Academia and Practice Partnerships: Leading Research on Evidence-Based Client Outcomes

McConnell, Heather

Friday, July 15, 2011: 10:50 AM

Heather McConnell, RN, BScN, MA (Ed)
International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Programs, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), Toronto, ON, Canada
Irmajean Bajnok, RN, MSN, PhD
International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Programs, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada

Learning Objective 1: describe partnerships between service and academia that aim to build research capacity related to exploring client outcomes associated with implementation of best practice guidelines

Learning Objective 2: discuss important linkages among academic researchers and service decision makers/practitioners focused on knowledge development related to guideline implementation and impact on client outcomes.

The Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative, lead by a professional nursing association in Canada, has been a resounding success in demonstrating the uptake and utilization of best practice guidelines. The program’s strategic approach has served to trigger the development of evidence-based cultures, improve patient care and enrich the professional practice of nurses and other health care providers.

As a key element of this initiative, the BPSOs are required to engage in formal research projects, in collaboration with academic partners, which spotlight the impact of evidence-based clinical best practice guideline implementation on client outcomes. The goal is to bring the best available knowledge to nursing and healthcare to enhance practice, improve health and influence policy decisions.

This presentation will describe the nature of the partnerships established between academic and service partners; the structure of the research teams; and highlight the lessons learned through this approach to research capacity building. Examples of the research projects being conducted will be shared, and challenges related to the identification of meaningful indicators will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the various aspects of this innovative approach to developing research capacity, with a focus on client outcomes.

See more of: Strategies in Nursing Knowledge
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters