Clinical Inquiry: Igniting and Leading Nursing Research

Engaging staff nurses and leading them to explore clinical inquiry is important to both the patient and family’s journey as well as nurses’ professional development. The focus of this presentation is to show how bedside clinical inquiry can lead to research- and evidence-based practice. A hospital based nursing research council developed a protocol, igniting research at the bedside. The Growth Protocol was a unique method to inspire clinical inquiry. The team initially explored the literature, created a journal club and encouraged their peers to identify, and collaborate with key stakeholders, thereby identifying areas of opportunity and changing current practice. The culture of inquiry was identified as a critical element to the successful translation of evidence into practice. The protocol was replicated in a variety of settings and across the continuum from acute care to home care. Members of the research council identified areas of focus based on outcome opportunities from patient mobility to medication safety. They set criteria for up to date recent evidence and worked collaboratively with pharmacists and physical therapists. They created patient centered practice changes that were evidence based. As a result, a change in practice resulted as evidenced by positive clinical outcomes, policy change and further exploration of their everyday practice. By connecting with collaborators using a simple methodology they led and inspired the team, igniting applied nursing research. This presentation describes the journey of a small group of curious staff and how they used clinical inquiry to change practice at their medical center. They reflected upon care across the continuum, used clinical inquiry to guide their purpose, thereby changing clinical outcomes. This presentation outlines the process of applying the tenants of clinical inquiry and curiosity in order to advance the voice of nursing making a transformational difference in the care of both patients and family across the continuum.