Public mental health and wellbeing interventions delivered by allied health professionals (AHPs): mapping the evidence and identification of gaps. A systematic review

Purpose Mental well-being is associated with positive outcomes throughout the life course. This study aims to examine interventions delivered by allied health professionals (AHPs) alleviate community stressors adversely impacting public mental and well-being. Design/methodology/approach Review inclusion criteria comprised experimental qualitative process evaluations of AHPs. Electronic searches in Cinahl, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO Cochrane Library, were combined grey literature National Institute for Health Care Excellence guidance. A narrative synthesis Effective Public Practice Project appraisal tool used evaluate evidence. Findings total 45-articles included review describing AHP-delivered addressing social disadvantage, trauma, bullying, loneliness, work-related stress, transitional intersectionality, pain bereavement. No articles identified evaluating operating department practitioners or orthoptists. conceptual map was developed summarising stressors, a typology defined including: place-based interventions, discrete/one-off multi-component lifestyle connector targeting groups at risk conditions. Research limitations/implications Many conditions begin childhood, strength course perspective. further compiling compendium outcome measures AHPs inform future research. The authors excluded many focussed on clinical interventions/populations, which did not meet criteria. While playing key role delivering psychologists are as from review, this may be construed limitation. Given heterogeneity designs evaluated numerical analyses pooled findings appropriate. Practical implications highlights breadth can intervene contribute contexts, correspond those UK Government guidance currently important relevant address. developing pathways that align Service (NHS) Long Term Plan, prevention early intervention protect Further NHS strategic direction including informing ways increasing utilisation core AHP skills optimise contributions agendas. Social It surprising there more other address settings, example gambling, domestic violence digital technology, these areas Future research should identify most active/effective dimensions could informed frameworks guide complex development. relative paucity identified, predominant focus date populations. lack preventative approaches evident, an area care priorities. Originality/value diverse across aligned government service priorities well-being, prioritise increase settings.