The personal development tutor role: An exploration of student and lecturer experiences and perceptions of that relationship

Summary xploratory study formed part of the Leadership in Compassionate Care Programme (LCCP) that considered embedding the principles of person-centred compassionate care within an undergraduate nursing curriculum. Currently, there is a lack of literature regarding compassionate care in relation to the student–personal development tutor (PDT) relationship. The aim of the study was to explore the current personal development tutor role, within a pre-registration adult nursing programme, in relation to the support provided to students by PDTs and from this, establish what was important in the role from the student and lecturer perspectives, within the context of the LCCP. A qualitative approach utmilising participant interviews was employed. Six undergraduate nursing students on a Bachelor of Nursing adult programme and five PDTs participated in the study and Emotional Touchpoint technique was used to elicit participant experiences. Data were analysed using an adapted version of the Senses Framework, originally proposed by Nolan et al. (2006). The results demonstrate the importance that students and their PDTs attach to the relationship and how elements of care arising from the Senses Framework are fundamental to developing and sustaining this relationship. Further, it is apparent that role modelling in relation to care is considered an important element of the PDT role which has relevance to nurse education and practice. In light of these findings a range of strategies are proposed to enhance the PDT relationship by utilising a modified version of the Senses Framework as a model for PDT and student interaction.