Attempting to set up a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to provide an account of an attempt to set up a randomised control trial (RCT) to evaluate the effects of programmes of continuing professional education on nursing practice.


METHODS
The logistical and methodological challenges of the RCT are described, and an alternative quasi-experimental approach is outlined.


RESULTS
It was not possible to obtain a sample of potential students due to the many constraints put on managers, mainly in relation to maintaining staff morale and providing a service while staff are away on courses.


CONCLUSIONS
Few studies into the effects of education on nursing practice adopt a randomised control trial (RCT) methodology. Most continue to be process rather than outcome oriented, focusing on such things as teaching and learning strategies. This might be related to the methodological challenges posed by the RCT when applied in social settings.
Ellis
L
L
University of Sheffield School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Davies
S
S
Laker
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000592:standards*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research / Q000379:methods*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires