Strategic Communication Intervention to Stimulate Interest in Research and Evidence-Based Practice: A 12-Year Follow-Up Study With Registered Nurses

Helena Morténius; Cathrine Hildingh; Bengt Fridlund

doi:10.1111/wvn.12109

Strategic Communication Intervention to Stimulate Interest in Research and Evidence-Based Practice: A 12-Year Follow-Up Study With Registered Nurses

Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2016 Feb;13(1):42-9. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12109. Epub 2015 Oct 13.

Authors

Helena Morténius¹, Cathrine Hildingh², Bengt Fridlund³

Affiliations

¹ Research Supervisor, Department of Research, Development and Education, Region Halland, Sweden and Department of Primary Health Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
² Professor, School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden and Department of Primary Health Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
³ Professor, Department of Primary Healthcare, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, Department of Primary Health Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.

PMID: 26462140
DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12109

Abstract

Background: Bridging the research-practice gap is a challenge for health care. Fostering awareness of and interest in research and development (R & D) can serve as a platform to help nurses and others bridge this gap. Strategic communication is an interdisciplinary field that has been used to achieve long-term interest in adopting and applying R & D in primary care.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a strategic communication intervention on long-term interest in R & D among primary care staff members (PCSMs) in general and registered nurses (RNs) in particular.

Methods: This prospective intervention study included all members of the PCSMs, including RNs, in a Swedish primary care area. The interest of PCSMs in R & D was measured on two occasions, at 7 and 12 years, using both bivariate and multivariate tests.

Results: A total of 99.5% of RNs gained awareness of R & D after the first 7 years of intervention versus 95% of the remaining PCSMs (p = .004). A comparison of the two measurements ascertained stability and improvement of interest in R & D among RNs, compared with all other PCSMs (odds ratio 1.81; confidence interval 1.08-3.06). Moreover, the RNs who did become interested in R & D also demonstrated increased intention to adopt innovative thinking in their work over time (p = .005).

Linking evidence to action: RNs play an important role in reducing the gap between theory and practice. Strategic communication was a significant tool for inspiring interest in R & D. Application of this platform to generate interest in R & D is a unique intervention and should be recognized for future interventions in primary care. Positive attitudes toward R & D may reinforce the use of evidence-based practice in health care, thereby making a long-term contribution to the patient benefit.

Keywords: R & D interest; communication; dissemination; intervention; primary care; registered nurses; research-to-practice gap.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Attitude of Health Personnel*
Communication*
Evidence-Based Practice*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Nurses / psychology*
Prospective Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sweden