Getting nurses involved: use of existing databases for pediatric trauma research

Nurses are strategically positioned to contribute to the research base of practice in pediatric trauma care. Nurses who are new to research and feel burdened by the time commitment for data collection may consider analyzing existing data from records and registries. Much of the published research in pediatric trauma and critical care is the result of descriptive studies that have had an impact at all phases of trauma care. The analysis of existing data saves time for the researcher and avoids some of the ethical questions and concerns for informed consent with this vulnerable patient population. Nurses can make an important contribution to the knowledge base and evidence-based care for injured children.