Review of non-medical staff carrying out duties formerly restricted to psychiatrists

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By Erin Dean

The role, responsibilities and training of some non-medical staff in mental health care are being reviewed by a medical college after concerns were raised by resident doctors.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) is scrutinising the work of multi-professional approved clinicians (MPACs), who are mental health nurses, psychologists, social workers or occupational therapists approved to carry out some duties previously only done by psychiatrists.

The college’s resident doctor committee has formally lodged concerns about the quality, governance and consistency of training standards for MPACs.

Committee members are also worried about the impact of the role on consultant-led training of resident doctors.

Concerns about consultant accountability and responsibility for MPACs and patient safety considerations – especially for individuals with severe mental illness – also need to be considered, resident doctors said.

RCPsych said it was launching the review after acknowledging the “importance and sensitivity” of the issues.

Non-medical staff taking on care that used to be provided solely by doctors has been a controversial area within medicine.