Understanding Mentorship in a Research Training Program for Point-of-Care Clinicians.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential to high-quality patient care and can contribute to healthcare cost savings, yet nurses and other clinicians at the point of care report barriers to engagement with research and translating it to the clinical setting. Mentorship has been shown to improve nurses' understanding and implementation of EBP. In this article, we describe a mentorship model in a successful program to support point-of-care nurses in conducting small-scale research projects, many of which have led to practice changes and/or cost savings.

Promoting evidence-based practice through a research training program for point-of-care clinicians.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a research training program on clinicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to research and evidence-based practice (EBP). BACKGROUND: EBP has been shown to improve patient care and outcomes. Innovative approaches are needed to overcome individual and organizational barriers to EBP. METHODS: Mixed-methods design was used to evaluate a research training intervention with point-of-care clinicians in a Canadian urban health organization. Participants completed the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Survey over 3 timepoints. Focus groups and interviews were also conducted. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in research knowledge and ability was demonstrated. Participants and administrators identified benefits of the training program, including the impact on EBP. CONCLUSIONS: Providing research training opportunities to point-of-care clinicians is a promising strategy for healthcare organizations seeking to promote EBP, empower clinicians, and showcase excellence in clinical research.