title: Exploring the impact of the implementation of a nursing clinical development unit program: what outcomes are evident?
abstract: Nursing Clinical Development Units have become popular as a framework for the facilitation of the professional development of nursing and to contribute to improved outcomes for consumers of health care services. An exploratory evaluation of the Nursing Clinical Development Unit program implemented by the Centre for Psychiatric Nursing Research and Practice was undertaken using a qualitative approach. This paper focuses on the findings relating to outcomes. A number of positive outcomes were identified including: changes within nursing practices; the development of more positive attitudes by nurses, a greater focus on research utilization and evidence-based practice; and an increase in professional development activities, including conference presentations. Despite these positive findings, the need for more structured evaluation and an increased emphasis on dissemination of findings was identified.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Psychiatric Nursing Research and Practice, School of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, 1/723 Swantson Street, Carlton 3010, Victoria, Australia. b.Happell@nursing.unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
authors.forename: Trish
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007857:Leadership; D009746:Nursing, Team; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016730:Program Development; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D014739:Victoria