The meaning of practice development: evidence from the field

This paper sets out to explore the meaning of practice development. The data from which this exploration is derived is largely drawn from an empirical research project that set out to explore practice development through concept analysis. The paper argues for a model of practice development that is focused on achieving increased effectiveness in patient-centred care. It argues that one-off changes in practice are not the same as a sustained systematic development of practice that focuses on achieving cultural changes in practice settings, ie the context of practice. It will be argued that facilitation is a key concept underpinning practice development work, but that in itself, facilitation is a misunderstood and abused concept. Finally, the consequences of practice development activity will be outlined and the need for further research in this area highlighted.