Person-centred healthcare practice is vital to achieving a truly holistic system where individual values and beliefs are respected and where healthful cultures can flourish. However, there are significant challenges within healthcare systems that impact on the development of healthful workplace cultures. Our presentation explores the use of the Person-Centred Practice Framework and a Practice Development approach with all Directors of Nursing and Midwifery (DoNMs) to co-create a strategy for nurses and midwives within our health district that will enable the delivery and development of person-centred healthcare practices.

Practice Development methodology was the approach used with skilled facilitation adopted to enable the co-creation of a shared purpose of person-centred practice and explore the values that underpin this purpose. Agreed working principles and behaviours supported consensus building methods to co-create draft strategy priorities with DoNMs, further defined by wider stakeholder engagement. Using Collaboration, Inclusion and Participation (CIP), a core foundation of practice development, enabled connection and co-creation throughout the strategy development. Over 390 nurses and midwives at all levels contributed via townhall sessions and focus groups, providing over 2100 items of feedback.

Our 5-year strategy was co-created inclusive of seven key strategic priority areas and corresponding strategic actions;

Developing Person-Centred Cultures

Creating a Supportive Practice Environment

Building Research Capacity

Building a Dynamic Workforce

Fostering Leadership at all Levels

Enhancing Digital Informatics and New Technologies

Delivering High Quality, Safe Person-Centred Care

Together they provide a roadmap for implementation of the strategy across the many nursing and midwifery contexts within SESLHD.

This strategy provides a strong foundation, empowering nurses and midwives to reach their potential. It helps them focus on what matters most and encourages innovative approaches to practice. Our strategy acknowledges the influences on nursing & midwifery practice and the need for our care to remain responsive within complex and changing healthcare environments.