Recognising and appreciating the artistry in professional practice: a means to researching and developing practice through insider practioner research.

Abstract

This study explores professional practice and examines an approach to research that could be useful for the practitioner in developing and extending their practice. The existence of artistry is recognised within professional practice (Schon 1983), and is important in making professional judgements (Fish and Coles 1998, pp. 28-53, de Cossart and Fish 2005). Therefore, as in the methodology proposed by Fish (1998), the artistic/holistic paradigm was adopted because this specifically enables the exploration of professional artistry and is suited to insider practitioner research. The study critically appraised the use of the proposed artistic/holistic paradigm. A case study approach was used in which the researcher was the case. A portrait of an episode in clinical practice was produced, followed by a critical appraisal of this portrait. These then became the portrait of research practice, which was equally appraised. This mirrors the process seen within the arts in which critical appreciation is a reflective process, deriving its rigour from the discipline and connoisseurship of the critic. The results demonstrate that the artistic/holistic paradigm is well suited to continuing professional development, both individually and corporately. The proposed paradigm does enable the recognition and exploration of professional artistry, both within clinical and research practice. Professional practice has a moral foundation and it was shown that this must be openly recognised if meaningful professional development is to occur. Evidencebased medicine, which is founded on the technical-rational view of practice, was shown to be insufficient for the professional's ongoing development. This, and similar work, will impact and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the traditions of the profession.