Identifying , advocating , driving and delivering new services in any health care setting can be challenging and complex , not least because the innovator needs strategic and operational vision , confidence , credibility , drive , ambition , strong leadership skills and qualities ; and the determination to make change happen . These papers demonstrate that ACPs are in a pivotal position to drive , initiate and evaluate such clinical innovations whether in the acute or community-based setting . Appropriate educational preparation is inherent in developing clinicians in such roles ; where sound , ethical , quality practice is mirrored by confident , reflective , critical thinkers who can make effective evidence-based decisions in a variety of clinical health care contexts .
As health care rapidly and constantly changes , the need for the ACP role is fundamental to developing a workforce where practitioners can respond with confidence to clinical practice initiatives , underpinned by appropriate education , and training , to engender leadership and drive and participate in research and evaluation of practice . Publishing and disseminating good practice is indicative to this role , as illustrated across this special edition .
Emerita Professor Sue Read