Abstract
Abstract Aim To explore the experiences of a nursing team who implemented an international nurse‐led clinical trial in practice and understand the facilitators to their involvement. Background The role and responsibilities of the clinical nurse are advancing to encompass research activity to help inform evidence‐based practice. However, several personal and organisational challenges can inhibit nurses' capacity to implement and undertake research within clinical practice. Methods Three focus groups were conducted with members of a nursing team (N?=?18). Thematic analysis was employed, and themes were identified and agreed upon by the research team. Results Five themes were identified: ‘Previous experience of and attitudes to participation in clinical research’, ‘Decision‐making regarding participation in the clinical trial’, ‘Facilitators of participation in the clinical trial’, ‘Challenges of research in nursing practice’ and ‘Future orientation towards research’. Conclusion Through their experiences of implementing a nurse‐led clinical trial within practice, nurses recognized a number of facilitators and challenges to their participation. The perceived relevance of the clinical trial to the nurses' practice, potential to improve patient care and appreciation of the nurse leader's expertise and understanding of their context were key motivators. Reciprocal trust with the nurse leader who was encouraging, motivating, supportive and accessible resulted in the engagement and commitment of the nursing team. Implications for Nursing Management This paper offers a perspective that can inform senior nursing management teams when implementing and conducting evidence‐based research amongst nursing teams and in doing so meet the needs of developing research capacity amongst clinical nurses.
NSTL
Wiley-Hindawi