Book Review: International Practice Development in Health and Social Care (2nd Edition)

Abstract

I was asked to review this book in my role as a clinical educator and novice practice developer. My introduction to practice development and person-centred practice came through the 2019 Inspire Improvement Fellowship, run by the Foundation of Nursing Studies, and through my work as a practice teacher for student specialist practitioner district nurses at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. My initial thoughts were how relatable this book is to me in practice. It is up to date, with references to Covid-19 and the WHO’s Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020. The first part explores the theory of practice development and this follows through to later chapters where readers will find the application of theoretical ideas in practice. Practice development is explored at micro, meso and macro levels, supported by the book’s progression from smaller, ward-based projects to large system-based interventions. The evolution of practice development is also evident, moving from its origins within nursing to multidisciplinary and interagency approaches and contexts. I found it useful that chapters flowed through themes, with the final chapters focusing on leadership, workplace cultures and wellbeing, which are currently hot topics in the ever-changing landscape of health and social care. A wide range of references is helpfully used throughout to encourage more in-depth analysis and further reading.