Page 35 - ACCCN's Critical Care Nursing

12 S C O P E O F C R I T I C A L C A R E

Research program

Practice Patient Technology Education Policy
issues outcomes assessment & training issues

Practice Health status/ Clinical information Commonwealth &
development HRQOL systems Competencies state policies

Evidence- Patient/family Product Impact of
based practice experiences evaluation Credentialling international factors

Impact of
Resource Economic technology on Program Ethical &
utilisation evaluation evaluation legal issues
patient care
FIGURE 1.2 Example of critical care nursing research program.

between clinicians and academics, and the implementa- research utilisation approaches, with a description of
tion of clinical academic positions, including at the pro- evidence-based practice and the use of evidence-based
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fessorial level, provide the necessary infrastructure and clinical practice guidelines. In addition, each chapter in
organisation for sustainable clinical nursing and multi- this text contains a research critique to assist nurses in
disciplinary research. A strong research culture in critical developing critical appraisal skills, which will help to
care nursing is evident in Australasia, transcending geo- determine whether research evidence should change
graphical, epistemological and disciplinary boundaries to practice.
focus on the core business of improving care for critically
ill patients. Our collective aim is to develop a sustainable SUMMARY
research culture that incorporates strategies that facilitate
communication, cooperation, collaboration and coordi- This chapter has provided a context for subsequent chap-
nation both between researchers with common interests ters, outlining some key issues, principles and concepts
and with clinicians who seek to use research findings in for studying and practising nursing in a range of critical
their practice. A sample of a guiding structure for a coher- care areas. Critical care nursing now encompasses a wide
ent research program that highlights the major issues and ever-expanding scope of practice. The previous focus
affecting critical care nursing practice is illustrated in on patients in ICU only has given way to a broader
Figure 1.2, with identified themes and topic exemplars. concept of caring for an individual located in a variety of
clinical locations across a continuum of critical illness.
A number of resources are available to critical care nurses
interested in undertaking research. For example, the The discipline of critical care nursing, in collaboration
ACCCN provides funding for research on a competitive with multidisciplinary colleagues, continues to develop
basis, with its Research Advisory Panel assessing grant to meet the expanding challenges of clinical practice in
applications and providing feedback to applicants. The today’s healthcare environment. Critical care clinicians
Intensive Care Foundation, whose members are drawn also continue their professional development individu-
from the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care ally, focusing on clinical practice development, education
Society (ANZICS), the College of Intensive Care Medicine and training, and on quality improvement and research
(CICM) and ACCCN, also has a research funding scheme. activities, to facilitate quality patient and family care
Additionally, the ANZICS Clinical Trials Group (CTG) during a time of acute physiological derangement and
holds regular meetings where potential research can be emotional turmoil. The principles of decision making
discussed and research proposals refined. There is great and clinical leadership at all levels of practice serve to
value in receiving a critical review of proposed research enhance patient safety in the critical care environment.
before the study is undertaken, as assessors’ comments
help to refine the research plan. ONLINE RESOURCES
Over the years, various groups have identified priorities American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, www.aacn.org
for critical care research. A review of this literature identi- Annual Scientific Meeting on Intensive Care, www.intensivecareasm.com.au
fied the following research priorities: nutrition support, Australian College of Critical Care Nurses, www.acccn.com.au
infection control, other patient care issues, nursing roles, Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, www.anzics.com.au
staffing and end-of-life decision making. 100 British Association of Critical Care Nurses, www.baccn.org.uk
College of Intensive Care Medicine, www.cicm.org.au
While not all nurses are expected to conduct research, it Intensive Care Foundation (Australia and New Zealand),
www.intensivecareappeal.com
is a professional responsibility to use research in prac- King’s College, London, www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/nursing
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tice. Chapter 3 provides a detailed description of World Federation of Critical Care Nurses, http://en.wfccn.org