk of electronic recording being misinterpreted by patients. The implementation plan was modified in response to this information, principally by improving communication processes with patients. Discussion This study adds to the existing evidence by reporting specific staff and patient concerns towards a form of information technology. Further evaluations would help determine the transferability of these findings. Implications for practice Listening to patient and staff views about planned technological innovation is essential for effective implementation.

Implementing holistic practices in mental health nursing: a national consultation.

BACKGROUND: A national consultation exercise was held as part of a review of mental health nursing in England. OBJECTIVES: To gather views as to how best to develop mental health nursing to support a holistic approach to care, taking into account psychological, physical social and spiritual needs. DESIGN: National open consultation by email over a 3-month period. PARTICIPANTS: 326 written replies were received. The largest group of responses was from National Health Service (NHS) organisations (n=92, 28.2%); 69.9% of responses were from groups or organisations (n=225). METHODS: A consultation document was devised by a national reference group, including four questions relating to the development of practice in the four domains of: psychological, physical, social and spiritual care. RESULTS: The majority of responses supported mental health nurses (MHNs) providing psychological therapies (n=271, 95.1%). To support this happening, responders most frequently described a need for appropriate specialist training post-registration (n=114). To improve physical well-being of service users, the most frequent suggestion was that MHNs should promote healthy lifestyles, e.g. by encouraging physical activity and advising on ways to reduce illicit drug, alcohol and tobacco use (n=152). Responders most frequently cited the need for MHNs to understand resources to support social inclusion (n=110), e.g. knowing how to access local resources, benefits, housing and employment advice. MHNs were most frequently seen as requiring appropriate training to help them support spiritual/religious needs (n=96). CONCLUSIONS: The consultation was successful in obtaining views, in particular, of organisations and groups. These subsequently influenced national recommendations made by the Chief Nursing Officer's Review of Mental Health Nursing.

Asylum nursing as a career in the United Kingdom, 1890-1910.

BACKGROUND: Nursing staff in lunatic asylums provided the day-to-day care and containment of patients and were the direct occupational ancestors of today's mental health nurses. AIM: This study explores (1) How was asylum nursing seen by asylum nurses themselves and by others, particularly other healthcare workers? (2) What were the demographic characteristics of those who became asylum nurses and what were their patterns of employment? METHODS: Information regarding contemporary views of asylum nursing were gathered through searching a range of contemporary journals and other publications. Statistical information regarding patterns of employment was gathered from asylum records and census data. FINDINGS: During the period from 1890 to 1910 the image of asylum nursing was poor. Allegations of brutality continued to effect its image, despite claims by asylum nurses and medical superintendents that such generalizations were unfair and that asylum nursing was at least as valuable as any other from of nursing. The middle class leadership of voluntary hospital general nursing was particularly critical. At the Three Counties Asylum in Southern England, the majority of asylum nurses came from unskilled or semi-skilled backgrounds. 43% were recruited locally; 43% of nursing staff left after less than a year, and less than a quarter remained after 3 years. Even those individuals thought to be suitable by prior experience, such as ex-servicemen, often did not stay long. Dismissals were common, especially amongst male staff (22%). The discipline was hard, hours long and the work often unpleasant. CONCLUSIONS: For asylum nurses conditions were poor, the work difficult and their public image negative. The reality was that people from working class backgrounds entered asylum nursing at a relatively young age, often travelling some distance to do so, and then many only stayed for short periods. However, some women were able to take advantage of the possibilities offered by asylum work to develop a career for themselves in the absence of other opportunities.

The changing relationship between mental health nurses and psychiatrists in the United Kingdom.

AIM: This paper illustrates key developments in the changing relationship between the two professions over the last 200 years. BACKGROUND: To understand the current relationship between mental health nurses and psychiatrists within the UK, it is necessary to understand the historical development of that relationship. METHODS: Information was sought from a range of primary documentary sources, including contemporary journals, asylum documents and official governmental and health service reports. Secondary sources, such as histories of medicine, nursing and individual asylums provided further supportive information. FINDINGS: Psychiatry emerged as a profession at the end of the 18th century and found a power base within county asylums from the middle of the 19th century. Medical superintendents, the doctors in charge of asylums, had strict control over the activities of attendants, the justification for which was the need to protect patients from cruelty and neglect. Superintendents' desire for their own enhanced professional status led to formalized training for attendants at the end of the 19th Century, in which training materials again reinforced the importance of obedience by nurses (as attendants had become known). During the 1920s, trade unions struggled for improved pay and conditions, whilst professionalizing mental health nursing was a secondary priority. Reorganization following creation of the National Health Service in 1948 lessened superintendents' authority, and ultimately the management of mental health nursing shifted from them. The move towards community care allowed mental health nurses to develop greater independence, which was supported by changes in nurse education. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatrists in the UK remain highly influential, despite the move from their traditional power base in hospitals. Changes in mental health care, such as new nurse prescribing powers and the loss of psychiatrists' control over admission of patients to hospital, will continue to change the relationship between mental health nursing and psychiatry.

Making my mark.

Neil Brimblecombe explains how his first research project was carried out by accident, and how he has come to learn why stubbornness and resilience are such important characteristics for the nurse researcher to possess.