Abstract
AIM: To identify the barriers and enablers to the implementation of a national policy to increase and develop the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) workforce in Ireland. BACKGROUND: The Department of Health (Ireland) introduced a policy to increase the number of ANPs to 2% of the nursing workforce. Evaluation provides information to inform successful policy implementation and development of ANP roles in healthcare services. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive design. Twenty candidate ANPs participated in four focus groups. Nine key stakeholders were also interviewed. RESULTS: Analysis identified four barriers: lack of infrastructural resources; delay in releasing and arranging replacements for candidate ANPs; role resistance from administration, allied healthcare professionals and other nurses; and lack of organisational readiness. The five enablers were: supportive physicians; Nursing and Midwifery Practice Development Units; supportive directors of nursing; role awareness and clarity; and educational preparation. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation identifies barriers and enablers to the implementation of a national policy to increase the critical mass of advanced practitioners within the healthcare services. Evaluation at the implementation phase informed the roll-out of future advanced practice initiatives. Implications for Nursing Management. To support advanced practice development, leadership, infrastructure, and resource planning are needed to harness known enablers and address identified barriers to the implementation and sustainability of these posts.