The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 37 No. 4 July/August 2006
By Margaret McAllister, RN, MEd, EdD; Sonya R. Osborne, RN, MN, CNOR
ABSTRACT
The current expectation in health care for nurses to use research evidence when making decisions about patient care practices requires a change in the culture of nursing service delivery. There are many different approaches to support this change. One approach frequently referred to in contemporary literature is practice development, which aims not just for understanding and acquiring new knowledge, but also for implementing change by improving clinical practice and increasing effectiveness in patient care. Its success depends on skilled change agents or facilitators. This article discusses strategies used in a workshop to educate and prepare practice development facilitators for effecting change.
AUTHORS
Dr. McAllister is Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Ms. Osborne is Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, with joint appointment, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Margaret McAllister, RN, MEd, EdD, Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
