This article describes the application of constant comparative analysis, which is one method that can be used to analyse qualitative data. The need for data analysis to be congruent with the overall research design is highlighted.

Clinical guidelines and care protocols are intended to provide information, based on an appraisal of the current best evidence of clinical and cost-effectiveness, regarding therapeutic interventions for given conditions. With the establishment of the National Collaborating Centre for Nursing as a part of National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), it is anticipated that an increasing number of clinical guidelines that focus on aspects of nursing care will be developed at a national level. The Department of Health also aims to introduce nationally agreed multidisciplinary care protocols which will dictate how certain conditions are to be managed. These developments have the potential to enhance healthcare provision and nursing practice. However, they also introduce potential dilemmas for nurses. This paper discusses some of the issues involved in the development and implementation of clinical guidelines and care protocols in intensive care nursing.

Empowering patients is a central element of nursing care, according to the RCN (2003). This article discusses the reality of changing the balance of power in health care, awareness of types of knowledge and the ways in which power may consciously or subconsciously be used. It also includes awareness of the financial and political aspects of health care and how these affect patient choice.

The evidence from this study suggests that SDL has elusive qualities which defy precise definition. It appears that attempting such a definition and reducing SDL to an observable form may detract from its perceived value. It can be inferred from this study that in order to implement SDL issues of control and autonomy within the learning environment merit further exploration, rather than simply focusing on observable teaching and learning tools or methods.

Insider research, that is, conducting research in an organisation or culture to which the researcher belongs, poses specific problems for the design and conduct of a research study. In particular, researchers need to take account of the influence their connection with the culture has on the results and how they are interpreted. Benefits of this research approach include collecting in-depth data on the subject. In a personal account of her experiences of insider research, the author identifies some of these issues and makes suggestions about how they can be resolved.