An initial analysis of the research competency level of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)'s Divisional Research Contacts. An in-house survey

Research Competencies Assessment Instrument for Nurses: Preliminary Psychometric Properties

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Clinician research competencies influence research use for evidence-based practice (EBP). We aimed to develop, refine, and psychometrically assess the Research Competencies Assessment Instrument for Nurses (RCAIN) to measure registered nurse research competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills, attitudes) focused on EBP-related domains: research process, knowledge synthesis, and knowledge translation activities.

METHODS

The preliminary psychometrics (face, content, construct/criterion validity) were evaluated based on 63 completed surveys.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's α coefficients were .871, .813, and .946 for each domain, respectively; interitem correlations ranged from .472 to .833 (explained variance: 68.5%). Three components/factors revealed: comprehension of and skills required in research process and application of knowledge and skills. The revised RCAIN consists of 19 five-point Likert-type questions.

CONCLUSIONS

The RCAIN assesses modifiable characteristics and explains variance in practice, health system, and patient outcomes. Further assessments are underway.

A qualitative investigation of the views of primary care dentists on participating in prospective studies in the North-West of England

BACKGROUND

There is a poor understanding of to how to recruit and involve primary care dentists in clinical trials.

AIM

To use a qualitative paradigm to explore the views of primary care dentists towards participating in clinical trials and develop an understanding of the factors that facilitate and prevent their involvement. DESIGN, SETTING, SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An iterative approach was undertaken using a focus group (n = 6) followed by phased semi-structured interviews (n = 18). Data were analysed using thematic analysis and constant comparative analysis.

FINDINGS

The semi-structured interviews generated nine codes which were organised into three themes: technical issues for trials in primary dental care, practical issues for research in primary dental care and primary care dentists as research consumers. Overall, primary care dentists had a poor understanding of research methodology and clinical research. Barriers to participation included loss of clinical freedom and control, practice disruption, patient welfare, staff workload, financial loss and time.

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers to primary dental care research need to be overcome through appropriate protocols, funding, training and support. Joint working of primary dental care teams and academic researchers is essential, along with a constructive and open dialogue, if clinical trials are to be successfully undertaken in a practice environment.

Developing, enabling and facilitating practice-based research in primary dental care. Report of a one-day seminar, held at the Royal College of Surgeons of England on Friday, 1st February 2008

As part of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)'s strategy to develop a research base for primary dental care, a one-day seminar was held at The Royal College of Surgeons of England on Friday, 1st February 2008. The aims for the day were to bring together the Divisional Research Contacts (DRCs), Faculty members with an interest in research, and regional and national leaders in primary care research; to update DRCs and Faculty members on developments and opportunities in primary care research; and to raise awareness of the Faculty's work among the leaders of primary care research. Of the 33 who attended the seminar, 12 were DRCs.