Coordinating clinical research. A collaborative approach for perioperative nurses

Overall, the study progressed smoothly during the six months it took to collect data on 125 patients. A number of factors contributed to the success of the study. By using a collaborative approach, we assembled a team with expertise in the content area, the clinical setting, and research design and methodology. This diverse mixture of knowledge, experience, and skills enabled us to plan carefully and anticipate many problems when writing the proposal and designing the study. While planning and implementing the study, we made an effort to keep communication flowing at all levels so problems could be quickly detected and addressed. We worked from the premise that we were collaborating with all of the OR nursing staff. We tried to use their time wisely, give them a meaningful role, respect their other responsibilities and commitments, and provide them with opportunities to share in the positive feelings that come from successfully completing a difficult job. We believe we achieved some measure of success. Since finishing the study, many staff members expressed an interest in participating in future studies--a good indication that they find research less formidable. They view participation in studies as a way to progress through the clinical ladder system and realize a full professional role. Most importantly, they see participating in research as a way to improve the quality of patient care they provide.