Assessing Evidence-Based Practice Knowledge: An Innovative Approach by a Nursing Research Council.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the structure and processes implemented by nursing research councils to conduct a nurse-led research study at an urban community teaching hospital. BACKGROUND: We assessed nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP) to inform development plans. METHODS: This is an institutional review board-approved single-site cross-sectional anonymous online survey (Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire [EBPQ]) emailed to 850 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 (Armonk, New York). RESULTS: Initial response rate was 11%. Deployment of new strategies achieved an overall response rate of 57.5%. EBPQ subscale scores were highest for "attitude," followed by "knowledge/skills," and "practice." Lowest-scoring items included critical appraisal of literature, converting information needs into a question, time for new evidence, information technology, and research skills. CONCLUSIONS: Our EBPQ scores were consistent with prior findings. Our strategies provide a framework for other institutions in similar stages of implementing EBP and nurse-led research initiatives.

Enhancing NICU Care and Communication: Perspectives of Moderately Preterm Infant Parents.

BACKGROUND: Moderately preterm infants (MPTI) comprise a large proportion of NICU admissions and are an understudied population. The unique experience of families with MPTIs has yet to be examined in the literature. Describing MPTI parent needs and preferences may inform interventions to improve care and outcomes for this population. METHODS: Semistructured qualitative interviews were performed with English-speaking birth parents of infants born between 32 and 34 weeks gestation to describe their NICU experience and identify areas for improvement specifically surrounding care team inclusion, education, discharge, and communication. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using directed content analysis. Enrollment ceased when the data reached thematic saturation. RESULTS: Sixteen birth parents participated. Four themes emerged around parent-medical team connectedness, parental confusion, discharge readiness, and the desire for a use of a mix of in-person and electronic communication methods (e-mail, texting, apps, etc) for communication. MPTI parents valued a strong connection with the medical team; however, they described a lack of knowledge regarding the reasons for admission and ongoing management. Near discharge, parents desired more information regarding feeding, reflux, and breathing patterns. Parents preferred in-person discussions but described a role for electronic methods to improve their understanding of their infant and discharge readiness. CONCLUSIONS: From the MPTI parent perspective, clinicians can focus improvement efforts on communication, specifically around reasons for admission, discharge planning, and anticipatory guidance. These results may serve as a foundation for initiatives to improve the MPTI parent experience and potentially parent and MPTI outcomes.

Perceptions of caregivers and adolescents of the use of telemedicine for the child sexual abuse examination.

BACKGROUND: Childhood sexual abuse is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. All victims should receive a timely comprehensive medical exam. Currently there is a critical shortage of child abuse pediatricians who can complete the comprehensive child sexual abuse examination. Telemedicine has emerged as an innovative way to provide subspecialty care to this population. Despite the growing popularity of telemedicine, no literature exists describing patient and caregiver perceptions of telemedicine for this sensitive exam. OBJECTIVE: To explore caregiver and adolescent perspectives of the use of telemedicine for the child sexual abuse examination and discover factors that drive satisfaction with the technology. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Caregivers and adolescents who presented for a child sexual abuse medical evaluation at our county's child advocacy center. METHODS: We completed semi structured interviews of 17 caregivers and 10 adolescents. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model interviews assessed perceptions about: general feelings with the exam, prior use of technology, feelings about telemedicine, and role of the medical team. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded and analyzed using content analysis with constant comparative coding. Recruitment ended when thematic saturation was reached. RESULTS: There was an overwhelming positive response to telemedicine. Participants reported having a good experience with telemedicine regardless of severity of sexual abuse or prior experience with technology. Behaviors that helped patients and caregivers feel comfortable included a clear explanation from the medical team and professionalism demonstrated by those using the telemedicine system. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine was widely accepted by adolescents and caregivers when used for the child sexual abuse examination.