Lessons Learned From a Practice‐Based, Multisite Intervention Study With Nurse Participants

Abstract

Purpose To identify challenges and solutions to the efficient conduct of a multi-site, practice-based randomized controlled trial to improve nurses’ adherence to personal protective equipment use in ambulatory oncology settings. Design The Drug Exposure Feedback and Education for Nurses’ Safety (DEFENS) study is a clustered, randomized, controlled trial. Participating sites are randomized to web-based feedback on hazardous drug exposures in the sites plus tailored messages to address barriers versus a control intervention of a web-based continuing education video. Approach The study principal investigator, the study coordinator, and two site leaders identified challenges to study implementation and potential solutions, plus potential methods to prevent logistical challenges in future studies. Findings Noteworthy challenges included variation in human subjects protection policies, grants and contracts budgeting, infrastructure for nursing-led research, and information technology variation. Successful strategies included scheduled web conferences, site-based study champions, site visits by the principal investigator, and centrally-based document preparation. Strategies to improve efficiency in future studies include early and continued engagement with contract personnel in sites, and proposed changes to the common rule concerning human subjects. The DEFENS study successfully recruited 393 nurses across 12 sites. To date, 369 have completed surveys and 174 nurses have viewed educational materials. Conclusions Multi-site studies of nursing personnel are rare and challenging to existing infrastructure. These barriers can be overcome with strong engagement and planning. Clinical Relevance Leadership engagement, onsite staff support, and continuous communication can facilitate successful recruitment to a workplace-based randomized, controlled behavioral trial.

Clinical nurses' perspectives on discharge practice changes from participating in a translational research study

“…Finally, in describing nurses' perceptions about participating in a multi‐site, unit‐level, nursing implementation research study, the overwhelming responses were positive with nurses expressing pride in participating in research and having a voice in the discharge process for patients. Similar responses have been reported from other multi‐site studies (Friese et al., 2017; Patton et al., 2020). Friese et al.…”

“…Similar responses have been reported from other multi-site studies (Friese et al, 2017;Patton et al, 2020). Friese et al (2017) noted that engaging nurses in how they wanted to learn the content was key.…”

“…Similar responses have been reported from other multi-site studies (Friese et al, 2017;Patton et al, 2020). Friese et al (2017) noted that engaging nurses in how they wanted to learn the content was key. Patton et al (2020) reported that clinical nurses found that being part of a multi-site study increased their engagement in the research process.…”

“…Friese et al. (2017) noted that engaging nurses in how they wanted to learn the content was key. Patton et al.…”

Health professionals’ perceptions of colorectal cancer patients’ treatment burden and their supportive work to ameliorate the burden - a qualitative study

“…Overall, the participants possessed broad experience with CRC treatment and care; thus, we believe the sample provides enough information power to answer the research question and generate new knowledge [30]. Additionally, recruiting from more than one study site might have offered a more diverse participant sample and increased the generalisability and external validity of the findings [47]. Although the study employed purposive sampling, the sample was unbalanced regarding the participants' profession and gender.…”