title: Improving continence services--a case study in policy influence.
abstract: This article presents a case history of the process followed by a group of nurses who used their power and influence to improve the provision of continence services within the National Health Service in England. The process and outcomes demonstrate how nurses can achieve change using their political influence combined with a planned or evolving strategy.
authors.affiliation: Policy and Practice, Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, London, UK. sue.thomas@rcn.org.uk
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Billington
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Getliffe
mesh_terms: D004739:England; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008402:Mass Media; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D011209:Power, Psychological; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*