Research dissemination and utilization improving care at the bedside

Research improves nursing and patient care outcomes. However, program managers and educators search for ways to help the busy bedside nurse recognize clinical problems and use research. Despite the new evidence about pain assessment, wound care, pain-free injections, preoperative fasting, and preoperative shaving, many nurses do not apply this knowledge to their practice. Barriers to using research include a lack of readable reports and role models who support and encourage staff to demonstrate evidence-based practice. One creative solution is the research-based fact sheet with recommendations for practice. This article reviews the literature and outlines a strategy for improving evidence-based practice.