Developing evidence-based nursing roles: lessons learned from the health care integrator role

This study examined a unique nursing role in the United States Air Force to determine if it had been well institutionalized and to identify barriers and facilitators during the implementation process.

Individuals functioning in the role were surveyed to measure time spent on specific job-related tasks, additional duties, and positive and negative experiences.

Eighty-seven percent of the respondents (n = 45) indicated that the role had been well implemented, although wide variation existed in tasks performed and major organizational barriers identified. Findings of this study can be used to guide the development of other evidence-based positions.