Enabling practice development and research through partnerships with higher education.

This paper reports on a study that aimed to review a Practice Development and Research Partnership (PDRP) that was formed between an NHS community trust and a higher education institute (HEI) in 2008. Specific objectives were to focus on exploring stakeholders' views and experiences of the PDRP and to identify opportunities, barriers or challenges that were encountered. The ultimate goal of the PDRP was to promote partnership working between practitioners and academics in creating a culture of research and innovation in improving patient care, experiences and services. A qualitative research design was employed. Five lead practitioners, six academics and five senior managers from the PDRP steering group participated in semi-structured interviews. All were recorded and transcribed verbatim and a thematic approach to data analysis adopted. The PDRP provided opportunities for professional development for practitioners and academics, enhanced partnership working and recognised the need for a dedicated partnership coordinator. The evaluation recognised ambiguity with regard to roles, responsibilities and expectations. PDRPs can provide a vehicle for local NHS services to work collaboratively with HEls in developing a productive research environment that addresses local gaps in service and education in improving the quality of the patient experience.