Evaluation and its importance for nursing practice

This article discusses the importance of evaluation of service delivery in nursing practice which is becoming increasingly used and led by nurses who are well placed to evaluate service and practice delivery. We start by defining evaluation of services and wider care delivery and its relevance in current NHS practice and policy, setting the current healthcare context. We help you think about how evaluation of services or practice is different from research and audit activity and to consider why and how you should use evaluation in your practice. The steps that can be involved in planning for an evaluation are presented, which will help you design a service evaluationan evaluation. Evaluation in the healthcare context can be a challenging activity and some of the potential issues of such work are presented, alongside suggestions as to how these challenges might be overcome. Finally, we highlight further resources and guidance on evaluation activity to support your ongoing development.