The consultant practitioner: an evolving role to meet changing NHS needs

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• The consultant practitioner role in the NHS has evolved significantly due to varying demands and the need for sustainable service transformation.
• The role's adaptability is crucial for meeting the dynamic requirements of healthcare services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ongoing relevance of the consultant practitioner role.
• To assess the impact of an action learning set on the evolution of this role within a specific NHS foundation trust.

Main Methods:

• Six consultant practitioners engaged in collective critical reflection on their practice.
• Analysis of their influence on services and patient empowerment.
• Evaluation of an externally facilitated action learning set as a catalyst for change.

Main Results:

• Participants reported increased influence and effectiveness through collaborative work in the learning set.
• The learning set facilitated the sharing of continuous service improvement experiences.
• Practitioners clarified their impact on achieving organizational objectives and vision.

Conclusions:

• The action learning set accelerated consultant practitioners' confidence and competence in leading and evaluating new care models.
• Participants recognized advancements in fulfilling the role's dimensions.
• The study highlights the role's impact on local sustainability and transformation plans (STP) and trust visions.