Creating Clinical Research Protocols in Advanced Practice: Part IV, Designing Research to Fit Practice

Designing and conducting clinical research is a critical step in the development of new knowledge that improves patient care outcomes.^1,2  Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are in a key position to lead such clinical inquiry initiatives, yet integrating the skills of protocol development in clinical practice settings is challenging. In this series, we identify and address challenges that can create difficulties for APNs during the process of research protocol development.³  These include (1) clinical practice isolation, (2) limited preparation for independent research or improvement science design, and (3) time constraints in the clinical setting. As a result of these challenges, APNs must overcome methodological and study design hurdles as well as struggle to negotiate time to conduct research as a part of their clinical practice, often alone or with limited peer support. The focus of this series has been to provide tips and tools to support APNs...