Closing The Theory : Practice Gap

Focuses on changing approaches to nursing, encompassing concepts of practice and the ways in which theory is generated and disseminated. This book discusses ways of bringing nursing theory closer to practice, integrating models of theory, practice, research and education. It presents working examples of initiatives in practice, and other areas.

This book focuses on changing approaches to nursing, encompassing current concepts of practice and the ways in which theory is generated and disseminated. Nursing practice has moved from a task orientated discipline to being patient-centred, and from addressing effective ways of nursing groups of patients with similar problems to holistic care. However, methods of research and education have not kept pace. Change has begun, but an even greater leap is required to achieve seamlessness and excellence in the care that is given to patients. This book suggests how it might be achieved. The first part of the book discusses ways of bringing nursing theory closer to practice, integrating models of theory, practice, research and education, and is based on a vision of the nurse as an autonomous professional. The second part presents working examples of initiatives in, amongst other areas, practice, action research and curriculum development. * Presents a unique perspective on the theory and practice of nursing * Examines how to draw together theory and practice - a major issue for all practising nurses * Recommendations for a new, integrated approach