Learning Objective #1: discuss the importance and limitations of research studies evaluating treatment options of a disease process

Learning Objective #2: apply research finding to the advance practice nurse role, with emphasis on disease treatment and health promotion

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Advance practice nursing incorporates the skills and background we bring as nurses, and builds upon it with additional skill sets we develop in our expanded practice roles. One of the more challenging aspects of independent practice can be the inclusion of new research findings into daily practice.

New research is released each week, and from this we must make decisions on what is important to our practice and to our clients. Direct to consumer advertising, popular media reports, and the internet may complicate these decisions as clients need to be educated on the finding and how they apply to their health decisions. Clients come to us with articles, web sites, questions, and concerns. Decisions need to be based on reputable research rather than mass media sound bites.

This research presentation will give criteria for deciding how much a study should impact practice, with examples from older studies, and more recent publicized press releases, as well as suggestions for opening lines of communication with clients on this important piece of our practice role.