Protocol development to formalize an approach for clinical inquiry in the practice setting is challenging. In this series, we identify 3 challenges that often beset advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the research protocol development phase. These include (1) clinical practice isolation, (2) limited preparation for independent research or improvement science design, and (3) time constraints, either to pursue funding or to engage in unfunded clinical inquiry. As a result, APNs are often stymied by limited peer support, rudimentary experience in designing study methods, and the need to negotiate funded time to conduct research as a part of their clinical practice. In this series on research protocol development by APNs, we address these challenges and provide solutions for the various steps of protocol development, with more specific guidance for some individual components of the protocol itself.

In part I, we began with topic selection and addressed broad issues associated with identification...

You do not currently have access to this content.