Practice educators in an uncertain world: still too much to ask?

In recent times the complexity and ever-evolving nature of health and social care systems have reshaped professions and rendered the future uncertain. Fast moving social, economic and technological changes have redefined the various roles of practitioners and educators alike. There is a danger that standing on shifting sands may have an adverse effect on the quality and outcomes of learning relationships at all levels of learning and professional development. Nearly two decades ago I suggested that yet another role shift in response to yet another policy change was ‘too much to ask’ of hard pressed practitioners involved in delivering professional education. As the world of health and social care remains uncertain and unpredictable, this paper looks at some of the challenges facing practice-based educators in 2013.