Commentary. Managing the clinical setting for best nursing practice: a brief overview of contemporary initiatives AMANDA HENDERSON PhD, RN, RM 1 and SARAH WINCH PhD, RN 2 1 Nursing Director (Education), Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba; Professor, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia and 2 Nursing Director (Research), Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba; Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia Introduction There are several well-acknowledged contemporary strategies that promote quality nursing care, for exam- ple, the Magnet Recognition Program (MRP), Practice and Clinical Development Units (PDU, CDU), and structured frameworks for the implementation of evi- dence into practice. The basis of each strategy differs according to the identified need at the time of its inception. For example, the MRP was born out of the need to recruit and retain staff, PDUs and CDUs arose from an awareness that systematic development of knowledge in clinical practice, combined with rigorous review and reflection, could enhance nursing practice and ultimately patient care. Frameworks for the implementation of evidence into practice are premised on the belief that utilizing research findings in practice maximizes efficiency and quality. Despite these different origins, there are perhaps greater similarities than dif- ferences when these diverse approaches are translated into action in the clinical setting. Arguably, the multi- faceted approaches to clinical practice improvement that have a direct impact on patient care arise from a common basis in workplace culture. Correspondence Dr Amanda Henderson Nursing Director (Education) Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland Australia E-mail: amanda_henderson@healt h.qld.gov.au HENDERSON A . & WINCH S . (2008) Journal of Nursing Management 16, 92–95 Commentary. Managing the clinical setting for best nursing practice: a brief overview of contemporary initiatives Background Leadership strategies are important in facilitating the nursing profes- sion to reach their optimum standards in the practice environment. Aim To compare and contrast the central tenets of contemporary quality initiatives that are commensurate with enabling the environment so that best practice can occur. Key issues Democratic leadership, accessible and relevant education and profes- sional development, the incorporation of evidence into practice and the ability of facilities to be responsive to change are core considerations for the successful maintenance of practice standards that are consistent with best nursing practice. Conclusion While different concerns of management drive the adoption of con- temporary approaches, there are many similarities in the how these approaches are translated into action in the clinical setting. Implications for nursing management Managers should focus on core principles of professional nursing that add value to practice rather than business processes. Keywords: clinical development units, education, evidence-based practice, leadership, magnet hospital, quality Accepted for publication: 15 May 2007 Journal of Nursing Management, 2008, 16, 92–95 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2934.2007.00803.x 92 ª 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation ª 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd