Development and Evaluation of a Dynamic ICU-Based Research Program

Joanna Lynn Bokovoy, RN, DrPH, MPH, Health Studies, Lehigh Valeey Hospital & Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA and Kathleen M. Baker, RN, BS, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, USA.

Concept: To provide a foundation in basic research methodology for the bedside ICU nurse.

Methods: A validated research survey was given at baseline and six weeks post research training. Participants attended a dynamic 16-hour research program covering basic research concepts : 1. How to conduct a literature search; 2. Critiquing the literature; 3. Defining the hypothesis and study design; and 4. Data management and statistics. Five bedside clinicians formed a research team. The team attended each class as a group and investigated a common research question. One of the unique aspects of the program is that the team was in control of class schedules and the instructors accommodated these schedules. Ongoing support was provided by researchers, at the teams request. Nursing students currently enrolled in research classes provided research assistance for the team.

Results: Once the class was completed, the team used what they learned to develop and implement a pilot research project. Other important lessons included learning what the OVID button was on their computers, the location of the library, how to do a literature search using OVID and the amount of resources that were available to support evidence-based practice. Other bedside nurses heard about this innovative program and three additional teams were formed.

Conclusions/Implications: Dramatic and significant improvements (p < .05) were noted in nurse attitudes towards research after the course. Bedside nurses further reported that they were excited about their newly acquired knowledge, skills and research lingo. Time was the only item listed as a barrier on the post survey out of the four (Time, Research Knowledge, How to do Research, and Support) previously noted.