What are the ways of utilizing the research findings?

Learning how to incorporate evidence based-research into everyday practice is one of the most important skills you can learn in an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. In today's healthcare arena, and within the nursing profession, it is expected that new information on research findings be constantly incorporated into nursing practice. The goal is to improve your clinical decision-making and to provide the best possible patient care.

The definition of evidence-based research

Evidence-based research means that the information you use to make decisions about patient care is based on sound research, not opinion. This means you must search several sources (published articles in medical journals or in electronic form) for data, results and conclusions of valid, reputable studies.

The definition of evidence-based nursing

The definition of evidence-based nursing, as accepted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, is a rigorous methodology in which all the research data for a particular problem or issue are analyzed together, then combined with patients' values and preferences, as well as professional expertise – your accumulated experience, education and skills.

How to bridge the gap between evidence-based research and clinical practice

Diligent research on a particular issue is good, but it holds no value until you put your findings into practice. Bridging the gap from research to clinical practice can be accomplished in many ways. One model for guiding nurses through this process includes these steps:

  • Assess the patient and the need for change
  • Construct a clinical question derived from the patient's problem
  • Acquire the best evidence through a thorough search
  • Appraise the evidence for validity and usefulness
  • Return to the patient and integrate that evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences
  • Apply what you have learned
  • Evaluate what you have learned

Translating evidence-based research into optimal care works best when the process is supported by medical institutions

It is important for both the institution and individual nurses to develop a culture that allows and encourages them to put evidence-based research into practice. This can be accomplished by the institution when it:

  • Promotes self-directed learning as a professional value
  • Promotes the concept of using best evidence in daily clinical practice
  • Establishes a library of electronic and paper resources on evidence-based practice
  • Improves and promotes the use of informatics and library resources by staff nurses
  • Studies and overcomes the gaps between research and practice
  • Encourages the study of changes in nurse practice patterns
  • Helps accomplished learners become teachers

Knowing how to conduct evidence-based research and put it into practice is not only a necessary skill for clinical nurses, but also for nurse educators to support their teaching strategies and for nurse regulators who create the guidelines for regulating nurse practice. Regardless of the area in which you work, the common goal of all these disciplines is to provide the best possible patient care.

Learn more about the University of Rhode Island’s online RN to BS in Nursing program.


What are the ways of utilizing the research findings?
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What are the ways of utilizing the research findings?

What are the ways of utilizing the research findings?

A key component of the Magnet Recognition Program® is to increase new knowledge through the participation and dissemination of nursing research.1 To conduct a research study requires extensive effort from researchers and leaders in planning, designing, and implementing, as well as effort from respondents. Additionally, expenses associated with research can include, not only the investigator's time, but stakeholder input and human subjects review. Thus, it is imperative that research findings result in meaningful change within the institution conducting the research, in addition to professional dissemination.

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What is an example of research utilization?

Digital or virtual engagement and social media can be research utilization. Knowledge management and dissemination can be research utilization. Evidence-based trainings of clinicians and the development of job aids and toolkits are also examples of this.

What are the importance of research findings?

It plays an important role in discovering new treatments, and making sure that we use existing treatments in the best possible ways. Research can find answers to things that are unknown, filling gaps in knowledge and changing the way that healthcare professionals work.

What are the uses of research findings in nursing practice?

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, rigorous nursing research provides a body of knowledge that helps advance nursing practice. The findings of such scientific inquiry may also help shape health policy and contribute to global healthcare.

What is research dissemination and utilization?

Research dissemination is a dissemination of the findings from a study put together in a format, to relay the information effectively to the right people. This is vital to enable researchers to utilize information gained and continue with research using the most efficient methods.