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Strategies to increase research-based practice: interplay with unit culture
Carolyn J Pepler1, Linda Edgar, Sara Frisch
1McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. carolyn.pepler@mcgill.ca
Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS
|March 30, 2006
Summary
Clinical nurse specialists use diverse strategies to integrate research into practice. Unit culture significantly influences the success of these research utilization (RU) efforts.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Research Utilization
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) practice emphasizes integrating research findings into patient care.
- Facilitating research utilization (RU) is a key component of CNS roles.
- Understanding effective strategies for RU is crucial for evidence-based practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe strategies employed by CNSs and nurse educators to promote research utilization (RU) among nursing staff.
- To explore the relationship between unit culture and the success of RU strategies.
Main Methods:
- A multiple-case study design was utilized.
- Data were collected through open-ended focus groups, individual interviews, and observational sessions.
- Qualitative analysis identified themes related to RU and supportive unit cultures.
Main Results:
- Strategies for facilitating RU included conducting research, supporting nurse involvement, addressing learning needs, promoting conference attendance, and stimulating inquiry.
- Encouraging new ideas, questioning practice, leveraging expertise, and generating resources were also identified.
- The success of these strategies was influenced by the characteristics of the unit culture.
Conclusions:
- Effective research utilization (RU) requires a broad range of strategies.
- Unit culture plays a critical role in mediating the outcomes of RU initiatives.
- CNSs and nursing leaders can use these findings to foster research-based practice.