title: Exploring the challenges and successes of the Lecturer Practitioner role using a stakeholder evaluation approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Plans for NHS reform include strategies to reduce the gap between theory and the realities of clinical practice, with the aim of improving patient care. The role of Lecturer Practitioners (LPs) as educators for nurses who 'bridge' the theory-practice gap forms a central part of this strategy. Given the amount of investment in the role and its potential, this study sought to evaluate the impact of the LP role within the education and practice setting from the perspective of key stakeholders.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study, which included five LPs from a range of backgrounds, followed the principles of stakeholder evaluation. Each LP and their line manager identified six informants who were familiar with the LP's role. The total sample consisted of 36 participants. Semi-structured interviews were used to gain the perceptions of stakeholders about the LP role. The emerging themes were then discussed, consensus reached, and a collaborative project report produced.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings were derived from the perceptions of the stakeholders. Minimally interpretive analysis of the data resulted in identification of five themes: (i) general overview of LP's individual qualities; (ii) preconceived notions of the post; (iii) reality of the post; (iv) areas of concern; and (v) developing the role.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicated that the LP role provides a credible and valuable link between theory and practice and, as such, is an important contribution to the modernization agenda of the NHS. It was apparent, however, that there are a number of areas in which developments are needed, and that organizational and individual actions are necessary in order to achieve the most from these posts.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Integrated Health Care Research, Wolfson Research Institute, School for Health, Durham University, UK. Helen.hancock@durham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hancock
authors.forename: Hilary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Turnock
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D006113:United Kingdom