Project 2000: a new preparation for practice--has policy been realized? Part I

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Educational Reform
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Project 2000, established in 1984, aimed to reform UK nursing, midwifery, and health visiting education.
• The project represented a significant and extensive change in professional training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the policy formulation and implementation of Project 2000.
• To assess the success and outcomes of this major educational reform.
• To analyze policy changes and additions throughout the process.

Main Methods:

• A policy review approach was used, examining initiation, formulation, political decisions, outputs, implementation, and outcomes.
• Two policy models served as the guiding framework for the review.
• The focus was specifically on policy implementation within England.

Main Results:

• The review identifies the extent to which Project 2000's original proposals were realized.
• It documents policy changes and additions that occurred during the implementation phase.
• The study provides a comprehensive macro-review, integrating policy initiation with implementation.

Conclusions:

• The study offers insights into the successes and challenges of large-scale policy implementation in healthcare education.
• It provides a historical record to inform future policy planning for the 21st century.
• Understanding past policy processes is crucial for effective future reforms in nursing, midwifery, and health visiting.