Advanced practice paediatric framework in urgent and primary care: a pilot evaluation

Background Increasing paediatric workloads across urgent and primary care settings have highlighted the need to optimise role capability for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, including advanced nurse practitioners and advanced paramedic paramedics. Aims This pilot study tested the implementation of a dedicated advanced practice paediatric framework developed to guide paediatric advanced practice competencies, assessing its feasibility, acceptability and influence on clinical practice and service delivery. Methods A descriptive non-experimental longitudinal design via clinician-targeted questionnaires was used. Clinicians worked across sites and data were collected via online pre- and post-questionnaire forms. Quantitative outcomes included skill acquisition rates. Results Early findings indicated that the framework was acceptable to clinicians and perceived as a valuable structure for developing paediatric capability. However, feasibility was impacted by operational factors. The detailed results of will be reported in part 2 of the linked article. Conclusions As a structured evidence-based tool, the framework has the potential to support advanced practitioners in delivering safe, effective paediatric care in urgent and primary care settings. It also provides governance for staff managing paediatric caseloads who have completed adult-focused competency models. Implications for practice The integration of paediatric-specific capabilities into advanced practice education, workforce development and service design can ensure that advanced practitioners are equipped to meet the complex needs of children and young people.