The purpose of this presentation is to share an overview of the history and current status of the (Research Network Name: Deidentified), and provide theoretical and pragmatic insights into the ways in which nurse researchers can adapt a similar model of interprofessional collaboration to increase their research presence in other areas of research and implementation science.
Methods:
Using a protocol dissemination framework, we outline primary components and procedures that form the foundation of our network including procedures related to: forming local, global, and academic partnerships for collaborative research projects; establishing project leadership and protocol development; data collection and management; and dissemination of research findings. Finally, we will share how the network continues to evolve and adopt new technologies (e.g., social media, electronic data capture systems) to enhance our collaboration and dissemination efforts.
Results:
Nursing research includes studies framed by evidence-based theoretical frameworks and novel measures of human experience and biomedical indicators of health (National Institute of Nursing Research [NINR], 2017; Tully & Grady, 2015). Nurse-led research contributes invaluable data to inform health interventions that improve the health and quality of life of populations worldwide (NINR, 2017). Technology enables teams across the globe to form collaborative work groups to advance science with larger, more diverse samples, and facilitates collaborations built on diverse scientific perspectives. The result is a breadth of local to global expertise and a more holistic and comprehensive perspective on factors that influence health outcomes. However, few nurse scientists have published on the interprofesionnal benefits of these collaborations, suggesting a potential paucity of such partnerships within the nursing profession. The enduring model embodied by the International Nursing Network for HIV Research can be used as an exemplar for developing effective collaborations and includes the following major concepts: (a) conception, (b) implementation, (c) execution and (d) evaluation of study protocols, and (e) the dissemination of research that results from these efforts.
Conclusion:
Nurse scientists contribute to advance health sciences research and collaborate on interprofessional health teams (Cacchione, 2015). The (Network Name: Deidentified) has included seven successful international multisite research studies on symptom management, health literacy, and health promotion. The collaborative research efforts of the network have resulted in more than 40 peer-reviewed publications that have been cited in more than 2,000 scientific publications. The model used within the network has enabled continued mentorship of novice researchers (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty), regular presentations at national and international scientific meetings, and has led to a strong voice for nurses in the area of HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and policy. Regardless of the area of interest in nursing, implementing the collaborative model similar to the one used by our network will add invaluable biopsychosocial data, and enrich the research programs and careers of nurse scientists. Our model helps nurse scientists overcome common challenges related to limitations in funding and patient access, and isolation from collaborators and/or limited support within their institution. Such a model promotes camaraderie among scientists and promotes new opportunities for productivity and dissemination. Engaging in collaborative interdisciplinary research will provide nurse scientists at all career levels with opportunities to increase their scientific rigor and impact, and maximize their contributions to nursing science.
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