The Helen Macpherson Smith Institute of Community Health

The Institute seeks to promote excellence in clinical practice in community health. Comprising two departments, Education and Training Services and Research and Development, the Institute is responsible for the integration of education and research findings into evidence-based models of care to advance excellence in community nursing practice.

Research and Development

The Research and Development Department has responsibility for undertaking original research, community nurse program evaluation, and providing research support to the Clinical Leadership Groups (CLG).

The department’s strategic plan and research activities are developed and reviewed to ensure consistency with the directions of the RDNS Board for the organisation and the Institute. They are also responsive to the Victorian and Australian Government’s plans for changes to the delivery of Home and Community Care (HACC) services centred on the Active Service Model.  Research priority areas for 2010 – 2012 are translating evidence into practice and self-management in partnership.

Clinical Development

The Clinical Development department aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of nurses, care workers and others by incorporating a framework of evidence-based and best practice into all it does. The department maintains excellence in service delivery by remaining responsive to changing needs and practices and by ensuring that quality distinguishes all it does.  Remaining flexible, equitable and diverse, the department offers a broad range of courses and programs both internally and externally.  These include both accredited and non-accredited offerings.  Delivery modes incorporate principles of adult learning through classroom-based, distance and eLearning education and training.