Research utilization: the development of a preoperative teaching protocol.

A research-based preoperative teaching protocol was designed for use with surgical patients at a rural midwestern hospital. A strong research base supported the development of a protocol which included an individual teaching plan adapted to the patient's fear/anxiety level. A practice-level model was designed to guide the staff nurse through the preoperative teaching process. Expected outcomes were established and an evaluation tool developed. This research utilization project improved patient outcomes and benefitted nurses and the organization.