NK1

 

Research NK1

 

Provide a description, with supporting evidence, of the infrastructure that supports nursing research in the organization.

 

 

Nursing Research Structures and Processes

Research Task Force

The Research Task Force (RTF) is the structure that supports nursing research at Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) St. Vincent Hot Springs (SVHS). The purpose of the RTF is to provide input and direction on issues related to the application and evaluation of evidence-based practice (EBP) principles, quality improvement (QI), and research activities in the organization. The RTF also serves as a resource and forum to educate and promote staff development related to research and EBP. (Evidence NK1-1, RTF Charter)

 

Each nursing area is represented on the RTF, and members of other disciplines participate based on the research/ EBP/QI project. All staff members are able to participate in the RTF through their elected or selected representatives. Meetings are conducted at least quarterly, sometimes more frequently depending on the workload.

 

The SVHS RTF reports to the CHI SVHS Interprofessional Practice Council (IPC). For example, during the January 2023 IPC meeting, RTF Chair Laura McAnally, BSN, RN, RN-BC, Magnet Program Director and Nursing Excellence Manager, provided an update on the three nursing research studies being conducted at SVHS, involving Professional Governance, Nurse Manager Stress, and the use of Aloe Vera. (Evidence NK1-2, IPC Minutes and Roster January 2023, pgs. 4-5)

 

All staff members represented by the RTF members are responsible for being informed decision makers, communicating with their representatives, reviewing minutes, and participating in activities. RTF membership includes a minimum of:

  • 1 Nursing Administration Executive Sponsor
  • 1 Medical/Surgical Representative
  • 1 PeriOp/Procedural Representative
  • 1 Woman’s Representative
  • 1 ED Representative
  • 1 Critical Care Representative
  • 1 Care Partner Representative

 

Membership must consist of at least 50% direct care clinical RNs. Ad hoc members may be brought in when applicable for research/EBP/QI projects. The RTF forges relationships with nursing research consultants and members of the academic community who serve as non-voting members. Members serve two to three-year terms, providing continuity by ensuring the entire membership does not rotate out within one year.

 

The chair/vice-chair is elected from the RTF core members. The chair serves a one-year term, after which the vice-chair rotates into the chair position and a new vice-chair is elected. The RTF uses voting to elect a vice-chair and achieve consensus for decisions.

 

The accountabilities of the SVHS RTF are to:

  • Create a culture of inquiry that promotes, enhances, and supports all aspects of EBP.
  • Engage frontline staff in research, EBP, and QI projects.
  • Provide assistance when requested to review and prepare research proposals.
  • Review and approve proposals for research utilization and EBP projects.
  • Monitor and evaluate outcomes from the implementation of research, research utilization, and EBP projects.
  • Collaborate in providing continuous staff development and continuing education related to EBP and the research process.
  • Participate in and expand research activities in the system and the community at large.
  • Promote the dissemination of research information from the council to internal and external audiences.

 

For example, Clinical Nurse Allison Fitts, RN, CMSRN, 4 East, disseminated findings from the nursing research study, “The Effect of a Shared Governance Model on Professional Control and Governance” at the June 2023 IPC meeting. (Evidence NK1-3, Research Project Dissemination PPT) (Evidence NK1-4, IPC Minutes and Roster June 2023, pgs. 5-6)

 

Membership accountabilities include the following:

  • Chairpersons:
    • Serving a cumulative two-year chair/vice-chair term
    • Preparing and prioritizing meeting agendas
    • Preparing materials for meetings
    • Establishing timelines for members’ assignments
    • Role modeling by following through with assignments
    • Discussing assignments and following through with other members as needed
    • Leading meetings
    • Reviewing meeting minutes before sending them to the group for approval
    • Monitoring membership attendance and addressing attendance issues as needed
  • Members:
    • Serving two to three-year terms
    • Complying with attendance expectations
    • Attending meetings and notifying the chairperson if unable to attend
    • Communicating with assigned committees or staff members to inform them about issues and solicit their feedback
    • Reviewing agendas and minutes prior to meetings
    • Following through on assignments and timelines
    • Participating in discussion and decisions
    • Attending at least 80% of the scheduled meetings; proxy attendance is counted toward a member’s attendance percentage

 

All members who are CHI SVHS employees are paid for their time spent in meetings. Minutes and attendance lists are posted for all members and other nursing units/departments. A scribe or support person is assigned to take minutes for each meeting, with the responsibility of capturing all discussions and decisions. Minutes are typed on the minute template and posted on the RTF folder on the Google drive.

 

SVHS supports the RTF nurses to attend nursing conferences. This furthers their professional development by enabling them to attend concurrent sessions from other healthcare facilities to learn about EBP and research from around the world. SVHS also supports and gives nurses opportunities to disseminate SVHS EBP and research to external audiences. In addition, SVHS supports RTF nurses to join professional nursing organizations, with this support outlined in the Nurse Conferences and Professional Organizations Policies. (Evidence NK1-5, Nurse Conferences and Professional Organizations Policies)

 

Reimbursement for attending conferences and for involvement in professional nursing organizations supports nurses’ professional development, increases their engagement in their professional organizations, encourages the dissemination of EBP and nursing research, and improves the quality of care for patients.