Bridging the "theory-practice gap" in renal nursing: establishing a renal professional practice model. Experiences of the Adam Linton Dialysis Unit.

The renal program (RP) at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) chose to implement a professional practice model (PPM). This paper examines the implementation and maintenance issues of the renal professional practice model (RPPM) at the Adam Linton Dialysis Unit (ALU), one unit of several dialysis units affiliated with the LHSC RP. The discussion includes primary nursing as the care delivery system for the RPPM. Attention is paid to experiences post program transfer--when the renal programs from St. Joseph's Health Centre and LHSC merged. The final focus of this paper is on the practical experiences of nurses at the ALU while using this model. Included are: Systems in place to support the success of this model. How leadership and staff contributed to the model's success. How this model might have improved patient outcomes. How this model could enhance both patient and staff satisfaction.