Advanced practice education and development

Abstract

Colette Henderson looks at the importance of education and development for advanced practitioners UK government policy directives support the development of multidisciplinary advanced practice roles. Advanced practitioners must align their practice and subsequent continuing professional development (CPD) with four pillars of practice: clinical practice; facilitation of learning; leadership and evidence; and research and development. Lifelong learning is a mandatory requirement for healthcare practitioners. This article will focus on the importance of education and development for advanced practitioners and starts by providing some detail of the background development of advanced practice in the UK to justify the focus on ongoing achievement of capability across the four pillars.