Nurse managers' perceptions of contracting for nurse education, Part 2: Contracting and post-registration education

The introduction of the 'purchaser/provider' split into nurse education alters the relationship between service units (or the education purchasers) and colleges of health studies (the education providers). This is the second of two papers, and focuses on senior health service managers views on the purchasing and provision of post-registration nurse education. 24 managers from one region were interviewed. The aim was to identify their post-registration education needs, the criteria they use to choose between post-registration courses held in different colleges, and how they identify 'value for money' in post-registration education. The findings showed a limited understanding of the financial issues involved and considerable variation in opinion regarding the purpose, type and academic level of post-registration education. Cost emerged as a potentially more influential factor than quality in determining which courses managers will purchase. The managers interviewed are predominantly looking to contract with colleges who will be communicative, receptive to their needs, and willing to work in partnership with them.