Theory-based practice in a major medical centre

Aims: This project was designed to improve care quality and nursing staff satisfaction.

Background: Nursing theory structures thought and action as demonstrated by evidence of improvement in complex health-care settings. Nursing administrators selected Modelling and Role-Modelling (MRM) for the theory-based practice goal in their strategic plan.

Methods: An action research approach structured implementation of MRM in a 1-year consultation project in 2001-2002.

Results: Quality of health care improved according to national quality assessment ratings, as well as patient satisfaction and nurse satisfaction.

Conclusions: Modelling and Role-Modelling demonstrated capacity to structure nursing thought and action in patient care in a major medical centre. Uniformity of patient care language was valued by nurses as well as by allied health providers who wished to learn the holistic MRM style of practice. The processes of MRM and action research contributed to project success.

Implications for nursing management: A positive health-care change project was carried out in a large medical centre with action research. Introducing MRM theory-based practice was a beneficial decision by nursing administration that improved care and nurse satisfaction. Attention to nursing practice stimulated career development among the nurses to pursue bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.