Clinician-implemented research utilization in critical care

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The "research-practice gap" hinders the implementation of crucial research findings in clinical settings.
• Nursing practice, particularly in critical care, requires updates to reflect scientific advancements and new technologies.
• A need existed to transition policies from tradition-based to science-based approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and implement evidence-based practice within adult critical care units.
• To address the identified research-practice gap by systematically reviewing and revising policies and procedures.
• To foster a culture of research utilization among clinical nurses.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a critical care research utilization committee with multidisciplinary representation.
• Systematic review and revision of all critical care policies and procedures based on the best available scientific evidence.
• Involvement of staff nurses from seven adult critical care units, the emergency department, and the postanesthesia care unit.

Main Results:

• Policies and procedures were successfully revised to align with current scientific evidence.
• New research questions were identified, stemming from identified gaps in the existing literature.
• Increased engagement of clinical nurses in utilizing research to improve patient care practices.

Conclusions:

• The project demonstrated a successful strategy for bridging the research-practice gap in critical care.
• Evidence-based policy revision enhances the quality and effectiveness of nursing care.
• The initiative fostered greater nurse involvement in research utilization, leading to improved practice and potential for new research.