Making evidence work for community nursing: A strategy to support the implementation of evidence-informed policy and practice through the Institute of Community Health Nursing

摘要

The Institute of Community Health Nursing (ICHN) has played a central role in generating and utilising evidence, and it provides significant support for community nurses through their sub-group structure (palliative care; child and family; school nursing; and population health), as well as their direct support for evidence-informed care in the community. The ICHN recently published reports on validating public health nursing actions using the American Intervention Wheel (Population Health Interest Group, 2013) and a preliminary report on a national audit of PHN nursing documentation (Pye, 2013). Both reports will be very helpful in aligning various developments around nursing in the community.udDespite these developments, however, there are gaps in the knowledge base for those working in community nursing practice and management. It is, therefore, timely that a strategic approach be adopted to systematically identify and meet these needs, given the changes that are taking place. These changes include areas related to policy (e.g. the Department of Health’s (2013) Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing); the HSE clinical programmes; legislation (e.g. mandatory reporting of child protection concerns); and service structures (e.g. the forthcoming Child and Family Agency). All these developments have implications for those working in community settings.