Identifying Research Priorities of Nursing Leaders in Maryland: The Survey Development Process

Monday, 31 October 2011

Susan Elizabeth Appling, MS, CRNP
Prevention and Research Center, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

Learning Objective 1: 1.Describe the steps used to develop a web-based survey to assess research priorities of nursing leaders in Maryland

Learning Objective 2: 2.Identify initial research foci identified by members of the Maryland Organization of Nurse Executives

Members of the Research Council of the Maryland Organization of Nurse Executives (MONE) are currently developing a survey to assess the research priorities of nursing leaders from across the state.  The identified priorities will serve as a basis for future collaborative multi-site research initiatives addressing these priority issues. 

The survey development process was structured to provide direct input from nursing leaders to identify key research ideas and themes.  The survey will include these ideas and themes and will then be prioritized by a broader group of nursing leaders from across the state.

The first phase of survey development included a structured group activity of MONE members.  Led by Research Council members, the group activity generated a comprehensive list of clinical and administrative challenges within five key topics: 1) educational and professional development, 2) leadership and leadership development, 3) practice and practice innovation, 4) service excellence and, 5) safety and quality

Research Council members will independently identify themes within each topic area.  As a group, they will then review and reach consensus on the key themes to be included in the survey.  MONE members will also be asked to provide feedback on the themes culled from the ideas they generated to assure that these themes accurately capture the ideas identified during the group activity.

The final web-based survey will be completed by nursing leaders including nurse executives and nurse educators.  The outcomes will not only serve as a basis for collaborative research but will also allow comparison of the research priorities of Deans and Directors with those of nurse leaders in the service setting.  The final survey will be available for review during the poster session.