71 Developing A Portfolio for Advanced Practitioners Working with Older People

Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANP’s) have a professional responsibility to ensure that they maintain professional competence (Whiteing, N. in Hinchcliffe and Rogers Eds pp192–219, 2008). The aim of the portfolio is to assist ANP’s in developing evidence demonstrating continued advanced level practice. At the time of the study, there was a dearth of evidence relating to competencies for qualified ANP’s, working with older people. The aim was to move away from the traditional confines of “nurse does this, doctor does this”, and to embrace the concept of developing skills to meet the clinical demands of service provision for our older people. Methods Participatory action research methodology was adopted—using the Review, Plan and act cycle (Edwards and Talbot, p63 1999; Holloway & Wheeler p155–156, 1996). Review A literature search and review of competencies relating to advanced practice and older people was undertaken. Plan A portfolio of knowledge and skills was collated utilising the information from the review. A matrix was created incorporating four Pillars of Advanced Practice (SGHD 2008), the Nursing and Midwifery Code (NMC, 2015) and modified competencies for Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board Geriatric curriculum (JRCPTB), (2010, amended 2013 and 2015). The portfolio was sent out to existing team members, and local Consultant Geriatricians based in the Acute Trust and local University for comment and amendments were made. Act The portfolio was used by staff as a trial and evaluated. Written feedback was obtained through questionnaires. Results The portfolio was well evaluated by staff using it, including recommendations for improvement. Portfolio has been shared at national groups and via social media and has been well received. Conclusions An Advanced Practice Portfolio of capabilities is being used, based on action research cycles, enhancing the level of care received by older people.