Yvonne McCague

Abstract

Background:

Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners (ANP/AMP) are leaders in the clinical role through the provision of high quality, evidence-based advanced and autonomous care. The ANP/AMP role also has a strong emphasis on leadership through education and research. In Ireland, ANP/AMPs are required to actively advance the knowledge base within the profession through active participation in research. However, this impeded by a lack of confidence and competence in carrying out research independently and a lack of support.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this strategy is to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the research process. The objective was to engage ANP/AMPs in the hospital to collaboratively carry out a research project.

Method:

This strategy was conceived, initiated and implemented by the lead ANP of a rural hospital in Ireland with the support of the Director of Nursing. The lead ANP presented the plan and benefit of a collaborative research project which was practical and feasible taking into consideration the group’s workload and work/life balance. The first phase was to carry out a systematic review on a collaboratively agreed research topic: Nurse and Midwife attitude towards continuing professional development (CPD). A protocol will be developed, and the review will be registered with PROSPERO, which will promote transparency and reduce reporting bias and duplication. The second phase will be to carry out an online survey of to identify the attitudes of nurses and midwives within the hospital towards CPD. This will be followed by a co-design workshops with nurses and midwives to collaboratively discuss facilitators and barriers towards CPD, and brainstorm ideas and solutions that will increase engagement in CPD.

Conclusion:

This strategy will achieve two major outcomes: 1. Maximise ANP/AMP engagement in research by actively participating in three forms of research activities. 2. Identify, appraise and synthesise all current literature on nurse and midwife attitude towards CPD. 3. Identify nurses and midwives’ attitude towards CPD at local level. 4. Collaboratively develop plans on how to increase nurses and midwives’ engagement in CPD.

What will the audience take away from your presentation?

• Importance of ANPs engaging in research


• Strategies to optimise active engagement in research


• Strategy is acceptable and feasible for nurses/midwives with high workload while maintaining work/life balance


• Research is aligned with organisational strategic objectives and goals