Unit-based research forums: a model for the clinical nurse specialist to promote clinical research

Although nurse researchers have generated research findings, practitioners in clinical practice have not consistently utilized them. Evaluation and modification of clinical practice through research is a key component of the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). In this paper, an innovative model is described in which the Clinical Nurse Specialist coordinates specialty-based clinical research through the use of unit-based research forums, an outgrowth of unit-based quality assurance. Such a model allows staff at the unit level to engage in problem-solving dialogues, resulting in increased use of research findings and generation of original research.