<p>Practice development has evolved as an activity in health care that is committed to supporting evidence-based practice, person-centred care and quality care. This article seeks to place the emerging evidence for the need for new approaches to practice development in the context of primary care and current health policy. The literature related to community practice development is reviewed and potential opportunities and challenges are discussed. An overview of some work from a practice development unit based in a primary care trust setting is highlighted.</p>