Implementing research findings into practice: improving and developing services for women with serious and enduring mental health problems

This paper discusses the process that is currently being undertaken to improve and develop services for women with serious and enduring mental health problems in one specialist psychiatric service. The paper begins by highlighting the particular service needs of this group of women. The process of translating the research evidence into practice is then explored by highlighting the comprehensive preparatory work that was required, how a women's special interest group was established, the choice of a model to guide change and development, and a review of progress to date. The paper concludes by arguing that one of the means of maintaining the current momentum for change will be the celebration and acknowledgement of success.