title: Context, convergence and contingency: political leadership for nursing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper attempts to illuminate some of the factors necessary to influence policy, using recent changes in the UK research policy as a case study.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Changes in the UK research policy have shown how the profession can successfully influence a government agenda.
  
  
  METHODS
  The paper critically reviews recent UK research policy with relevance for nursing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Successful policy change in nursing requires a contingent alignment of professional and governmental agendas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although nursing research has made significant gains over the last 10 years, there is need for the continued development of politically minded research leadership, lest these gains be lost.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Policy in Nursing Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Anne Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rafferty
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Traynor
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D016294:Models, Nursing; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom