Theory-practice debate: setting the scene.

The theory-practice debate has not been given prominence in Australian nursing literature. This paper considers the origins of the debate by tracing its history through predominantly overseas nursing literature. It considers the role of nursing theory in nursing practice from three perspectives: that theory guides practice; that practice is a source of theory and that theory and practice inform each other. After concluding that a theory-practice gap exists, ways in which it can be reduced are considered. These strategies fall within the realms of clinical practice, nursing theory development and nursing research. Finally, the role that a critical social science perspective could play in addressing theory-practice issues is briefly examined.