An innovative model for getting research into practice is “New Knowledge Discussion Groups.” The New Knowledge Discussion Group Model has been evolving for sixteen years and fifteen groups have been conducted and evaluated in acute care, community, interdisciplinary and rural settings. The model involves a contract with health practitioner participants to read articles on an identified topic and to attend three to four group sessions. A group co-leader often contacts the author (researcher) of one of the articles to share information and to ask questions. Participants express great satisfaction with participation in the discussion groups. Many groups have requested that the groups continue. Through follow-up interviews, group members report changes they have projected for the work setting. Recently, the focus for the groups has been on implementation. For instance, one group of nurses in acute care, wanted to determine ways the staff could increase nursing recognition on the unit. Another group of administrators wanted to know what helps with nursing satisfaction in acute care settings. Therefore, research on the topic was shared so that the groups could plan for implementation on the units. The purpose of this research is to evaluate implementation through New Knowledge Discussion Groups with 8-10 staff members in two different acute care units. An action research framework is being used. The method includes action research through documenting the process of the intervention. In addition, a pre and post open-ended assessment tool developed by the researcher will be used for participants. Interviews regarding implementation will also be held with five unit personnel (including the unit manager) at three months after the group sessions. A summary of the action research process, assessment tools and interviews will be shared to identify possible implementation evidence.
Session #1103 - The Implementation Phase of Evidence-Based Practice: Techniques and Tools with Results
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)