Danielle's Picks from the Literature - March 2012

Here are my picks from the nursing literature over the past few months. SJO and CHOC employees have access to the full text of many of these articles through the Burlew Medical Library.

1. Nursing research in theory and practice - is implementation the missing link?
Severinsson, Elisabeth;
Journal of Nursing Management, 2012 Mar; 20 (2): 141-3

2. Promoting nursing research and innovation by staff nurses.
Syme, Rachel; Stiles, Carla;
Applied Nursing Research, 2012 Feb; 25 (1): 17-24

Abstract: Promoting nursing research participation is challenging. Since the creation of an internal fund for research and innovation, 11 projects have received funding with a doubling of staff participation. The success of this novel funding opportunity highlights the need for this type of support and demonstrates success in promoting nursing research.

3. Demystifying nursing research terminology: Part 2.
Welford, Claire; Murphy, Kathy; Casey, Dympna;
Nurse Researcher, 2012; 19 (2): 29-35

Abstract: Aim To provide an explanation of the research methodologies and strategies available. Background There are numerous research methodologies and strategies. The literature is ambiguous in relation to research terminology and this often leads to confusion about which methodology or strategy to adopt. Data sources A review of the most up-to-date literature. Discussion The most commonly adopted methodologies and strategies are discuss Conclusion Part 1 (Welford et al 2011) of this two-part paper explained the research paradigms and the rationales for choosing particular paradigms. Part 2 provides an explanation of the methodologies and strategies available to the researcher. Implications for practice/research This paper will be particularly useful for novice researchers or doctoral students.

4. A taste of nursing research: an interactive program introducing evidence-based practice and research to clinical nurses.
Brown, Christine R; Johnson, Ann S; Appling, Susan E;
Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 2011 Nov-Dec; 27 (6): E1-5

Abstract: Developing and implementing a program to introduce clinical nurses to research and evidence-based practice (EBP) should spark interest and participation. In this article, the authors describe and evaluate a staff development initiative not only to introduce the principles of EBP and research but also to give nurses the opportunity to participate in the research process and development of EBP questions.

5. Nursing research week: promoting staff nurse awareness of research activities through a week long celebration.
Weitzel, Tina; Robinson, Sherry;
Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 2011 Nov-Dec; 27 (6): 280-4

Abstract: Nursing Research Week was developed and implemented by staff nurses who comprise the Nursing Research Council of a Midwest hospital. Multiple activities based on the literature and designed to appeal to staff nurses with diverse interests and knowledge of research were included. The process of development of the activities and the participants' evaluation are shared.

6. Spotlight on Outcomes. Data-Driven Decision Making: A Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Dashboard.
Mick, JoAnn;
Journal of Nursing Administration, 2011 Oct; 41 (10): 391-3

7. Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in the Reality of Clinical Practice.
Rycroft-Malone, Jo;
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 2012 1st Quarter; 9 (1): 1

8. Factors Influencing Advanced Practice Nurses' Ability to Promote Evidence-Based Practice among Frontline Nurses.
Gerrish, Kate; Nolan, Mike; McDonnell, Ann; Tod, Angela; Kirshbaum, Marilyn; Guillaume, Louise;
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 2012 1st Quarter; 9 (1): 30-39

9. Effectiveness of organisational infrastructures to promote evidence-based nursing practice.
Foxcroft D; Cole N;
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012 (2)

