Research utilization: once-a-day temperatures for afebrile patients

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Master's-prepared nurses are tasked with leading research utilization (RU) but often lack preparedness.
• Effective RU is crucial for advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.
• Existing models for RU require adaptation to meet organizational needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the necessity of clinical research utilization in nursing.
• To present an adapted model for implementing research utilization in healthcare settings.
• To apply the RU process to a specific clinical scenario: once-a-day temperature monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of the Conduct and Utilization of Research in Nursing model.
• Application of the RU process to research on temperature monitoring in afebrile patients.
• Identification and summarization of relevant research studies.

Main Results:

• The adapted model provides a framework for implementing research-based practice.
• Specific studies supporting once-a-day temperature monitoring are identified.
• A summary of the research base on this topic is provided.

Conclusions:

• Nurses require support and structured models to effectively lead research utilization.
• Implementing research-based practice, such as altered temperature monitoring, can be achieved through systematic RU processes.
• Guideline examples facilitate the clinical application of research findings.