The Individual Practice Development Theory: an individually focused practice development theory that helps target...

Research indicates that multifaceted practice development (PD) interventions are more effective than single strategies. However, models of education in health care need to consider cost-effectiveness.

This paper presents a research-based, PD theory called the Individual Practice Development Theory. It argues that programmes that use the Individual Practice Development Theory to tailor PD support to the learning needs of practitioners will result in more engagement in PD and will target PD resources efficiently.

The in-depth qualitative, multi-method realistic evaluation was of a multifaceted, organization-wide PD programme in one National Health Service Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Trust. Semi-structured interviews, practice observation and documentation audit were used to gather data from occupational therapists.

Results indicated that environmental contexts, particularly the support of the immediate team, and the participant's personal circumstances affected PD behaviour change. Six mechanisms acted as catalysts. These were: Building Confidence, Finding Flow, Accumulating Reward, Conferring with Others, Constructing Knowledge Know-how and Channelling Time. Four stages of PD characterized as: 'In the Hangar', 'On the Runway', 'Take-off' and 'In the Air' were identified. The research also illustrated the interconnectivity between outcome levels, contextual circumstances and activating mechanisms.

The findings suggested that PD interventions need to be more individually tailored to achieve optimum learning outcomes. The identification of four discernable stages permits rapid understanding of PD support needs in order to focus PD support.

With a systematic and individualized approach to PD in health care, more target PD supports can be put in place.