Actualizing theory to practice: preparing for computerized information system research on a critical care unit

In preparation for conducting research on the work of nurses before and after the installation of a computerized information system on a critical care unit, an actualizing process was applied. This process, derived from Actualizing Theory, provided the researchers with an opportunity to study congruence and appropriateness among the components of the intended research. Actualizing Theory uses twelve main strategies to assist in linking theory to a concrete situation. These strategies were employed as the research proposal was being developed and helped both to clarify the fitness of the main components of the research and in representing them in operational form.