Networking for research dissemination: Collaboration between education and practice

Abstract

Current initiatives in the central production of rigorous reviews of the evidence for effectiveness in health care require efficient mechanisms for dissemination to individual practitioners. Nursing needs to ensure that sources of information about 'effectiveness' are routinely accessed, and that the skills to find, evaluate and utilise systematic reviews are available to improve care delivery and develop practice. A collaborative approach between education and practice is proposed, using a network of 'link practitioners' to ensure continuous awareness and dissemination of research. Working together to access the best currently available evidence for practice reduces duplication, shares costs, and ensures that the benefits of combined collaborative participation are greater than the individual contribution of each participating organisation. [ NT Research 1: 2, 113-118]