Self-serving and other-serving: matters of trust and intent

This column explores the notions of self-serving and other-serving in light of research activity and other innovations that have an impact on quality of patient care and focus of nursing practice, especially in healthcare organizations. Of particular interest are consequences of research activity and its impact on nurse and patient experiences. Academic health sciences centres, by virtue of their commitment to research, provide unique opportunities to examine the intentions and actions of staff in upholding interests of patients, or not. Matters of trust and the meaning for individuals and organizations are considered and nursing theory is described as the best framework for interpreting and evidence or best practice guidelines.