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Xing Y, Wang X, Zhang C, Yuan W, Chen X, Luan W. Characteristics and duties of clinical research nurses: a scoping review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1333230. [PMID: 38304098 PMCID: PMC10830629 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1333230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The characteristics and duties of clinical research nurses (CRNs) are constantly developing and changing with the progress of medical technology and increasing needs in patient care. With the continuous deepening and standardization of clinical trials, the importance and status of CRNs during the whole process of clinical trials are also increasingly valued. Methods A scoping review of studies related to the characteristics and duties of CRNs was conducted to clarify relevant roles and concepts. An electronic search was conducted on three English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang database) in December 2023. Two authors independently screened the literature, extracted information from the included literature, and summarized and reported the findings. Results A total of 26 articles published between 1991 and 2023 were analyzed, and four characteristics of CRNs were identified as participants and managers of clinical trials, caregivers and protectors of subjects, coordinators of research teams, and educators. Basic knowledge, skills and literacy, communication and coordination ability, and advanced research ability are the competencies required for CRNs. Conclusion Further studies should focus on the importance of various characteristics of CRNs, so as to improve the quality of clinical trials and promote clinical evidence-based practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xing
- Nursing Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengrui Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing, Shanghai, China
| | - Weian Yuan
- GCP Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Hospital Management Office of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Luan
- Nursing Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
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Gardiner S, MacLellan J. Delivering Covid-19 research during the UK pandemic: Experiences of a local research taskforce. J Adv Nurs 2021; 78:1402-1412. [PMID: 34825727 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM During the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, clinical research nurses had to work in new ways and under significant pressure to generate evidence for the developing health crisis. Research nurse support needs, personal and professional challenges have not been explored. This study addresses that gap, generating learning for continued support and development of the research nurse specialty and its ability to respond to public health priorities. DESIGN We employed a qualitative exploratory approach through online open-ended interviews to explore research nurses' experiences of delivering research during the pandemic using principles of Grounded Theory. METHODS Fifteen research nurses in the local research taskforce were identified through purposive sampling. Qualitative interviews were conducted online between November 2020 and January 2021 and analysed using the principles of constructivist grounded theory. RESULTS Three themes of adapting to uncertainty, inclusive leadership and finding validity in the stretch zone were generated in the analysis. CONCLUSION A model of inclusive leadership and support can facilitate high-functioning performance in a research team, supporting a rapid, confident and efficient response to research needs. IMPACT Research nurses, a previously invisible workforce, have proved critical to the pandemic response. This study explores the experiences of a team of redeployed research nurses and develops a theory of their experience as they were undertaking the rapid delivery of urgent public health studies during COVID-19. What was found was a process of adaptation and resilience through collaborative teamwork, a strong sense of purpose and role validation enabled by an inclusive leadership style. This work will drive future development of a model of research nursing with a focus on collaboration between research and clinical colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Gardiner
- Nuffield Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Jennifer MacLellan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
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Martin M, Bérard L, Simon T, Leblanc J. [Nurses' participation in clinical research projects: a cross-sectional study in five hospitals]. SOINS; LA REVUE DE RÉFÉRENCE INFIRMIÈRE 2019; 64:13-19. [PMID: 31542112 DOI: 10.1016/j.soin.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The number of hospital-based clinical trials is resulting in the growing involvement of nurses. A cross-sectional study in five hospitals involving 60 nurses assessed the clinical research activities, the time allocated and the training level. The results suggest that identifying specific nursing time devoted to clinical research may influence the activities carried out. Improving the definition of these activities could facilitate their integration into nursing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Martin
- Centre de recherche clinique de l'Est parisien (CRC-Est), Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe hospitalier des hôpitaux universitaires Est parisien, F75012, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bérard
- Plateforme de recherche clinique de l'Est parisien (URC-Est/CRC-Est), Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe hospitalier des hôpitaux universitaires Est parisien, F75012, Paris, France
| | - Tabassome Simon
- Plateforme de recherche clinique de l'Est parisien (URC-Est/CRC-Est), Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe hospitalier des hôpitaux universitaires Est parisien, F75012, Paris, France
| | - Judith Leblanc
- Centre de recherche clinique de l'Est parisien (CRC-Est), Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe hospitalier des hôpitaux universitaires Est parisien, F75012, Paris, France.
