Implementation and refinement of a research utilization course for oncology nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Oncology Nursing

Background:

• Nurses often lack familiarity with research utilization (RU) processes.
• Implementing research findings into clinical practice is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Oncology nurses require specialized training to effectively integrate research into their practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and refinement of a yearly research utilization (RU) course for oncology nurses.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the RU course in teaching research processes and facilitating practice changes.

Main Methods:

• Formative program evaluation of a one-day RU course.
• The course was delivered five times to 22 oncology nurses selected based on project proposals.
• Methods included didactic sessions, participant presentations, faculty reviews, and discussions, with feedback collected at 6 and 12 months.

Main Results:

• Refinements were made to the course based on participant feedback, including adding a preparation packet and faculty mentor access.
• Course components like content, presentations, critiques, and discussions received good to outstanding evaluations.
• A majority of participants completed or were actively working on their research projects within four years.

Conclusions:

• Focused clinical concerns can be addressed by teaching nurses research utilization (RU) processes, even if initially unfamiliar.
• A well-structured RU course with low faculty-to-student ratios and adequate materials can effectively drive research-based practice changes in nursing.