Learning Objective #1: Describe the gaps that hinder nurses from applying the research to their practice

Learning Objective #2: Identify the critical elements and evaluation of research-based fact sheets that facilitate putting research into practice

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Problem: Research improves patient care, but nurses do not apply the research to practice because of confusing reports and lack of time. Evidence: The research-practice gap reflects nurses' difficulties with critical analysis, and poor translation and application of research to practice. User-friendly research summaries are needed to improve patient education, emotional support and treatment(Cronenwett, 1995; Montgomery, 2000). Strategy: Fact sheets are a one-page research summaries with guidelines for improving bedside or clinic nursing practice. Topics include pressure ulcers, pain management, conflict management, heart failure, hypertension, PTSD, depression, and suicide risk. Fact sheets are concise, eye-catching, colorful, and posted in all nursing areas and sent quarterly to all nursing staff. They highlight clinical problems, encourage communication and referrals and consultation, and facilitate patient teaching, advocacy, and symptom management. Fact Sheets alert nurses to strategies for teaching and health promotion. Fact sheets do not reflect simply one study but a review of evidence base and practice guidelines. They summarize key concepts, explain the evidence-base supporting those concepts, and list references. The first fact sheet for patients focused on medication safety. Evaluations show that nurses use the fact sheets to improve assessment, evaluation, education and management of an average of 7 patients/quarter. Researchers, staff nurses, and nursing students design fact sheets; Research Council and multidisciplinary experts reviews the content, format, accuracy, and application to practice. Evaluation: In surveys, 86-95% of nurses (n=200) rate the content, evidence, and usefulness of fact sheets as excellent. Smoking cessation education and strategies can reduce respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. Fact sheets have received best practices awards from 2 national nursing organizations. One university and two hospitals have adopted and used fact sheets to improve practice and teaching Recommendation: Fact sheets are an effective way to help nurses apply research to their practice.