Role of facilitators in delivering high quality practice education

Investment in the professional development of the nursing workforce is essential to enhance patient safety, quality of care, personal development and lifelong learning. When resources are scarce, however, education spending is often the first cost saving and this can reduce quality of care. This article explores the role of education facilitators, who are central to strategic representation of practice education issues, delivery of training and development, determining training needs, and the development of relevant education programmes. In addition, they provide support for mentors, practice educators and clinicians.