Using action research to construct national evidence-based nursing care guidance for gerontological nursing.

Aim: This paper explores the development of a low-cost, involving methodology for constructing nursing-focused evidence-based national care guidance, known as Best Practice Statements, the intended users of which are gerontological nurses practising throughout Scotland.

Design: The Best Practice Statement construction methodology forms one cycle in a five-year longitudinal action research study that aims to achieve evidence-based nursing, facilitate professional networking to support practice development and promote the principles and practice of gerontological nursing. Achieving these aims involved designing a virtual Practice Development College.

Progressing evidence-based practice: an effective nursing model?

Aims: This paper presents findings from telephone interviews completed with link nurses 2 years into the project to explore how participation progressed achievement of evidence-based practice where the link nurses worked.

Background: In 2001, an innovative practice development initiative was launched in Scotland. A national network of experienced nurses from across the country was recruited to form the inaugural Community of Practice.