STTI/ANF Scholars Become Policymakers

Monday, 31 October 2011: 10:40 AM

Patricia R. Messmer, PhD, RN, BC, FAAN
School of Nursing, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL

Learning Objective 1: To discuss the value of "seed" funding for a nurse researcher in developing a program of research

Learning Objective 2: To relate how these STTI/ANF scholars influence policy thru their research and scholary publications

Background: Since 1987, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) and American Nurses Foundation (ANF ) have jointly sponsored a grant for nursing research. The purpose of STTI/ANF grants are to provide national leadership in health philanthropy, develop nurse scientists with programs of research, invest financial resources and infuse diversity into promoting nursing science.

Purpose:1) systematical review research conducted by STTI/ANF scholars 2) identify important policy initiatives emanating from STTI/ANF funded research and 3) understand how grant “seed” funds impacts the research trajectory of STTI/ANF scholars.

Methods: Archival records (Boston University History of Nursing, Nursing Research, AJN, Undine Sams Collection)and websites were used to develop a comprehensive STTI/ANF funded research database. NIH CRISP database determined if STTI/ANF scholars received federal research funding. Studies were categorized according to topic, sample, setting and affiliation with nursing research exemplars  identified who had an impact on health policy.

Results: Of the 900 ANF scholars 23 have been STTI/ANF scholars who have primarily focused their efforts on clinical research. The benefits of the research studies include research related to the management of chronic illness and research conducted with vulnerable and/or disadvantaged populations. Many nurse researchers influence policy thru dessimination of findings to practice. Over 75% are involved in policy activities related to their research, most notably in interdisciplinary teams. Selected STTI/ANF policy exemplars will illustrate the wide-reaching and diversity of nursing research’s influence through health care legislation, regulation and standards development.

Conclusion: STTI/ANF scholars have enhanced programs of research as a result of receiving these prestigious grants. STTI/ANF-funded researchers provide a focused snapshot of the development of research, influencing policy.  The track record of STTI/ANF Scholars with regard to continuing their research with federal funding,  and health care policy exemplars speaks to value of seed money for research and its impact on the development of nursing science.