The research/practice nexus: underlying assumptions about the nature of research uptake into practice in literature pertaining to care of the older person

Abstract

Much has been written about the link between practice and research in the nursing and health literature. The literature from fields of practice relating to care of the older person is no exception. Enhancing best practice to effectively meet the needs and desires of older people, and provide an optimal working environment for those providing that care, requires sustainable synergies between research and practice. However, the perception of a gap(s) between 'what we know' and 'what we do' persists in the writing in relation to the care of older people, as it does in healthcare more broadly. Rather than attempting to provide an exhaustive descriptive review of the literature, this paper reports on, and provides an analysis of, two broad thematic areas that are reflected in much of the writing about research and practice relevant to the care of older people. The first thematic area relates to literature that presupposes a linear/passive view of research uptake. The second thematic area includes literature that conceptualizes research uptake as dynamic/active. The discussion focuses on what these thematic areas can tell us about enhancing and optimizing synergies and connections between research and practice relating to care of the older person.

A model for implementing guidelines for person-centered care in a nursing home setting

“…In line with studies from Garam et al (2009) and Day et al (2009), participants in this study described how they perceived themselves to be involved in the development of care, and some even indicated that they were producers of research. We suggest that the participants in this study are moving toward a culture of knowledge searching and reflection, which positively informs the everyday thoughts and actions of all carers.…”

“…This enabled all staff units to have equal opportunity to participate in the implementation. As a result, most units were able to pursue the stepwise journey of the PAR model and to take active charge over their situation, thus avoiding falling into a linear, passive mode of implementation that Garam et al (2009) claim does not work. Exceptions to this were the two units whose staff had divergent opinions, and thus repeatedly opposed the agreed improvement areas, resulting in only progressing half way through the process.…”

External validity of physical activity interventions for community‐dwelling older adults with fall risk: a quantitative systematic literature review

“…Based on the findings in this review, future researchers are encouraged to focus on issues of external validity as outlined by the RE-AIM framework, including research that: (i) targets diverse populations; (ii) incorporates and tests theories of behavioural change in real world settings; (iii) operationalizes and reports intervention critical content that enables replication and translation; (iv) explores innovative measures for physical activity behaviours and fall risk; and (v) evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of fall prevention interventions. Strong partnerships among researchers, clinicians, and community members will help interventions become more realistic and relevant (Baumbusch et al, 2008; Garnham et al, 2009; Hanson et al, 2006). …”

A potent mix: older people, transitions, practice development and research

“…those findings and put them into practice (Garnham et al, 2009). Related to this linear concept of the research process is a body of research and thought about barriers and enablers with respect to the uptake and use of research findings in practice (Greenhalgh et al, 2004;Rycroft-Malone, 2006;Scott et al, 2008).…”