Advancing Practice

The aim of this policy is to provide a consistent set of requirements that support advancing clinical practice across all healthcare professions, which in turn will provide a platform for the organisation to deliver a sustainable and progressive approach to advancing practice.

This policy also seeks to improve workforce planning, governance arrangements, education and training and evaluation and to ensure that the disciplines, where appropriate have uni professional road maps that support services and individuals aspiring to these roles.

The implementation of the policy will help to:

− Improve workforce planning in relation to advancing roles
− Ensure that there is a robust governance framework around advanced practice
− Ensure all professions have education frameworks with robust clinical mentorship and appropriate clinical placements.
− Support a commitment to Continuing Professional Development and supervision for individuals operating in advanced roles
− Evidence the contribution that advanced roles make to safe, effective and person centred care

The policy is for use across NHS Lothian, recognising that national frameworks are being developed for some professions and are well established for others. This provides a baseline in the absence of detailed national guidance and will be revised as and when national guidance is published or updated.