Integrated knowledge translation in nursing homes: exploring the experiences of practice development nurses

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Education
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Practice Development Nurses (PDNs) in Norwegian nursing homes (NHs) are key to knowledge translation (KT).
• PDNs were end-users in the IMPAKT (IMPlementation of Action to Knowledge Translation) study, receiving tailored education.
• They applied learned skills to implement the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) in their NHs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore PDNs' experiences with an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) educational intervention.
• To understand how PDNs applied IKT learning to plan, tailor, and implement the NEWS2.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploratory study using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach.
• Nine in-depth interviews were conducted with PDNs.
• Eight non-participatory observational sessions documented intervention delivery.

Main Results:

• The educational program enhanced PDNs' understanding and professionalized their approach to KT.
• KT shifted from an individual to an organizational responsibility, boosting PDN competencies and collaboration.
• Organizational factors presented challenges to KT efforts and NEWS2 implementation.

Conclusions:

• An IKT approach can improve staff competencies and nursing home readiness for KT.
• Individual efforts in KT were challenged by organizational culture and receptiveness.
• The study highlights the potential and challenges of IKT in nursing home settings.