An evaluation of the lecturer-practitioner role in the independent health care sector

This study examined the impact of the introduction of lecturer-practitioner (LP) roles in four Nuffield Hospitals over a period of two years. A series of interviews was conducted with the practitioners themselves, the staff and the managers. LPs also maintained structured diaries. Nursing practice in the independent sector is influenced by a number of factors, including caring for patients in individual rooms and working directly with consultants because there are no junior medical staff. Nurses encountered patients with very diverse problems, and accordingly needed help to maintain a wide professional knowledge base. Nursing staff benefited from the presence of an LP in terms of linking theory to practice, role modelling, obtaining career advice and introducing change. Nonnursing staff also benefited from the LPs' adoption of an interdisciplinary approach to certain care situations. LPs were valued as a resource for staff and seen as important in enabling the company to maintain its image as a provider of high-quality care. The LP was also well placed to raise the profile of nursing in the independent sector through research activities. LPs themselves benefited from their experiences and were able to develop their own skills.