A psychological re-analysis of the scientist-practitioner model

For decades, NHS clinical psychologists have struggled to implement the sci entist-practitioner model of professional practice. The pressure for effect iveness and efficiency in health services internationally, and the advent o f the NHS research and development (R & D) strategy in the UK make this a s uitable moment to reframe this model, in favour of the more attainable, com plementary and timely approaches of 'empirical clinician', 'evaluative clin ical scientist' and 'clinical scientist'. As well as being harmonious with the R & D programme, these more discrete models of professional practice ca n facilitate arrangements for basic training and continuing professional de velopment. In this review paper, the R & D strategy is analysed from the st andpoint of a 'self-regulation' model, as applied to clinical psychology. T his psychologically reflexive approach focuses attention on the need for pr ofessions to observe their own research behaviour, to set appropriate impro vement goals for themselves, and to alter their behaviour if they are to ad apt successfully to the changed NHS. The literature concerned with modifyin g the behaviour of a range of professionals is used to highlight promising ways to self-manage effectively in the future. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.