Developing a research-active clinical environment within the emergency department: a case study

Historically, nursing research undertaken in the clinical setting has been problematic. Problems included small samples, weak methodology, poorly designed tools, limited analyses, and little dissemination. These issues have made it difficult to apply some of the research within an evidence-based framework. A visiting scholar program was developed to link experienced researchers with clinicians for them to undertake more rigorous nursing research in the clinical setting. An example of the application of the visiting scholar program within an emergency department setting illustrates positive research outcomes for both clinical staff and academic scholars.