Planning and managing a complex multisite study in the age of technology

Abstract

A 2‐year long, multisite research study that evaluated cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill decay among nursing students was conducted at 10 schools of nursing across the United States. The study was conducted in two phases and required carefully timed sessions for skill performance. Multisite studies in nursing education need to be carefully planned. Time delays should be anticipated with processes and Institutional Review Board protocols across sites. All team members were trained and consistently supported during the entire study. While challenges and obstacles were identified, innovative solutions were implemented that assisted the research team to successfully complete the study. The use of new and existing technology allowed the team to surmount many of the challenges encountered in this study. The purpose of this article is to describe the logistics, processes, challenges, and lessons learned related to conducting a complex multisite study.

President's pen—Expanding the expertise on your research team

“…Technology helps researchers explore complex clinical and theoretical aspects of nursing science. Researchers are able to examine critical thinking and complex skill retention in the safety of a simulation lab (Miller et al, 2019). Advanced REDCap® functionality has been used to support data management of an interactive, web‐based therapeutic intervention using an interdisciplinary research team with expertise in various technologies (Crane et al, 2019).…”

“…REDCap® data capture system, and videoconferencing software, including, Skype https://www.skype.com/en/, and Zoom https://zoom.us/home?zcid=2478 are being used to advance nursing science (Corwin et al, 2019; Harris et al, 2009; Miller et al, 2019). Additional recommendations include seeking out and incorporating even more technology.…”