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Kirkpatrick S, Harding S, Pollard K, Tacchi P. Preliminary piloting and validation of a questionnaire identifying basic clinical skills practised by research nurses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:162-167. [PMID: 30746968 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2019.28.3.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical research nurses (CRNs) need to be competent in both clinical and research skills. In the past 10 years there has been increasing focus on developing the research competencies of CRNs. Employers, however, use the nurses' registered status as a proxy measure of clinical competence to perform their duties. The true extent of what clinical skills are practised by CRNs in a large NHS trust is unclear and there is a lack of validated measures to obtain this information. By using a mixed-methods approach of questionnaire and semi-structured interview, we aimed to pilot and validate a questionnaire to identify CRNs' self-reported confidence with clinical skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam Harding
- Senior Research Associate Research and Innovation, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol
| | - Katherine Pollard
- Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Health and Applied Science, University of the West of England, Bristol
| | - Paul Tacchi
- Nurse Consultant, Clinical Research Network, West of England
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Mackle D, Nelson K. Research nurses in New Zealand intensive care units: A qualitative descriptive study. Aust Crit Care 2018; 32:148-154. [PMID: 29685842 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the role of the research nurse in New Zealand (NZ) Level III intensive care units (ICU). Little was known about this role in NZ prior to this study. OBJECTIVES To describe the role and responsibilities of NZ ICU research nurses. METHODOLOGY A qualitative, descriptive approach, using semi structured interviews was used. RESULTS The study was conducted in six Level III ICUs throughout NZ that employed a research nurse. Interviews were conducted with research nurses (n = 11), principal investigators (n = 6) and nurse managers (n = 6), and the findings were triangulated. The views across all ICUs and stakeholders were generally similar, with differences only being in some operational areas. This study found that the primary role of the research nurse was trial management, where they coordinated all elements of trial conduct. Almost half of the research nurses were involved in trial design through their positions on management committees. Research nurses also played a vital role in patient and trial advocacy, and they bridged the knowledge gap by bringing research to staff nurses, patients and their families. The majority of research nurses reported to a nursing line manager, and had an informal accountability to the PI. CONCLUSION The role of NZ ICU research nurses is similar to their international counterparts. This study provides clarity about the research nurse role and showcases their key contribution in ensuring that NZ ICUs undertake high quality research, thus contributing to potential improvements for future patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Mackle
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Wellington 6242, New Zealand.
| | - Katherine Nelson
- Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
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Boulton MG, Hopewell N. The workforce delivering translational and applied health research: A cross sectional survey of their characteristics, studies and responsibilities. Collegian 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kunhunny S, Salmon D. The evolving professional identity of the clinical research nurse: A qualitative exploration. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:5121-5132. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Debra Salmon
- School of Health Sciences City; University of London; London UK
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Researching in the community: the value and contribution of nurses to community based or primary health care research. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2014; 16:224-34. [PMID: 24642021 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423614000097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To describe the role, contribution and value of research nurses in New Zealand community-based or primary health care research. BACKGROUND Research nurses are increasingly recognised as having a key role in undertaking successful research in hospitals and clinical trial units however only limited work has been undertaken to examine their role in community-based research. Undertaking health research in the community has unique challenges particularly in relation to research design and recruitment and retention of participants. METHODS We describe four community-based research projects involving research nurses, each with particular recruitment, retention and logistical problems. Vignettes are used to illustrate the role, contribution and value of research nurses in a diverse range of community research projects. FINDINGS The knowledge and skills used by research nurses in these projects included familiarity with communities, cultural competence, health care systems and practice philosophies and in particular with vulnerable populations. Their research actions and activities include competence with a broad range of research methodologies, organisational efficiency, family-centred approach, along with advocacy and flexibility. These are underpinned by nursing knowledge and clinical expertise contributing to an ability to work autonomously. These four projects demonstrate that research nurses in community-based research possess specific attributes which facilitate successful study development, implementation and outcome.
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Wilkes L, Jackson D, Miranda C, Watson R. The role of clinical trial nurses: an Australian perspective. Collegian 2013; 19:239-46. [PMID: 23362610 DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the number of clinical trials conducted globally has increased thereby increasing demand for nurses working as Clinical Trial Nurses (CTNs), sometimes known as Clinical Research Nurses. The role and professional issues for these nurses in Australia has not been empirically formulated. Sixty-seven clinical trial nurses were surveyed nationally using a modified version of the Clinical Trials Nursing Questionnaire (CTNQ). Findings revealed the complex CTN role can include the coordination of the trials on one or more sites. This involves all domains listed in the questionnaire from protocol development, ethics approval applications, recruitment and consenting of participants in trials, to administering or assisting with treatments within the bounds of their practice code and the evaluation of protocols. Professional issues documented were: being undervalued in the nursing workforce, having no formal educational preparation for the role and minimal recognition in publications emanating from research in which they were involved. These nurses bring their practice knowledge to benefit research outcomes that may contribute to improving patient/client care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Wilkes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney/Nepean, Blue Mountains Health District, Australia.
