The development of life long learning strategies that enable practitioners to develop creative practices has become a requirement for all health care providers. However, the ability of classroom based education approaches to achieve real and sustained changes in practice has been questioned. It is argued that nurses are adult learners and learn best in an environment which takes account of the needs of adult learners.

This presentation will discuss the outcomes framework that has been developed through an action research study design was employed utilising a realistic evaluation framework. It involves: * A work-based learning contract * Participation in facilitated reflective practice * Support to develop nursing practice through critical inquiry and practice development frameworks * An annual review of progress with attributes * Accreditation of learning achieved

We will present outcomes of the framework for nurses including: * Impact on confidence and competence * Demonstrable learning outcomes * The value of clinical & career pathways for all grades of nurses * Recognition & value of staff regardless of academic or clinical pathyway through the availability of a variety of options for the accreditation of lifelong learning

The project has led to significant changes in the profile of education commissioning with in the trust, recongising the impact that a move from formal classroom education to a culture that values experiential learning has had on the potential to engage in creative approaches to learning opportunities.

Back to Knowing and Acting -- A Strategic Practitioner Focused Approach to Nursing Research and Practice Development
Back to Evidence-Based Nursing: Strategies for Improving Practice
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004