Abstract: Background:; Nurses and midwives form the bulk of the clinical health workforce and play a central role in all health service delivery. There is potential to improve health care quality if nurses routinely use the best available evidence in their clinical practice. Since many of the factors perceived by nurses as barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) lie at the organisational level, it is of interest to devise and assess the effectiveness of organisational infrastructures designed to promote EBP among nurses.; Objectives:; To assess the effectiveness of organisational infrastructures in promoting evidence-based nursing.; Search methods:; We searched the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, BIREME, IBECS, NHS Economic Evaluations Database, Social Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index and Conference Proceedings Citation Indexes up to 9 March 2011.; We developed a new search strategy for this update as the strategy published in 2003 omitted key terms. Additional search methods included: screening reference lists of relevant studies, contacting authors of relevant papers regarding any further published or unpublished work, and searching websites of selected research groups and organisations.; Selection criteria:; We considered randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, interrupted times series (ITSs) and controlled before and after studies of an entire or identified component of an organisational infrastructure intervention aimed at promoting EBP in nursing. The participants were all healthcare organisations comprising nurses, midwives and health visitors.; Data collection and analysis:; Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. For the ITS analysis, we reported the change in the slopes of the regression lines, and the change in the level effect of the outcome at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up.; Main results:; We included one study from the USA (re-analysed as an ITS) involving one hospital and an unknown number of nurses and patients. The study evaluated the effects of a standardised evidence-based nursing procedure on nursing care for patients at risk of developing healthcare-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs). If a patient's admission Braden score was below or equal to 18 (i.e. indicating a high risk of developing pressure ulcers), nurses were authorised to initiate a pressure ulcer prevention bundle (i.e. a set of evidence-based clinical interventions) without waiting for a physician order. Re-analysis of data as a time series showed that against a background trend of decreasing HAPU rates, if that trend was assumed to be real, there was no evidence of an intervention effect at three months (mean rate per quarter 0.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7 to 3.3; P = 0.457). Given the small percentages post intervention it was not statistically possible to extrapolate effects beyond three months.; Authors' conclusions:; Despite extensive searching of published and unpublished research we identified only onelow-quality study; we excluded many studies due to non-eligible study design. If policy-makers and healthcare organisations wish to promote evidence-based nursing successfully at an organisational level, they must ensure the funding and conduct of well-designed studies to generate evidence to guide policy.

10. Clinical nurse specialists shaping policies and procedures via an evidence-based clinical practice council.
Becker, Elaine; Dee, Vivien; Gawlinski, Anna; Kirkpatrick, Theresa; Lawanson-Nichols, Mary; Lee, Betty; Marino, Christina; McNair, Norma; Melwak, Mary A.; Purdy, Isabell; et al.;
Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, 2012 Mar-Apr; 26 (2): 74-86

Abstract: In the practice of nursing, organizations with progressive evidence-based practice programs implement structures and processes whereby nurses are engaged in the review of existing research and in the development of clinical practice documents to better align nursing practices with the best available scientific knowledge. At our academic hospital system, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) took the lead to help transform a traditional nursing policy and procedure committee into a hospital-wide, staff-represented Clinical Practice Council (CPC) that ensures evidence-based nursing practices are reflected in the organization's nursing practice documents for the provision of patient care. Clinical nurse specialists function as mentors and cochairs who are dedicated to ensuring that nursing practice is supported by the latest evidence and committed to guiding staff nurses to continually move their practice forward. The success of the CPC is due to the leadership and commitment of the CNSs. This article describes the structure, process, and outcomes of an effective CPC where CNSs successfully engage frontline clinicians in promoting nursing care that is evidence based. Clinical nurse specialist leadership is increasingly made visible as CNSs effectively involve staff nurses in practice reforms to improve patient outcomes.

11. Does evidence-based nursing practice increase ROI?
Schifalacqua, Marita MacKinnon; Soukup, Maurita; Kelley, Wanda; Mason, Alison Rich; American Nurse Today, 2012 Jan; 7 (1): 32-3

Abstract: A quality-improvement initiative quantified return on investment (ROD from cost avoidance for five healthcare-acquired conditions.

12. Examining Nurses' Attitudes Regarding the Value, Role, Interest, and Experience in Research in an Acute Care Hospital.
Riley, Joann Kay; Hill, Ambrosha N; Krause, Kori B; Leach, Laura B; Lowe, Timothy J; Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 2011 Nov-Dec; 27 (6): 273-9

Abstract: This study examined nurses' attitudes regarding the value of and their role, interest, and experience in research in an acute care hospital. A correlational design explored the relationship between attitudes about nursing research, involvement, educational background, and experience. The results indicated an increasing level of value and interest in research for those nurses with greater educational attainment, certified specialty, previously taken research course, research experience, and a nursing position in education. The findings suggest that additional education and guided projects are needed for those nurses with little or no previous research experience.