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Badger FJ, Daly W, Clifford C. Educating tomorrow's clinical researchers: a review of research preparation in undergraduate education. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2012; 32:737-743. [PMID: 22595611 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One large health region in England was experiencing difficulties in recruiting to clinical research posts which required registered nurse or allied health professional skills. OBJECTIVES Pre-registration preparation may influence practitioners' career choices and the study reviewed the research content in pre-registration nurse/AHP degree level programmes in the region to i) describe key features of the modules, and ii) determine the extent to which clinical research featured. DESIGN AND SETTINGS There are eight universities in the region. We reviewed and analysed 46 research and evidence-based practice module guides from relevant pre-registration degree level programmes. Documentary analysis was used and the findings were reviewed by the project group. RESULTS Modules aimed to produce practitioners who were aware of the principles of evidence based practice, and who could locate and evaluate research findings. There was some exposure to clinical research, though this was largely indirect, through considering research findings. Therapy students were more likely than nursing students to conduct a small clinical study for their final year assignment. CONCLUSIONS Pre-registration programmes focused on producing practitioners who were competent users of research evidence to inform practice, rather than clinical researchers, and this was inevitably the focus of the research modules. However, feasible opportunities for increasing students' exposure to clinical research were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances J Badger
- School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, 52 Pritchatts Road, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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Advances in hemophilia care: report of two symposia at the Hemophilia 2010 World Congress. Adv Ther 2012; 29 Suppl 1:1-16. [PMID: 22467446 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-012-0010-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) 2010 World Congress held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 2010, attracted more than 4,300 participants from 106 countries. This report summarizes two symposia held during the congress. The first, titled "Emerging Co-Morbidities in the Aging Hemophilia Population: Healthcare Challenges and Treatment Opportunities," chaired by Gerry Dolan, MD, and Jussara Almeida Cruz, MD, examined the co-morbidities experienced by the aging hemophilic patient population, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypertension, and obesity. In addition, Bayer's products in preclinical and clinical development were reviewed, including a novel factor VIIa variant and a long-acting factor VIII molecule, i.e., one that has undergone site-specific PEGylation (attachment of polyethylene glycol [PEG] polymer chains to another molecule). The other symposium, titled "Practical Steps to Making Better Care for Hemophilia Patients a Reality," chaired by Carmen Altisent, MD, and Cesar Guerrero, RN, reviewed the steps that hemophilia caregivers can take to improve the care of their patients. Issues such as the treatment of hemarthroses, the role of the research nurse, and the management of pediatric patients transitioning to adulthood were discussed.
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Kim KM, Kim HJ, Choi JS. Knowledge and Performance Level of Infection Control and Influencing Factors of Oriental Medical Doctors and Nurses in Korea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.7475/kjan.2012.24.1.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Richard GV, Zarconi J, Savickas ML. Construction of a Physician Skills Inventory. JOURNAL OF CAREER ASSESSMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1069072711420981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The current study applied Holland’s RIASEC typology to develop a Physician Skills Inventory. We identified the transferable skills and abilities that are critical to effective performance in medicine and had 140 physicians in 25 different specialties rate the importance of those skills. Principal component analysis of their responses produced three major components that aligned with the RIASEC code of Investigative-Realistic-Social (IRS) for physicians. The investigative type fit with problem-solving skills, the realistic type fit with psychomotor skills, and the social type fit with counseling skills. The Physician Skills Inventory may be used in helping medical students profile their skills for further development or remediation and for matching their skills to the requirements of different specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- George V. Richard
- Student Affairs and Programs, Academic Affairs, Association of American Medical Colleges, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Mark L. Savickas
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, OH, USA
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Scott K, White K, Johnson C, Roydhouse JK. Knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurses in Australia. J Adv Nurs 2011; 68:1111-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05816.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hwang YS, Ko IS. Role Performance and Related Factors of the Clinical Research Coordinator. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.11111/jkana.2011.17.4.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Youn Sun Hwang
- Doctoral student, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il-Sun Ko
- Professor, College of Nursing, Nursing Policy Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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Nagel K, Gender J, Bonner A. Delineating the Role of a Cohort of Clinical Research Nurses in a Pediatric Cooperative Clinical Trials Group. Oncol Nurs Forum 2010; 37:E180-5. [DOI: 10.1188/10.onf.e180-e185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Spilsbury K, Petherick E, Cullum N, Nelson A, Nixon J, Mason S. The role and potential contribution of clinical research nurses to clinical trials. J Clin Nurs 2007; 17:549-57. [PMID: 17419791 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01872.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study explores the scope and potential contribution of the Clinical Research Nurse (CRN) role to clinical trials of a nursing-specific topic. BACKGROUND Over the past two decades, there have been increases in the numbers of nurses working as CRNs because of the increasing global demand for clinical trials. CRNs can influence the quality of clinical trials but the scope and contribution of the role to clinical trials is not known. DESIGN Qualitative focus group study. METHODS A focus group interview was carried out with CRNs (n = 9) employed on a large, multi-centre (six NHS Trusts) randomized controlled trial of pressure area care. The focus group interview was recorded, alongside field notes of participant interactions and behaviours, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed for thematic content and process. FINDINGS CRNs described their transition to a clinical research role. They reported a lack of confidence, role conflict as researcher and nurse, the challenges of gaining cooperation of clinical nursing staff to comply with trial protocols and difficulties maintaining their own motivation. CRNs provided their perceptions and observations of pressure area care and prevention. They identified areas of inadequate treatment, management and care, influenced by organizational and clinical aspects of care delivery. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals challenges associated with training and management of CRNs. CRNs are usually associated with trial recruitment and data collection. This study highlights the additional contributions of CRNs for the study of topics specific to nursing as the result of their unique placement in the research centres as informal 'participant observers.' Such observations enhance understanding of the contexts being studied. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE These findings are relevant to the design and conduct of research studies of nursing care and practice and present ways for investigators to optimize the skills and knowledge of nurses working as CRNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Spilsbury
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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