BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated Sexual health and HIV) Specialty Curriculum

Read on to find out about our new Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) curriculum for nurses working in integrated sexual health and HIV. The British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH), Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health (FSRH) and the National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) have just published a new Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) curriculum, designed for advanced practice nurses working in sexual and reproductive health and HIV.There are three clinical pathways:•    Integrated Sexual health•    HIV•    Integrated Sexual Health & HIVThe curriculum is free to access and endorsed by Health Education England.Download the curriculum hereWhat is advanced clinical practice?Advanced clinical practice is delivered by experienced, registered health and care practitioners. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making.This is underpinned by a master’s level award or equivalent that encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research, with demonstration of core capabilities and area specific clinical competence. Advanced clinical practice embodies the ability to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers. It includes the analysis and synthesis of complex problems across a range of settings, enabling innovative solutions to enhance people’s experiences and improve outcomes.(HEE 2017: p8)For more information about advanced clinical practiceEngland - Health Education Englandhttps://www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Multi-professional%20framework%20for%20advanced%20clinical%20practice%20in%20England.pdfScotland - NHS Education for Scotlandhttp://www.advancedpractice.scot.nhs.uk/uk-progress/scotland/advanced-nursing-practice-definition-(scotland).aspx Northern Ireland - Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safetyhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/advanced-nursing-practice-framework.pdfWales - National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcarehttps://weds.heiw.wales/assets/Uploads/35f7cc70ad/NLIAH-Advanced-Practice-Framework.pdf What does the curriculum cover?The curriculum provides clear, comprehensive guidance on the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for practitioners working within integrated sexual health and HIV services. It is based on the medical curricula for GUM/HIV and Sexual & Reproductive Health, and has been mapped to the four pillars of advanced clinical practice (clinical practice, leadership & management, education, and research) core capabilities as outlined in the HEE multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice.It will help practitioners, managers, employers, Higher Education Institutions and commissioners, to better understand the role of nurses working in specialist integrated sexual health services.What are the core ACP curriculum learning outcomes?As part of the requirements for the curriculum, all Advanced Clinical Practitioners will be expected to complete the following four pillars and associated knowledge, skills and behaviours:•Leadership and management•Education research•Clinical practice: basis for practice / HIV (part 1)Then there are specific learning outcomes depending on which clinical pathway you undertakeHow can I access the curriculum?The curriculum is free to access and is aimed at nurses working at an advanced level in integrated sexual health and/or HIV in roles such as nurse practitioners.Download the curriculum here