Using Research to Establish Protocols for Practice: A Statewide Study of Acute Care Agencies

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine research utilization practices relative to developing and revising practice protocols in acute care agencies in Delaware. Nurse leaders in 13 acute care agencies identified resource nurses most familiar with the development and revision of agency protocols. Thirty-two resource nurses from 11 agencies, representing critical care, emergency, general medical, general surgical, obstetric, and psychiatric nursing, were interviewed. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Examples of research-based protocols, defined as those supported by research citations, were obtained. The authors found that the majority of protocols submitted, although referenced, were not research-based. Most institutions used textbooks and standards to support nursing practice protocols. The authors concluded that nurses who are responsible for developing and revising agency protocols were not familiar with the use of research findings to guide the development or revision of protocols and were unsure what constituted the "use of research."

Research utilization and clinical nurse educators: a systematic review

“…2003b). Other studies assessed various aspects of research awareness: the examination of protocols purported to be evidence‐based (Morin et al . 1999), knowledge of critique and appraisal criteria (Stetler & DiMaggio 1991), and confidence using research findings in practice (Barta 1995; Brown 1997).…”

“…1996). The findings from this review illustrated that intermediaries had difficulty identifying criteria used for critical appraisal (Stetler & DiMaggio 1991), did not use current research to support the development of protocols (Morin 1999), and lacked comfort using research findings in practice (Barta 1995; Brown 1997).…”

How can we maximize nursing students’ learning about research evidence and utilization in undergraduate, preregistration programmes? A discussion paper

“…usable or feasible research) in practice (Bailes 2002, Doran & Sidani 2007). Not all practice protocols are research‐based (Morin et al. 1999).…”

“…usable or feasible research) in practice (Bailes 2002, Doran & Sidani 2007. Not all practice protocols are research-based (Morin et al 1999). Despite such problems it can be contended that preregistration students should be encouraged to access systematic reviews and research-based policies, protocols, guidelines, or pathways; therefore, such resources (if of sufficient quality) should be presented on module reading lists, learning materials, and teaching content in nursing curricula.…”

State of the Science of Translational Research: From Demonstration Projects to Intervention Testing

“…Others assessed the use of research through measuring research interests and activities of nurses (Wells & Baggs 1994) and the stage of adoption of nursing practices by nurses (Brett 1987; Coyle & Sokop 1990; Rutledge & Donaldson 1995). Research‐based protocols were used in acute care agencies in one state (Morin et al 1999). Omery and Williams (1999) assessed the use of research in facilities with clinical researchers.…”