Application of a Clinical Confidence scale in understanding the capabilities of the current Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce.

Abstract

Background: Background: ‘Our Workforce, our future: A capability framework for the mental health and wellbeing workforce’ was developed by the State of Victoria, Department of Health, in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (RCVMHS). Released in September 2023, the framework provides a foundational tool to which services are invited to build upon toward ensuring the workforce has the right capabilities, size, diversity, and support for their practice. Aim: Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Services (GMHWS) aimed to establish a baseline of the confidence levels of current clinical staff in relation to the fifteen (15) capabilities as outlined in the framework. Population/setting: Grampians Health, Mental Health Clinicians Methods: The validated evidence-based practice confidence scale (EPIC) was adapted to measure Clinicians self-reported confidence levels of the capabilities. Over four (4) months, three (3) pilots were conducted to test the adaptation, an anonymous and confidential paper-based survey with eighteen (18) questions. The final survey was then distributed to the remainder of staff in collaboration with Clinical Nurse Educators (CNE) across all GMHWS sites. Results/findings: Preliminary Results: a total of 174 responses were received. Conclusion: Project not yet completed. Translational impact/implications for future practice: Having a large number of clinicians participating in the survey is building research capacity. Results of the survey will assist GMHWS to establish priorities for learning and development needs in 2025. The survey also increases overall organisational awareness of the RCVMHS recommendations around expectations for the workforce and how to support it.