Ophthalmic theatre nursing. Part 1. Frameworks for practice.

This is the first paper of two reporting on the development and evaluation of a nursing framework for the care of patients in ophthalmic theatres. The first paper describes the background of the project and considers some philosophical constructs of nursing in ophthalmic operating departments. Six core goals of nursing care which correspond to the needs of patients are outlined. The second paper discusses the project design and the refinement of the framework for practice. The framework for practice is found on the ward-theatre communication sheet, and was evaluated via retrospective audit.