scullion p.a. (2010) Models of disability: their influence in nursing and potential role in challenging discrimination. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(3), 697–707. Abstract Aim.  This paper presents a discussion of medical and social models of disability associated with experiences of disabled people as citizens and patients. Background.  Disability is fairly universally a negative concept. Disabled people have frequent contact with health services, however much of this experience is viewed as discriminatory. Data sources.  Literature was obtained using the Psych‐INFO, Medline and CINAHL databases for the years 1989–2009, using derivatives of the concept ‘disability’ and associated ‘models’, and then these terms combined with ‘nursing’. Discussion.  Nursing as a profession embraces the need to avoid discrimination, yet disability as an equal opportunity issue is relatively neglected in nursing. Nursing has a moral, professional and, in some countries, a legal responsibility to promote disability equality in the provision of nursing services. Insights offered by the social model of disability may be instrumental in empowering nurses to respond to this obligation. While some groups may not be well‐represented in this model and there is risk in embracing the social model of exposing a policy‐practice divide, it nevertheless represents a powerful tool for strengthening nurses’ advocacy role. In particular, ‘social advocacy’ may be enhanced by a paradigm shift away from the medical model of disability. Implications for nursing.  Nurses have an obligation to promote disability equality in relation to the provision of health care. Adoption of the social model of disability in nursing practice, education and research as a strategy to challenge discrimination should be seriously considered. Conclusion.  The utility value of the social model of disability in strengthening the social advocacy role of nurses should be investigated.

This paper reports on part of a larger study which examined the nature and influence of a pre-registration nursing curriculum on the preparation of student nurses to work with disabled people. Following case study methodology it focuses on how 'disability' is conceptualized by teachers and adult branch students involved in a particular curriculum. Definitions and working assumptions concerning disability held by nurses are likely to influence ways in which disabled people are cared for. The experiences of disabled people suggest that their contact with nurses is demeaning and disempowering. Some disabled people support a reconceptualization of 'disability', from a largely medical perspective to one which embraces its social dimensions. The results of thematic analysis of data from 16 semi-structured interviews are reported; these support the need for the social dimensions of disability to be given greater emphasis within nursing. Disability was found to be conceptualized as a form of deviation, a condition of dependency or a notion which defies definition. Language associated with disability was also highlighted as an area of concern. Implications for practice and education are alluded to in the light of increasing recognition of disability as an equality opportunity issue.

Dissemination of research findings or other key messages is increasingly acknowledged as a vital yet complex process. In this paper, Philip Scullion sets out to explore and disentangle some of these complexities, examine examples of successful dissemination strategies and provide valuable insights. It is argued that the process of dissemination needs to be afforded greater emphasis by project-funding bodies, research supervisors, researchers, and those responsible for implementing changes in clinical practice. Important initiatives are acknowledged before the concept of dissemination is explored. The source, message, medium and target groups, all key elements in the dissemination process, are then examined. It is argued that dissemination needs to be carefully considered at the design stage of research projects in relation to each of these elements. This paper concludes that the current commitment to research and evidence-based practice will have limited impact on patient care until a similar commitment to dissemination is evident at both corporate and individual levels.

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