The relationship between line manager support and practitioner wellbeing: a national mixed methods study

Background While advanced clinical practitioners play a pivotal role in healthcare delivery, the relationship between managerial support and advanced clinical practitioners' wellbeing has not been explored. Understanding this relationship is essential for workforce sustainability and leadership development. Aims To explore the impact of line manager support on the wellbeing of advanced clinical practitioners and identify factors that contribute to a supportive work environment. Methods A mixed methods design was used, combining national survey data ( n =170) with qualitative interviews ( n =17). Quantitative analyses explored associations between perceived manager support and wellbeing across age, gender, ethnicity, managerial status and time since qualification. Thematic analysis identified key dimensions of support influencing wellbeing. Results There is a robust and reliable relationship between perceived manager support and advanced clinical practitioners wellbeing across all groups. Quantitative findings showed moderate-to-strong positive associations. Qualitative data revealed that communication, supervision, governance and role clarity were central to wellbeing outcomes. Conclusions The study highlights the need for advanced clinical practitioners to lead improvements in support structures. Recommendations include clarifying the advanced clinical practitioners role, promoting consistent management models, enhancing supervision, strengthening governance and engaging with NHS England and regional faculties. Implications for practice These strategies aim to improve individual wellbeing and system effectiveness, positioning advanced clinical practitioners as senior clinicians and drivers of reform.