Among current research being carried out in the nursing department at Liverpool University is an evaluation of new innovations in nursing practice. The relative success of a pilot project in which district nurses were allowed to write patient prescriptions is being evaluated with the department focusing on its impact on nurses, doctors and patients. Also being investigated is the level of information and decision-making power which should be made available to patients. Research is being undertaken in relation to breast cancer patients in order to establish what level of patient participation is most desirable.