Practice-education synergy: a research focus on continuity of care

In this article we have described one focus of an ongoing partnership between a VHA medical center and a university-based school of nursing: to improve patient outcomes through a research program focused on patient-centered continuity of care. A nursing effectiveness and patient outcomes matrix was introduced as a framework to guide variable identification, including nursing-specific outcomes. Opportunities and challenges inherent in developing this program of research were discussed. The synergy of a successful practice-education collaboration not only strengthens the links between practice and education but may also directly affect patient-centered outcomes of nursing care.