Towards knowledge-based practice; an evaluation of a method of dissemination.

This paper describes a method for the dissemination of research-based information to nurses. The approach involved the development and evaluation of a clinical information pack relating to the management of leg ulcers. The evaluation incorporated a pre-post test two group experimental design. The sample comprised 171 qualified community nurses working in five health authorities. Data were collected by means of two extensive questionnaires administered to groups of nurses. The study collected large amounts of descriptive data pertaining to nurses' clinical practices in the care of this patient group. It also uncovered important factors, quite independent of leg ulcers, related to relationship between research and clinical practice, and the way information is disseminated to practitioners. These independent findings and their implications are discussed here.