Developing a psychosocial competency framework for adult and older adult acute mental health inpatient care.

Objectives: Acute mental health inpatient settings care for those with acute and complex mental health needs. This study aimed to develop a psychosocial competency framework for use by multidisciplinary professional practitioners working in adult and older adult acute mental health inpatient settings.

Methods: The competence framework was developed through an iterative developmental process. Initially, the relevant literature was reviewed to draft the framework. A multidisciplinary Expert Reference Group provided their expertise to refine and develop the framework and provide professional advice on areas with a weaker evidence base.

Results: A competency framework was produced and nine key areas of competency were developed; 'Basic knowledge of issues related to acute mental health inpatient care', 'Communication skills', 'Professional competences for all healthcare workers', 'Generic relationship competences', 'Assessment, formulation and planning', 'Structured care and intervention', 'Psychosocial interventions', 'Meta-competences', and 'Professional competences for organisations'.

Conclusions: This competency framework will enable stakeholders to understand which competences are needed for high-quality acute mental health inpatient care provision. It can be used to underpin training packages in this field. Our framework has been recommended as a best-practice resource in the NHS England Acute Inpatient Mental Health Care guidance for adults and older adults.