Health care is undergoing its most fundamental restructuring since the establishment of the welfare state. Community nursing is at the forefront of these changes and is undergoing huge shifts in priorities, funding and roles. As post-registration education in this area also changes to meet these changing needs, research and evidence-based care become key issues in understanding and demonstrating the need for community nursing. Understanding how national policy translates to local practice issues is a key priority for nurses working in all areas of community practice. Using empirical case studies, this book explores a range of key practice issues, and aims to evaluate the contribution which nursing makes in the community. The text emphasises, explores and evaluates three themes:

The shift from secondary to primary care

Establishing needs and priority care

The role of evaluation in evidence-based practice.

Written by leading commentator s in nursing, policy and research, each chapter isbased on substantial research and case studies in practice, and focuses on the importance of evaluation. The book is organised into three sections, exploring how evaluation is needed at the organisational level, in the practice arena and in education andtraining. Clearly written and authoritative, this book will provide an evidence-based resource for all community nurses.