Practice development facilitation: an integrated strategic and clinical approach

This article presents experiences of working in the role of practice development facilitator (PDF) in a number of British NHS trusts in South-east England. The theoretical concepts of practice development and facilitation are discussed and case stories illustrate individual experiences highlighting key characteristics of the role. A key characteristic is the way in which PDFs have been working at a strategic level to address the trust's policy priorities and to exercise political skill when introducing change in practice. Another key element is to work alongside clinical staff to gain insight into practice development requirements in order to improve patient care and to develop clinical credibility to support learning initiatives integrated into the practice culture. The authors illustrate how this new role has helped to raise the profile of nursing staff and to empower individual learners through the facilitative process.