An exploration of tripartite collaboration in developing a strategic approach to the facilitation of practice learning

Pre-registration nurse education in United Kingdom has to be delivered within a complex system. Theoretical components are delivered by a Higher Education Institution and the practice components, facilitated and assessed by clinical practitioners within a health service provider institution. The previous decade witnessed a gradual divorce between these two institutions, leading to a confidence and competence deficit in the newly qualified practitioner. The new national agenda for pre-registration nursing was set out in the fitness for practice document, [UKCC, London, 1999]. It required a refocus on the practice aspects of nurse education. It identified the need to strengthen the links between higher education providers and service providers to ensure the delivery of a seamless curriculum. The report recommended closer collaborative working to bridge the theory-practice gap and develop nurses that were competent and fit for purpose at the end of the course. Several pilot sites were identified throughout the country to deliver the new practice focussed curriculum; The University of Wolverhampton was one of these. The focus of this paper will identify the multifaceted developments that facilitate effective practice learning for students, which have been achieved through partnership working and will include the following areas; creation of new practice support roles, communication systems, modes of learning (technology supported learning, problem based learning, experiential learning and simulation), the learning environment, learning opportunities and resources. It is clear that practice learning has many influences, which can either enhance or undermine the student's ability to assimilate knowledge and experience into personal, professional practice. We acknowledge that there are still many areas to be developed and anticipate that these will be informed by the findings of research currently being undertaken within the University and NHS service providers.