Writing for publication made easy for nurses: an evaluation.

Aim: The purpose of the project was to encourage and support nurses to write papers for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Background: Writing for publication is an important nursing role as it is a means of communicating knowledge, skills and experiences to improve patient outcomes. Despite the importance, nurses have limited confidence and experiences with publishing nursing developments.

Methods: A comprehensive development programme was designed to provide direction and leadership on how to write for publication. Fifty participants attended the programme and it was led and supported by two experienced facilitators.

Results: A multi-method approach to evaluation was undertaken including attendance, an evaluation questionnaire, a focus group and a review of writing outcomes. By one year from commencement of programme, 25% had submitted a paper for peer review publication. The programme created and sustained motivation to write and participants valued the taught focused sessions as well as the unstructured group discussion sessions.

Conclusion: The writing for publication programme for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals was successful.