Toward a practice theory of caring for patients with chronic skin disease

The purpose of this study was to provide a description and interpretation of the practical knowledge embedded in the practice of a group of experienced nurses caring for patients suffering from chronic skin disease. A practice theory was uncovered encompassing the nurses' underlying "model" of persons living with chronic skin disease, the values/goals for their care, action strategies utilized to realize the values, and the context framing their understanding and practice. The practice theory is proposed as a useful tool to systematize, communicate, reflect upon, refine, and extend the clinical practice of experienced nurses caring for this group of patients. The theory is also proposed as an example of how practical knowledge in other specialty areas may be systematized in order to communicate that knowledge efficiently. A scholarly discussion is needed about how best to communicate the invaluable resource of knowledge embedded in the practice of experienced nurses.