At the beginning of your career, you probably had a real sense of achievement from learning new skills and demonstrating competence in carrying out technical tasks. As an experienced professional, applying practice-based skills is only one part of what you do. Ann Brechin, sub dean and senior lecturer at the Open University’s School of Health and Social Welfare, looks at the meaning and value of critical practice

The term ‘critical’ is used here to refer to open-minded, reflective appraisal that takes account of different perspectives, experiences and assumptions. It is not about being negative and destructive.