ABSTRACT
Research, theory and practice are closely entwined. In the previous chapter research issues relating to patient education were examined. In this chapter theory relating to the education of adults will be discussed, while the focus of the next two chapters will be the practice of patient education. In reality these three areas are not independent of each other. The interdependence of research, theory and practice has been likened to a three-legged stool. If any one of the three legs is missing the entire stool becomes useless. Similarly, if nursing does not strive to unite research, theory and practice, resultant nursing activity will be less effective.
