title: Skill analysis part 3: improving a practice skill.
abstract: In this, the third and final article in a series on practice skill analysis, attention is given to imaginative ways of improving a practice skill. Having analysed and evaluated a chosen skill in the previous two articles, it is time to look at new ways to proceed. Creative people are able to be analytical and imaginative. The process of careful reasoning involved in analysing and evaluating a skill will not necessarily be used to improve it. To advance a skill, there is a need to engage in more imaginative, free-thinking processes that allow the nurse to think afresh about his or her chosen skill. Suggestions shared in this article are not exhaustive, but the material presented does illustrate measures that in the author's experience seem to have potential. Consideration is given to how the improved skill might be envisaged (an ideal skill in use). The article is illustrated using the case study of empathetic listening, which has been used throughout this series.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes. altanprice@tallktalk.net
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003657:Decision Making; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006113:United Kingdom