Research Engages Staff and Improves Clinical Practice

Nurses should identify, develop and implement research projects to improve nursing care and patient outcomes, said Ruth M. Kleinpell, Director of the Center for Clinical Research and associate professor of nursing at Rush University Medical Center in her session yesterday at NTI. She called research a pillar of clinical practice and recommended the utilization of research replication.

“In critical care, there is so much that is new in terms of technology, technique, pharmaceuticals and treatments that it really opens up a lot of opportunities for us to partner in and to conduct research that serves as a basis for evidence-based practice” Kleinpell said.

Inciting Enthusiasm

She emphasized the need to engage staff from the beginning of any research initiative. A staff that is involved in the collection of data and reporting of results will take pride in the project and be more likely to produce accurate results.

As a starting point, she suggested that nurses identify quality indicators such as urinary tract infections (UTI) or patient injuries and transition quality improvement projects to clinical research. Nurses can also explore research replication. Kleinpell instructed nurses to contact published investigators and replicate the study using the same tools as the initial study.

Once a research initiative has been identified, Kleinpell suggested several strategies for success. She urged nurses to gain administrative support and negotiate time for data collection and review. The creation of a formal project, including the development of protocols and designation of unit-based “champions” can also be beneficial. Funding can sometimes be a roadblock for research projects and Kleinpell recommended seeking financial support through national and local grants.

Increasing Research Awareness

Kleinpell urged nurses to promote the use of research in the field of critical care nursing by increasing awareness of research, providing access to resources and implementing research initiatives. She encouraged attendees to get involved in journal clubs and research committees and to explore resources such as formal online tutorials and articles or books on the interpretation of research. Other ways to promote projects include seeking financial funding for clinical pilot studies, linking participation in research to incentives such as an advancement or promotion and publishing and presenting research projects in many different forums.

“Research is something we owe the profession as we advance,” Kleinpell said.

Kleinpell also pointed to issues that cause barriers for research in critical care nursing. She addressed the lack of knowledge about nursing and the fact that results of research are not reported in terms that can be easily understood by clinicians. In addition, clinicians do not readily know how to apply research findings in clinical practice. Nurses may also be discouraged by the negative attitudes about nursing research and the limited findings that are directly applicable to nursing practice. Critical care nurses often have busy schedules and lack the time to develop research projects that are interesting and fulfilling, but Kleinpell encouraged attendees to find projects that excite them and make them engaging for all participants.