Editorial Policy

Expert commissioning

The learning modules on RCNi Learning are written by commissioned experts in various fields of nursing, as guided in part by the RCNi editorial advisory board and an evidence and practice advisory panel. As such, all of our learning modules can be used by nurses for continuing professional development and revalidation.

External double-blind peer review

All RCNi Learning modules are reviewed by experienced clinical editors and an extensive and regularly updated panel of external reviewers who include academics, nurse leaders and senior nurse practitioners. A double-blind peer review process is used for all new learning modules, and the content is checked for plagiarism using automated software.

We also regularly review and update our learning modules, prioritising those most affected by the release of new or updated clinical guidance, new evidence or changes in evidence-based practice.

Evidence-based learning

RCNi Learning modules reflect up-to-date clinical practice and current UK guidelines and policy as much as possible, in addition to including international evidence where relevant. Each topic contains a resource of reputable references and weblinks that nurses can use to extend their learning and CPD, for example to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, various government bodies across the UK, as well as to Cochrane reviews and seminal research studies.

Editing and online publication

Once a learning module has successfully undergone external peer review to ensure accuracy, validity and relevance, it is edited in-house by a team of experienced scientific and clinical editors as part of the quality assurance process before online publication. Nursing Standard, our flagship journal for nurses, is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and all of RCNi's articles and learning modules seek to maintain the highest possible editorial and ethical standards.

Disclaimer

We rely on our contributors, authors and reviewers to confirm the accuracy of the information presented, and users should be aware that professionals in the field can have different opinions. Because of this, as well as advances in research evidence and the possibility of human error, users should independently verify specified diagnosis methods, evidence, treatments, follow up, drugs and any contraindications or side effects, for example by referring to manufacturers guidance.

About RCNi

RCNi is a life-long learning partner for nurses providing peer-reviewed evidence-based clinical and CPD articles, CPD learning modules and the RCNi Revalidation Portfolio. RCNi is a subsidiary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).