Book excerpt: How does nursing knowledge develop and how do we incorporate this knowledge into the practice of nursing? Is it possible for nursing theory to address the needs of clinical practice? These key questions in the field of nursing are explored in this groundbreaking work. Based on their five-year experience as co-chairs of the New England Knowledge Conferences and the contributions of nurse clinicians and academics, the book addresses issues critical to improving the quality and delivery of health care. Concentrating on four major themes--the current state of nursing knowledge, the philosophy of nursing knowledge, the integration of nursing knowledge with practice, and examples of the impact on health care delivery when nursing knowledge is applied--Nursing Knowledge Development and Clinical Practice gives concrete examples of how nursing knowledge can improve nursing practice and overall health care delivery both today and in the future.