Approach: The National Institute of Clinical Studies, a federally funded organization established to improve health care by closing the gaps between best available evidence and current clinical practice and the Victorian Centre for Nursing Practice Research Clinical Research Fellowship (CRF), a state based program, have been drawn upon to demonstrate critical themes in research translation.

Findings: The analysis reveals several factors critical for the transfer of research into practice. These include: the importance of the type and nature of evidence to be implemented, an understanding of stakeholder drivers, capacity and outcome needs at the political, organizational, clinician and patient levels, and the ability of the various change agent roles to promote and legitimize the changes required.

Conclusion: Implementing research evidence into clinical practice is a complex and dynamic process. Critical analysis of research evidence, current practice and the potential benefits from multidisciplinary perspectives is necessary. As change proceeds, information exchange, concurrent review, evaluation and modification of practice, needs to occur. Measurement and feedback are integral to the dynamic process if adjustment and system change is to occur in a sustainable way.

Implications: Political, organizational, clinician and patient implications will be discussed in the presentation.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004