Experiences and perceptions of the theory-practice gap in nursing in a resource-constrained setting: A qualitative description study.

Aim: To describe experiences and perceptions of theory-practice gap in nursing in a resource-constrained setting. Theory-practice gap is extensively discussed and studied in some parts of the world. Interventions to bridge the theory-practice gap have been varied and depend on an understanding of the contextual healthcare environment. Experiences and perceptions of the theory-practice gap in a resource-constrained setting have not been comprehensively described.

Design: A qualitative description methodology was used.

Methods: Maximum variation sampling based on role in the events of theory-practice gap was used to recruit student nurses, nurse faculty and clinicians from two study sites for focus group discussions. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Results: Five themes were identified: system inadequacies; resource constraints; challenges of the clinical learning environment; clinical placement and supervision; and nurse faculty factors. Systems inadequacy and resource constraints formed the spine of the challenges contributing to the theory-practice gap in the research setting.