Contribution of a lecturer-practitioner in implementing evidence-based health care

This article describes and discusses the role of a lecturer-practitioner (LP) in the context of a university and practice development unit within a primary care trust in contributing to evidence-based health care. Evidence-based health care is currently high on the political and professional agendas. Methods employed in practice to create an environment that encourages and supports innovation will be described. Methods used in the educational establishment will also be highlighted from a theoretical and practice perspective. Progress to date and expected future outcomes will be shared. The article concludes that progress is dependent on all those involved, sharing common goals in the implementation of evidence based health care as it will continue to remain high on the agenda in the educational and service sectors. This drive towards clinical effectiveness and evidence based practice puts the LP in an ideal position to reduce the practice-theory gap by the nature of their integrated role.