The goal of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Research Task Force (CNSRTF) at Massachusetts General Hospital is to improve patient outcomes through evidence based practice. The group consists of approximately 15 clinical nurse specialists who have assisted in the generation, analysis and evaluation of data from the annual hospital wide Staff Perception of the Professional Practice Survey which is distributed to the nursing staff. Nurses are asked to rate and report the frequency of common patient problems in their daily practice, nursing diagnoses or problems that occur on their respective units, and their perceived preparedness to manage each problem or diagnosis.  The common nursing problems are obtained from a list provided and validated by clinical experts such as members of the CNS group.   

        Numerous programs and interventions have been identified by the clinical nurse specialists in reponse to the findings of the Staff Perception of the Professional Practice Environment Survey. Examples include the development of wound care programs and unit based information to assist staff in preventing and treating skin breakdown.  In this instance, a clinical nurse specialist, a unit based wound specialist, is recognized and consulted by both nursing and physician staff.  Programs have also been developed regarding airway management, risk for injury, confusion, falls, substance abuse, ethical dilemmas, violence, and end of life issues.  These programs have had a positive impact on the ability of staff to be able to care for acutely ill patients and feel supported and prepared to do so.  The activities of the CNSRTF are closely linked to making research/outcome-based practice visible within MGH Professional Practice and the delivery of quality patient care. This presentation will address the data collection and analysis from the survey and provide strategies to change practice if warranted.