A collaborative process and framework for nursing research

Currently, there is a need for outcome research in nursing practice. To facilitate practice-based research, collaboration between education and service is essential. Although a few studies have been reported in the literature on partnerships between education and service, there is a need to describe the nature of a successful collaborative research process between a university college of nursing and a medical center. Nursing leaders from a university college of nursing and a medical center developed a collaborative framework and process by which to obtain funding for research. The following elements were crucial to the framework and facilitated the research process: commitment from leaders and individuals; concentration on positive outcomes and communication between institutions and within groups; matching of individuals; consensus on issues; and adherence to deadlines. The major benefits to this partnership are the enhancement of and opportunity for intradisciplinary research. The process provides a study site for the research and prepared faculty to develop it. All of the above elements factors contribute to a collaborative working arrangement and ensure successful outcomes for future projects.