Nursing history was a core component of nurse training programs as early as 1907, when American Adelaide Nutting published her three-volume history. However, it had all but disappeared by the end of the 20th century, supplanted by other subjects. The University of Ottawa Nursing History Research Unit developed two online nursing history courses, in English and French, respectively, which proved popular and prompted substantial interest in the reintroduction of nursing history to our curriculum. This article presents findings of a study that examined the concept of "historical thinking"-what it is, how it develops, and what it contributes to practice-based professions-based on student postings in these courses. Analysis suggests that primary sources and critical appraisal skills are keys to the formation of historical thinking, and that these courses fostered a strong sense of professional identity among participants who often lamented lack of previous exposure to nursing history. Online nursing history courses can capitalize on e-learning technologies, and fit crowded curricula and student learning styles, while extending the reach of historians beyond traditional university walls.

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Background  Evidence-based recommendations for heart failure self-management are contained in quality clinical practice guidelines. To implement these in practice requires additional translation. Partners in Care for Congestive Heart Failure (PCCHF) is a set of resource materials developed to encourage heart failure patients and their families to assume greater responsibility and to participate in daily decision-making related to their illness experience by enhancing their self-assessment and self-management skills. The study objectives were to evaluate its use, acceptability and relevance of this approach by heart failure patients, nurses and policy-makers. Methods  A pre-post study was conducted across 10 rural-urban, acute and community care sites within three Canadian provinces and one US state. Patients' health-related quality of life was assessed with Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Short Form before and 6 weeks after using the PCCHF program. Nurses completed a survey and participated in focus groups. Policy-makers were interviewed before and post implementation. Results  Baseline and 6-week measures were completed by 239 patients. Health-related quality of life measures revealed statistically significant improvement after 6 weeks. Thirty-three nurses and 19 policy-makers participated in interviews post implementation. Most patients, nurses and policy-makers found the resource acceptable and relevant to support information needs. Conclusion  The PCCHF program positively benefited both patients and clinical staff. The evidence-based teaching materials were considered a useful resource for self-management with heart failure. Time constraints and high staff turnover underline the need for resources like PCCHF to assist in patient-oriented heart failure self-management. Copyright for PCCHF has been transferred to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation for widespread dissemination.

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