ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses issues faced when trying to build clinical practice on research findings and evidence. It focuses on some of the difficulties faced when implementing research findings in practice. The chapter explores varying perspectives on how nurses can get the balance right between the ‘scientific’ approach of the application of research in practice, and a clinician’s intuition, experience and knowledge. There are many factors that need to be considered when mental health nurses practise. Patients’ individual experiences and outcomes; the strength of the therapeutic relationship; the nurse’s skill, knowledge, intuition and experience; the robustness of evidence-based policies to support practice; and the application of measurable standards and research all have a part to play. The chapter shows that it is not just the application of research that is important, but how a nurse balances this with what the patient actually wants and what works for them.
