The present paper provides an overview of the first phase of a three‐year practice development programme conducted between Portsmouth NHS Trust, Portsmouth University and the Royal College of Nursing Institute (RCNI) Gerontological Programme. The focus is on the journey of critical companions and programme participants from an elderly medical unit. The programme enabled participants to explore the culture in which they worked, in order to understand beliefs and values about older people embedded in their practice and thus how they shaped the culture around them and could change it. The value of practice development, narrative methodology and work‐based learning methods in creating an evidence‐based and person‐centred culture for care is illustrated. The way in which user perspectives and involvement were established is also shown. Outcomes in the first year, for critical companions and programme participants, are described. Both programme participants and critical companion developed as transformational leaders committed to enabling themselves and others to optimize their abilities and skills.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Dewing et al. (2003) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: