Promoting nursing research through newsletters

Promoting research in clinical practice: strategies for implementing research initiatives

Promoting the use and conduct of research in clinical practice is an essential component in ensuring best practices and promoting positive outcomes for patients. Yet, it is often difficult for nurses in clinical practice to devote time to research activities because the daily demands of practice often take precedence. This article reviews key strategies for implementing research in clinical practice. Examples of ongoing initiatives being conducted at a variety of clinical settings are highlighted to showcase strategies for implementing clinically focused research projects.

Engaging staff nurses in evidence-based research to identify nursing practice problems and solutions

This article illustrates how one academic health science center in a large metropolitan area sought to improve the quality of patient care by soliciting the input of their nursing staff in devising an action plan for change. The research model incorporated both survey and focus group methods used by nursing leaders in administration and practice to identify and prioritize nursing research and clinical needs in their organization. The goal was to establish consensus among clinicians and researchers about significant issues in the institution requiring in-depth attention. A second objective was to design a survey instrument that is easy to complete and could be distributed, collected, and analyzed easily, thereby providing empirical data to the clinicians in a timely manner and in a simple format. This expedited process enabled specific action plans to be developed around the identified problems. Moreover, the process promoted interest in advancing nursing research and evidence-based practice among the clinicians and administrators.