1334 The use of action research strategy to improve nursing care planning and documentation in an acute cancer hospital trust

Abstract

The assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individualized nursing care (The Nursing Process) by nurses in an Acute Cancer Care Trust (Christie Hospital N.H.S. Trust) was affected by changes in nursing practice which were introduced to the profession over time, for example: the use of nursing models, the introduction of patient's charter and the concept of the "named nurse". This presentation illustrates the use of action research methodology to manage improvements and a variety ofresearch strategies used, are described, which include: soft systems methodology, (Checkland and Scholes 1993)qualitative, and quantitative research strategies, the validity of the action research was addressed by triangulation. This project improved the quality of patient care documentation to meet both legal and professional requirements. Checkland P. B. and Scholes J., <i>Soft systems merhodology in action</i>, London, Wiley, 1993.