MHLDA Nursing Associates Focus Group

This qualitative, contextual study seeks to subject data generated from focus groups to thematic analysis. A survey population of Nursing and Midwifery Council registrant nursing associates working in mental health, learning disability and autism services will be recruited via social media and professional networks. Ethical protocols will be observed during the recruitment process and beyond. Focus group cohort members will be allocated to a specific focus group session. Focus group participation will be limited to one session per volunteer. Participants will be invited to discuss their views, ideas and responses to various questions designed to reflect the research questions and objectives. Focus groups will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Focus group discussions will be recorded and transcribed, the transcripts will be subjected to thematic analysis. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts will be conducted using NVivo software (version 15), licensed to the Chief Investigators and Study Sponsors employing organisation (Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust). Post focus group a follow up email will will be sent to all participants containing a summary of the topics of discussion, confirmation that their focus group participation has been completed and the proposed schedule for publishing the final report, of which they will sent a copy.

Inclusion criteria

• Registered Nursing Associates (Nursing and Midwifery Council).
• Employed in NHS; mental health, learning disability or autism services in England.

Exclusion criteria

• Non-registered nursing associates.
• Trainee or student nursing associates.
• Registered nursing associates practicing in non MHLDA service.