Evaluation of an action research project in ophthalmic nursing practice.

Aim: This paper reports the evaluation phase of an action research project that promoted face-down posturing of patients following vitreo-retinal surgery for macular hole to enhance patient outcomes. The evaluation phase identified areas of practice needing further development from the perspectives of those involved with the care of patients.

Background: To achieve best results following surgical repair of macular hole, patients are required to posture face down for several weeks.

Advancing ophthalmic nursing practice through action research.

Aim: This paper reports an action research project that promoted posturing face down following macular hole surgery and aimed to enhance patient outcomes. This paper gives an overview of the process and outcomes of the first three of four phases of the project: problem identification, planning and action. The fourth phase, which was an evaluation of the project, is reported in another paper.