Multiprofessional Perceptions of a Paediatric Nursing Development Unit

This article describes the final component of the quinquennial evaluation of a King's Fund accredited nursing development unit (NDU) within a paediatric outpatient department of a large district general hospital during the period 1993-1998. The study draws upon descriptive data obtained through a questionnaire distributed to 83 members of staff associated with the outpatient department. Overall, the results demonstrate that NDU status has enabled staff to embrace the change process more readily than might have been possible otherwise. The basic premise that NDUs should promote nursing innovation is explored and critically evaluated.