| Wednesday, July 13, 2005: 1:00 PM-2:30 PM | |||
| Searching for Clinical Evidence From Basic Science Findings | |||
| Learning Objective #1: Describe problems in translating basic science findings from well humans or non-human models into possible nursing applications | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Explain the role of basic science findings in planning or influencing interpretation of clinical research | |||
| An important "middle ground" affecting translation of research evidence to nursing practice lies between discovery and application. Clinical research risks challenges of alternative explanations due to subject variation from constitutional, genetic, or disease factors. Nurse scientists, by contrast, can control variables by studying cells or animals from a single genetic line or choosing healthy subjects. Yet, research findings from neither camp ensure any swifter translation of biobehavioral mechanisms or underlying physiological principles into clinical application. The gap lies in a well-developed middle ground of translational research where emerging scientific evidence informs clinical practice. The goal is not to prematurely introduce interventions to humans, but rather to use new and emerging scientific findings to question, interpret, and explain clinical outcomes. Nursing needs translational “interpreters” of scientific information. Evidence Based Practice (EBP) activities can stimulate development of such individuals. Needed skills include comfort in reading/interpreting basic science literature and ability to question how this information can inform practice. It requires an organized approach and use of consultants. One group found a reasonable way to nurture this skill with clinicians and researchers in formation of expert teams around clinical areas. One member developed familiarity with neurological explanations of the clinical problem, while another refined knowledge about related pharmacodynamics of drugs to treat the problem. Development of EBP guidelines by the group went beyond evaluation of existing studies as they drew outcomes, safety concerns, and controversies from basic science literature. EBP enhances the relevance and possibilities of the explanatory middle ground in translational science. | |||
| Organizer: | Barbara J. Holtzclaw, RN, PhD, FAAN | ||
| Authors: | Sandra K. Hanneman, RN, PhD, FAAN Barbara J. Holtzclaw, RN, PhD, FAAN Dana N. Rutledge, PhD, RN | ||