This booklet sets out to examine the concept of empowerment; to look at how it is demonstrated through the changing roles within the Nursing Development Unit (NDUs); and to think about the effect it has on the patient. This series looks at some ways nurses in NDUs have tried to make their nursing more beneficial to patients. The nurses assess to what extent their initiatives really do contribute to patient well-being and what has helped them bring about the changes. Each book will help nurses to introduce new ideas to their work and will suggest ways to evaluate changing practices.